How to Get Financial Aid & Scholarships for Study Abroad

It is not unusual for parents and students alike to be concerned with how they will be able to afford to study abroad. Most people find it helpful to know what their options are before they commit to a program, or sometimes before they even apply. With Academic Studies Abroad, we do our best to lessen the headache that can be associated with covering the cost of studying abroad. We want you to enjoy your time both pre-departure and once you’ve arrived. 

First, let’s discuss financial aid. Is it possible to use financial aid to pay for your semester abroad? Yes! You can defer the portion, or all, of your program fees if it is covered by your financial aid. Meaning, you pay that amount to us later. Our policy is that the amount must be paid within 10 days of receiving your financial aid disbursement from your school. Any portion of your program fees that is not covered by financial aid is due by the payment deadline of your program, which can be found on our website.

NOTE: Down Payments and Damage Deposits cannot be deferred -- these always have to be paid out-of-pocket by the deadline indicated on your Billing Statement.

How to Pay ASA with Your Financial Aid: Step by Step

#1: Meet with your school’s Financial Aid Office.

They will tell you what your financial aid options are and the steps you need to take with their office to use your financial aid for study abroad. It’s important to discuss any impact studying abroad might have on your financial aid package. Some loans will not carry over to abroad programs, so this is better to find out earlier rather than later.

#2: Have ASA’s FAV form completed by your Financial Aid Office.

Give ASA’s Financial Aid Verification Form (FAV) to your school’s Financial Aid Office to be completed by the payment deadline. Most Financial Aid Offices need at least 2 weeks to complete the form, so submitting the form to them ahead of ASA’s payment deadline is necessary to ensure they can fill it out in time.

#3: Pay ASA within 10 days of receiving your financial aid disbursement.

Your school will disburse your funds to you/your parent/guardian(s), the funds will be received (processed, received in the mail and deposited into account, etc.), then you/your parent/guardian(s) send the payment to ASA within 10 days of receipt of funds to pay your Program Fees in full. Simple!

“I don’t receive financial aid… what about scholarships?”

You are in luck! ASA does offer a variety of scholarships in a range of amounts. Here’s a list of the scholarships ASA offers:

• ASA General Scholarships

  • Range from $250-$1,250 depending on your program term

• ASA Diversity Scholarships

  • Range from $1,000-$2,000 depending on your program term

• Outside Scholarships

  • See our website for more details

Note: If there is a large portion of the program fees you’re paying out-of-pocket, we may be able to offer you a payment plan.

We hope this is helpful in your efforts to plan ahead financially!