Additional Funds

If you determine that you need additional funds to participate in the study abroad program, there are a couple of options:

• If your parent(s) is required to be on your FAFSA, your parent may apply for a Parent PLUS Loan. This is a federal loan in their name on behalf of your education and does require a credit check.

  • If your parent’s credit is declined, you may be eligible to borrow up to $5,000 more of an unsubsidized loan.

• If you are a graduate student, you may apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan. This is a federal student loan that requires a credit check.

• Alternative student loans through private lenders is another option. Private loans may require a credit check and may also have different lending requirements than federal student loans.

If you’re interested in looking for additional scholarship opportunities, here are some great resources:

• Review the Boise State Scholarship website for scholarship opportunities on campus, as well as private and national scholarship opportunities.

• Apply for scholarship opportunities on the Global Learning website.

Scholarships

The good news is that most scholarships can be used for study abroad or exchange programs. However, before you go, the scholarship team will review your scholarships to ensure that they can be used while abroad. If your scholarship cannot travel with you, you will be notified and your scholarship will be deferred until the semester you return, contingent on you meeting the required renewal criteria.

While most scholarships travel, nonresident Scholarships such as the Gem, WUE, and Treasure Scholarships are not eligible to be used while on some education abroad programs. They can be used for direct exchange and ISEP programs, but not for other programs abroad. Prior to going on exchange, the student will need to submit a written request for deferral documenting why they need the scholarship held. When the student returns from their exchange the Scholarship Office will check to make sure the student maintained the renewal requirements of the scholarship before it will be renewed on their student account. 

If you have questions about your scholarships and you’d like to confirm that they will travel, please feel free to reach out to our scholarships committee at scholarships@boisestate.edu

Paying Your Fees and Receiving Your Funds

When your financial aid is disbursed, it will be applied to your Boise State University student account first. All students studying abroad pay a study abroad fee of $400 per semester, which will be reflected on your Student Center.

• If you are participating in a Direct Exchange or ISEP program, your fees will also be posted on your Student Center. When your financial aid disburses, it will pay your fees for the semester and then any remaining funds will be refunded to you. 

Please note, if you earn 17 or more credits on ISEP or direct exchange you will be subject to paying the per credit rate for each credit.  This may mean you owe additional fees after you return from studying abroad. Please read the Tuition Per Credit Hour over 16 Hours policy here.

• If you are participating in any other program abroad, you will most likely only have the $400 study abroad fee on your Boise State account. Your financial aid will pay this fee and any remaining funds will be refunded to you. The money is not automatically sent to your program provider. It is your responsibility to pay your fees with your specific program. 

• Most programs will not issue a transcript with your study abroad grades to our office if you owe the provider for any costs. 

Direct Deposit

The fastest way to receive your financial aid is to ensure that you have set up direct deposit on your Student Center. With direct deposit, you’ll see your refund in your bank account within 1-3 business days after it has been disbursed. For instructions on how to set up direct deposit, click here. 

Deferring Program Fees

Some programs have their fee payment deadline much earlier than when your financial aid will be disbursed. If you are using your financial aid to pay your program fee, please contact your program to see if they have a Financial Aid Deferment form that the Financial Aid office can complete on your behalf, confirming the financial aid you are expected to receive and when you are expecting to receive it. 

Early Return/ Withdrawal

If you are considering withdrawing from your study abroad program, please contact Global Learning.  In order to receive credit for your study abroad program you must satisfactorily complete all course work and remain at the program site for the duration of the program.  You must plan your departure based upon the official ending date of the term.  Generally, program fees are non-refundable after the start of the program. 

Students withdrawing from programs may be required to reimburse financial aid or scholarships to Boise State University.  All aid is based on attendance and successful completion of the study abroad program, including at least 12 semester credits.  You should check with the office of Global Learning if you are considering withdrawing from your program.