A popular myth about studying abroad is that it is financially out of reach for most students. A more realistic point of view is that if all the costs of tuition and fees, housing, meals, and personal expenses for a semester at UIC are added up, there is not as wide a gap in cost as one might expect.

Program costs will vary depending on the country and cost of airfare, but the chart below gives an idea of what the average cost of studying abroad full-time for a semester would be in comparison to one full-time semester at UIC. Summer programs costs are much lower for 6-9 credits.

* Includes $1,200 for international insurance, visa/passport, airfare. Costs will vary by country.

**T here are many semester programs which cost less than this estimate.

Things to remember about cost of studying abroad:

• Research your program choices carefully, comparing program fees and what services are included. Consider the cost-of-living in your country of choice and remember to factor in the cost of travel to your destination. In addition to study abroad program websites and materials in the SAO resource room, your SAO advisor will help you develop your plan.

• UIC will not charge you tuition and fees while abroad on a program in the SAO portfolio. However, you will be charged by UIC for the CampusCare fee.

• SAO charges an $85 administrative fee payable at the time of your application to go abroad, and – if applicable – the cost of international insurance if your study abroad program does not already include this in their program cost.

• Students are responsible for paying their specific program fee directly to their program provider.

• There are many scholarships and program specific automatic discounts available to UIC students. See the Scholarship page.

• Financial aid may be applied to study abroad (see below).

Using Financial Aid for Study Abroad

Students who have submitted a FAFSA and have been awarded Financial Aid to study at UIC can use that award for Study Abroad. Students who did not apply, or were not qualified, for aid may be eligible to receive aid due to the increased cost of study abroad.

• Read the Study Abroad and Financial Aid FAQ sheet

• Once you have selected a specific study abroad program, your SAO advisor will create a budget which can then be taken to the Financial Aid Office. Students should make an appointment with the Study Abroad Office contact in Financial Aid, Nicole Lee nicolel@uic.edu, to discuss the financial aid package possible for the term abroad.

• Aid will be disbursed directly into the student's account and students are responsible to use that money to pay their program provider directly. Disbursal timing is based on the student completing all the necessary Financial Aid paperwork on time.