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 (approximately $12,500), there is not as wide a gap in cost as one might expect. Many programs abroad are at or below this cost. Costs will vary depending on the country and type of program

• Summary of Study Abroad scholarship opportunities: click here

• Office of Special Scholarships is a great resource for additional scholarship opportunities and assistance with applications. The office is located in 2550 University Hall. click here

• Program and Destination Specific discounts and scholarships, click here

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

Things to remember about cost of studying abroad:

• Your Study Abroad advisor will review your program specific budget with you during an advising appointment. This budget is an estimate of all costs associated with your term abroad, including tuition, room and board, travel, insurance, personal expenses, etc. This budget is also the basis for review of eligibility for financial aid.

• Students registered by the Study Abroad Office for their term abroad are not charged UIC tuition and fees while abroad on a program in the SAO portfolio. The one exception is Campus Care domestic insurance which will continue to be charged to your account unless you have already opted out of that plan. If applicable, you will also need to enroll for international insurance if your study abroad program does not already include this in their program cost. Your Study Abroad advisor can confirm this for you.

• There is a Study Abroad fee which will be charged to your account when the Study Abroad Office registers you for your term abroad.

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

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, Theresa Ibarra tander8@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.