Budgeting for study abroad
Four ways to study abroad, four financial frameworks
You choose the one that's best for you:
|
Program Type |
Whom do I pay? | Which aid can I use? |
|
AU Partner University |
Tuition, the general student fee, and AU's study abroad application fee are paid to AU; room and board are paid to the host university. |
Federal, state and institutional aid (except for the housing stipend) |
|
ISEP Exchange |
Tuition, the general student fee, room and board (double room and the King Alfred meal plan), AU's study abroad application fee, and an ISEP surcharge are paid to AU. |
Federal, state and institutional aid (including the housing stipend) |
|
AU-Approved S.A. Organization |
You will pay only AU's study abroad application fee directly to AU. All other costs, including the full program fee, are paid directly to the study abroad organization. |
Federal aid can apply. |
|
AU Faculty-Led Program |
Program costs are paid to AU. |
Financial Aid does not apply towards the cost of short term programs |
Study abroad budgeting
Just like at AU, being a student means budgeting for more than just tuition, fees, room and board.
Student expenses include:
- Application and/or placement fees (vary by program)
- Local transportation
- Books and supplies
- Special course fees
- Health insurance (for your host country)
Budget items specific to study abroad include:
- Passport
- Airfare (or other travel to the program)
- Entry visa fees
- Additional immunizations or health screenings, if applicable
- Personal expenses, including leisure travel and entertainment.
Program budgets
As a guide, we provide estimated budgets for all AU-approved programs. All costs provided are estimates and are only intended to help you plan a budget. They are not intended for use in calculating a final budget or payment.
For AU Partner Universities, AU-ISEP Exchange, and AU Faculty-Led programs:
To see a program's budget, navigate to its online brochure on this site. At the top of the brochure, right above the purple "Fact Sheet" header, will be a link labeled by the term (Spring/Fall/Academic Year/Calendar Year). Please note that a posted budget may reflect a different year than you are considering; see the tuition notes to identify the year represented.
For AU-Approved Study Abroad Organizations
You will only pay a nominal application fee to AU, and all other costs will be paid directly to the organization. Organizations often publish their "Program Fee" on their website up to 6 months in advance. Program fees commonly include all of the budget items listed above, plus included insurance, orientations, day or overnight trips, cultural and social activities, and more.