Study Abroad Guide

To discuss study abroad program options, please visit the Office of Global Opportunities (OGO). Additionally, the Office of Global Opportunities provides a list of study abroad specific scholarships.

Can I use my financial aid for my global program?

In many cases, your financial aid can be used to assist with the costs of your study abroad program. The types of aid you are eligible to receive varies. Eligibility depends on the:

• Type of program you participate in
• Term you study abroad (Fall, Spring, Summer)
• Number of credit hours you will earn for your program.

To discuss your upcoming study abroad/away plans and how your financial aid can be used, please contact our office to schedule an appointment or inquire about the days and times walk-in hours are available. 

*If you received a scholarship to attend Ohio University from an outside agency or organization, the agency will decide if you can use the scholarship for study abroad/away. 

Note: If you study abroad for transfer-credit, you must complete the Verification of Overseas Enrollment (VOE) form when you arrive at your destination. Enrollment verification is requirement before any pending aid can be disbursed. Verification of Overseas enrollment is completed within the OGO Student Portal. 

Why do I need to meet with Financial Aid if I'm studying abroad/away?

Once you've added up your cost for study away (tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, airfare, passport fees, program fees, an miscellaneous expenses), you may find that your global experience will cost more than your regular semester charges. 

Your total financial aid (grants, scholarships, work-study, loans) is limited to your overall cost of attendance. The study abroad advisor in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships can increase your cost of attendance to reflect the additional costs of your program. This is important if you receive additional funding, such as a scholarship from OGO. 

Increasing your cost of attendance also allows for new or additional loan funding. Parents can apply for a Federal PLUS Loan to cover costs associated with study abroad/away. Private loans are also an option for parents or students. Students must have a credit worthy co-signer. 

How do I prepare for my Financial Aid meeting? 

First, you will need to decide on the global experience in which you want to participate. Depending on the type of program, you'll need to bring different information with you to a financial aid meeting. 

OHIO-Credit Programs

• The student budget worksheet found on the program website OR in your nomination email

Exchange Programs

• The student budget worksheet found on the program website OR in your nomination email
• A completed Academic Approval form found in the OGO Student Portal

Affiliated Providers and Non-OHIO Programs

• A completed Alternative Budget Worksheet signed by an OGO advisor
• A completed Academic Approval Form found in the OGO Student Portal

What steps do I take for a global program offered for transfer credit (Exchanges, Affiliates, Non-OHIO)?

1. Begin the Global Experiences Transfer Credit Approval Process by starting your Exchange or Non-OHIO application in the OGO Student Portal. 

2. Once you've been approved to study abroad/away, complete the Admission Approval and Academic Approval sections in the OGO Student Portal. This ensures that courses taken while in the program will transfer back to Ohio University and apply toward your Ohio University degree. 

3. If you receive financial aid, you must meet with the study abroad advisor to discuss requirements for using financial aid. You will need to bring your Alternative Budget Worksheet. This must be signed/approved by the Office of Global Opportunities prior to meeting with the study abroad advisor. 

4. Once abroad, you must submit a signed Verification of Overseas Enrollment (VOE) form to the Office of Global Opportunities. This ensures you are attending classes on your study abroad. This form is required each term you are abroad. Your financial aid will not be released until OGO receives this form. The VOE is included in the OGO Student Portal. 

Are there special scholarships and grants for study abroad/away?

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships does not have additional funds available to offer to students who study abroad. 

The Office of Global Opportunities offers some scholarships for study abroad/away, which are awarded bi-annually on a competitive basis. 

Additionally, undergraduate students can apply for experiential learning grant through the Office of Experiential Learning. 

I've never applied for financial aid before. How do I apply?

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/ for the correct year. At Ohio University, the financial aid year starts with summer and ends with spring semester. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible once it is available. Most years, the FAFSA opens on October 1. However, for the 2024-25 year, the FAFSA will open in December. Apply early to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid offered. 

Most students are required to provide parental information on the FAFSA. Both you and your parent(s) will need an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA. Allow 4 weeks for the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to receive the results of your FAFSA. More information and documents may be requested to complete the processing of your FAFSA. make sure to check your Ohio University email. You must also complete the Ohio University online scholarship application by February 1. 

Some OGO study abroad/away scholarship and grant applications require that you complete a FAFSA. If you complete a FAFSA, but do not wish to receive financial aid, you can decline your aid online. The Office of Global Opportunities' need-based Travel Grant requires you complete a FAFSA to apply for the grant. 

If I'm abroad, how will I receive my financial aid? 

Your financial aid will be disbursed after your departure. Enroll in direct deposit prior to departure if you will utilize excess financial aid while you are abroad. You can enroll in direct deposit through your OHIO Student Center. It is critical that all requirements are met before you leave. 

If you owe charges to Ohio University, your aid will be applied to your student account first. If your aid exceeds your charges, your refund will be issued to you in the form of a check or direct deposit. For more information, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.

What if I have other questions?

Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with the study abroad advisor or inquire about the days and times walk-in hours are available.

Prior to your appointment, you should:

• Provide the estimated program cost information (the student budget worksheet or alternative budget form for your experience)
• Complete the Academic Approval Form if you are participating in a program for transfer credit
• Complete the FAFSA, any requested items on your OHIO Student Center To-Do List, and accept loans, if desired