Financing Your Study Abroad

Financing Your Study Abroad

The Center for Global Programs & Services is committed to making study abroad accessible for all students. As you map out your finances, remember, we are here to help. 

Studying abroad requires early and careful planning. As you explore programs, be sure to consider how your options will fit with your academic and personal goals- and your budget. We encourage you to include others in your decision-making, including your academic advisor and family members.

CGPS offers a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities to students. The following webpages explain a variety of opportunities to help UD students "go global."

Join us for an upcoming webinar on Financing Study Abroad

Delaware Diplomats

Learn about this CGPS scholarship program, where UD students can earn money towards study abroad while also joining a tight-knit community, preparing for their time abroad and developing the skills that will give them a competitive edge in the global job market.

explore Delaware Diplomats

Explore Now and Earn Later.

Study Abroad is worth the investment. 

Nearly 90% land a job within 6 months of graduation.

90% get into their first or second choice graduate or professional school. 

Study Abroad alumni out-earn their peers by 17%. That’s $7,000 annually and an extra $567,500 over their career. 

Source: University of California Merced

The Cost of Study Abroad

UD tuition for study abroad is the same as tuition for on-campus study. While abroad, differential charges for students in the College of Engineering, Lerner College of Business & Economics and School of Nursing do not apply. 

In addition to tuition, students will be assessed a program fee. This fee varies for each program and may include housing, dining, international health and emergency insurance, and in-country excursions and transportation. Students should be prepared to purchase airfare and cover any indirect costs not included in the program fee. 

University of Delaware 2022-2023 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees

 

UD Newark Campus

 

UD Study Abroad

Fall/Spring Semester Costs*

DE Resident

Non-Resident

DE Resident

Non-Resident

Full-Time Tuition (12+ Credits)

$6,685

$17,945

$6,685

$17,945

Mandatory Full-Time Fees

$1,020

$1,020

N/A

N/A

Room & Board or Program Fee**

$7,117

$7,117

$100 - 11,600

$100 - 11,600

Semester Total

$14,822

$26,082

$6,785 - 18,285

$18,045 - 29,545

Indirect Costs

$2,800

$2,800

$4,000

$4,000

Total Cost of Attendance

$17,622

$28,882

$10,785 - 22,285

$22,045 - 33,545

*Individual costs may vary based on program of study. 

**Program Fees are subject to change until the group's departure date. 

University of Delaware 2023 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees

 

UD Newark Campus

 

UD Study Abroad

Winter/Summer Session Costs*

DE Resident

Non-Resident

DE Resident

Non-Resident

3-7 Credits

$1,671 - 2,507

$4,485 - 6,728

$1,671 - 2,507

$4,485 - 6,728

Mandatory Fees

$157

$157

$30

$30

Program Fee**

N/A

N/A

$1,650 - 6,500

$1,650 - 6,500

Indirect Costs

$700

$700

$1,100 - 3,600

$1,100 - 3,600

Total Cost of Attendance

$2,528 - 3,364

$5,342 - 7,585

$4,451 - 12,637

$7,265 - 16,858

*Individual costs may vary based on program of study. 

**Program Fees are subject to change until the group's departure date. Final Program Fees may increase due to unforeseen local cost increases, fluctuations in exchange rates, or changes in the group size.

Indirect Costs

The amount you should budget for indirect costs abroad varies greatly and depends on your spending habits and priorities. Plan to purchase: 

  • Meals;

  • Local transport;

  • Phone and Internet Plan;

  • Toiletries; 

  • Laundry service;

  • Independent travel; and 

  • Gifts & Souvenirs.

This Study Abroad Cost & Aid Comparison Worksheet is a helpful resource. 

Questions? 

Email sfs-advisor@udel.edu or visit the Student Financial Services website to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Select “Advisement” from the “Submit a Question” category and “Study Abroad” as the subcategory.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students may use the federal financial aid they receive (Pell and SEOG Grants, as well as Federal Direct Student and Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans) or alternative loans through private educational lenders to offset the cost of UD semester study abroad tuition and program fees. If you are not currently receiving federal aid, you may wish to consider applying for it to help cover your overseas expenses.

Aid is applied to the student account the same way it is when studying on campus. It is important to keep in mind that any financial aid you wish to apply toward a study abroad program must be received and processed before you leave for your destination.

In order to be eligible for any federal awards, students must have a current Academic Year FAFSA on file (UD code 001431). Students are limited by the Cost of Attendance (COA) for the particular semester in which they are traveling (not including existing credit balances). 

Refunds are not available for semester credit balances prior to the first day of class.

If eligible, students can use university scholarships and grants (except for the University's Commitment to Delawareans Program) for a UD Study Abroad program in the Fall or Spring semester. Please note that students must meet renewability requirements in order for awards to be credited to their accounts. 

*If you are a student from another school, federal financial aid from your home institution may be applicable to UD semester-long study abroad programs. Schedule an appointment to speak with your university’s Financial Services Advisor. Once you have identified federal financial aid from your college/university that you want to apply to a UD study abroad program, ask your institution if they have a consortium agreement with the University of Delaware. If they do, have your institution send the appropriate completed consortium agreement forms to Operations Group, Student Financial Services, 30 Lovett Avenue, Newark, DE 19716. If no consortium agreement exists between your school and the University of Delaware, have your school write a letter to the aforementioned Operations Group, requesting an agreement. If you have any questions about the process, contact Student Financial Services at 302-831-2126 or finaid-verif@udel.edu.

The University of Delaware has a two-semester academic calendar, but offers two "Special Sessions" each year as well. Students may be eligible for a very limited amount of federal Pell grants for the Winter or Summer Sessions. Additionally, students may borrow any remaining federal Direct Student loan eligibility from the academic year or through the Federal Direct Parent PLUS program up to Cost of Attendance (COA) for that term, provided the program earns at least 6 credits, to cover study abroad costs. Alternative loans may also be used for study abroad experiences in Winter or Summer. 

Aid is applied to the student account the same way it is when studying on campus. It is important to keep in mind that any financial aid you wish to apply to program fees for study abroad programs must be received and processed before you leave for your study abroad destination.

In order to be eligible for any federal awards, students must have a current Academic Year FAFSA on file (UD code 001431). Students are limited by the Cost of Attendance (COA) for the particular semester in which they are traveling (not including existing credit balances). 

Refunds for any credit balance will be available after the free drop/add deadline in that session (as defined by the academic calendar). 

*If you are a student from another school, federal aid cannot be applied to Winter or Summer session programs.

The Center for Global Programs & Services automatically considers every UD study abroad applicant for a need-based scholarship and advises students for prestigious State Department awards, including Boren, Gilman and Critical Language Scholarships. Through the Delaware Diplomats Program, students can earn up to a $1,500 additional scholarship for UD study abroad as they engage with the world on campus. 

Search for non-UD scholarships for study abroad.

Accessing Your Funds

CGPS recommends having at least 2 ways to access your money while abroad. Carry at least the equivalent of $100 in cash in the local currency with you until you know that your other forms of payment will work. 

ATMs are the best way to access money abroad, as they usually offer the best exchange rates and are available almost everywhere. Ask your bank about withdrawal fees and confirm that your debit card and PIN are compatible with the system abroad.

You should have at least one credit card that is widely accepted internationally, such as Visa or Mastercard. Fees and interest rates can make it very expensive to access cash with a credit card. Contact your bank to learn about international transaction fees and the costs associated with withdrawing money at an ATM. 

Credit and debit cards are less widely accepted than at home, so ask your faculty director or program coordinator about whether it is wise to rely on these at your host site.

It’s recommended to carry a small amount of local currency with you at all times. In most countries it’s still the easiest and safest way to make purchases. However, It is important to be cautious with your cash at all times. Always keep some tucked away in another pocket or bag in case your main source gets lost or stolen.

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Photo taken by Matthew Cohen on the 18F Madrid study abroad program.