Financial Aid
Financial Aid for Study Abroad!
What Financial Aid Can Be Applied?
Can be Applied:
- Federal Grants
- Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- State Grants
- WA College Grant, WA College Bound Scholarship, Bridge Grant
- Federal & Private Loans, Parent Plus Loans
- Foundation and Private Scholarships "backed by dollars"
May be Applied:
- College Saving Plans like Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) (WA529) funds may be applied to certain programs, including:
- Exchanges (WWU Exchange, ISEP Exchange)
- Global Learning Faculty-led Programs
- some applicable programs
- VA Benefits
- Courses must apply to student's plan of study
- Faculty Led Programs
- Direct Enrollment at Universities listed on the WEAMS site
- Courses must apply to student's plan of study
- Work Study
- Consult with your employer on if your position can be continued remotely while you are abroad.
Cannot be Applied:
- Admissions Merit Based Scholarships and Western grants, and Tuition Waivers, including:
- Western Achievement Award (WAA) scholarship
- Western Award for Excellence (WAE) scholarship
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarship
*Enrollment in a study abroad program approved for credit by the home school may be considered "enrollment in the home school" for purposes of applying for federal student financial aid.
When Will I Receive My Financial Aid?
Financial Aid disburses funds directly to your Student Account. This happens the Friday before the first day of the quarter OR the first day of your program, whichever is later.
- Financial aid is disbursed directly to the student
- WWU will not pay program costs directly to your host university or study abroad program/provider
- If your program requires payment before you receive your aid, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with the program regarding any Financial Aid deferments and your payment schedule
- If you have Financial Aid, you can have a deferment form provided by your study abroad program provider completed through the Financial Aid office
- WWU EdAbroad Advisors can draft a budget for you, so Financial Aid has the information they need to fill out your Financial Aid Deferment Form
How Timing of your Study Abroad can Maximize your Financial Aid Budget!
To Do:
- Complete the free application for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA) for the school year that you intend on studying abroad by the priority deadline.
- Ensure all financial aid requirements are complete.
- including documentation, accepting of loans in Web4U, if applicable, and completing first time loan borrower requirements at studentaid.gov (Entrance Counseling and Loan Agreement (MPN)).
- Summer Study Abroad Financial Aid Estimator:
- This calculator will help you estimate your financial aid eligibility for a summer study abroad program, it is not a guarantee of aid.
- Schedule a meeting with a Study Abroad Advisor or Financial Aid Counselor to discuss your unique Financial Aid situation.
- Consider having someone serve as Power of Attorney to take care of any financial matters that may arise while you are away.
- The Power of Attorney legally gives the person you indicate the authority to sign documents in your absence.
- Set up Direct Deposit to the bank of your choice or to your BankMobile with the Student Business Office.
- Ensure your personal information is up to date on Web4U.
- Monitor your WWU email for important communication while abroad.
- Review Student Debt Relief.
- Review Tips for Financial Aid Recipients.
- Ensure all financial aid requirements are complete.
How can I apply my GET Funds to study abroad?
How can I use/apply my GET account to study abroad?
- You can use GET directly to cover qualified higher education expenses (tuition, room and board, etc.) at any of the schools in foreign countries that are listed on the FAFSA website.
- There are many international schools listed; just choose “State,” then “Foreign Country” in the search menu to view the complete list.
- Please note, WWU cannot "home bill" and then pay 3rd party companies or providers, or host universities on your behalf.
- The payment must go to an eligible institution of higher education.
- GET is unable to pay study abroad programs directly, or reimburse out-of-pocket expenses paid directly to these programs.
- Please note that travel to and from your destination is not considered a qualified higher education expense.
Education Abroad & Taxes
Students and/or their parents may wish to obtain a 1098-T form for their education abroad experience.
Only in some cases will WWU generate a 1098-T form qualifying, education expenses:
- When a student pays WWU for a study abroad experience, such as through Traditional Exchange or Programs led by Western faculty
For participation in study abroad program providers & Direct Enrollment at host universities abroad:
- WWU is not permitted to include such expenses on a 1098-T because those payments were not made to WWU
- Students and parents are encouraged to check in with provider program contacts they may be using for study abroad to see if they are a Title IV organization that is allowed to generate 1098-T forms
- Some may be willing to generate a list of qualifying expenses that you can present to your tax preparer
What Are My Most Affordable Options?
Let’s face it—studying abroad can get expensive, but it doesn't have to be!
- Pay In-State or Less Programs! *Yes, Even for Out-of-State Students & International Students
- Cost Effective Summer Programs!
Considering a WWU Exchange, ISEP Exchange, or National Student Exchange.