Financial Aid for Study AbroadÂ
Resources available for study abroad
Financial Aid is available for students who participate in a Central Michigan University-approved study abroad program. However, you must be formally accepted into a study abroad program through the Office of Study Abroad before aid eligibility can be determined. The Study Abroad advisor will provide you with a budget sheet detailing the costs of your program. This budget sheet, in combination with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), will be used to calculate how much money you could be awarded for the program you plan to study.
*Beginning January 1, 2026, all students who wish to have their cost of attendance re-evaluated for studying abroad must complete the Study Abroad Cost of Attendance Appeal form in their financial aid portal and supply the budget sheet for their specific program with the appeal. Cost of attendance cannot be re-evaluated unless the student is actively registered for the study abroad program.*
Types of financial aid
The following types of financial aid can be used towards a study abroad program:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- CMU Study Abroad Funding
- Honors Program Study Abroad
- Loans
- Federal Direct Student, Parent PLUS, Alternative/Private
Financial aid checklist
Use the following checklist to ensure that paperwork has been completed:
- Complete or renew the FAFSA form
- Submit your Study Abroad Budget Sheet and Study Abroad Cost of Attendance Appeal form in your financial aid portal.
- If you are borrowing any type of loan, sign and submit all required promissory notes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for filing the FAFSA?
The priority deadline is May 1, but for students studying abroad, we recommend completing and submitting the application as soon as possible.
I am planning to study abroad during the summer semester. What FAFSA will I file?
The financial aid office uses the FAFSA you filed for the beginning of the academic year for summer. Therefore, if you received financial aid funds for fall and spring you have already submitted the FAFSA we will use for summer. Please discuss your summer financial aid options when meeting with the financial aid counselor.
What type of aid can/can't I use to fund my study abroad program?
All federal/state grants and loans can be used to finance study abroad expenses. Many campus-based scholarships can also be used.
Some external scholarships may not be used for study abroad. The department/donor issuing the scholarship will be able to determine if you may use the funds for study abroad.
I may need to purchase my plane ticket a month or two before I leave the country. Can I access my financial aid early to pay for it?
No. According to federal regulations, financial aid can only be disbursed 10 days before the start of the academic semester.
Will my grants/scholarships be increased for study abroad?
No. Grants and scholarships have a maximum amount per semester that a student can receive. However, you may be eligible to apply for additional scholarships because you are participating in a study abroad program.
My study abroad program costs more than CMU. Can I get more financial aid to cover my study abroad costs?
The financial aid office can increase your cost of attendance so that you may apply for additional PLUS or private loan funds. Unfortunately, we cannot offer an increase in grants or scholarships you may be receiving.
How do I schedule an appointment with a financial aid advisor?
Appointments can be scheduled using the link "Book an Appointment" via the website for OneCentral. For more in depth questions or further questions after an appointment, you can contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at 989-774-3674.