Costs and Financial Aid
Can I afford to study abroad?
Many students assume that studying abroad costs more than they can afford. Although it is undeniable that studying abroad costs money, the reality is that the cost is within the financial reach of most St. Kate's students. You can do it, too, but the key is to begin planning early. Like any other type of investment, studying abroad requires advance planning, careful management and creativity. The rewards will last you a lifetime!
Semester or year-long program costs
It is difficult to generalize about the costs of studying abroad. However, the questions you should ask when choosing a program must concern not only what it costs but what you can afford. Study abroad program costs often include a program fee published in the program literature, plus other additional costs.
At St. Kate's you will pay the program fees, any additional costs not included in the program fee, plus a St. Kate's study abroad administrative fee. Many factors influence costs: local cost of living, length and type of program, and fluctuating exchange rates. Determine your needs and interests, then compare the features and costs of programs to find the best match. Consult with the Office of Global Studies when comparing program costs.
Short-term program costs
For most short-term programs — including January term and summer programs — you will pay a program fee plus a St. Kate's study abroad administrative fee. The program fee typically includes tuition, airfare, accommodation, some meals, land transportation and excursions. The cost of an embedded program (a regular semester, summer or January course with an off-campus component "embedded" into the term) varies by location. Students pay on-campus tuition plus a program fee.
Financial aid for study abroad
Generally, St. Kate's allows the financial aid you normally receive — grants, loans and scholarships — to be applied toward study abroad program costs. Some exceptions apply, including student employment and tuition remission.
Students not currently receiving financial aid may be eligible for student loans. January-term financial aid is part of winter semester package. For summer programs, you must enroll in at least six credits to be eligible for financial aid.
For financial aid to apply to your study abroad costs, you must be approved to study abroad by the Office of Global Studies and you must be enrolled full-time. Undergraduates must enroll in at least 12 credits abroad to be eligible to use financial aid. Some grants, such as the Minnesota State Grant, require you to take at least 15 credits per semester to avoid a decreased grant amount. Graduate students, generally, must enroll for a minimum of six credits to be considered full-time.
Students should consult with the Office of Global Studies and the Financial Aid office for details on their particular situation.
Scholarships for study abroad
Many semester and year-long study abroad programs offer merit and need-based scholarships. Unfortunately, there are very few scholarships available for short-term programs.
It is worthwhile to research scholarships for which you may qualify. Current St. Kate's students can visit the Global Studies web site for a list of applicable scholarships. Many scholarships require very early application. For example, some scholarship application deadlines occur each spring whether you will be abroad the following fall or the following spring. Advance planning is important when applying for scholarships.