Most of the financial aid (loans, grants, and scholarships) that students receive at UT can be used for study abroad. Financial aid awards are recalculated based on each student's individual need and study abroad costs. The amount and type of funds is based on each student's individual eligibility amount as determined by the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS). Many students receive additional aid for study abroad. Summer aid is generally in the form of loans, many of which require a co-signer.

Approximately 50% of students studying abroad through UT Austin use some type of financial aid (loans, partial scholarships or grants) to fund their program. In most cases, funding does not come from one source (one comprehensive scholarship), but rather from various sources (loans, partial scholarships, grants, personal savings, etc.).

All students should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid. It is common for students who don’t qualify for financial aid to study in Austin, to receive aid for a study abroad program. Some types of aid are available regardless of need (such as unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans), but the student must file a FAFSA in order to receive them.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if you have not received financial aid in the past.
• Talk to your financial aid counselor about your study abroad plans, and be sure to ask these questions.
• On the MySAO application, indicate you intend to use financial aid. (If you missed this step, call the SAO front desk for assistance at 512-471-6490).
• After acceptance, complete the Online Financial Aid Counseling Module on MySAO.

Additional Resources

Study abroad financial planning timeline
Financial aid information for study abroad (handout from OSFS)