Studying Abroad can be an extremely enriching experience that can greatly enhance your academic degree. As you begin to research which international program is right for you, it is important that you understand the cost and have the ability to finance your trip. Your financial aid can be used to help finance your trip. It is important that you make an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor at least a month prior to your departure to ensure all the proper paper work is completed.
Prior to making an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor you will need the following:
- Be accepted into a Study Abroad Program (Please bring a copy of your Study Abroad Acceptance Letter).
- File your FAFSA at least two weeks prior to making an appointment with a counselor and complete Verification if selected by the Department of Education. The verification process will take at least two weeks to complete.
- You will need to supply the Financial Aid Office with a detailed budget sheet and a Financial Aid Arrangement Form (if available from visiting institution).
- You will need to know which institution you will be registering at. If you will be registered full time in a Non-SUNY Program you will be required to fill out the Transfer Credit Approval Form, the Withdrawal / Non-Returning Form, the Visiting Student Financial Aid Agreement Form, and the Enrollment Verification Form.
Disbursement of Funds
Per federal regulations the Financial Aid Office will disburse funds on specific dates set by the FAO at the beginning of each academic year. Please contact the FAO for these dates. The FAO will not be able to disburse funds prior to these dates. You may have to use personal funds to fund program costs prior to the disbursement dates.
You will also need to contact the Student Accounts Office to arrange for proper disbursement of funds for both payment to the visiting institution and refunds.