Study Abroad

If you plan to study abroad and want to be considered for financial assistance, you still need to complete and submit the FAFSA.

To discuss your options on different study abroad programs you should contact the International Involvement Center. Your financial aid awards could be affected if you're registered for less than 12 hours (6 hours for the summer term). Speak to your study abroad program coordinator regarding registration and study abroad charges.

Once admitted to a study abroad program, it is now time to determine what financial aid you will be eligible to receive. Please refer to the Study Abroad Assistance Form.

After completing this form, you will have met with the International Involvement Center regarding program requirements, deposits, and overall costs. You will also have a budget for your specific trip. This budget will end up replacing your on-campus budget for your time abroad.

After you have a study abroad budget and the IIC has signed off on your Study Abroad Assistance Form, you can meet with a Financial Assistance Counselor.

If you're studying abroad over the summer, you must also complete and submit our summer Financial Aid Application along with a copy of the Study Abroad Assistance Form.

If your study abroad program cost is less than your on-campus cost of attendance, your aid will be adjusted to reflect the study abroad cost. As a result, some of your financial aid may be reduced.

Studying abroad doesn't make you more eligible for grants and scholarships if the cost is higher than your on-campus cost of attendance. Tuition waivers only cover your Northwest tuition cost; they don't cover foreign tuition or study abroad fees, and you must pay any additional charges.

Any increase in financial aid to help meet the additional costs of studying abroad will usually require extra loan money such as Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct Parent PLUS, or Alternative Educational Loans. Federal loan limits do apply. For more information, visit loans.

Most of your financial aid funds will be credited directly to your university bill about a week after the first day of classes for the corresponding semester. As aid is credited, any tuition and fees as well as any study abroad program fees charged to your NW billing account will be deducted from your financial aid proceeds. If you're expecting a refund to cover additional costs of studying abroad, it will be directly deposited into your bank account (set up through CatPAWS) 3-5 business days after your aid has been disbursed. If you have not set up a direct deposit account, a paper check will be mailed.

Direct deposit is a safe, confidential, convenient and fast way to receive your student refund. With direct deposit, your financial aid refund is electronically transferred into your bank account. Authorizing direct deposit of refunds gives you the quickest access to your funds. If you have questions concerning the direct deposit program, contact the Office of Student Account Services.

Study abroad students receive their aid at the same time as those studying on campus at Northwest Missouri State University. If family resources are insufficient to make the necessary payment, many sponsoring institutions accept a copy of a Financial Aid Offer as proof of your ability to pay later. On this basis, institutions may grant an extension of their due date. If the institution requires additional documentation, discuss this with a Financial Assistance Counselor.