Frequently asked questions - UTA Office of International Education

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Study Abroad
» International Education Fee Scholarship - FAQs

How much are the scholarship awards?
The amounts are decided on an individual basis by the IEFS Committee. There is no set amount. However, the IEFS is not intended to finance an entire study abroad. Candidates should be able to fund at least half of their trip or more to be considered for an award.

What are my chances for getting an award?
The IEFS is a competitive scholarship. As such, the number of applicants, which varies from competition to competition, greatly affects a student's chances. It really depends on where you stand in relation to the other applicants.

When and how will I know if I received an award?
The Committee tries to have results ready within three weeks of the application deadline. A letter will be mailed to you as soon as the committee has made its decision telling you whether or not you received an award.

Is a Student Aid Report the same thing as a Financial Aid Award Letter?
No. All financial aid recipients are sent a Student Aid Report when their award is approved. If you cannot find yours, you can call 1 800 4 fed aid to request another copy. This should be done in advance of the deadline. The closer the deadline, the less likely you are to get the document in time for the competition.

Can an IEFS award affect my financial aid?
YES. Financial aid is determined by comparing your resources to your needs. An IEFS award will count as a resource. Be sure to discuss this with your counselor in the financial aid office if you win an IEFS award.

Can I bring in my letters of reference myself?
Letters of reference may only be delivered by the student if the referring person has sealed the envelope and signed across the seal.

If I receive a scholarship, when will I receive my money?
Awards are disbursed no earlier than ten days prior to the start of class at UTA in the semester for which you received your award. If you are going abroad before your award is dispersed, you will need to make the proper arrangements to defer any payments until the award is made.

How do I get my money if I am already gone when it is disbursed?
You will need to make arrangements with the Scholarship Office and the Bursar's Office to have your award electronically deposited into your account, delivered to a person of your designation or to have it picked up by someone at the Bursar's office. You must give power of attorney to anyone who picks up an award for you at the Bursar's Office (See the UTA Attorney for Students in the lower level of the UC to find out about granting power of attorney to someone).

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