Understanding Study Abroad Costs
Scholarships are one way to help fund your experience, but it is also important to understand the full cost of a program before applying. Expenses vary based on the destination, program type, length of stay, housing arrangements, and personal spending habits.
When comparing programs, consider the following costs.
Tuition and Program Fees
Tuition and program fees depend on the type of study abroad experience:
- Exchange programs: Students generally continue paying tuition to UTA rather than tuition to the host university. Additional costs may apply.
- Faculty-led programs: Costs vary by program and may include some combination of instruction, housing, excursions, and other program expenses.
- Affiliate programs: Tuition and program fees depend on the provider and program structure.
Review the budget information for each program to understand which expenses are included and which you will need to pay separately.
Housing and Meals
Consider the cost of housing, meal plans, groceries, and dining out. Some programs include housing or meals in the program fee, while others require students to arrange and pay for these expenses independently.
Airfare and Local Transportation
Budget for flights to and from your destination, transportation between airports and accommodations, public transit, and any additional travel you plan to do during your program.
Personal and Additional Expenses
Other expenses may include:
- Passport and visa application fees
- Required vaccinations or medical appointments
- Travel insurance or other required coverage
- Books, supplies, and course materials
- Phone service and internet access
- Laundry, toiletries, and personal purchases
- Meals or activities not included in your program
- Additional travel and emergency expenses
Some expenses are specific to certain destinations or programs, so review the program requirements carefully.
Compare the Total Cost
When comparing programs, look beyond the advertised program fee. One program may include housing and excursions, while another may require you to budget for these expenses separately.
Use the budget information available in the VIA Program Directory to estimate the total cost of each option. Keep in mind that budgets are estimates and actual costs may change due to exchange rates, housing choices, airfare, and personal spending
Can I Use Financial Aid for Study Abroad?
You may be able to use eligible financial aid toward an approved study abroad experience, but eligibility and the way aid applies can vary based on your program and individual financial aid package.
Before committing to a program:
- Contact the UTA Financial Aid Office to discuss how your existing aid may apply.
- Ask how receiving a study abroad scholarship could affect your financial aid calculation.
- Confirm when funds will be available and how that timing aligns with program payments and travel dates.
- Review program-specific payment deadlines and plan for expenses that may be due before financial aid or scholarship funds are disbursed.
- Do not assume that all forms of financial aid or scholarships can be used for every program. Confirm your options with the appropriate office or scholarship provider.
Tips for Planning Your Study Abroad Budget
Start early. Research program costs and scholarship opportunities well before application deadlines.
Apply for multiple opportunities. If you qualify, consider applying for university, provider, and external scholarships. Check whether each award can be combined with other funding.
Track deadlines. Scholarship applications may have deadlines that differ from your study abroad application deadline.
Build a realistic budget. Include both program costs and personal expenses, plus a reserve for unexpected costs.
Plan for payment timing. Some expenses are due before departure, while scholarship or financial aid funds may not be available until closer to the start of the academic term.
Ask questions. A Study Abroad Advisor can help you understand program costs and locate relevant resources. UTA Financial Aid can help you understand how your aid may apply.