Guidelines for Receiving Aid for Education Abroad
A student's enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the home institution may be considered enrollment at the home institution for the purpose of applying for assistance under Title IV programs. If you wish to use financial aid to help pay for your education abroad, please submit an Education Abroad Prescreen Form to our office via Dynamic Forms. This will help us determine your eligibility. Before completion of this form, be sure that you have been accepted in an education abroad program as determined by the Education Abroad Office.
Fee Payment Using Financial Aid
If your fees are paid to USC Columbia, you can use all of your USC awarded financial aid except Federal Work-Study or a fee reduction. Fees paid to another school require a Budget Sheet, which is sent from the financial aid office on your behalf. This Budget Sheet allows USC to process your financial aid for payment to your program provider or host school.
Expenses
Expenses include tuition, the international program fee and an allowance for books, personal expenses, and transportation.
It is not uncommon for students to gain additional expenses while studying abroad such as airfare or visa costs. If you have additional expenses, please contact the Study Abroad Coordinator to determine if your expenses can be added to your cost of education.
Deadlines
Due to different deadlines by schools and providers, financial aid may not be available when the bill is due at the host school or program provider. Students are encouraged to make payment arrangements with the host school or program provider prior to the deadline. Funds that are disbursed must be paid to the host school or program provider. Failure to remit payment to the host school or program provider will result in you being billed by USC for the aid received.
Financial Aid Checklist for Education Abroad
If you are planning to use federal aid, complete the current academic year FAFSA. Be sure to apply for a Federal Student Aid ID if necessary. You may need to provide parent information on the FAFSA.
The Education Abroad Prescreen Form allows the financial aid office to determine your eligibility. View our Forms page to obtain the prescreen form. Due to COVID-19, please check with the Education Abroad Office for availability of programs.
Enroll in place-holder courses through the USC Education Abroad Office.
Complete all requirements for loans and other awards if applicable. This includes completing entrance counseling and signing a master promissory note. For education abroad questions related to financial aid, contact the Education Abroad Coordinator at faexchange@mailbox.sc.edu.
Read all terms and conditions of each award carefully to ensure you understand eligibility requirements.