Using financial aid can make your study abroad experience more affordable. You must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to attain aid if you have not done so already for the academic year. For semester and year programs, all normal financial aid can usually be used towards your study abroad program fees.

To receive financial aid for any U of M sponsored study abroad program (either during the academic year or summer), you must:

• Be enrolled at least half-time (i.e. 5 credit hours - graduate and 6 credit hours - law and undergraduate NOTE: Law students are considered half-time during the summer ONLY with 3 law credit hours)
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Be making satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on any student loan or owe a repayment on any grant
• Have remaining aid eligibility
• Have a Transfer Credit Request form on file with the Admissions Office

For more information about receiving financial aid to study abroad, visit the Financial Aid Website.

We encourage all students to meet with the study abroad financial aid officer, Ms. Joanna Darden (jpullis@memphis.edu), at least six months prior to your planned trip. Her office is located in room 103 of Wilder Tower.

Summer Information

If you plan to go abroad in the summer, you may be able to use financial aid as well. If you receive aid during the academic year (i.e. Fall and Spring), the financial aid office would have to consider what aid eligibility (ex. Pell Grant or Direct Loan) you may have remaining for the summer. If you are interested in a study abroad program for the summer, you should complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), if you have not already applied for the academic year. You will also need to a Summer Update Form, which can be obtained in the Financial Aid Office, located in 103 Wilder Tower or with the Financial Aid Forms.

Things to Note

One thing that you must keep in mind is that financial aid is dispersed according to the U of M academic schedule and will not be issued early even if your semester at your host school begins prior to the U of M semester. Financial aid does not come in time to purchase plane tickets or to fund other trip preparation costs. You will need to keep this in mind when creating your budget. In addition, if you are applying financial aid to pay your program fees due to the University of Memphis, you must provide documentation of aid prior to your invoice due date. Financial aid can only be used to pay host institution fees abroad once it is dispersed and refunded into your checking account. We cannot transmit these funds to your host university. All payments required to your host institution (often housing and deposits), are your responsibility. You must plan to meet all their deadlines, regardless of the release date of your financial aid.