Costs and Funding
Your study abroad costs depend on your program type, location and length. There are many financial resources available to help fund your international experience.
Financial Aid
When you participate in a study abroad program, you’re eligible to apply your financial aid package to the cost of the program. (Tuition waivers do not apply.)
As a participant in a study abroad program, you may be eligible for:
- Pell Grant
- MAP Grant
- Federal subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans
- PLUS loans
- Scholarships
You can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office for more information.
Military Benefits
Under certain conditions, veterans’ benefits may be applied to study abroad. Please contact Military and Post-Traditional Student Services and the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to determine eligibility.
Scholarships
The following departmental scholarships can be found in MyScholarships, NIU’s scholarship application system.
- Business
- Economics
- English
- World Languages and Cultures
The following departmental scholarships are not found in MyScholarships. Contact the department for more information.
- Business
- Education
- English
- World Languages and Cultures
NIU approves many carefully selected study abroad programs organized by providers specializing in international education. The following list of approved providers includes links to scholarship opportunities specific to each organization. Affiliate discounts are given to NIU applicants only.
- American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
- Affiliate discount awarded to every applicant: $400 semester, $200 summer/January
- Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
- Gilman applicants are eligible to receive the Gilman Go Global Grant:
- Up to $2,500 toward semester programs
- Up to $1,000 toward summer programs
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grant
- $750-$2,000 toward airfare for students who demonstrate high financial need
- Open Campus Grant
- $4,000-$6,000 grant for fall 2018 and spring 2019 open campus locations (three-block semester only)
- Gilman applicants are eligible to receive the Gilman Go Global Grant:
- CISabroad
- Affiliate discount awarded to every applicant: $250 semester, $100 summer
- Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA)
- Affiliate discount awarded to every applicant: $1,000 semester, $500 summer
- Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS)
- Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA-Butler)
- International Studies Abroad (ISA)
- Affiliate discount awarded to every applicant: $200
- Institute for American Universities (IAU)
- $1,800 automatic scholarship awarded to every accepted NIU semester applicant
- $250-$750 automatic scholarship awarded to every accepted NIU summer applicant
- Work-study positions available
- Study Abroad Italy Inc. (SAI)
- Affiliate discount awarded to every applicant: $300 semester, $100 summer
- Salzburg College
- $1,000 automatic scholarship awarded to every accepted NIU semester student
- $320 rebate for all semester students
- School for International Training (SIT)
- Pell Grant Match for semester programs, ranging from $500-$5,000
- Semester at Sea
- University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)
Other Resources
Finding money to fund your study abroad experience requires planning, perseverance and creativity. Below are examples of fundraising approaches students have successfully used in the past.
- Work with your church, synagogue or mosque.
- Contact local support groups for fundraising: Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs.
- Ask your parents if any scholarships exist for children of employees where they work.
- In lieu of birthday or holiday gifts, ask for money to fund your study abroad program.
- Hold a raffle or bake sale.
- Organize a car wash or offer to clean houses.
- In exchange for the use of your car while you're gone, have a friend or sibling make all or part of your car payments.
- Utilize an online fundraising site such as YouCaring or GoFundMe.
