Study Abroad Students
Enrolled Hours
- 6 hours is considered half time for financial aid purposes
- 12 hours is considered full time for financial aid purposes
Additional Information
The following is information you need to know if you plan to use financial aid for a Study Abroad program. This information is the latest available; however, changes in policies and procedures do occur – you are urged to accept responsibility for seeing that your application for financial aid is being processed in a timely manner.
The procedures are the ones that the Financial Aid Office must observe, and so must you, to ensure that you will be notified of the types and amounts of aid offered and/or that aid funds will be received prior to your scheduled departure for your Study Abroad experience.
- The Financial Aid Office must have valid SAR data well in advance of the semester in which you will be doing the Study Abroad, and your financial aid file must be complete. It is suggested you file your financial aid application at least four months prior to the semester in which you want to begin Study Abroad.
- After your file is completed, your aid will be calculated and you will be notified of your eligibility. You are responsible for following directions and completing any additional steps necessary to receive aid.
- After you are accepted into a Study Abroad program, the International Studies Office will notify the Financial Aid Office.
- Regulations do not allow Financial Aid to be released early. Example, if your program is in the spring semester your aid cannot apply until that semester begins in January. There may be some charges you may have to pay in advance of the beginning of the semester. If you are eligible for MAP Grant, usually it will only pay for the two Illinois State credit hours for Study Abroad.
- You may want to consider making a parent or other close relative your Power-of-Attorney (POA) prior to leaving the States. If you would be eligible for a refund from the Student Accounts Office, the POA would be able to endorse and deposit it for you.
- Update your Illinois State mailing address to the POA’s address prior to leaving.
- Check your aid status on the iCampus portal to see if there is any other information we need from you, and to review your award notice.
- Be sure to see us at the Financial Aid office if you have any questions.
- Financial aid is available for a minimum of 6 hours of study abroad, or a combination of 3 hours on campus at full tuition and 3 hours study abroad at that tuition rate. Twelve hours is also considered full time for study abroad.
- The University’s Satisfactory Progress Policy applies to all Study Abroad students for federal and state financial aid eligibility.
Contact the Office of International Studies and Programs located in Fell Hall Room 308 by phone at (309) 438-5276 for more information.
