Financial Aid Resources

The UWM Financial Aid Office assists students in finding sufficient financial resources to participate in study abroad programs. It is not commonly known that all students are eligible for financial aid consideration. This may include only loans or a combination of loans, grants or scholarships. Students normally receiving financial aid will be able to apply their aid (loans and grants) toward their program. Students who have never applied for aid but would like to apply for financial aid specifically for an education abroad program should fill out the federal FAFSA application as early as possible.

Financial Aid and Study Abroad or Exchange Programs

Once you become a confirmed particpant in a study abroad or exchange program the study abroad office submits a budget to the Financial Aid office. This budget demonstrates the estimated expenses for your particular program and allows Financial Aid to consider additional expenses not covered in your program, such as airfare, in-country transportation, and personal expenses. Your financial aid package is thus based on a very individualized analysis of your financial situation.

All students on study abroad or exchange will have their aid package re-evaluated on an individual basis. Based on this evaluation, students can be eligible to receive an increased amount of aid, usually in the form of loans. Students participating on non-UWM sponsored programs who wish to use financial aid must meet with their study abroad advisor to discuss an individualized budget for their chosen program.

For maximum consideration of all available funds, you should send your completed FAFSA (or FAFSA Renewal for continuing applicants) to the Federal Processor by the priority application filing dates published by the Financial Aid Office.

When you return from a semester or year-long program, your grades may not be immediately reported, in which case you would receive a letter from financial aid stating that you are in advisory status.  You DO NOT need to contact the financial aid office or the study abroad office. You will still receive your financial aid for the semester and the advisory status will be lifted as soon as your grades are reported.

Financial Aid Authorization Form

Upon being accepted to a program, you will receive a packet of forms that will include a form from the Bursar’s Office called the “Financial Aid Authorization.” The authorization form is the means by which students notify the Bursar’s Office if they will be using their financial aid to help finance their program. Federal regulations do not permit UWM to automatically apply financial aid funds that are awarded to all of your study abroad program fees.  This form must be filled out and handed in the the UWM Bursar's Office (Mitchell Hall 285) in order to have your financial aid to pay for all of your program fees.  This form can also be found on the study abroad forms page.

Disbursement of Financial Aid

Financial aid funds are distributed through the UWM Bursar’s Office (Mitchell Hall 285) and NOT through the Financial Aid Office. If your expected financial aid funds are higher than the fees you will owe, you will receive a check in the mail from the Bursar’s office for the difference. If the aid you receive is less than the amount owed for the study abroad or exchange program it is your responsibility to ensure that your program is paid in full.

FERPA Release and Power of Attorney Forms

If you are relying on parents, relatives or friends to help manage your finances and property while you are away you may need to grant them the power to manage your accounts such as to sign for financial aid checks, make deposits or transfers on your behalf, etc. The Power of Attorney form gives your permission to do this. The FERPA Release gives your permission for the study abroad office to share a variety of information about your UWM attendance (Finances, Registration, Health, and Study Abroad Info) with parents, relatives or friends. If you are arranging to have help while you are away, please sign and return these forms to the study abroad office.  These forms can be found on the study abroad forms page.

Veteran's and Study Abroad Programs and Exchanges

All Wisconsin veteran's are entitled to tuition-free education in Wisconsin.  UWM study abroad programs do not generate tuition.  Any veteran participant will get a program fee reduction equal to the lesser amount between the academic costs of the program and the cost of tuition for the number of credits you earn.  UWM exchange programs will generate tuition and the tuition charges will be waived.  Please contact your study abroad coordinator to discuss this benefit and how it would pertain to you.

Additional Funding Opportunities

In addition to federal and state aid, grants and scholarships (such as the WI Study Abroad Grant) are available for international study opportunities. Please visit the scholarships page for a compiled list of scholarship opportunities and other funding sources. 

Frequently Asked Questions