Graduate Study Abroad

Notre Dame graduate and professional students are encouraged to explore the study abroad opportunities offered through their college of study. As every program is different, we have compiled some general financial aid information and policies for students who are interested in studying abroad.

Financing Your Study Abroad Program

To be eligible for an increase in the cost of attendance, the study abroad program must be approved for credit by the university. Students attending a required study abroad program will have their estimated costs included in the cost of attendance upfront. If you are interested in financial assistance for optional programs, please note the following:

Eligibility for Cost of Attendance Increase

The study abroad program must be approved for credit by the University. Required study abroad programs have estimated costs included in the cost of attendance upfront. For optional programs, the cost of attendance (COA) is determined by the individual department and represents the maximum loan assistance available.

Process for Cost of Attendance Adjustment

Once participation is confirmed, your academic department will contact the Office of Financial Aid to increase your COA, accounting for expenses like housing and transportation. To borrow loan funds for study abroad expenses, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Disbursement and Refunds

Financial aid is typically divided equally between fall and spring semesters. For one-semester programs, you may request the additional loan amount for that specific semester. Federal student loans are disbursed 10 days before the start of classes each semester, with refunds available after the first day of your program’s classes.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

If you typically borrow the Federal Direct PLUS Loan up to the COA during the academic year and plan to use the loan to cover your study abroad expenses:

• Selecting “maximum loan eligibility” when completing the application, instead of entering a specific amount, will allow us to process your initial loan application for the additional amount.

• If you enter a specific amount, you will have to complete a second loan application to cover your study abroad expenses.