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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 a cost of attendance (COA) increase, 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 COA upfront. If you are interested in financial assistance for optional programs, please note the following:

  • The estimated COA to study abroad is determined by the individual department. It is the maximum amount of loan assistance that you may obtain for that study abroad program.

  • Once you have confirmed participation in the program, the academic department contacts our office to increase your COA. By increasing your COA, we are accounting for the expenses you may incur while abroad, e.g., housing and transportation.

  • If you would like to borrow loan funds to cover your study abroad expenses, you will need to contact the Office of Financial Aid.

  • Financial aid is typically divided equally between the fall and spring semesters. If you are participating in a one-semester program and would like the additional loan amount during that semester, contact the Office of Financial Aid to make arrangements.

  • Students should be aware that federal student loan funds are typically disbursed 10 days before the start of classes each semester; however, you will not have access to refunds until 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.