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The Cost of Studying Abroad

Although the cost of studying abroad varies based on the length of the program, location and additional program providers' fees, there is a study abroad program to meet almost every budget! Review the steps below to begin financially preparing for your trip abroad.

1. Explore all of your options

Take the time to investigate all of the Exchange, Affiliate and URI Faculty-Led Programs available.

Some Exchange Programs cost the same as attending URI for a semester and URI-Faculty Led Summer and Winter Programs are also great cost-effective opportunities for students.

2. Run the Numbers

Use the OIE Budget Comparison Sheet to compare costs at URI and/or a study abroad program (national or international exchange, sponsored by another university, or study abroad provider).

3. Review the URI Study Abroad Scholarships website

This site lists many scholarship opportunities available to students for academic-year, semester and summer study abroad programs.


4. Know the facts about your financial aid and studying abroad

It is important to know that:

  • Federal and state financial aid may be applied toward study abroad programs
  • Institutional scholarships and grants such as Centennial Scholarships, University Grants, Athletic Awards, Talent Development Grants can be applied only to URI fall and spring semester exchanges and affiliated programs
  • The amount of an institutional award, such as the Hardge Grant or a Centennial Scholarship, will be based, not on previous URI awards, but on the actual cost of the off-campus program tuition in which the student wishes to participate. In no case will the award exceed that program's total cost as determined by the URI Financial Aid Office. Furthermore, Centennial and other URI grants will be the first to be applied to the student's financial aid package, prior to any other aid applications.
  • Rhode Island tuition waivers can be applied only to one-to-one exchange programs.
  • Students who already receive aid may qualify for additional funding to offset the extra costs sometimes associated with study abroad expenses. Additional aid often comes in the form of loans. Even students who have not received financial aid in the past may be eligible for a loan to help with additional study abroad expenses.

5. URI Study Abroad Fees

In addition to the overseas program costs, ALL students intending to study abroad must pay the following required fees to URI for each term they are abroad:

The Off-Campus Study Registration Fee (Click here for undergraduate and graduate fees) maintains your registration while overseas. It will ensure that you remain registered, that all eligible financial aid will be applied to the study abroad program, and that you will have continued, uninterrupted access, to all URI services (such as email, health insurance, and academic advising).

The OIE Administrative Fee (2013-14: $350 per semester/$150 per summer session) covers the costs of operating off-campus programs, the expenses associated with URI Risk Management Policies and URI

Pre-Departure Workshops and materials.

Note: All fees are subject to change.

6. Consult with Enrollment Services

  • If you have not done so already, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) soon after January 1st for consideration for the following academic-year Fall, Spring and Summer terms.
  • Meet with an Enrollment Services Advisor to determine the amount of aid that you will qualify and obtain the "Financial Aid Arrangements for International Study Form".
  • Complete the "Financial Aid Arrangements for International Study" form(s). Along with a copy of a brochure and/or admission letter from the study abroad program you are attending - which itemizes the costs of the program as well as indicate the start and end date - bring the forms to the Enrollment Services Office in Green Hall.

Important Notes about Financial Aid

  • All paperwork, both for the Office of International Education and for Enrollment Services, must be completed before a student's study abroad financial aid package can be processed.
  • Disbursement of financial aid can only be made ten days prior to the start of the recipient's first day of class. Therefore, some study abroad expenses (visas, housing, airline tickets) will need to be paid before financial aid is received and students should plan accordingly.