The Cost of Studying Abroad
Studying abroad need not cost more than a semester at URI. Certainly, study abroad programs vary according to the length of the program, location and additional program providersÕ fees. The least expensive type of program is the exchange program where students pay tuition and fees to their home institution and cost associated with housing, meals and other living expenses are paid abroad. Programs operated by non-profit organizations also fall under the category of less expensive.
Study abroad Budget Comparison Sheet (Download) - Use the OIE Budget Comparing sheet to compare costs at URI and/or a study abroad program (national or international exchange, sponsored by another university, or study abroad provider).
Note: Before committing to a program, make sure that URI will accept to transfer the credits earned while abroad by completing the Prior Approval Process.
URI Study Abroad Fees
ALL students intending to study abroad must pay the following required fees:
The Off-Campus Study Registration Fee (currently $368) maintains your registration while overseas. It will ensure that you remain registered and that all eligibile financial aid will be applied to the study abroad program; and that you will have continued, uninterrupted access to all URI serivces (such as email, health insurance,and academic advising).
The OIE Administrative Fee (currently $350) covers the costs of operating off-campus programs, the expenses associated with URI Risk Management Policies and URI Pre-Departure Workshops and materials.
It is important to note that all fees are subject to change.
Financing a Study Abroad Program
When financing a study abroad program you should be aware that you,
- May apply federal and state financial aid 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 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 programÕs 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 studentÕs financial aid package, prior to any other aid applications.
- Rhode Island tuition waivers can be applied only to one-to-one exchange programs and programs where URI is the credit granting institution (SEA Semester, BIOS, and selected Faculty Led Summer Programs). NOTE: 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.
Information for Students Who Plan to use Financial Aid
Before applying for financial aid, complete all the Office of International Education Pre-departure Paperwork. After completing the Pre-Departure Paperwork, follow the steps listed below:
- 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.
- Consult with the Enrollment Services - Financial Aid 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 acceptance letter from the study abroad program you are attending, which itemizes the costs of the program as well as indicate the start and end dates of the program bring the forms to the URI Enrollment Services Office - Financial Aid in Green Hall.
NOTES: All paperwork, both for OIE and for Financial Aid, must be completed before a studentÕs study abroad financial aid package can be processed.
Disbursement of financial aid can only be made ten days prior to the start of the recipients first day of class.
