Financial Aid

Can I really afford to study abroad?

Studying abroad does not always cost more than studying at MSU. Some programs don’t cost much more than studying at Montclair State while others are considerably more.  If you are financially strapped, consider destinations where the cost of living is lower or where you can participate in a direct exchange with students from Norway, Austria or England just to name a few. We also recommend that you talk with our Study Abroad Peer Advisors, who can explain methods used to fund their trips such as financial aid & scholarships, as well as managing finances while abroad.

Financial Aid

You may be able to use financial aid. If you already qualify for financial aid, in most cases you may apply some or all of it to your study-abroad experience.  Below is a guideline for determining what type of aid you can use for your study abroad program. You will need to check with the Financial Aid Office to discuss your particular situation.

Fall and Spring Semester-long Programs

Montclair State University Exchange Programs:  All federal and state financial aid may be applied toward your study abroad.  These include:

Grants: Pell Tag SEOG EOF (DSN/DSU) Distinguished Scholars

Loans: Stafford Plus NJ Class Private Perkins

In addition, all institutional aid such as MSU Foundation Scholarships and MSU Scholars credit will apply.

Montclair State University Affiliated Programs:  All federal aid, but not state aid, may be applied toward your study abroad.  These include:

Grants: Pell SEOG

Loans: Stafford Plus NJ Class Private Perkins

Institutional aid such as MSU Scholars credit cannot be applied toward affiliated study abroad programs.

There are many types of financial aid and eligibility may vary. Please meet with a Financial Aid Counselor about your situation.

Summer and Short-Term Programs

Most financial aid is not available in the summer unless it is left over from the prior academic year.  However, if you receive a Pell Grant, you may be eligible for an additional grant for a summer program.  You may also borrow up to your annual limit on the Stafford Loan (if you have not borrowed up to the limit in the two semesters prior).

 

Scholarships

Some scholarships are available.  Depending on your destination, program and the program provider, some scholarships may be available to you by outside organizations.  Most of these scholarships are competitive and require planning ahead.

Information on scholarships can be found here

You can’t afford not to study abroad! Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  There are few other experiences available to you that will offer you the education and personal growth you will gain by living and learning in a new culture.