
Financial Aid
Students interested in studying abroad may wish to consider the possibility of obtaining Financial Aid (generally including loans) to assist in funding a study abroad program. Students who do not qualify for need-based grants and the need-based Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan may wish to utilize the non-need based Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan.
If you currently receive financial aid, you must first apply to a study abroad program. The Office of Study Abroad will forward a Financial Aid Approval Form to the MSU Financial Aid Office for processing. This form will list the approximate amount of money needed (including airfare and spending money) to finance that particular program.
If you are not currently receiving financial aid, you may apply for aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. All U.S. students are eligible for either need-based subsidized or unsubsidized non-need-based federal Stafford loans.
For more information about financial aid, please call (701) 858-3375 or visit their website: www.minotstateu.edu/finaid
Course Registration and Financial Aid
Credit from approved study abroad programs may be applied towards a student’s overall degree program at Minot State University. Students participating in an approved study abroad program, even those sponsored by another institution or organization, must register in the Study Abroad course number (INT 499). Registration in INT 499 allows for the release of financial aid to cover program costs. Students are typically able to retain their normal financial aid package and are responsible for the costs of airfare and travel, housing, and other living expenses.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available for students that need assistance financing a study abroad program. This is not an exhausted list of scholarships available for study abroad, but will give you a good starting point to research your options.
- www.studyabroad.com has an online scholarship search engine that may prove helpful.
- The Institute of International Education (www.iiepassport.org) has a fairly comprehensive list of available outside study abroad scholarships, as does www.studyabroadfunding.org.
- International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search (IEFA) has a website that allows you to search for study abroad scholarships, grant listings, and student loan programs: www.iefa.org.
- Fastweb www.fastweb.com
- If you are applying to a non-MSU study abroad program, check whether the program offers scholarships or work study opportunities. These opportunities can significantly reduce your cost. If you have private scholarships, check with the issuing agency to determine if it can be applied to study abroad.
