Fiscal Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my financial aid be applied to studying abroad?

A: Yes.  You must be concurrently enrolled through the OIE in order to apply your financial aid towards studying abroad.

Q:  What if my financial aid does not cover the cost of my exchange/program?

A:  If the funds you are receiving do not cover the entire cost of an exchange/program, it is possible to request an aid revision.  You will need to obtain a budget for your specific program from the OIE office and complete a ‘Financial Aid Revision Request for Additional Expenses form,’ which can be found in the Student Financial Aid Office, 105 Schmitz Hall and online at http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/currentug/forms.html.

Taken by Crystal Humphries while studying in Australia

Q:  How do I request a budget for my exchange/program?

A:  Please contact the OIE office first to see if a budget for your program/exchange exists.  If the budget does not exist, you will need to fill out a budget request form, located in our office.  Please attach all relevant information you have (ex. plane ticket, if you have already purchased it, a break-down of program costs if the program provides it, any estimates on housing costs, food costs, etc).  This will allow us to create a more accurate budget.

Q: Where can I find scholarships that apply to studying abroad?

A: The IPE administers scholarship programs for undergraduate students for the quarters spent abroad. These scholarship programs are currently being revised. Please check back for updated application materials. Students are also encouraged to visit the Undergraduate Scholarship Office, located in 120 MGH. Scholarships can also be found online through various sources. Please note that not all scholarships can be applied to studying abroad. Students should check with their major department at the UW for scholarship opportunities.

Q:  Where can I find detailed information regarding financial aid?

A:  For more financial aid resources, please refer to our Financial Aid sheet.

Q: Do I need insurance when I study abroad?

A: We strongly recommend that you have insurance with international coverage throughout your studies and travels abroad. The UW Study Abroad Insurance Plan is an affordable, major medical policy that provides international coverage and includes emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits. The plan is available to all matriculated UW students and can be purchased online.

Q:  Does an international student identity card that has insurance included provide sufficient coverage for studying abroad?

A:  The ISIC and BETA cards are not sufficient forms of insurance; however, we do encourage students to look into these options.   These are only basic forms of insurance which include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.