Financial Aid

UIS Students approved to study away through the Study Away Program may be eligible for financial aid. Students are responsible for working with the Office of Financial Assistance to determine their eligibility.

Students who will be registered for UNI 460, 470 or 480 or for one of the approved study abroad programs offered through a UIS academic department are eligible to apply for Global Experience Program travel scholarships.

In order to be eligible for the travel scholarships students must submit a Study Away Program application by Feb. 15th for programs offered during the following summer, fall, and spring. Information on the scholarships can be found by visiting Cost & Aid and then selecting the scholarship link.

FAQs: FAFSA and Study Away Funding 

Scholarships

UIS has several institutional scholarships that can be used to help cover the costs of international travel related to participating in approved study abroad programs.

In order to be eligible for a study abroad scholarship students must do the following:

  1. Apply for the UIS Donor-Funded Institutional Scholarships. Make sure to indicate your intent to study abroad when prompted.
  2. Complete the UIS EngageU Application.
  3. Register for the appropriate credit-bearing course while studying abroad.

The Global Experience, Droegkamp, Humphrey, Burns and Lundquist scholarships

The Global Experience, Droegkamp, Humphrey, Burns, and Lundquist scholarships are applied for through the yearly scholarship application process coordinated by the Office of Financial Assistance. There is one application form that is used for all five, linked above. Please note that you should fill out the UIS Institutional Scholarship and the Global Studies Experience Scholarship applications.

Benjamin Gilman International Scholarships

The Gilman International Scholarship Program offers a competition for awards for undergraduate study abroad. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at a 2-year or 4-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.

More information can be found on the Gilman Scholarship Program website.

Prestigious and National Scholarships

Nationally Competitive Scholarships at UIS works with students on applying for a wide range of scholarships and fellowships including, Fulbright, Marshall, Rhodes, Boren and Truman.

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FAQs: FAFSA and Study Away Funding 

What is FAFSA?

FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is an electronic document that UIS students complete to apply for various types of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities for postsecondary education. This aid can also apply to UIS-approved study away programs.

How does FAFSA apply to UIS Study Away Programs?

FAFSA data can be used by UIS to determine eligibility for federal scholarships, grants, and loans that may cover study abroad programs. However, there is no special FAFSA form specifically for study abroad; the same FAFSA application is used.

What changes have been made to FAFSA recently?

The FAFSA process was updated to simplify the application and improve accessibility. Some notable changes include:

  • Student Aid Index (SAI): Replaces the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
  • Streamlined Information Retrieval: Enhanced IRS data retrieval system.
  • Wider Asset Considerations: Broader inclusions for calculating aid.

What does FAFSA data provide?

FAFSA provides an eligibility overview based on socio-economic data submitted by UIS students and families. While it does not guarantee an award, a negative SAI number ensures maximum Pell Grant eligibility. It also doesn't consider specific costs associated with study abroad.

What does FAFSA not include?

FAFSA does not consider:

  • Family size or family members in college.
  • Unique living expenses or caregiving responsibilities.
  • Debt-to-income ratios.
  • Costs specific to UIS study-away programs.

What types of financial aid are available for UIS Study Away Programs? Aid may include:

Aid may include:

  • Federal Pell Grants.
  • Federal Direct Loans.
  • Institutional scholarships or grants available through UIS.

Can financial aid cover all my UIS Study Away Program costs?

Aid eligibility does not guarantee an award or full coverage of UIS Study Away Program expenses. The UIS Financial Aid Office determines the final aid package, which may include multiple funding sources.

How does UIS use FAFSA data for Study Away Programs?

The UIS Financial Aid Office uses FAFSA data alongside the Cost of Attendance to calculate financial aid eligibility. The UIS Study Away Office may also use FAFSA data to assess scholarship needs for UIS Study Away Programs. 

What actionable steps should I take when applying for financial aid for education abroad?

  • Consult with the UIS Financial Aid Office.
  • Provide accurate FAFSA data and explore additional funding opportunities.
  • Understand that “Pell-eligible” does not mean the grant has been awarded.

Are there specific strategies to maximize financial aid for UIS Study Away Programs?

  • Avoid limiting the definition of financial need to just Pell Grant eligibility.
  • Consider other indicators like loan amounts, dependents, or caregiving roles.
  • Work closely with UIS Financial Aid and study away advisors to build a comprehensive budget and funding plan.

How can I ensure my FAFSA application is accurate for UIS Study Away Program funding?

  • Double-check all data entries, especially when using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
  • Submit the FAFSA before the priority deadline: FAFSA Deadlines.
  • Discuss your plans for a UIS Study Away Program with a financial aid advisor to ensure costs are considered.