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Applying for Education Abroad Aid

1. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the March 11 priority deadline to allow our office to review and award financial aid. (You will always be able to decline any financial aid you are offered.)

  • Fall/Spring Programs
    • Students will be required to complete the FAFSA for the current aid year. (More information on completing the FAFSA can be found in our FAFSA section.)
  • Winter Break Programs--because of federal regulations, federal financial aid is not available for these programs

2. Complete the student (top) portion of the 2009-10 Education Abroad Program Documentation (PDF | 332KB. Return this form to the Education Abroad Office (International Affairs Office, 526 Prices Fork Rd, Room 131). The Education Abroad Office will complete the second portion of the form.

3. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and be in good academic standing to participate in an Education Abroad Program.

3. If the student is eligible for aid he or she will receive an award notice from our office. However, we strongly encourage our students to follow up with a financial aid counselor because aid eligibility and disbursement can change drastically between Education Abroad Programs.

Processing Timeline

  • Once our office has received documentation from the Education Abroad Office, we will begin to process the forms, which usually takes about two weeks.
  • Aid cannot disburse any earlier than the start of the Virginia Tech semester in which you are studying abroad, according to federal regulations.
  • It is important that transcripts (from the host, overseas university) be received and processed promptly. You will receive a one semester grace period in which you will be allowed to receive financial aid while your transcript is being sent in and evaluated. However, no aid will be disbursed during the second semester following your Education Abroad Program until all transcripts have been received and evaluated.
  • If you have program costs that are due prior to the time that funds can be disbursed by our office, you will be responsible for making arrangements to pay these up-front costs.

Individuals Participating in VT-Direct, ISEP-Direct, and Non-VT Programs

  • These programs all require a separate consortium agreement since they involve enrollment through another university. Such programs will require additional forms through the Education Abroad Office.
  • Some types of financial aid cannot be used with consortium programs. A financial aid counselor can review your aid to see if your aid can be used with your particular program.
  • Aid disbursement may be delayed further than the start of the Virginia Tech semester in which you are studying abroad.
  • Money will not disburse until you have reached your destination and have been officially enrolled in classes. The Education Abroad Office from the overseas university will notify the VT Education Abroad Office, who will in turn notify our office. Students and family members cannot confirm enrollment.

Other Tips

  • All requirements should be completed well in advance of program departure date.
  • There is NO GUARANTEE that financial aid will cover your costs for the Education Abroad Program.
  • It is often helpful to discuss your financial aid and loan options with a financial aid counselor. To set up an appointment with your counselor call 540-231-5179 or stop by the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid.
  • Share this information with others who are helping you with your financial resources (i.e. parents, family members).

For more information about Education Abroad visit the Education Abroad Office's Website.


Applicant Information

FAFSA/Help Sites

Apply for financial aid at Virginia Tech by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet allows you to read and complete the questions before entering your information online. The questions are listed in the same order that they appear on the Web site.

FAFSA4caster will help you get an early start on the financial aid process by providing you with an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid.