Aid Programs
Studying Abroad
The University of Florida (UF) International Center’s Study Abroad Services (SAS) offers many programs for overseas study that provide students with a wide range of academic and cultural experiences. Students who apply for and are awarded financial aid (including scholarships) can continue to receive it while studying overseas, as long as they meet minimum enrollment requirements during the semester(s) they are studying overseas. The Office for Student Financial Affairs (SFA) cooperates with SAS to help students receive their financial aid—and additional funds if they are eligible—to make study abroad programs possible for all students who wish to participate.
Application Process
Students should begin the application process at SAS.
UF International Center
Study Abroad Services
170 Hub, P.O. Box 113225
Gainesville, FL 32611-3225
Phone: 352-273-1539; 352-392-5323; Fax: 352-392-5575
Web: www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu
Most programs require an essay, an official transcript, and letters of recommendation. In some cases additional information is requested. Detailed instructions are provided with overseas programs application packets available on the Study Abroad Web site.
Students who wish to apply for financial aid or who are receiving aid should go next at SFA in S-107 Criser Hall. Students already receiving aid should talk to a financial aid adviser. Students who need aid but haven't applied should get a Gator Aid Application Guide and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the FAFSA according to the instructions. The FAFSA may also be completed online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov . Study abroad students must follow all regular procedures for applying for financial aid and comply with all deadlines.
Program Costs
Costs for overseas programs are established through Study Abroad, which sends official overseas program budgets to SFA. Students can get a copy of the budget for their program at Study Abroad. SFA calculates each student's overall financial need using these budgets in conjunction with the student's financial aid application.
Financial Aid Packages
Financial aid is awarded to students as a package—usually a combination of grants, scholarships, employment, and loans. Study Abroad packages, however, exclude employment. Federal Direct Stafford Loans and/or Federal Direct PLUS Loans (for parents of dependent undergraduate students) are the primary funds available for study abroad students.
Financial Aid Disbursement
Financial aid is disbursed to recipients after SFA receives official certification from SAS that the student is enrolled in a study abroad program for a required number of credit hours. Students are responsible for coordinating closely with SAS regarding their application to and official acceptance in a program. After the UF semester begins and no earlier than 10 days before the first day of study abroad classes, financial aid checks are either mailed to students' local addresses as listed in the UF Directory or deposited into the student's bank account if the student has arranged for direct deposit. To update your address go to my.ufl.edu, choose "My Account" and "Update My Directory Profile."
Before leaving the country, students must arrange for receipt of their funds—arrangements either with University Financial Services (UFS) for direct deposit of their funds, or for someone to deposit their checks and forward their funds. Before leaving, students receiving loans also must sign any required promissory notes. First-time borrowers must also complete required loan orientation processes (check with UFS).
Financial Aid Deadlines
Students must have a complete financial aid file at SFA by the following deadlines:
Fall Term Programs
Spring Term Programs
Summer Term Programs
July 15
October 15
March 15