Your Study Abroad Experience
Studying abroad can be an affordable experience giving students the opportunity to complete credits toward their CSUSB degree while living and studying in another country. Studying abroad involves commitment and is an investment in your future. Like any other type of investment, studying abroad requires advance planning, careful management, creativity, and perseverance. The personal, academic, and professional rewards will last a lifetime. Students may be eligible to use financial aid to help cover the cost!
Funding your Experience
When evaluating financial aid for study abroad, both the program type and duration are considered. In most cases, students can use their financial aid for semester- or year-long programs without issue. Typically, Federal Financial Aid (such as the Pell Grant and Direct Loans) is applicable to semester programs, while state aid (like SUG or Cal Grants) applies to resident credit-based programs. Financial aid for summer programs is limited but may be available to support certain summer study abroad programs.
Federal Work-Study funds cannot be used for study abroad.
The Financial Aid Office will then review each student’s program, determine eligibility, and make any necessary budget adjustments.
Study abroad programs less than five weeks in length, regardless of their unit count, may not qualify for financial aid. In some cases, financial aid may be disbursed after your program fee deadline and program start date, requiring that you pay these costs with other funds first.
Steps to Qualify for Financial Aid:
- Complete a FAFSA or CADAA DREAM Act Application
- Be enrolled in an eligible program and pursue a degree objective from CSUSB
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Adhere to all study abroad and financial aid documentation requests and deadlines
- Submit your GPA verification form to the California Student Aid Commission
Types of Financial Aid Available:
- Federal Aid and State Aid – eligibility will depend on your determined financial need, unit load, academic progress. Please refer to Types of Aid for additional information for each aid program.
- Pell Grant
- Cal Grant
- Middle Class Scholarship
- Direct Student Loans
- State University Grant
- Scholarships – Additional information about study abroad scholarship opportunities are available on the Education Abroad website.
- Gilman Scholarship
- CSUSB On Campus Scholarships
- Private Study Abroad Scholarships
- Private Loans
- Research, select, and contact lender regarding borrowing
- Follow up with the lender to confirm they have submitted certification to CSUSB Office of Financial Aid
Financial Planning for Study Abroad
- Make sure you have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.
- Make sure you are in good standing with the Financial Aid Office.
- Review the study abroad program offerings you are interested in as costs vary for each program. Costs for your program may include tuition/fees, living expenses, travel expenses, passport and visa costs, local transportation, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, phone/internet and personal expenses.
- Meet with study abroad advisor to discuss your program options and visit the website at California State San Bernardino Study Abroad.
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Confirm financial aid, review your aid package and verify with your financial aid advisor what types of financial aid can be applied to your study abroad program.
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Sign up for direct deposit of financial aid.
Eligible Study Abroad Programs
For a full list of CSUSB-supported programs, visit the Education Abroad website. You can also visit the Education Abroad Office in CGI-301 or self-schedule an advising appointment (in-person or virtual) with a study abroad coordinator