Pre-Departure Special Funds

Study Abroad & Global Engagement recognizes that some up-front costs such as applying for a passport and purchasing an airline ticket before financial aid has been disbursed can create a barrier for some students to participate in study abroad. There are two Pre-Departure Special Funds to help students overcome these barriers to make study abroad a reality.

Pederson Study Abroad Student Support Fund for Passport

Grants of up to $165 will assist students in applying for their first U.S. passport. Funds will be disbursed to approved students and must be used for their intended purposes as demonstrated by submission of documentation to Study Abroad & Global Engagement.

Eligibility Requirements

All students must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • Be a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student at The University of Kansas;
  • Have an application to a study abroad program through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement (Student Initiated Programs are eligible);
  • Have documented financial need for the funds (FAFSA on file and need statement);
  • Be applying for a U.S. passport for the very first time

Award Requirements

  • Submit documentation of passport
  • Write a thank-you note to the donor

Application Instructions

Timeline

Processing times for U.S. passports can vary, so view the current processing time from the U.S. Department of State.

Donor

The generous support of Christine Pederson, KU alumnus and former participant in the International Summer School at the University of Oslo makes this fund possible.

Airfare Assistance Program 

KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement will work with students to purchase airfare for their study abroad program and then bill the airfare charge to their KU student account along with the tuition and program fee so that financial aid can apply towards the expenses. This is an interest-free loan so that students can take advantage of lower airline prices prior to financial aid disbursement.

Eligibility Requirements

All students must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • Be a degree-seeking student at The University of Kansas;
  • Be accepted into a study abroad program through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement (Student Initiated Programs are eligible);
  • Have a confirmed amount of financial aid and scholarships that will cover the cost of airfare plus the study abroad fees that will be billed on Enroll & Pay (tuition, program fees, and required fees). Students can look on their signed financial contract to see their program costs.

Award Requirement

  • Flights must be booked through the University-approved travel agency.

Application Instructions

Billing and Payment Procedures

The Airfare Assistance Program is not a scholarship program, but rather an interest-free loan. The full cost of the airline ticket will be billed to the student’s KU Enroll & Pay account along with the other fees as outlined in the financial contract. It is each student’s responsibility to make sure their financial aid and/or scholarships are in order to transfer and pay all of the fees by the payment deadline as listed on the KU bill. KU will assess late fees if not paid in full by the deadlines. Study Abroad & Global Engagement cannot remove any late fees or enrollment holds.

Timeline

Students can apply for this fund after signing the financial contract. Depending on the departure date, flights can be purchased several weeks or up to several months after signing the financial contract.

 

Mazon-Coates Study Abroad Bridge Fund

The Study Abroad Bridge fund provides direct financial support for students participating in study abroad at KU. Support may be used to cover the upfront costs of study abroad, including visa acquisition fees or housing deposits, to bridge the gap between a student's financial aid package and the cost of attendance, or to address extenuating or emergent circumstances that an individual student might face.  

Eligibility Requirements

All students must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • Be a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student at The University of Kansas;
  • Have an application to a study abroad program through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement (Student Initiated Programs are eligible);
  • Have documented financial need for the funds (FAFSA on file and need statement);

Award Requirements

  • Write a thank-you note to the donors

Application Instructions

Donor

This fund has been provided through the generous support of Dr. Brad K. Mazon & Thomas Coates.

Costs and Finances