Pre-Departure Special Funds
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
- Complete the online application.
- Please book a Virtual Financial Aid & Scholarship Advising appointment or book an In-Person Financial & Scholarship Advising appointment.
During the appointment, the student’s financial aid status will be verified and the application and eligibility will be reviewed.
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
- Make an appointment with the Student Services Coordinator or your Program Coordinator in Study Abroad and Global Engagement to discuss your eligibility for this program. During the appointment, your financial aid status will be verified and the application and eligibility requirements will be reviewed.
- You will receive a link to the online application after your meeting with the financial aid advisor.
- If approved, the student will receive further instructions on how to purchase the airline ticket.
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.