Study Abroad Costs
Program Costs
Budgets for KU study abroad programs are available on the page for the program under “Program Cost and Funding.” Students who participate in a student-initiated program will create a program budget with their program coordinator. Individual program costs depend on a variety of factors, such as program structure, program length, credit hours, excursions or other group activities, and location
The “real cost” of study abroad is the total cost from the study abroad program budget minus the KU cost of attendance for the same term. (You can read more about cost of attendance and determine your annual KU cost of attendance by viewing estimates from Financial Aid and Scholarships. Please note that these are calculated with estimated expenses, so be sure to use your actual costs to determine your KU cost of attendance.) When considering this “real cost,” many students find that the cost of studying abroad is comparable to, and sometimes more affordable than, attending classes on the Lawrence campus for the same term.
Some students might see their financial aid awards adjusted during the term that they are abroad. This is because the study abroad program budget is sent to Financial Aid & Scholarships and becomes the cost of attendance for the term abroad. Financial aid is then awarded based on that amount, not the KU cost of attendance. In general, students cannot receive more in financial aid than the cost of attendance for a term.
Summer Program Cost for Language, Literature, and Culture in Barcelona, Spain
| Program Cost Item | KU Student |
|---|---|
| KU Tuition | $3,120.00 |
| KU Required Fee * | $560.00 |
| KU Program Fee * | $5,835.00 |
| Billable through KU Enroll & Pay subtotal: | $9,515.00 |
| Airfare | $1,850.00 |
| Passport | $165.00 |
| Passport Photos | $15.00 |
| Additional Meals | $725.00 |
| Books and Supplies | $50.00 |
| Ground Transportation (Airport Transfer) | $75.00 |
| Phone Costs | $150.00 |
| Travel Insurance | $300.00 |
| Personal Expenses | $725.00 |
Program Budgets
Above an example of a KU study abroad program budget. Study abroad program budgets generally have four main components: tuition, required fees, program fees, and estimated additional expenses. Tuition for KU and exchange courses, required fees, and program fees for some programs are billed through KU’s Enroll & Pay system. Other types of tuition (such as tuition for direct enroll programs) and program fees may be billed through Enroll & Pay, or they may be due directly to another institution or provider. For more information on what is billed through Enroll & Pay for a particular program, see the study abroad program budget on the program page or the student-initiated program budget created with a program coordinator.
Tuition
Students should check the notes at the bottom of the study abroad program budget if the credit hour of a program is variable or if the student is a graduate student to see an estimate of their particular tuition cost for the program.
Required Fees
Required fees include the Study Abroad & Global Engagement administrative fee, orientation, technology fees, and evacuation and repatriation insurance.
Program Fees
Program fees will vary by program but can include things such as housing, meals, cultural activities, transportation, and administrative fees. Read the notes on the program's budget to see what is included.
Estimated Additional Student Expenses
Students will pay the additional estimated expenses on their own. The cost will differ by student depending on personal spending habits and variable costs. Students who already have an item in this section (e.g., a passport, diving certification, etc.) will be able to deduct that amount from their personal overall cost.
Billing
Upon acceptance into a study abroad program, students will have some time to officially commit to the program, which they do by signing a financial contract. The financial contract outlines the program costs—and clearly explains what will be billed through Enroll & Pay— and the withdrawal fees, so students need to read it carefully.
Once the study abroad program costs that are billed through Enroll & Pay are posted online, bills become available in Enroll & Pay. Payments to Enroll & Pay for Fall programs are due in mid-September, for Spring programs (including Winter Break and Spring Break) in mid-February, and for Summer programs in mid-June. For students on student-initiated programs with a study abroad provider, bills might be due before a student has received their financial aid. For more information on navigating this situation, read more about "Using Financial Aid & Scholarships for Student-Initiated Programs."
Students who prefer to make payments through a payment plan can enroll in one administered by Nelnet or TouchNet. Payment plans are not available for the summer term.