1. Can I use financial aid for study abroad? Yes. It is possible to use financial aid for virtually every study abroad option. Even if you have not received aid in the past, you should consider applying for financial aid through UNCG for the period of your study abroad. Non-UNCG students should contact the Financial Aid Office of their home institution to discuss options. 2. Where do I find more specific information on financial aid for study abroad? After you have chosen a study abroad program, you should discuss financial aid study abroad procedures with an advisor in The International Programs Center. 3. What kind of aid is available? Need-based financial aid: This type of aid depends on an evaluation of your financial need and is processed by the UNCG Financial Aid Office. It includes all federal grants, federal loans, and assorted state- and institutionally-based loans and grants. Supplementary loans: These loans are not need-based and are designed to supplement the parent/student contribution to your educational costs. These can be used along or in conjunction with need-based financial aid to finance your study abroad costs. These loans may involve a separate application process. Scholarships: Undergraduate students that receive various UNCG-based scholarship support (e.g. Competitive Scholars, Bryan Scholars, Reynolds Scholars, NC Teaching Fellows, etc.) can apply this support to approved UNCG study abroad programs. Additionally, the International Programs Center administers a substantial travel grant program for UNCG study abroad programs through its Endowment for International Programs. 4. How do I apply for financial aid? Appropriate Financial Aid forms are available online or from the UNCG Financial Aid Office, 723 Kenilworth Street (off Spring Garden Road), telephone 334-5702, http://fia.uncg.edu. Applications for UNCG study abroad travel grants are available from the International Programs Center. 5. When should I start applying for financial aid? Applying early is critical. Financial Aid forms are generally available in January with a priority filing deadline of March 1 (preferably February 1). Scholarship application deadlines vary. Keep in mind that financial aid procedures for study abroad will take additional time and planning. 6. Are there special procedures involved in using financial aid to study abroad? YES. In order for you to use your financial aid for your study abroad program, you must work with the International Programs Center to complete special procedures. Your UNCG financial aid is not applicable unless these procedures are completed prior to departure. 7. How much of my costs will financial aid cover? It depends on the following variables: your study abroad program cost, your financial need, and the number of supplementary loans to which you will have access. In reviewing your options, you should also consider how much loan debt you are willing to incur. 8. Will the number of credits I take affect my financial aid? YES. The credit load requirements are the same as those for on-campus study. For specific details refer to the UNCG Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Eligibility, available from the Financial Aid Office. You should complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester when studying abroad. (This is required because students' registration shows up as full time while abroad, therefore their aid is paid at full time status.) 9. Do my grades affect my future financial aid? Successful completion of the study abroad program will affect your financial aid status in the same way that it would if you had studied on campus. However, because you will receive transfer credit for your study abroad program, your grades received overseas will not be reflected in your UNCG GPA. It is your responsibility to ensure that your transfer credits are evaluated and posted to your UNCG transcript promptly upon your return. If you study abroad for the fall semester, your credits must be posted to your UNCG transcript by March 15th after your return. If you study abroad for the spring semester or for the entire academic year, your credits must be posted by October 1st after your return. If you do not meet these deadlines and/or you have not met the requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Financial Aid Eligibility, you will be required to immediately repay any financial aid received after your return. You may request an appeal to the SAP Policy. 10. Can I defer past loans while studying abroad? Yes, in most cases. You must be enrolled in a UNCG-approved study abroad program and registered for at least six credit hours per semester. You should contact your loan agency to request and complete the necessary paperwork. 11. Who is responsible for taking care of my financial aid while I'm overseas? YOU are responsible. The International Programs Center will assist you in making necessary arrangements to ensure that all funds are forwarded to the appropriate places. Keep in mind that you must make these arrangements prior to your departure or your aid may not be released or it may be delayed. An information sheet concerning financial aid for study abroad is available from the International Programs Center, 127 McIver St, UNCG, tel. 334-5404 (E-mail: int_programs@uncg.edu). You may also wish to consult with a Financial Aid Counselor, Financial Aid Office, 723 Kenilworth Street, UNCG, tel. 334-5702. For more Information please contact:      Tom Martinek, Jr., Assistant Director of Study Abroad and Exchanges Email: tjmarti2@uncg.edu Telephone: (336) 334-5404 Back to the top Back to Special Funding Please forward any questions to: The International Programs Center UNCG, 127 McIver Street, PO Box 26170 Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 PHONE: 336-334-5404 ~ FAX: 336-334-5406 E-mail: studyabroad@uncg.edu This page is maintained by Penelope Pynes. Please direct questions and comments accordingly. This page was last updated on February 5th, 2007.