- All programs and the student's participation in both Catholic University and non-Catholic University programs must be approved by CUAbroad.
- Financial aid of any sort must be used for credit-bearing academic coursework overseas that the student's home institution accepts toward the degree.
- The application of financial aid is different for Catholic University-administered and affiliated vs. non-Catholic University programs. It is crucial that you understand the difference and plan your payments accordingly.
All Approved Programs Abroad
Most federal and state financial aid - with the exception of work-study - and/or commercial loans can be applied to help pay for programs sponsored by most accredited institutions in the US and international institutions recognized by the country's ministry of education.
Federal work study awards may be used during the fall before the student departs or may be used after the student returns in the spring.
Financial Aid for Catholic University Programs
Please request a CUAbroad program cost breakdown to take with you to the Financial Aid Office to determine your loan eligibility for CUAbroad-affiliated programs.
If you are participating on a non-CUAbroad program, it is your responsibility to request a cost breakdown from the sponsoring institution to provide to the Financial Aid Office.
Enrollment Requirements Abroad
Students participating in semester- or academic year programs MUST be enrolled full time (12-15 credit hours) during the program. Exception to this requirement must be requested in writing and approved by the Center for Education Abroad and the Dean of the school in which the student is enrolled. Such request usually not granted due to student visa regulations in the host country.
Any prior balances due to Catholic University MUST be paid in full in order to be officially admitted in an education abroad program (both affiliated or non-affiliated). Students will not be allowed to study abroad unless all past balances are paid up.
IMPORTANT: Making Satisfactory Progress
Financial Aid for Programs Not Affiliated with Catholic University
Catholic University grants and scholarship awards will NOT apply to non-CUAbroad programs. A student wishing to use any type of financial aid must complete and obtain the signature of the Dean of the School on the Consortium Agreement indicating whether or not the School will accept all or some of the credits from the proposed program.
The Office of Financial Aid has copies of the Consortium Agreement. After obtaining the Dean's signature, the form must be signed by the host institution (program provider) as well.
Grants or Scholarships
Any departmental grants or scholarships (including Modern Languages) must be coordinated through the Financial Aid package as all Catholic University funding resources are required to be coordinated with Federal aid.
Commercial Loans
In general, commercial loans can be applied to help pay for programs sponsored by most accredited institutions in the US and international institutions recognized by the country's ministry of education. Students interested in applying for additional student loans may wish to use search engines such as International Student Loan and Study Abroad Loans.