Financial Aid

girl poses with a pretzel as big as here head.

Sheena Caines, Germany, 2006-2007

On this page:

You don't have to be a millionaire to go abroad! You can utilize your federal, university and departmental financial aid award abroad! The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has a great page dedicated to info on Study Abroad. Even if you don't think that you're eligible for financial aid, we encourage you to apply by the appropriate deadlines. Our Financial Aid Office will take into consideration expenses such as airfare, health insurance, loss of employment while abroad etc. as part of your aid package. Further questions should be directed to Angie Caruso in Financial Aid at 594-1632.

Before You Go!

In order to utilize Financial Aid while abroad there are some key steps you must take:

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  2. Search for available scholarships. Consult our scholarships page as well as the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships .
  3. Don't forget to look at a list of national scholarship opportunities for study abroad
  4. Students going on non-SDSU programs must complete additional paperwork prior to departure. If you are unsure of how your credit is issued, consult your program provider.
  5. Students participating in programs with academic credit issued by a US accredited university must complete a Special Enrollment Agreement.
  6. Students participating in programs with academic credit issued directly by an overseas institution must complete a Contractual Agreement .
  7. Sign up for direct deposit of funds so you may access them while abroad.
  8. Make sure you have the necessary documents to complete verification of enrollment (not applicable to CSU IP program participants). Financial aid cannot be released without submission of a verification of enrollment.

Another important part of your financial preparation is budgeting.

  1. Utilize the Budget Sheet (xls or pdf)  
  2. Check out this PowerPoint (Karey's) on how to finance your study abroad experience.

While Abroad:

  1. Submit your verification of enrollment in a timely manner! Financial Aid cannot be released without receipt of this documentation (does not apply to students on the CSU IP program).
  2. Verification of enrollment must:
    • Be on official letterhead of your host university
    • State the dates that you are enrolled
    • State the number of units you are enrolled in
    • Be signed by your overseas coordinator
    • Be sent directly to:
      San Diego State University
      Student Financial Services  Attn: Debbie Hegmann
      5500 Campanile Ave.
      San Diego, CA 92182-7425
      Fax: (619) 594-2568
      dhegmann@mail.sdsu.edu
  3. Keep your email address updated with the Education Abroad Office and in your SDSU WebPortal.
  4. Maintain full-time status! Your financial aid may be adjusted or reduced if you fail to maintain full-time status. Check with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for clarification.

Upon Return:

1.    Make sure you fulfill any scholarship obligations in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in your scholarship being revoked!