Study Abroad

Click on the links below for questions about financial aid and Study Abroad programs at SJSU:

• Can I use financial aid towards study abroad programs?

  • Yes, you can use financial aid towards SJSU approved Study Abroad programs for Fall and Spring semesters.  Summer is an optional term and funding is limited, see link for applying for summer financial aid.

    Programs through other universities or providers are not eligible for financial aid. A list of approved programs is found on the Study Abroad website.

• Can I utilize all my financial aid toward a semester or academic year study abroad program?

  • If the study abroad program is approved through the SJSU Study Abroad Office AND registration fees are paid to SJSU then full financial aid can be applied to the study abroad program.

    Exception: If registration fees are paid directly to the host campus abroad, the State University Grant, Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B (fee portion) would not apply to the study abroad programs. Note: these funds would apply if registration fees are paid to SJSU.

• Does financial aid apply towards Winter session study abroad?

  • Unfortunately, financial aid is not applicable for Winter Session. However, if you wish to borrow Federal Direct Loan funds offered for the academic year, not yet accepted, and wish to apply these funds to this short-term program, that would be your choice. This also applies to summer short-term programs that have fewer than 6 units.

• Does financial aid apply towards Summer session Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs (FLP)?

  • Yes, financial aid does apply towards FLP programs in Summer. However, you must be enrolled in at least half-time units to qualify for financial aid in the Summer. Please visit or call the Financial Aid office during Spring semester (April) to inquire about applying for  Summer financial aid. Summer financial aid is limited to Pell Grant and student loans, if eligible.  View Summer Financial Aid for more information about summer aid.

• What steps must I take to ensure I receive my financial aid?
  •  

    Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act application early! The priority deadline for maximum funding is March 2 annually. Please watch your To-Do list in your SJSU portal for any additional documents that the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office may need for further verification.

    Turn documents in as soon as possible, if requested. If you need to borrow loans for the academic year, you will need to accept in the Accept/Decline Awards link of your portal.  

    If you are admitted to an approved SJSU Study Abroad program for a semester or academic year, you will be given an add-code by the Study Abroad Office. Once the study abroad add-code is entered into the university system, financial aid will automatically apply towards outstanding charges at the beginning of each semester.

• Are scholarships available for Study Abroad?

  • Yes, there are scholarships available for Study Abroad students. The Spartan Scholarship application opens for each academic year in January. This application is listed on our Scholarships web page.

    You can also research scholarships through private organizations and through your department as well. Please visit the Study Abroad website for more information about specific Study Abroad scholarships.   

If you have any other questions, stop by the Financial Aid office or Contact Us.