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Home : Prospective Participants : Participants : Returnees : Reciprocity Students : Faculty : Contacts : The World at UCI

Prospective Participants


Program Options

Important Information

UCI Study Abroad Center

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Financial Aid Overview
  • EAP During the Year
  • EAP Summer
  • UC Summer
  • IOP During the Year
  • IOP Summer
  • Scholarships
  • More Funding Ideas

ALL STUDENTS

  • If you can afford to go to UCI, you can afford to study abroad! See sample cost comparisons.
  • All study abroad participants are recommended to complete a FAFSA by the priority deadline to ensure that you are considered for any financial aid for which you might be eligible.
  • All study abroad participants are encouraged to investigate scholarships. Click on the tab above.
  • Financial Aid eligibility criteria are the same when studying abroad or studying at UCI.  Sources of aid and procedures vary depending on the type of study abroad program you choose. Click above for details.

Questions?
All questions regarding your individual circumstances and financial aid eligibility should be directed to a Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office.  Be sure to specify that you are an EAP, IOP, or Travel-Study Participant.

UCI Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
102 Aldrich Hall
Irvine, CA 92697-2825
(949) 824-8262
(949) 824-4876 (fax)
finaid@uci.edu

EAP Financial Aid during the Academic Year

  • All UCI financial aid (except work-study, but including grants, scholarships and loans) is available to qualified EAP students.
  • Your financial aid award will be adjusted based on the total cost of participation in the study abroad program you choose.  There are differences in the way grants, scholarships, and loans are adjusted.  See the EAP Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office for details.
  • Special EAP scholarships are available.

Action: Complete the FAFSA (you do not need to specify EAP participation).  You will automatically be contacted by the Financial Aid Office after you are selected for EAP participation, approximately 1-3 months before your departure on EAP. 

EAP Summer Financial Aid

  • Eligibility is the same as for UCI Summer Session. Eligibility details are listed on the UCI Financial Aid web site.
  • Students may also accept any unused loans from the current academic year by June 1st and use that funding for their summer program.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Financial Aid for summer programs is very limited.  While some small grants may be available, the majority of summer financial aid awards are comprised of loans.  Students who are concerned about this are encouraged to consider a program during the academic year, when more financial aid is available.

Action: 

  • Complete the FAFSA (you do not need to specify EAP participation).  You will automatically be contacted by the Financial Aid Office after you are selected for EAP participation, approximately 1-3 months before your departure on EAP.
  • Log onto My Aid on the UCI Financial Aid web site to accept previously offered loans.

UC Summer Session Financial Aid (not EAP)

For UCI Travel-Study and other University of California Summer Programs Abroad (e.g. UC Davis, UCLA, UC San Diego, etc.):

  • Eligibility is the same as for UCI Summer Session. Eligibility details are listed on the UCI Financial Aid web site.
  • Students may also accept any unused loans from the current academic year by June 1st and use that funding for their summer program.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Financial Aid for summer programs is very limited.  While some small grants may be available, the majority of summer financial aid awards are comprised of loans.  Students who are concerned about this are encouraged to consider a program during the academic year, when more financial aid is available.

Action:

  • Check the eligibility details listed on the UCI Financial Aid web site and follow the instructions given to complete a Summer Session Financial Aid Application on-line. For non-UCI programs, follow the instructions given under "Summer Session At Another UC Campus".
  • Log onto My Aid on the UCI Financial Aid web site to accept previously offered loans.

IOP Financial Aid during the Academic Year

  • Most UCI financial aid (except work-study and university grants, but including Pell grants, Cal grants, and loans) is available to qualified IOP students participating in most study programs that are approved for transfer credit to UCI.
    Note:
      There are fewer types of financial aid available if you participate in a study abroad program in which you directly enroll at the host university (i.e. there is no U.S. office/point of contact).  See the IOP Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office for details. 
  • Your financial aid award will be adjusted based on the total cost of participation in the study abroad program you choose.  There are differences in the way grants, scholarships, and loans are adjusted.  See the IOP Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office for details.

Action: 

  • Complete the FAFSA.
  • Read the IOP Financial Aid Checklist and meet with the IOP Financial Aid Counselor in 102 Aldrich Hall for further instructions and to answer any questions. Do this before submitting your IOP Credit Contract. No appointment necessary.
  • UC Davis Quarter Abroad participants only: Follow the instructions provided by UC Davis Quarter Abroad. Do not refer to the IOP Financial Aid Checklist link above.

IOP Summer Financial Aid (not UC Summer)

Most IOP Summer programs are less than 10 weeks in length.

  • For these programs, any previously unused loans awarded for the preceding academic year can be accepted before June 1.
  • Action:  Log onto My Aid on the UCI Financial Aid web site to accept previously offered loans.

It is rare to find a summer program that is 10 weeks in length or more. If you do, contact the Study Abroad Center for assistance.

Last year UCI students studying abroad received over $200,000 in scholarships in addition to aid regularly awarded by the UCI Financial Aid Office.  Review the scholarships below and apply!

Scholarships Administered by EAP or UCI

UCI EAP SCHOLARSHIP – For programs during the academic year (all programs except summer).
All EAP participants who apply for UCI financial aid (i.e. complete and submit the FAFSA) and are participating on programs during the academic year, will be automatically considered for an EAP Scholarship awarded by the UCI Financial Aid Office.  Semester and Year participants do not need to apply separately for the UCI EAP Scholarship. UCI EAP Scholarship recipients will be notified by UCI Financial Aid prior to departure on EAP.  If you do not complete the FAFSA you will not be considered for an EAP Scholarship.  The amount of funds available for this scholarship vary annually.

FRIENDS OF STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP (DOC) –For programs during the academic year (all programs except summer).
These scholarships are provided by organizations and individuals, including UCI alumni, who support study abroad at UCI.  Applicants must be participating in an EAP program or IOP program, taking at least one class abroad to fulfill a UCI degree requirement, and must return to UCI after studying abroad. Up to five scholarships may be awarded per year. Scholarships are $750 - $1000. Application deadline:  Programs beginning in fall: late-March.  Programs beginning in winter or spring:  mid-October. Click on the link above for exact deadline dates and application form.

Raad Hermes Memorial Scholarship (DOC) (EAP & IOP) - For programs during the academic year (all programs except summer).
This scholarship seeks to provide an opportunity for students with the specified selection criteria to explore global opportunities in their field of interest, in an academic setting.  Applicants must have minimal competency in Iraqi Arabic and be participating in a semester or year program through EAP or IOP.  Scholarships are $2,000 each. Application deadline:  Programs beginning in fall: late-March.  Programs beginning in winter or spring:  mid-October. Click on the link above for exact deadline dates and application form.

UC EAP SCHOLARSHIPS:

  • DUTTENHAVER SCHOLARSHIP FOR YEAR-LONG EAP STUDY
    Students who meet the eligibility requirements specified on the link above may apply for these $5,000 scholarships.  Application deadline: Programs beginning in fall: early-March .  Programs beginning in winter: early-October. Click on the link above for exact deadline dates.
  • DAN WISE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR YEAR-LONG EAP STUDY IN FRANCE
    Students who have financial need and have not studied abroad before may apply for these $5,000 scholarships.  Application deadline: Click on the link above for exact deadline dates.
  • COUNTRY SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS
    Various scholarships are available for specific countries.  Review all tabs at the above link.

UCI SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS (EAP) Several Schools at UCI offer scholarships to EAP participants in their majors. The following schools have typically offered scholarships.

UCI GERMAN DEPARTMENT TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP (EAP & IOP)
By way of a charitable gift, the UCI German Department administers a travel award to Germany . For more information, please contact the German Department Manager,  Mary Underwood:  marycu@uci.edu

UCI-Semester at Sea Scholarships (DOC)
Semester at Sea offers scholarships specifically for UCI students.  Click on the above link for eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Scholarships Administered by Other Institutions or Organizations

ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF JAPANESE (ATJ) BRIDGING SCHOLARSHIP (EAP & IOP)
ATJ offers 100 scholarships to American students participating in study abroad programs in Japan. Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study and attending any recognized exchange or independent program in Japan during the academic year are eligible to apply for these scholarships, ranging from $2,500 (for semester programs) or $4,000 (for academic year programs). Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. The application is on their web site above. Application deadline is early-April. Check the web site above for exact deadline date.

BENJAMIN A. GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP (EAP & IOP)
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program will provide up to $5,000 for undergraduate U.S. citizens studying abroad. Applicants must be undergraduate students receiving federal Pell Grant funding for the term of his/her application. Apply on-line via the web site above. Application deadline is March 1 for programs beginning in summer or fall and and early-October for programs beginning in winter or spring. Check the Gilman web site for exact deadline dates. For FAQs and tips on how to write the Gilman Scholarship Essays, see Multimedia and click on the "Podcasts" tab at the top of the page.

DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship (EAP & IOP)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), offers undergraduate scholarships to students interested in studying, doing research, or completing an internship in Germany for a 4-10 month period during the German academic year.  Recipients will be awarded a monthly stipend plus additional funds to help defray travel and research expenses as well as health insurance.  Additional eligibility requirements and application instructions and exact deadline can be found on their web site above.  Application deadline is late-January each year.

FREEMAN-ASIA (EAP & IOP)
Freeman-Asia Awards aim to increase the number of U.S. undergraduates who study in East and Southeast Asia. Award amounts vary from $3,000 for a summer program to $5,000 for a semester/quarter program to $7,000 for an academic year program. The application deadline is February 15 for summer programs, April 1 for fall and academic year programs, and October 12 for spring programs.

FUND FOR EDUCATION ABROAD (EAP & IOP)
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) invites applications from undergraduate students for FEA Scholarships. Scholarships, of up to $5000, are intended to support students planning to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs of 4-weeks or longer during the academic year or summer.  Apply on-line via the web site above.  Application deadline:  Mid-November.

HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL-TRAVEL GRANT (EAP & IOP)
Hostelling International Los Angeles Council awards a Travel Grant of $1,000 to a deserving student between 17-26 years of age to assist the recipient in realizing their educational goals through travel. Travel Grant applications are accepted January 1 through March 15 each year. More information, including how to obtain an application, is included on their web site.

IES ABROAD PUBLIC UNIVERSITY GRANT (IOP)
UCI students participating on semester and year IES Abroad programs receive an automatic $1,500 tuition grant from IES Abroad.  Details are on web at the above link.  UCI is an Associate member of the IEW Abroad consortium.

NSCS SCHOLARSHIPS (EAP & IOP)
Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars' (NSCS) are eligible to apply for two types of study abroad scholarships: NSCS Scholar Abroad Scholarship and Scholar at Sea Scholarship.  Click on the link above for both membership and scholarship information.

NSEP/Boren Awards for International Study (EAP & IOP)
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) offers Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships for US citizens to pursue serious study abroad in critical world areas. Scholarships apply to study in all countries except Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Western Europe. All award recipients must complete a service requirement upon return from abroad. UCI students apply through UCI's Scholarship Opportunities Program. UCI Deadline: Early January.

ROTARY FOUNDATION (IOP)
Focused on humanitarian service, personal diplomacy, and academic excellence, these scholarships are designed to further international understanding, Scholarships provide for tuition, room, board and expenses. Applicants must apply over one year prior to the year of study.   UCI students apply through UCI's Scholarship Opportunities ProgramUCI Deadline:  February 1.

Swedish Educational and Cultural Honorarium (SECH) (EAP & IOP)
The SECH is awarded annually in the amount $4,400 by the Standard Filter Corporation and the Swedish Center of San Diego to support students undertaking Swedish educational and cultural activities.  3.25 GPA is required.  Additional rules and guidelines for application can be found at the SECH web site.  Applications are due in late February.

SWEA: Swedish Women's Educational Association Scholarships (DOC) (EAP & IOP)
SWEA provides one or more scholarships, annually, to UCI students interested in learning about Swedish culture by pursuing studies in Sweden.  Scholarships range from approximately $1,000 to $3,000.  Application deadline: Late-March. Click on the link above for application and exact deadline date.

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Division of International Programs Abroad (IOP)
UCI students participating in a Syracuse Study Abroad program for a semester or year can receive a $4500 tuition differential grant to offset the additional tuition cost at Syracuse vs UCI. In addition to this automatic grant, they offer automatic merit scholarships up to $1,200 for students with GPAs above 3.7.

WOMEN IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE SCHOLARSHIP (DOC) (EAP & IOP)
The Organization of Women in International Trade—Orange County (OWIT-OC) awards one or more scholarships of $1,000 to students displaying an interest in international business or who are studying abroad and meet other criteria listed on the application linked above.  Application must be postmarked by April 8, 2011.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Web Sites

We encourage you to investigate all means for supporting your international experience! The web sites below contain links to financial aid information and scholarships offered by other organizations.

Scholarships for UCI students managed by the UCI Office of Financial Aid.
Also check out their:

The studyabroad.com Forum on Financial Aid

IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding

Funding Options for Study Abroad (compiled by IES Abroad)

FinAid: The Financial Aid Information Page
Includes FASTWEB, the Internet's largest Free scholarship search. Also, check out the Financial Aid for Study Abroad page on this site.

External Scholarships Database The University of Minnesota's online database of scholarships for study abroad.

Scholarship Portal The web's largest database of scholarships in Europe.

UCI Scholarship Opportunities Program

The US Department of Education's Student Guide to Financial Aid

International Student Loan Program

STA Travel Registry

The STA Travel Registry is similar to a wedding registry.   You can setup an account and have friends and family members contribute to making your study abroad dreams come true. You can personalize your page with trip details, photos, and videos.  Include a compelling message about why you should be supported.  All money collected can be redeemed at the UCI STA Travel Store in the Student Center.  Questions?  Ask STA Travel.

Fundraising

One strategy is to ask others to support you financially in order to participate in an educational program abroad.  Previous UCI students have been successful with this approach.  Below are some simple steps to follow.  You may also want to review one specific organization’s fundraising strategies for ideas:  http://fsdinternational.org/apply/funding-your-experience/execute

1. Determine how much you (or your family) can contribute financially and how much you need.

2. Write a detailed, well-written proposal of what you plan to do (what program you are going on, what courses you plan to take, what research you plan to do, etc.) and how it will further your overall academic and career goals. You may want to alter the wording slightly depending on the audience to which you present it.

3. Plan an oral presentation of your proposal. Include in your presentation a description of the portion of the cost that your are providing.

4. Make a plan of who to contact to ask for assistance. The following are some suggestions:

  • Community organizations or individuals who share your goals or experience (women's groups, ethnic associations, service organizations, groups promoting understanding of the country you are going to, civic groups in your hometown if it is small, etc.).
  • Academic or professional associations related to your academic goals. (Ask professors in your field for ideas.)
  • Local businesses related to your area of study or with an interest in the country in which you will be studying.
  • Individuals with financial resources who are sympathetic to you or your goals and interests (i.e. first generation in college, same ethnic background, similar academic area of specialization or career goal, friends and family, etc.).
  • Alumni of the program you will be participating in.

5. Begin to meet with your target groups or individuals. When you meet, give your oral presentation. If appropriate, offer your written proposal so that it can be shown to others in the organization. People are impressed with students who are organized and focused!

One approach when asking for money is to ask for matching funds. For example tell them that you have $5,000 and you are looking for 5 people or groups who can donate $1,000 each (or 10 who can contribute $500 each).

If you need additional guidance, you are welcome to contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

Study Abroad Center
University of California, Irvine • Irvine, CA 92697
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All Rights Reserved.

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