University of Wisconsin–Madison

Financial Aid

UW-Madison students may be able to use financial aid on approved UW-Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. If you have not previously received aid, you may still be eligible for financial aid to help with your program expenses. For financial aid guidelines and questions connect with the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA).

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to receive federal and state financial aid. It is possible to complete the FAFSA anytime during the academic year. However, it may take additional time to process your FAFSA, so it is best to apply as early as possible. You do not need to indicate you are studying abroad on your FAFSA.

Federal Work-Study funds cannot be applied to program fees. However, declining Work-Study for your program term can be a strategy. Contact OSFA for more details.

The types of federal financial aid offered through FAFSA that can be used for study abroad on a UW-Madison approved program are:

  • Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Federal Student Loans

Some State of Wisconsin grants and institutional grants/programs offered through FAFSA by UW-Madison can also be used for your program. Below are some examples:

  • Vilas Grants
  • Equal Opportunity Grants
  • WI Higher Education Grants
  • Lawton Minority Grants

Students in Bucky’s Tuition Promise and Badger Promise are not eligible to use funding for these programs towards their program. We encourage these students to look into other funding options.

CSS Profile

Only incoming undergraduates (first-degree, first-year and new transfers) that will begin fall 2026 or after are required to complete the CSS Profile. You will need to complete a CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to be considered for need-based institutional aid.

Financial aid eligibility from OSFA and disbursement

Financial aid disbursement is determined by federal requirements and sometimes occurs after a program has started. For specific details on disbursement by duration, go to the Financial Aid section of the Study Abroad handbook.

Additional funding

You may qualify for additional funding to offset any extra program costs- even if you already received aid. Below are additional aid options for students to look into:

Graduate student remissions

Graduate students receiving a tuition remission should inquire with their home department about whether it will apply when studying abroad. There are various types of tuition remissions on campus and some will and some will not continue to be funded.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

IAP reports the total cost of the program, not just the program fee, to OSFA for all participants. OSFA will then update student’s COA to accurately reflect their program costs for the given term. Please note that if anticipated program costs are less than on-campus costs, aid packages can be reduced. If anticipated program costs are more than on-campus costs, aid packages will not be increased. Students may fill the gap with additional funding options mentioned above.

Per federal regulations, students can only receive financial aid up to their COA. If students receive outside aid that exceeds their COA, OSFA may decrease aid their office already offered. If you are interested in taking out a loan for program expenses, please contact OSFA first to ensure your COA has been updated and allows room for the full loan amount you want to borrow.

Financial aid contact

For questions regarding financial aid, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) below. Students can also schedule an appointment with an advisor via Starfish.

Email: finaid@finaid.wisc.edu

Phone: 608.262.3060

Funding Resources

Financial Aid Advising for Study Abroad

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