Funding FAQs

The UW-Madison Bursar bills all study abroad program fees.  Students receive an e-bill approximately four weeks in advance of their program fee due date.  Due to the unique processes associated with study abroad, study abroad program fees have different due dates than on-campus tuition.  Program cost sheets and the Study Abroad Handbook both include due dates for the duration students are going abroad.  Program cost sheets also share program specific billing information unique to your program. This could be the policy if you choose a different housing option, how tuition is billed for exchange programs, and any other details you may need to know about.

Students do have access to the same online views of study abroad program fees and e-bill statements. Study abroad participants can also pay program fees as customary:  mailing checks, using online payment services, enrolling in Badger Pay, dropping off payments at the Bursar’s Office, and even subtracting anticipated aid from balances due before making any payments.

The Bursar’s Office also coordinates refunds for study abroad participants.  Consider enrolling in eRefunds prior to studying abroad.  This prevents checks sent to wrong addresses and delaying deposit into your account as you leave for your program site.  This is due to financial aid awards disbursing 5-10 days before your programs start date.

For more specific details, please consult the Financial section of your Study Abroad Handbook.

Program cost sheets not only list program fees and estimated additional expenses, but also cancellation fees and policies, due dates, and payment information.

Program fee information explains what is included and what is not included in a program fee.  Estimated additional expenses often have explanations by category of expense.  Any specific program fees and billing policies are listed in cost sheets as well.  The sum of the program fee and estimated additional expenses compromise the cost of attendance for a program.  The cost of attendance is shared with the Office of Student Financial Aid as students become program participants.  Cost sheets also include Qualified and Non-qualified cost information.  Qualified costs are academic expenses included in the total program fee, while Non-qualified costs refer to living expenses such as housing, insurance, etc.  This can be important information for students using 529 plans to pay program fees and certain scholarships.

It is extremely important that students read and understand the Cancellation and Withdrawal Policies section of their specific program cost sheet as they consider program participation.  Since program fees recover the cost of program expenses, students can incur cancellation fees prior to the start of a program.

Programs that include an internship (either paid or unpaid) integrate your work experience into your academic learning. Advisors for these programs can provide required visa information.
These opportunities can be found in the following ways on our website:

• Search for UW Signature Internships and External Internships using the International Internship Database. On these programs your main focus abroad will be your internship and you will take a 3-credit virtual class to complement your cross-cultural work experience. Some internships may offer compensation.
• Search for study abroad or domestic study away programs which offer a required or optional internship using our program search. These opportunities are indicated with a handshake icon.

If you’re thinking about a program that does not include an internship, you may be wondering about adding a part-time job or internship to your study abroad program.

You should be careful before deciding to work abroad, even if you are used to doing so in the U.S., as you may want more flexibility while abroad to adjust your schedule as certain opportunities arise.  Students who are going abroad for a full year may find they are able to balance their time abroad with working a part time job and not risk the feeling of missing out on certain experiences.

The ability to work while in a foreign country is determined by the local government. Depending on the length of time you are in country, your citizenship and the type of visa you are using for your experience, it may or may not be possible to work while you are abroad. For more specific details regarding your program and location, consult with your Study Abroad Advisor.