You can apply your financial aid award towards any approved student abroad program. Award packages are adjusted to reflect the costs of the program, so students can go anywhere and be fully covered for the costs.
Pell Grants
Students receiving a federal Pell Grant will be able to take these funds abroad for a fall or spring semester. Additionally, students should expect to receive some Pell Grant funds if they elect to study abroad in the summer. (updated May 2019)
Loans for Education Abroad
Education Abroad is an investment in your future. Many students have to take out loans to go to school in Austin, and similarly, many students choose to take out loans to support a semester or summer abroad. Students are encouraged to discuss loan options with their Education Abroad Program Coordinator.
Learn more about the 6 loan types
Disbursement Timeline
Scholarships: Education Abroad scholarships offered by UT departments are generally released to the student immediately after the award notification via email. The one exception is Maymester scholarships which are generally awarded in December but not disbursed until late January. Students should contact the scholarship administrator if they have questions about the scholarship payment timeline.
Loans & Grants: Funds from the State of Texas and the US Federal Government are disbursed to the student based on federal regulations. The charts below will assist you in knowing when you can expect to receive these funds.
Start Date
May- July (SS1)
Disbursement Date
Early June, but not before June 2 typically
Note
If your program leaves in May, you will not have your funds before your departure.
Start Date
Mid-July - August (SS2)
Disbursement Date
Mid-July, but not before July 4, typically
Note
If you are enrolled in a second summer session program and going to country early you will not have your funds before departure.
Start Date
July - August
Disbursement Timeline
late August, approximately UT first class day
Notes
If you are departing in June, July or August you should plan on not receiving your financial aid until late August.
Start Date
September - October
Disbursement Date
10 days before your start date in country
Notes
n/a
Start Date
January
Disbursement Date
10 days before your start date in country
Notes
If you leave in very early January, you should plan on not receiving your financial aid until the third week of January.
Start Date
February - April
Disbursement Date
10 days before your start date in country
Notes
n/a
Start Date
May
Disbursement Date
Two Disbursements
Notes
Funds for Austin will be distributed like normal in January; supplemental funds for Maymester will be disbursed the second week of February.
Start Date
February - April
Disbursement Date
10 days before your start date in country
Notes
n/a
Affiliated Programs - Aid Alert
Student participating in Affiliated Studies programs will not be able to receive their Texas Grant, UT Tuition Grant, Be-On-Time Loan or Top 10% Scholarship while abroad. All of these funds require a student to maintain enrollment in a tuition based registration category. Students in Affiliated Studies do not pay UT Tuition, they pay a $600 administrative fee to maintain enrollment. Students in faculty-led programs that are part UT tuition and part Affiliated Studies may be able to receive pro-rated amounts of these aid programs.
Summer Session 2 - Aid Alert
Student participating in faculty-led or faculty-led affiliated hybrid programs for summer session 2 are required to pay their full amount of tuition and if applicable affiliated studies fee of $600 or take out a UT Austin Tuition Loan by June 11, 2019. Students cannot simply defer their tuition to financial aid. For more information contact your Program Coordinator.
