Study Abroad
Studying Abroad and Financial Aid
The University of Missouri St. Louis (UM-St. Louis) Center
for International Studies (CIS) offers many programs for oversees
study which provide students with a wide range of academic and
cultural experiences. UM-St. Louis students who apply for financial
aid and are awarded may receive it while studying abroad. However,
students must meet minimum enrollment requirements during their
term(s) abroad. The Office of Student Financial Aid works in conjunction
with CIS in an effort to assist students interested in studying
abroad, receive their financial aid and other eligible assistance
and to make the study abroad program possible.
Application Process
Students should begin the application process at CIS. The Center
for International Studies is located at 261 Millennium Student Center
(MSC), St. Louis, MO 63121. Phone (314) 516-6497, FAX (314) 516-5636.
Most programs require an essay, an official transcript and letters of recommendation. The application and recommendation forms are available in the Study Abroad Office. Detailed instructions are provided with each study abroad application packet.
The next stop for students interested in applying for financial aid should be the Office of Student Financial Aid- 327 MSC. Students already receiving financial aid should talk to the Study Abroad Coordinator. Students who have not yet applied should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it per the instructions. Study abroad students must follow regular guidelines, procedures and deadlines for receiving financial aid.
Program Costs
Costs for studying abroad depend on the services provided
and the country and city of study. These costs are established
through CIS, which sends official program budgets to the Office
of Student Financial Aid. Students may obtain a copy of the program
budget from CIS. The financial aid office will calculate your
overall financial need using the program budget and FAFSA information.
Financial Aid Deadlines
Students must have a complete financial aid file with the
financial aid office by following deadlines in order to receive
aid in a timely manner. Conversely, your aid may be delayed.
| Term of Study | FAFSA Deadline |
| Fall Term | Mid June |
| Spring Term | Mid October |
| Summer Term | Mid March |
Financial Aid Awards
Financial aid is awarded to students in a package, which
may be a combination of grants, scholarships, Federal Stafford Loans
and/or Federal PLUS loans (loans for parents with dependent as a
student). The above mentioned are the primary funding sources available
to students studying abroad.
Disbursement of Financial
Aid
Financial aid packages are disbursed to recipients after the
Office of Student Financial aid receives certification from CIS
that the student is enrolled in a legitimate program, for a required
number of credit hours. Students are responsible for keeping contact
with CIS regarding the program acceptance. Financial aid can be
disbursed, at the earliest, 7 days prior to the start of the semester.
Before leaving the country, you must arrange for receipt of your
funds. Direct deposit can be arranged through the Cashier's Office
285 MSC, so that any excess funds would be credited directly to
your checking account and allow access to your funds with your ATM
card. Additionally, if you are a first-time borrower, you must sign
your required promissory note and complete Entrance Counseling.
Additional promissory notes may be required for both first-time
borrowers and previous borrowers, if you are receiving other types
of loans.