Study Abroad
Getting started on your Study Abroad
Students interested in study abroad opportunities can explore available programs through UM-Dearborn's Study Abroad website. This site is an excellent resource for programs already established at the university, including many programs coordinated through individual colleges that are led by University of Michigan-Dearborn Faculty. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with a financial aid advisor to review eligibility and next steps.
University of Michigan-Dearborn students who wish to study abroad may potentially use federal student aid, university scholarships, and private scholarships and loans to meet some or all of the educationally-related costs. It is strongly recommended that students begin the financial aid process at least three months before the program of study begins.
A majority of students will complete the Financial Aid process online via University of Michigan's M-Compass system.
Students who are NOT applying for their trip via M-Compass will need to complete a Consortium Agreement form, submit proof of acceptance into the study abroad program (by/from the sponsoring entity) along with a copy of their Study Abroad Contract signed by your Academic Unit or other written documentation of the Unit’s approval. The academic unit must approve the study abroad program for a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester of Study Abroad participation.
Students should be in good standing based on the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships standards of academic progress.
All applicants are advised to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov for the term(s) requested and submit all required forms and documents in a timely manner.
Funds for any study abroad program are disbursed on a term-by-term basis. Many programs require substantial deposits prior to the time that a student's aid can be disbursed. Students may need to seek alternative resources to meet these “upfront” costs. It may also be possible that the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships may be able to work with the officials at the international school to provide documentation of expected financial assistance.
Disbursements of all financial aid and scholarships are applied only to the UM-Dearborn student account. Charges for study abroad programs may be assessed in addition to &/or separately from assessments on your UM-Dearborn student account. If available, you may use residual financial aid proceeds (a.k.a. “refunds”), to settle your balance for this type of assessment. These assessments are your responsibility to manage. It is strongly recommended that students enroll in direct deposit at the Student Accounts website.
Within six (6) weeks after the completion of the study abroad program, students must submit documentation from their academic unit stating the approval of a minimum of six (6) credit hours for each semester completed for the program of study. By the end of the following term, the study abroad credit hours must be posted on the student’s academic transcript.
If a student fails to meet the basic criteria, they may not qualify for financial assistance for study abroad programs. If students meet the basic criteria and receive disbursement of funds, but fail to complete their obligations as outlined above, they may become fully and immediately liable for repayment of all Federal Title IV funds disbursed for the program.
Students traveling abroad should register their travel plans through the Travel Registry and purchase insurance. Additional information is available at their website.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn supports study abroad programs through scholarship programs available in the University of Michigan Dearborn Scholarship Application. The scholarship application is available in early January with a March 1st deadline for most opportunities. Study abroad scholarships may have an extended deadline and can be used for the Summer Semester.
When you develop your profile and complete your application through the scholarship portal, you will also be considered for scholarships to be used on campus at UM-Dearborn.
Other need-based aid may be available once you submit your application. There are no additional requirements and you will automatically be notified if eligible.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn is committed to providing students with access to study abroad programs to create a well-rounded practice-based learning experience. The Go Global Guarantee makes study abroad programs more affordable. If you qualify as having a family income of $75,000 or less and assets below $50,000 we will provide support of up to $4,000 through the Go Global Guarantee. Additional qualifications will apply.
The specific income ranges are below:
- Up to $4,000 to students with family incomes up to $24,000
- Up to $2,000 to families with income between $24,001-$65,000
- $500 to families with income between $65,001-125,000
In addition to our Study Abroad website, the study abroad programs from each college, and the Travel Registry, students can also explore The Smart Guide to Financial Aid section
Students should also look for scholarships at the Institute of International Education and International Scholarships Online. Other potential funding sources include the following:
- Gilman Scholarship
- Boren Scholarship
- Critical Language Scholarship
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program
- Fund for Education Abroad
While alternative or private loans may not be your first choice in financing a study abroad, these loans could provide a "bridge" between what you have and what you need. Explore options in the Smart Guide to Financial Aid section on private loans. Unlike federal student loans, private loans require the borrower to be credit-worthy or have a co-signer who is credit-worthy. Educational private loans are also certified by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and disbursed to your UM-Dearborn tuition account.
A study abroad trip can be a life changing event. It is worth planning for and worth saving your hard earned money for as well. Your savings will reduce your long term debt.