Program Costs & Financial Aid

You may be very excited about the idea of studying abroad, but have concerns about whether or not you can afford to go. We are often asked by students, “how much does it cost to study abroad?” It’s difficult to provide a simple answer to that question because it will depend on a number of factors – duration of the program, the type of program, and the cost of living in your host city. Below are things to consider when you are exploring your options.

Program Costs & Fees Financial Aid Scholarships

Program Costs & Fees

When you study abroad, you will pay the tuition and costs of your program, not Northwestern tuition, for the quarter(s) you are abroad. Program costs vary widely, and may be more or less expensive than the cost of studying at Northwestern.

Each program page provides a breakdown of tuition, housing, estimates of airfare, and personal expenses etc. These figures can help you determine the program’s affordability. You can also use the cost comparison to compare the cost of living on campus with various study abroad programs.

Study Abroad Administrative Fee (SAAF)

Students who receive credit at Northwestern for study abroad must pay the Study Abroad Administrative Fee (SAAF) for partner and independent programs. This fee is in addition to program tuition and other charges, and covers all services related to the administration of study abroad at Northwestern. If you study abroad on more than one affiliated or unaffiliated program in different terms, you will be charged the SAAF separately for each program you attend. If you receive need-based financial aid from Northwestern during study abroad, the SAAF will be included in your study abroad financial aid.

All Northwestern programs and exchanges are exempt from the SAAF, with the exception of the fall quarter IFE portion of the French Field Studies program.

study abroad fee table by program type and term
Program Type & Term	Fee
Summer Program (partner & independent programs only)	$300
Partner Academic Year Program: 1-2 Quarters (e.g., fall, fall-winter, winter, winter-spring, or spring)	$2,850
Partner Academic Year Program: Full Year (fall, winter, & spring quarters on one program)	$4,200
Independent Academic Year Program (all terms except summer)	$4,200

Additional Program Fees

In addition to regular tuition, housing, and program fees, some study abroad programs may charge additional fees for certain academic, housing, or extracurricular options. These fees will not be invoiced by Northwestern; your program sponsor will bill you directly for these fees, if applicable. Northwestern financial aid is not available for these types of charges, but you may be eligible for a subsidized student loan for additional tuition or housing expenses, as invoiced by your program.

Special Course Fees or Supplemental Tuition

These fees may be charged in addition to the regular tuition, academic fees, or program fee, typically for enrollment in certain courses or departments. For example, some programs or foreign universities may charge a supplemental course fee for courses taken in science, engineering, and other specialty areas, often those involving laboratory, studio, or field work.

Additional Program Courses or Options

These may include:

Pre-program language courses or workshops
Non-credit classes or lessons
Field trips or excursions that are not a required part of the program
Optional pre-sessions or orientation programs

Supplemental Housing Fees

These fees may be imposed for the following services:

Catered housing or meal plans: Some programs abroad assign students to a residence hall with a mandatory meal plan, which may carry an additional charge.
Single rooms: There may be an up-charge if you opt for or are assigned to a single room.
Special housing arrangements: Program providers may place students in a different type of housing, such as apartments or homestays, if foreign university accommodations (such as dorms) are not available to study abroad students.
Housing with extra features: Full-service facilities, telephone, or computer links. This surcharge may also include student activity fees or miscellaneous charges such as housing application or registration fees.
Housing damage deposit: Such deposits may be refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines, or outstanding debts in the student's name.

Because Northwestern cannot monitor or anticipate the type or amount of any of these special fees, contact your study abroad program directly for estimated additional program costs and to ascertain what fees, if any, will apply.

Financial Aid

Northwestern financial aid may be used for participation on Northwestern programs, Northwestern exchanges, Global Practicum, and Partner study abroad programs. Additional scholarship opportunities or financing options may be available for students who do not receive need-based aid.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Financial aid and loans can be applied to Northwestern programs, Northwestern exchanges, Global Practicum, and Partner study abroad programs programs during the regular academic year. Your family contribution stays the same, and your financial aid will be adjusted based on your program's costs.

Learn more about need-based financial aid

Summer Aid & Scholarships

You are encouraged to apply for summer study abroad scholarships from a variety of sources, including your program and outside organizations. Need-based aid may also be available, but you must apply for summer aid separately from the regular academic year.

Learn more about summer aid & scholarships

Student & Parent Loans

Find out what you need to know about borrowing student loans for study abroad, especially if you will be a first-time borrower. If your family usually borrows a parent loan or a private loan, these options are still available for eligible study abroad programs.

Learn more about student & parent loans

Northwestern Faculty/Staff Educational Assistance

If you are a current Northwestern undergraduate, and your parent is a full-time, benefits-eligible Northwestern employee, you are eligible to use Northwestern education benefits toward your tuition on a study abroad program.

Learn more about faculty/staff educational assistance

Scholarships & Funding

You are encouraged to apply for study abroad scholarships from a variety of sources, including your study abroad program and outside organizations.

Learn more about scholarships & funding