Financial Aid FAQs- Education Abroad Program
As an EAP student, how do I apply for financial aid?
You will apply for financial aid by submitting the FAFSA application to the federal processor within the priority deadline starting January 1 through March 2. You and your parents will need a pin number to apply online. If you need to acquire a pin, go to
www.pin.ed.gov and then file your FAFSA at
www.fafsa.ed.gov.
When completing the FAFSA, do I need to state that I will be studying abroad? NO.
The Financial Aid Office will receive a list from the Education Abroad Center with the names of students who will be studying abroad.
If I am participating in EAP but have not completed a FAFSA, can I still apply for financial aid?
Yes, you can still apply. Complete a FAFSA as soon as possible, and then notify the UC Davis Financial Aid Office by e-mail (
undergradfinaid@ucdavis.edu) when you file your FAFSA.
If I’m participating on EAP how will my financial aid packet be affected?
EAP staff sends a list of students participating in EAP to the UC Davis Financial Aid Office. The financial aid office will revise your budget for the year, semester or quarter in which you will be abroad. For participants in most programs, your budget will increase and you will have the option to increase your loan based on class level. For a few programs, the EAP budget is less then the regular UC Davis budget and your aid could be reduced.
What kind of additional aid is available for EAP?
Some EAP students will be eligible for a limited amount of EAP Grant funds. Students can also maximize their Federal Direct Loans, apply for private loans, and parents of EAP students can apply for the Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS Loan) to cover additional costs. There are also many private scholarships available for students studying abroad. Please see the Scholarships for Studying Abroad at http://eac.ucdavis.edu/eac/scholarships.cfm under Finances.
How will my financial aid pay for my schooling in another country?
Four to six weeks prior to your departure, The UC Davis Financial Aid Office will repackage your financial aid and notify you of any additional eligibility you might have. Once you have accepted or declined your aid and completed all requirements, the UC Davis Financial Aid Office notifies the UC Education Abroad Office (in Santa Barbara) of your available financial aid. The Santa Barbara EAP Office will disburse your financial aid before you leave for your host country, usually two weeks prior to departure. Your program fees will be paid and if money remains, the Santa Barbara Office will mail a check or send the funds to you by EFT (Electronic funds Transfer). If you are participating in a year-long program, you will receive funds on a quarterly basis.
What if I applied for financial aid in a previous year but did not qualify for need based aid?
You can always apply for financial aid by filing a FAFSA. Even if you are not eligible for need-based aid, you can always apply for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan and your parents can apply for a parent PLUS loan.
Are there any other important tips related to managing my financial aid while I am participating in EAP?
Yes! It is particularly important to manage your financial aid process carefully while you are studying abroad. Pay attention to all the deadlines, do things as early as you can, and continue to monitor your financial aid process before during and after departure. Also, remember to monitor your current year financial aid as well as your financial aid application process for next year, i.e. file your FAFSA (for next year) on time, monitor your eFAN, and submit all required documents for next year’s aid by the posted deadlines. Be sure to sign up for EFT with the Santa Barbara Office; Instructions on how to do this will be sent to you the quarter prior to your EAP participation.
Do I have to fill out any additional paperwork to receive Summer Financial Aid if I go on EAP?
No, not at all. If you have filled out academic year Financial Aid forms you will not have any additional paperwork to file at the Financial Aid office.
What other resources for financial aid for study abroad should I be aware of?
