Financial Aid FAQs- Summer Abroad
As a UC Davis Summer Abroad student, how do I apply for financial aid?
You will apply for Summer Aid using two applications.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 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.
- 2. In addition to filing the FAFSA, you must also complete the UC Davis Campus Summer Aid Application, available through the UC Davis Financial Aid office in May. Check the Financial Aid Office website, http://financialaid.ucdavis.edu, in mid-March to get information about the Summer Abroad Estimator and application availability dates. Be sure to use the Summer Aid Estimator to find out how much and what types of aid you might qualify for.
When completing the FAFSA, do I need to state that I will be studying abroad? NO.
You will NOT indicate study abroad on the FAFSA. However, you WILL indicate the UC Davis Summer Abroad program you are participating in on your UC Davis Summer Aid Application.
If I am participating in Summer Abroad 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. Then file the UC Davis Financial Aid Application as well.
Since I’m going abroad for the summer session only, how does it affect my financial aid?
Your Summer Aid package is based on your eligibility during the previous school year (e.g., Summer Abroad 2009 is based on 2008-09 academic year). Loans available to you that you did not use may be available to you for your Summer Abroad experience. Applying for Summer Aid will not reduce or impact your aid for the previous or the following year.
What kind of additional aid is available for Summer Abroad students?
Summer Abroad students are eligible for the same financial aid for summer sessions as other eligible UC Davis students. Your aid for summer might include any remaining Direct Loan eligibility you have for your current academic year, as well as additional subsidized student loan and grant funds (based on eligibility). Summer abroad students are also eligible to apply for private students loans (see financial aid website for more info) and their parents can apply for the Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS Loan). Note: Summer grant funds are limited. Students who apply on the FIRST day the application is available will have the best chance of receiving a grant.
How is my financial aid disbursed when I am participating in Summer Abroad?
The UC Davis Financial Aid Office will disburse any authorized funds (those for which you have completed all requirements) into your student account 2-3 days prior to the fee payment deadline for the summer session in which you are participating. Once your fees to the University are paid, if you have financial aid funds remaining, the UC Davis Student Accounting Office will issue a refund on the first day of instruction for that session. You are strongly encouraged to sign up online for Direct Deposit, since you may already be traveling by the time your funds are disbursed.
What if I applied for financial aid in a previous year but did not qualify for need based aid?
You can still apply for financial aid by filing a FAFSA. Even if you are not eligible for need-based aid, you can apply for an unsubsidized student loan and your parents can apply for a parent PLUS loan. Note: Students who don’t qualify for aid during the school year may find that the additional cost of their Summer Abroad program makes them eligible for some forms of aid.
Are there any other important tips related to managing my financial aid while I am a Summer Abroad Participant?
Yes! It is particularly important to manage your financial aid process carefully while you are studying abroad. If you are planning to apply for loans, be sure to submit the required paperwork on time. 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.
What other resources for financial aid for study abroad should I be aware of?
