Finance studying abroad

ISU financial aid

As long as your classes overseas are earning academic credit, most or all of your ISU financial aid may be used to fund your study abroad experience. It doesn¹t matter whether you're on an ISU program or one through another institution.

Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to set up an appointment with Shannon Grundmeier to discuss how your current aid package will apply, whether your aid package can be expanded, and whether there are other sources of funding available to you. You can set up an appointment by visiting the office in 0210 Beardshear Hall, calling 515-294-2223, or sending an email to studyabroadfinaid@iastate.edu.

ISU and other study abroad scholarships

We try to make it easier for you to afford your program! See the full list of scholarships.

Rotary International Ambassadorial scholarship

Worth up to $23,000 for an academic year of study, the deadline is in early April each year. Students must be enrolling directly in an institution overseas and must be planning to study for the entire academic year. Applications are due nearly two years in advance and are available at the Study Abroad Center. You can also check their web site for more information.

Fundraising ideas

Numerous organizations and foundations offer funding for study abroad, but it takes some digging to find them. The Study Abroad Center library has information on funding for study abroad (including Fulbright awards for graduate students) and a list of fundraising ideas that have been used successfully by students in the past.

Student discounts

Several reputable travel agencies and discounters offer reduced airfare to students. Other student discounts (lodging, car rental, etc.) are available to holders of the International Student Identity Card (available at the Study Abroad Center). Hostelling International offers its members discounts on stays in hostels worldwide. Check out our international traveling resources for more information.