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Non-Yale Summer Abroad: Costs & Funding

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Paying for Study Abroad

Yale is committed to supporting study abroad for students at all levels of financial need in the following ways:

  • Maintaining a designated list that includes a range of different program costs
  • Advising on additional funding sources
  • Having a stipend for one summer experience abroad for eligible undergraduate students receiving a Yale scholarship (see ISA below)

During the application stage, we recommend that you learn about expenses to anticipate, budgeting tips, and funding opportunities.

Point:If you have concerns about paying for study abroad, speak with a study abroad adviser about lower-cost program options and funding sources.

TOC:Financial Considerations

What Does Study Abroad Cost?

For a non-Yale summer abroad program, you will not be billed by Yale for any costs. Instead, your program will bill you directly for all of their associated costs.

Your billed expenses may include, but are not limited to:

  • tuition
  • housing
  • student activities
  • administrative fees

Visit the website of your intended program or university to view the billed costs during the summer you plan to attend.

Tip: You also should anticipate other costs you will incur that may not be part of the program's billed expenses. 

Your unbilled expenses may include, but are not limited to:

  • roundtrip airfare
  • student visa
  • immunizations
  • textbooks
  • meals
  • personal expenses (pharmacy items, daily coffee purchases, laundry, cell phone, etc.)
  • local transportation
  • independent activities and trips
  • souvenirs and gifts

Your intended program may provide an estimate of unbilled expenses, which can be a useful starting point for calculating these other costs.

How do I budget for study abroad?

There are a variety of factors to consider when building and managing a budget for your time abroad. Utilize the tips and resources below to assist you with estimating and planning for expenses.

  • Understand your anticipated billed and unbilled expenses (see the section above).
  • Determine how much money you will have available whether using Yale financial aid, other funding, your family's expected contribution, and/or your savings.
  • Consider both the currency exchange rate (see xe.com) and the cost of living (see Numbeo) of your intended location(s). Be mindful of fluctuations.
  • Think about your spending habits. For example, if you plan to eat out often, estimate high when budgeting.
  • Once you arrive abroad and have a better sense of costs, set a weekly budget and stick to it. Budgeting apps or spreadsheets can help you to monitor your spending and stay on track.
  • Designate some funds for emergencies or other unexpected costs.
  • Take advantage of student discounts whenever applicable.
  • Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best option. Don't sacrifice your health, safety, or finances to save money initially. Research your options carefully.
  • Consider limiting the amount of travel you do outside your host country. Not only will this save you money, but it will give you the opportunity to explore and get to know local sites, shops, and restaurants. 

Pin: Check out these budgeting tips.

How does financial aid work in the summer?

For Students on Yale Financial Aid during the academic year.

2026 International Study Award

  • Summer 2026: The ISA provides a stipend for a credit-bearing summer study abroad experience for eligible undergraduates receiving a Yale scholarship. You must apply to Yale Study Abroad and be approved for a Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad or Non-Yale Summer Abroad program. Yale Study Abroad does not administer the ISA. For all ISA-related details, including how to request funding, when it gets disbursed, how much funding you can expect, and more, visit the ISA website.
  • Summer 2027: Changes are coming in 2027. Review information about Summer 2027, as it may impact your planning. Attend an information session to learn more.
  • If a student has used the ISA or the SEA in the past, they are not eligible for the Summer Experience Grant (SEG) in summer 2027 onward.

More details, including calculating your ISA percentage and program budgets, are available on the ISA website. You may also contact ISA administrators with any questions about the ISA. Please note that Yale Study Abroad does not administer the ISA.

   

Pin:Paying Program Deposits

Typically, study abroad programs and universities abroad require you to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your acceptance of their offer of admission. If this deposit is due prior to your financial aid dispursement, contact Nicole Rothfuss to provide you with a letter of payment deferral.

What are some merit-based funding options?

The Yale Fellowships & Funding team offers advising to Yale students on a wide variety of Yale-specific and outside funding opportunities competitions. You can search for fellowships on their website using the Student Grants Database.

Link: Information about Funding for Language Study

How else can I fund my experience?

Outside Scholarships

Student observing the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, China

You may also want to consider applying for study abroad scholarships through outside organizations. If you'll be attending a Non-Yale program, be sure to check with your study abroad provider to see if they might offer funding opportunities. Keep in mind that external funding application deadlines can be much earlier than those at Yale.

Learn More