Exchange Students
A student may study abroad through one of James Madison University’s Exchange programs and still receive federal financial aid.An Official Exchange Contract must be established between James Madison University and the study abroad host institution. This contract allows JMU to provide federal financial aid while you study abroad. The student will need to contact the Registrar’s Office and complete “A Request to Transfer Credit” form prior to leaving for their semester abroad.
The Financial Aid Office will need to replace your current budget with your study abroad budget. Normally in an exchange agreement, the student’s tuition cost will stay the same. All other costs related to your study abroad experience would need to be adjusted. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the Financial Aid Office with these new figures. Please complete the Study Abroad budget Sheet and return it to the Financial Aid Office on the 5th floor of Warren Hall. If your award needs to be adjusted because of the difference in your new budget, you will be sent a new Financial Aid Award notice. Any aid awarded to you may be used to pay for your trip abroad.
James Madison University will not send payment to your study abroad institution. Your financial aid funds will be disbursed to you and/or your parents once you have started classes at your host institution. It is the student’s responsibility to print the “Enrollment Verification Form” below. You will need to take this form to the Registrars’ Office at your host institution and have them fax the completed form back to the Financial Aid Office. The process of disbursing your funds will not start until the Enrollment Verification Form is received in our office.
For your benefit, we have included a "Consortium Checklist" below to help you complete all the necessary steps.