Studying abroad is more than just an adventure—it’s a chance to grow, learn, and see the world from a whole new perspective. At JMU, we offer several types of study abroad experiences through the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). Exchange Programs let you study at a partner university abroad while paying JMU. Or, if you find a program outside of JMU that fits your goals, External programs allow you to study through another institution, and with the proper approvals, you may be able to use your JMU financial aid to help cover the costs. This page will walk you through how financial aid works for each option, so you can focus on planning your global journey.
JMU Study Abroad Programs
For JMU Study Abroad programs, a full listing of approved opportunities can be viewed on the Center for Global Engagement’s website.
Types of Aid for All Study Abroad Programs
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) has scholarship information on their website:
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships encourages students to research scholarship opportunities and apply by the published deadlines, even if your acceptance into a program has not been confirmed yet. These deadlines are well in advance of the study abroad program dates, so please be mindful of this when considering a study abroad program.
We encourage students to also check the Madison Scholarships Hub and check with the department of their major to research other possible scholarship opportunities. A full listing of scholarships that are awarded through the Madison Scholarships Hub can be found here. The full list can be filtered by searching for key words (i.e. study abroad). Please be aware any scholarships with Center for Global Engagement are not applied through the Madison Scholarships Hub (they are applied for on the CGE website).
If a student is currently receiving a JMU scholarship, please contact FinAid-Grants@jmu.edu to determine if the scholarship is applicable to study abroad programs.
Federal financial aid funds are available to students who filed a FAFSA and include JMU as their school on the FAFSA. If the student is attending an exchange or external study abroad program, all other requirements listed in the applicable section above must also be completed.
The increased costs associated with a study abroad program will normally generate additional PLUS Loan eligibility, as federal and state grants are not increased based on participation in a study abroad program. Federal student loan limits still apply.
- The initial financial aid package will not include the increased costs of studying abroad; therefore, the first financial aid offer received will not accurately reflect the total funds the student will be entitled to.
-
- The student will receive a second award notification once we increase the budget with the costs associated with a study abroad program and adjust the aid accordingly.
For students interested in private student loans, additional information may be reviewed here. A FAFSA is not required for a private student loan.
Summer Programs
- A FAFSA needs to be filed if interested in federal financial aid.
- For summer 2025, the 25-26 FAFSA must be completed at studentaid.gov.
- The student will need to fill out a Summer Aid Application which is available on our website after summer registration begins. This application will also need to be completed if applying for a private student loan.
- A minimum of six Financial Aid Eligible Hours must be taken over the summer term to be offered federal loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and/or Parent PLUS Direct Loans).
- Keep in mind that anything borrowed in the Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Direct Loan for Summer 2025 will reduce what can be borrowed for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. There is a cap to the amount students can borrow in those loans each academic year.
- In some cases, students who receive the Pell Grant in Fall and Spring terms may be eligible to receive Pell Grant funds in the Summer for enrollment of at least one FA Eligible hour.
- Summer aid funds will not be available until after you start your classes. Depending on the type of program you are attending, please see further information below:
- JMU Short Term Programs: Your JMU bill will include tuition and fees, along with the program fee associated with your study abroad program. Any accepted anticipated aid will be used to pay towards these charges. Any charges/expenses outside of these items will need to be paid upfront, and your financial aid refund can be used as a reimbursement for these upfront costs.
- External Study Abroad Programs: Payment will not be sent from JMU to the student’s host institution. There are several items that must be completed to receive financial aid. Once these items are completed, the financial aid funds will be disbursed and refunded to the student and/or the student’s parents after they have started classes at the host institution. These funds can be used to pay any charges with the host institution.
After reading all the information provided, e-mail any further questions to the Grants Team.
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
