Study Abroad

Most students can use their existing scholarships, grants, and loans toward studying abroad. You may also qualify for additional UC funding to help with travel costs. Planning ahead—both academically and financially—is key.

To use your financial aid for study abroad, the courses you take must apply to your degree program. You’ll work with your academic advisor to complete the Academic Credit Approval Form as part of this process.

You’ll also need to log in to the Student Financial Aid Portal to submit all required documents, including your Contractual Agreement and Academic Credit Approval Form. Completing all steps ensures your aid can be processed on time.

You may need to cover upfront expenses—such as program deposits, airfare, or visa fees—before your financial aid is disbursed. Please plan accordingly.

Financial aid disbursements are processed after all required documents are submitted through the Student Financial Aid Portal 

Disbursement Timing:

• Aid is disbursed 10 days before the start of your study abroad program, but no earlier than 10 days before the start of UC’s semester for which you are abroad.
• Be sure to check UC’s Academic Calendar to confirm your program dates do not conflict with UC’s semester start.

If you're unsure when to expect your disbursement, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Student Financial Aid Office for clarification (SFAO-STAB@ucmail.uc.edu)

Some programs (such as those that are through USAC) may offer a deferment form, which allows students to delay payment deadlines while awaiting financial aid disbursement. These forms are typically provided by the host institution.

To have a deferment form completed by UC, please email a copy of your completed Contractual Agreement to SFAO-STAB@ucmail.uc.edu.

Important Notes:

• Only posted aid (aid that appears on your UC account) can be included on the deferment form.
• If you have anticipated aid (such as scholarships or departmental awards not yet posted), please attach an award letter or confirmation email from the offering department.

Within 2 months of the end of your study abroad experience, the Student Financial Aid Office must receive a transcript of your courses. The Study Abroad office will send a copy to the Student Financial Aid Office when processing your record from abroad. You are required to follow all necessary steps with your host institution or program to see that transcripts are submitted for both academic and financial aid evaluation. Failure to supply transcripts could result in a hold on future financial aid funds.

The University of Cincinnati may decline to give credit for courses in which a student earns a grade that is not acceptable at UC even though the host school has a policy of accepting that grade for its resident students. Grades earned through consortium or contractual agreement will be included when assessing the pace component of UC's Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.