There are a wide range of scholarships available to help make your global education program a reality. It is important to review all of your options carefully, plan ahead and apply early. Explore scholarships according to your major or special interest, as well as scholarships offered internally through Ohio State, and sources outside of the university.
Selected your global education program, but wondering how to pay for it? Ohio State students receiving financial aid may be able to apply that funding towards their program.
You must be formally accepted into a global education program through the Office of International Affairs before aid eligibility can be determined, and OIA will provide you with a budget letter once you have been accepted. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Ohio State Scholarship Application, will be used to calculate the amount of money you will be awarded for the semester or term in which you plan to study abroad.
Once you have completed and submitted both the FAFSA and Ohio State Scholarship Application, submit your budget letter and decision letter to BuckeyeLink. BuckeyeLink is available on a walk-in basis, no appointments necessary. Make sure to sign up for direct deposit as well, as this will allow you to receive any eligible funding two to three days prior to the start of your program, instead of waiting for a mailed check.
FAQs
What types of aid can I use to fund my global education program?
Depending on your enrollment hours, most federal and state grants and loans can be used to finance global education expenses, including Pell Grants, Perkins Loans and Parent (PLUS) loans. Many campus-based scholarships and grants can be used as well.
Are there any types of aid I can't use?
Some external loans may not be used for global education—it is ultimately the loan provider's decision how the scholarship is administered. Some departmental scholarships may also be excluded.
How do most students fund global education?
Loans are the largest source of financing for global education, and can be redistributed to allow a student a larger disbursement for the semester in which they will participate in a program. There are also many grants and scholarships available for eligible students.
Will my grants and scholarships increase because I'm studying abroad?
No. Grants and scholarships have a set maximum amount per semester that a student may receive.
What is the deadline for filing the FAFSA?
Review upcoming priority deadlines directly on the FAFSA site.
What is the deadline for filing the OIA global education common application?
The common application generally opens in September of the prior year for winter break, spring and spring break programs taking place in the following calendar year. For summer, autumn and year-long programs, the application is generally due in February of the same year.
I'm participating in a global education independent program — what financial aid can I receive?
Students participating in a global education program not sponsored by the Office of International Affairs should review and follow guidelines.
I need to buy my plane ticket a month prior to leaving the country — can I access my financial aid early to pay for it?
No. According to federal regulations, financial aid will disburse seven to 10 days prior to the term during which the global education program is scheduled.
How can I put together a successful scholarship application?
It is important to get organized before jumping into the scholarship process. You should start out by doing your homework and making a list of scholarships for which you plan to apply. It is also critical that you allow yourself plenty of preparation time to ensure you will be able to gather all application materials.
A good personal statement can mean the difference between a successful application and an unsuccessful application. Ohio State’s Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing offers resources and support that students can take advantage of.