Resources Programs Finances Announcements Contact Us

Home

Financial Aid Processes

The UWM Financial Aid Office (http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/FINAID/) assists students in finding sufficient financial resources to attend study abroad programs. It is not commonly known that all students are eligible for financial aid consideration. This may include only loans or a combination of loans, grants or scholarships. Students normally receiving financial aid will be able to apply their aid (loans and grants) toward their program. Students who have never applied for aid but would like to apply for financial aid specifically for a study abroad program should fill out the federal FAFSA application www.fafsa.ed.gov as early as possible. Below is a description of the financial aid process used with study abroad.

a. Study Abroad or Exchange Program Budget

For every study abroad or exchange program at UWM the OPP office submits a budget to the Financial Aid office. This budget demonstrates your expected (and increased) expenses for your particular program. The study abroad or exchange budget allows Financial Aid to consider additional expenses not covered in the program fee such as airfare, in-country transportation, and personal expenses. Your financial aid package is based on a very individualized analysis of your financial situation. All students on study abroad or exchange will have their aid package re-evaluated on an individual basis. Based on the new evaluation, most students are eligible to receive an increased amount of aid, usually in the form of loans. Students participating on non-UWM sponsored programs that wish to use their aid must meet with their study abroad advisor to discuss an individualized budget for their chosen program. Often a “consortium agreement” with the sponsoring institution will be needed.

For maximum consideration of all available funds, you should send your completed FAFSA (or FAFSA Renewal for continuing applicants) to the Federal Processor by the priority application filing dates published by the Financial Aid Office, e.g. by March 1 for the following fall and spring semesters.

b. Financial Aid Authorization Form

Upon accepted to a program, you will receive a packet of forms that will include a form from the Bursar’s Office called the “Authorization of Financial Aid.” The Authorization form is the means by which students notify the Bursar’s Office if they will be using their financial aid to help finance their program.

c. Aid Disbursement: Applying your Financial Aid toward Study Abroad or Exchange Program Fees Financial aid funds are distributed through the UWM Bursar’s Office (Mitchell Hall 285) and NOT through the Financial Aid Office. Once the Financial Aid Authorization form is received, if your expected financial aid funds are higher than the fees owed, you will receive a check in the mail from the Bursar’s office for the remainder of the excess amount. If the aid you receive is less than the amount owed for the study abroad or exchange program it is your responsibility to ensure that your program is paid in full.

d. FERPA Release and Power of Attorney Forms

If you are relying on parents, relatives or friends to help manage your finances and property while you are away you may need to grant them the power to manage your accounts such as to sign for financial aid checks, make deposits or transfers on your behalf, etc. The Power of Attorney form gives your permission to do this. The FERPA Release gives your permission for the study abroad office to share a variety of information about your UWM attendance (Financial Aid, Registration, Health, and Study Abroad Info) with parents, relatives or friends. If you are arranging to have help while you are away, please sign and return these forms to OPP.

e. When you return from a semester or year-long program, your grades may not be immediately reported, in which case you would receive a letter from financial aid stating that you are in advisory status.  You DO NOT need to contact the financial aid office or the Overseas Programs and Partnerships office. You will still receive your financial aid for the semester and the advisory status will be lifted as soon as your grades are reported.

In addition to federal and state aid, grants and scholarships (such as the WI Study Abroad Grant) are available for international study opportunities. Check with OPP to get a compiled list of scholarship opportunities and other funding sources.  Please keep in mind that your financial aid from all sources cannot exceed your cost of attendance. If you receive a scholarship, whether it is from the college or from a private source, you should notify the Financial Aid Office immediately. They will then review your package to make sure that you are not receiving more aid than the cost of attendance.