Financial Aid and Scholarships

When you study abroad at Tulane, you will be charged your normal Tulane tuition along with the academic support fee. Students are enrolled full-time at Tulane University while abroad via placeholder course. This ensures a continuity of care for students. All credits return as general elective credit*, Tulane continues to offer support while abroad, and Tulane approved programs offer a robust, pre-vetted academic experience for students. The tuition payment does not cover additional costs such as housing, flights, food, passport/visa fees, course fees beyond tuition (ex. studio fee), or incidentals. 

While students may see quoted prices for "educational costs" or "tuition and fees" on the website of their provider or host university, this does not mean that they are responsible for payment of both Tulane tuition and program tuition. Under the home school tuition model, the NTC Office of Study Abroad pays the program tuition and fee cost to the provider or host university on behalf of the student while students pay tuition and fees at the full-time Tulane rate via Accounts Receivable. 

 We use this model because it allows students to utilize their institutional scholarships and federal loans, both of which are tied to full-time enrollment at Tulane University. 

All financial aid and scholarships - including the Dean's Honor Scholarship, Presidential Scholarships, Posse Scholarships, etc. - are applicable toward tuition while abroad. In the semester prior to departure, students are asked to register in a 12-credit hour placeholder course in Gibson. As such, they remain registered as full-time Tulane students while abroad. This placeholder course triggers disbursement of financial aid through Accounts Receivable. 

Students who have tuition waivers should check with the awarding office or entity (for example, H.R. for employee tuition waivers) regarding eligibility. Most tuition waivers are applicable on approved Tulane study abroad programs. Waivers specific to housing will likely not transfer over but students should contact the awarding office for further information. 

With the exception of a few select programs* students can expect to be billed for and pay housing costs directly to their study abroad provider or host university. Housing is not included in the tuition and fee cost billed via Tulane Accounts Receivable. Students are responsible for being aware of housing bills, due dates, and policies as outlined by their program. 

Non-payment of housing charges to your host institution may result in the the withholding of transcripts by host institutions, which may impact a student’s ability to graduate on time. 

*Note that some Tulane-run programs will bill you directly to your Tulane accounts receivable for program housing and/or insurance (EDUCO/Sciences Po, Reunidas WIP Madrid, Bologna BCSP, Semester in Havana)

Students should make a financial plan for their study abroad semester or year in consultation with their Financial Aid Counselor if necessary. Details about meeting with your counselor are available on the Tulane Financial Aid website. 

When studying abroad on an approved program, students remain classified with their class year and semester cohort, and are thereby able to preregister for courses, participate in on-campus housing selection from abroad, and otherwise prepare for the upcoming academic year at the same time as their cohort. Course titles taken abroad, in all cases, are reflected on their transcripts. 

All students, regardless of when they enter Tulane or which approved program they attend, receive administrative support throughout the study abroad cycle. This support includes:

• Faculty review and approval of study abroad programs
• Advising on approved study abroad options
• Assistance with applications and study proposals
• Pre-departure orientation
• Continued opportunity to contact advising while abroad
• Verification of status with the Tulane Financial Aid Office and the Registrar
• Assistance with major/minor credit approval and credit/grade transfer
• Workshops surrounding re-entry and adjustment to Tulane

Additional activities for students include grant workshops and presentations throughout the year from program representatives and former study abroad participants.

In addition to Tulane tuition and fees, students are responsible for the cost of room and board, flights, insurance, and personal expenses abroad. OSA recommends that students prepare budgets based on cost of living in the host city along with student habits and lifestyles. Our staff has created a spreadsheet to assist students based on feedback from study abroad alumni.

Study Abroad Budget Spreadsheet

The NTC Office of Study Abroad recognizes that planning financially for a semester abroad can be stressful, and that many students may need to identify additional funding options to cover the cost of flights, excursions, and other expenses abroad. Below are some scholarship options to help you as you begin your search. Need help finding funding opportunities? Visit our scholarships page and contact an OSA advisor or peer advisor for more help!