What Every Student Needs to Know

• Degree-seeking students who have been accepted by PIC to study abroad may be eligible for financial aid through GVSU.
• International students should carefully review the International Student section for details on limitations that may exist.
• In order to be eligible for most financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA. Students can now file a FAFSA as early as October 1. It is recommended that you apply for FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 1.
• Many grants and scholarships have deadlines earlier than study-abroad application deadlines.
• All students who study abroad through GVSU must register for a class at GVSU. Faculty-led program participants or students participating in independent study work will register for a specific course here at GVSU. See your faculty director or PIC contact person for additional information.
• Students must be registered for a minimum of 6 US credits in order to maintain eligibility for federal student aid in the summer. If your study abroad program offers 3 credits only, you’ll need to register for an additional 3 credits during the spring/summer semester(s) to have access to a spring/summer financial aid award.
• If you have any additional financial aid questions, you may contact the Financial Aid Office. We recommend you do this prior to committing to your program.

Advice from PIC Staff

Our staff is highly trained to respond to general financial aid questions, but each individual has unique circumstances that we may not know about. We do our best to provide students with general information and estimated costs. We rely on each person to provide us with a complete and accurate picture of their situation.

Faculty-Led Budget

Once your Via TRM application status is accepted, if you plan to use financial aid, you MUST submit your Faculty-Led Budget through Via TRM and schedule a meeting with a financial aid advisor. 

What costs can be included in the Faculty-Led Budget?

• Program Fee
  • Flight
  • Housing
  • Some meals
  • Excursion
  • In-country transportation
  • International Medical Insurance
• Tuition
• Additional Approved Expenses
  • See program page for specific information 
• The Faculty-Led Budget for your program is already pre-filled. Please review it carefully and submit it for approval.

Confidentiality and FERPA

Can my family talk with the Financial Aid Office of the Padnos International Center regarding concerns or problems?

Due to confidentiality laws, there is limited information that can be provided to your family without your written consent. As part of the Via TRM application process, students are asked if they would like to give PIC permission to speak with a parent or other contact person(s). If you provided a contact person, we will be happy to speak with that individual if questions arise.

If you did not give PIC permission to speak with a designated contact person, we will require written permission from you before information can be released to that individual. The Padnos International Center strongly encourages students to consider filling our a Limited Power of Attorney form giving someone you trust permission to act on your behalf while you are abroad. Alternatively, you can sign a FERPA Release Form giving GVSU permission to release information to an individual of your choosing. 

Out-of-State Students

I am an out of state student. Is anything different for me?

Yes. Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition rates along with an additional $25 per credit when participating in a GVSU faculty-led program.

If you have any questions about this section, contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected].

International Students

International students pay in-state tuition rates along with an additional $25 per credit when participating in a GVSU faculty-led program. If you are a current international student there may be limitations on the financial aid you can receive for study abroad. International students are generally not eligible for federal or state student aid.

Veterans Benefits

Visit our Veterans Resource page for more information about accessing VA benefits while studying abroad.

MET Benefits

I receive the Michigan Education Trust (MET). Can this be used for study abroad?

Yes. Students that receive the MET can use this for study abroad. When you register for IS 380, the GVSU system generates a tuition charge. GVSU Student Accounts Office uses this tuition charge to secure funds from MET. Since you are participating in a provider program and you are responsible for paying tuition to your study abroad provider, you will see a tuition charge for 12-15 credits here at GVSU, a study abroad tuition credit, and a MET tuition credit on your student account.

If you have questions, contact Paul Dillon at (616)331-2278 in Student Accounts. 

Please note: Fall semester tuition is not posted to the GVSU system until the end of July. If you are participating in a program that departs in early July, you will not receive your MET benefits until the tuition charge has been posted to your GVSU student account. This may be well after your departure date. There may be a possibility of receiving funds early by completing an emergency loan through the Financial Aid Office. All such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Padnos International Center does not know if you are a MET recipient. This is not considered financial aid. Financial aid is defined as scholarships, grants and loans. If you have questions, please be sure to let your advisor know that you are a recipient of this benefit so we can provide you with the most accurate information.

GVSU Employee Tuition Benefits

I am eligible for the employee tuition benefits. Does this benefit apply towards study abroad?

Yes, provided you complete all required forms necessary to receive the benefit.

Note: The benefit will reflect the GVSU tuition rate. If you are participating in a study abroad program where the tuition charge is much higher than GVSU's tuition, you will still only be receiving the tuition benefit at the GVSU tuition rates.

Also, you will not be eligible to receive your employee benefits until after the GVSU tuition has been posted to your account. This applies to dependents who are eligible for benefits as well. Once the benefit is applied to your account, you can access these funds to pay any required program expenses.

Please note: Fall semester tuition is not posted to the GVSU system until the end of July. If you are participating in a program that departs in early July, you will not receive your benefits until the tuition charge has been posted and a credit has been applied to your account. This may be well after your departure date. There may be a possibility of receiving funds early by completing an emergency loan through the Financial Aid Office. All such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Students should also understand that while the employee benefits are not considered financial aid, the benefit is still applicable.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Padnos International Center does not know if you are eligible for employee benefits. This is not considered financial aid. Financial aid is defined as scholarships, grants and loans. If you have questions, please be sure to let your advisor know that you are a recipient of this benefit so we can provide you with the most accurate information.

Kalamazoo Promise and Indian Tuition Waiver

In the past, the Kalamazoo Promise and the Indian Tuition Waiver programs have not been available to students who want to participate in an external program. These scholarships have regulations that require tuition to be paid to GVSU. Students who receive these scholarships should consult the scholarship administrators on the details. Typically, GVSU exchange programs and GVSU faculty-led programs are acceptable study abroad options since tuition is paid to GVSU.