Study Abroad, Exchange Program, the Bursar's Office and Financial Aid Clearance Information
Participation in a Study Abroad or Exchange program is an honor and a privilege that will add many new and exciting experiences to your educational pursuits. This privilege is one with responsibilities, especially for the Financial Aid recipient. The following will explain and provide a clear understanding of the financial responsibilities for Study Abroad or Exchange Student participants.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID:
If you have not already done so, complete the standard application or renewal process for the financial aid in which you are interested. For federal student loans and need-based grants, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Concordia Financial Aid Application. Submit your FAFSA by March 2 for priority consideration.
The Career Center, located in the Center for Student Leadership and Development, is available to help you evaluate approved study abroad or exchange programs. After your initial meeting with the Career Center, you will be directed to the appropriate staff on campus to complete your application for either a study abroad or exchange program.
Study Abroad Students
A student who is studying abroad will typically do so through an outside agency (e.g. AIFS, CEA). As long as you remain a "student of record" at Concordia University, Irvine during your semester abroad, you will be eligible for some Financial Aid (not all aid is available for this program). You will be charged a $100 administrative fee only. You will pay tuition, housing, and meal plan to your study abroad institution.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of aid can I use for Study Abroad?
Federal Aid, state aid, and loans can be used for study abroad. Loans include Federal Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized), Alternative and Parent Plus Loans.
Will I receive enough Financial Aid to cover the entire cost of my Study Abroad program?
Programs vary in cost. Often, we cannot offer enough Financial Aid (including loans) to adequately cover the cost of your program. Realistically determine how you will afford expenses not covered by Financial Aid and explore alternative study abroad programs. Some expenses, such as vacation travel, cannot be included in your estimated educational expenses. You are not eligible for work study during your semester abroad.
If I participate in a Study Abroad program for a semester, will I still receive Financial Aid for my remaining semesters at CUI?
The Financial Aid office awards students for an entire academic year, however, for the study abroad semester, students are only eligible to receive the aid that is assigned to that semester. What this means is that you will still have financial aid for the semesters you attend CUI. This is discussed on an individual basis with your Financial Aid Counselor.
Can I receive more loan money the semester I study abroad?
Alternative Loans and/or Parent PLUS loans are available. However, Financial Aid uses the same budget for students at Concordia University and your study abroad costs may be above that budget. This is also discussed on an individual basis with your Financial Aid Counselor.
When is payment due?
Payment due dates are determined by your Study Abroad program requirements. Some payments are due directly to your host institution or program administrator before your program begins. You will need to plan very carefully since your Financial Aid may not be available when these payments are due. Financial Aid for Study Abroad participants is disbursed at the same time as regularly enrolled CUI students, permitted all Financial Aid documents have been completed and approved.
Please note: If there are any fees or deposits due in advance of our disbursement dates, you will have to pay these fees from your own funds!
How and when will I receive my Financial Aid?
Your Financial Aid will credit to your account the first day of classes at CUI; permitted all Financial Aid documents have been completed and approved. After all CUI charges are paid, any excess aid will be refunded as directed by you on the Bursar's Office Study Abroad/Exchange Programs Agreement (if applicable, please complete and submit this form to the Bursar's Office). You may reimburse yourself if you have paid your study abroad institution in advance or you may request that the funds be sent to your host institution as payment for the program.
Please note: CUI does not mail funds overseas.
What deadlines must I meet?
You should submit your FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline so that when you complete your Bursar's Office Study Abroad Agreement, your Financial Aid is already determined.
Please note: The processing of your Financial Aid can take 4 to 6 weeks after all the requested documents are submitted.
Who should I contact with Financial Aid questions?
If you have any questions about the study abroad Financial Aid process, please call 949-852-8002 ext. 1136 or ext. 1175 for Anna Rhodes. Any questions regarding your account, please contact the Bursar's Office at 949-854-8002 ext., 1114 or ext. 1134, or email [email protected].
Concordia University Simultaneous Enrollment Program
A Concordia University Simultaneous Enrollment Program Student will typically spend one semester at another Concordia. You will be charged for tuition only at Concordia University, Irvine. You will pay housing and meal plan to the Concordia you attend as an exchange student.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of aid can I use for the Concordia University Simultaneous Enrollment Program?
Since you pay tuition to Concordia University, Irvine, you are eligible for all financial aid awarded to you, except work-study.
Will I receive enough Financial Aid to cover the entire cost of my housing, meal plan, and personal expenses?
These expenses vary in cost. Often, we cannot offer enough Financial Aid (including loans) to adequately cover the cost. Realistically determine how you will afford expenses not covered by Financial Aid and explore alternative options or loans. Some expenses, such as travel, cannot be included in your estimated educational expenses. You are not eligible for work-study during your semester at another Concordia.
If I participate in a Concordia Simultaneous Enrollment program for a semester, will I still receive Financial Aid for my remaining semesters at CUI?
The Financial Aid office awards students for an entire academic year, however, for the exchange semester, students are only eligible to receive the aid that is assigned to that semester. What this means is that you will still have financial aid for the semesters you attend CUI. This is discussed on an individual basis with your Financial Aid Counselor.
Can I receive more loan money the semester I study at another Concordia?
Alternative Loans and/or Parent PLUS loans are available. However, Financial Aid uses the same budget for students at Concordia University, Irvine and your Concordia concurrent costs may be above that budget. This is also discussed on an individual basis with your Financial Aid Counselor.
When is payment due?
Tuition payments are due the same date as all other Concordia University, Irvine students. Housing and meal plan due dates are determined by the Concordia you are attending. Some payments are due directly to your host Concordia before your semester begins. You will need to plan very carefully since your Financial Aid may not be available when these payments are due. Financial Aid for Concordia simultaneous enrollment students is disbursed at the same time as regularly enrolled CUI students, permitted all Financial Aid documents have been completed and approved.
Please note: If there are any fees or deposits due in advance of our disbursement dates, you will have to pay these fees from your own funds!
How and when will I receive my Financial Aid?
Your Financial Aid will credit to your account the first day of classes at CUI; permitted all Financial Aid documents have been completed and approved. After all CUI charges are paid, any excess aid will be refunded as directed by you on the Bursar's Office Study Abroad/Exchange Programs Agreement (if applicable, please complete and submit this form to the Bursar's Office). You may reimburse yourself if you have already paid your host Concordia in advance or you may request that the funds be sent to your host Concordia as payment for housing and meal plan.
What deadlines must I meet?
You should submit your FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline so that when you complete your Bursar's Office Study Abroad Agreement, your Financial Aid is already determined.
Please note: The processing of your Financial Aid can take 4 to 6 weeks after all the requested documents are submitted.
Who should I contact with Financial Aid questions?
If you have any questions about the study abroad Financial Aid process, please call 949-852-8002 ext. 1136 or ext. 1175 for Anna Rhodes. Any questions regarding your account, please contact the Bursar's Office at 949-854-8002, ext. 1114 or ext. 1134, or email [email protected].
Exchange Students
A student who is participating in a foreign exchange program will do so for one or two semesters. You will be charged a $100 administrative fee as well as tuition at Concordia University, Irvine. You will pay housing and meal plan to the institution you attend as an exchange student.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of aid can I use for the Foreign Exchange program?
Since you pay tuition to Concordia University, Irvine, you are eligible for all financial aid awarded to you, except work-study.
Will I receive enough Financial Aid to cover the entire cost of housing, meal plan, and personal expenses?
These expenses vary in cost. Often, we cannot offer enough Financial Aid (including loans) to adequately cover the cost. Realistically determine how you will afford expenses not covered by Financial Aid and explore alternative options or loans. Some expenses, such as vacation travel, cannot be included in your estimated educational expenses. You are not eligible for work-study during your foreign exchange semester/year.
If I participate in a Foreign Exchange program for a semester, will I still receive Financial Aid for my remaining semesters at CUI?
The Financial Aid office awards students for an entire academic year, however, for the exchange semester, students are only eligible to receive the aid that is assigned to that semester. What this means is that you will still have financial aid for the semesters you attend CUI. This is discussed on an individual basis with your Financial Aid Counselor.
Can I receive more loan money the semester I study abroad?
Alternative Loans and/or Parent PLUS loans are available. However, Financial Aid uses the same budget for students at Concordia University and your foreign exchange costs may be above that budget. This is also discussed on an individual basis with your Financial Aid Counselor.
When is payment due?
Tuition payments are due the same date as all other Concordia University, Irvine students. Housing and meal plan due dates are determined by the foreign exchange institution you are attending. Some payments are due directly to your host institution before your semester begins. You will need to plan very carefully since your Financial Aid may not be available when these payments are due. Financial Aid for foreign exchange students is disbursed at the same time as regularly enrolled CUI students, permitted all Financial Aid documents have been completed and approved.
Please note: If there are any fees or deposits due in advance of our disbursement dates, you will have to pay these fees from your own funds!
How and when will I receive my Financial Aid?
Your Financial Aid will credit to your account the first day of classes at CUI; permitted all Financial Aid documents have been completed and approved. After all CUI charges are paid, any excess aid will be refunded as directed by you on the Bursar's Office Study Abroad/Exchange Programs Agreement (if applicable, please complete and submit this form to the Bursar's Office). You may reimburse yourself if you have paid your foreign exchange institution in advance.
Please note: CUI does not mail funds overseas.
What deadlines must I meet?
You should submit your FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline so that when you complete your Bursar's Office Study Abroad Agreement, your Financial Aid is already determined.
Please note: The processing of your Financial Aid can take 4 to 6 weeks after all the requested documents are submitted.
Who should I contact with Financial Aid questions?
If you have any questions about the study abroad Financial Aid process, please call 949-214-3066. Any questions regarding your student account, please contact the Bursar's Office at 949-214-3075, or email [email protected].