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Program Costs & Fees

Study abroad costs vary widely and may be considerably more or less expensive than the cost of attendance at Northwestern University. Please review this information carefully and discuss it with your parent(s) or guardian(s).

Program Costs

When participating in affiliated study abroad programs, you will pay the cost of the study abroad program, not Northwestern University tuition, for the quarter(s) you are abroad. Tuition and fees for Northwestern-run programs are set by Northwestern.

You can find estimates of total costs on each program page, but check your program's website for the most current cost information.

Study Abroad Administrative Fee (SAAF)

Most students who receive credit for study abroad at Northwestern must pay the Northwestern University Study Abroad Administrative Fee (SAAF). This fee is in addition to program tuition and other charges, and covers all services related to the administration of study abroad at Northwestern. 

2013-2014 Study Abroad Administrative Fees:

Term/Program

Fee

Full Year 2013-2014
(Fall, Winter, & Spring quarters abroad)

$3,990

1-2 Quarters (same program)
(e.g., Fall, Fall-Winter, Winter-Spring, Spring)

$2,440

2 Quarters (different programs)
 (e.g., Fall Quarter on one program, Spring Quarter on a different program)

$3,225

Summer 2013

$810

2012-2013 Study Abroad Administrative Fees:

Term/Program

Fee

Full Year 2012-2013
(Fall, Winter, & Spring quarters abroad)

$3,925

1-2 Quarters (same program)
(e.g., Fall, Fall-Winter, Winter-Spring, Spring)

$2,400

2 Quarters (different programs)
 (e.g., Fall Quarter on one program, Spring Quarter on a different program)

$3,170

Summer 2012

$795

Exceptions: Students attending the following Northwestern programs are not charged the Study Abroad Administrative Fee; specific program fees can be found on the program pages.

The SAAF is used to fund some of the work of the Study Abroad Office, including:

  • Evaluating potential programs for affiliation and monitoring currently affiliated programs.
  • Developing and implementing a variety of educational programs, including information sessions, pre-departure events, and special events for students who have returned from study abroad.
  • Working closely with faculty and administrators to clarify and streamline study abroad materials and policies.
  • Producing informational materials on study abroad for students, faculty, and administrators.
  • Advising students on an individual basis, as often as the students would like.
  • Talking with parents/guardians about the study abroad process and related issues.
  • Registering students for generic study abroad courses while they are abroad so that they remained enrolled.
  • Maintaining contact as needed with all students abroad.
  • Facilitating the transfer of credit once students return to campus.

Special fees

In addition to regular tuition, housing, and other related program fees, some study abroad program providers may charge additional fees. These fees are not covered by your NU financial aid; your program provider will bill you directly for these fees.

  • Special supplementary course fees
    These fees are charges in addition to the regular program fee, academic fees, and tuition, and may be assessed to students for enrollment in certain courses or departments. Some foreign universities may charge a supplemental course fee for courses taken in science, engineering, and other specialty areas involving laboratory, studio, or field work.
  • Supplemental housing fees, usually imposed for the following services:
    • Special housing arrangements: Program providers may place students in a different type of housing, such as apartments or homestays, if foreign university accommodations (such as dorms) are not available to study abroad students.
    • Housing with extra features: Full-service facilities, telephone, or computer links. This surcharge may also include student activity fees, mandatory board program fees, or miscellaneous charges such as housing application or registration fees.
    • Housing deposit: Such deposits are usually refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines, or outstanding debts in the student's name.
    • Meal plans: Some programs abroad may assign students to a residence hall with a mandatory meal plan.

Because Northwestern cannot monitor or anticipate the type or amount of any of these special fees, contact your study abroad program provider for billable estimated program costs and to ascertain what fees, if any, will apply.