Program Costs & Financial Aid

You may be very excited about the idea of studying abroad, but have concerns about whether or not you can afford to go. We are often asked by students, “how much does it cost to study abroad?” It’s difficult to provide a simple answer to that question because it will depend on a number of factors – duration of the program, the type of program, and the cost of living in your host city. Below are things to consider when you are exploring your options.

Program Costs & Fees Financial Aid Scholarships

Program Costs & Fees

When you study abroad during the academic year, you will pay Northwestern tuition for the term you are abroad. Program costs such as housing, airfare, visas, and local transportation vary depending on program and location, so the total cost of studying abroad may be more or less expensive than the cost of studying at Northwestern.

Each program page provides a breakdown of tuition, housing, estimates of airfare, and personal expenses etc.

Study Abroad Administrative Fee (SAAF)

Students who receive credit at Northwestern for study abroad must pay the Study Abroad Administrative Fee (SAAF). This fee is in addition to tuition and other charges, and covers services related to the administration of study abroad at Northwestern. If you receive need-based financial aid from Northwestern during study abroad, the SAAF will be included in your study abroad financial aid.

study abroad fee table by program type and term
Program Type & Term	Fee
Northwestern, Exchange, Partner & Global Practicum Fall, Fall-Winter, Winter, Winter-Spring, or Spring	$1,500
Exchange & Partner Full Year	$3,000
Northwestern & Partner Summer	$1,500
Independent Fall, Fall-Winter, Winter, Winter-Spring, or Spring	$5,000
Independent Summer	$2,500

Additional Program Fees

In addition to regular tuition, housing, and program fees, some study abroad programs may charge additional fees for certain academic, housing, or extracurricular options. These fees will not be invoiced by Northwestern; your program sponsor will bill you directly for these fees, if applicable. Northwestern financial aid is not available for these types of charges, but you may be eligible for a subsidized student loan for additional tuition or housing expenses, as invoiced by your program.

Special Course Fees or Supplemental Tuition

These fees may be charged in addition to the regular tuition, academic fees, or program fee, typically for enrollment in certain courses or departments. For example, some programs or foreign universities may charge a supplemental course fee for courses taken in science, engineering, and other specialty areas, often those involving laboratory, studio, or field work.

Additional Program Courses or Options

These may include:

Pre-program language courses or workshops
Non-credit classes or lessons
Field trips or excursions that are not a required part of the program
Optional pre-sessions or orientation programs

Supplemental Housing Fees

These fees may be imposed for the following services:

Catered housing or meal plans: Some programs abroad assign students to a residence hall with a mandatory meal plan, which may carry an additional charge.
Single rooms: There may be an up-charge if you opt for or are assigned to a single room.
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 or miscellaneous charges such as housing application or registration fees.
Housing damage deposit: Such deposits may be refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines, or outstanding debts in the student's name.

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