Many students ask, “Can I afford to study abroad?” and the answer is, yes!
As a nonprofit, USAC’s goal is for students to gain international experience affordably. That’s why we maintain reasonable program fees, and offer scholarships, grants, and discounts (including a scholarship for every program)!
Find helpful information and factors to keep in mind when considering study abroad costs and your budget, below.
A January or Summer session is a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
Bonus: Shorter programs mean you pay less and stay on track for your academic goals while immersing in a new culture and engaging in international coursework.
Committing to a longer study abroad means more value for your money. A yearlong or combined Summer I & II program comes with a USAC pricing discount and more time deepen your cultural immersion, create connections, and explore academics abroad.
Did you know a term abroad is often similar to what you’re paying for a term in the U.S.?
Keeping study abroad financially accessible is one of our top focuses, which is why we’ve built discounts into our pricing models, offer scholarships, and more.
The topics below cover the most common expenses that you’ll need to plan for. While it may seem like a lot, USAC has study abroad programs for every budget, whether for the short term, semester, or year.
Options vary by program: apartment, residence hall or dorm, or homestay.
Options vary by program: meal plan at the cafeteria, buy your own groceries, some homestays include meals.
Laundry costs, any clothes you buy while abroad, luggage overage fees.
Electricity, garbage, and internet can vary across programs. Dorms may include utilities.
Foreign SIM card may be required.
Health insurance may be included in your program’s or host university’s fees. Some countries require you purchase national health insurance.
Group or individual flight.
Bus card, train tickets, or taxis. Some free options may include campus bus or tram.
A passport and student visa are required to enter the country as a student.
Entry fees may apply, such as traveling to or through the U.K. or European Union.
Vary depending on your needs. These could include everything from toothpaste and sunscreen, to souvenirs, shopping, and eating out.
Textbooks (physical or digital) and classroom supplies vary depending on which courses you take.
Budgeting can be daunting, but we've got you covered! USAC has interactive budget sheets that are unique to each program and show you the low- and high-end costs to expect.
Use the custom interactive budget sheets located in the Fees & Deadlines section of each program on usac.edu to estimate the cost for the programs you’re considering.
Standard USAC program fees typically include tuition, visa guidance, student health insurance, program-specific pre-departure advising and personal support and more.
$ - $$$$$ = $5,000 - $20,000
India: Bengaluru
Korea: Gwangju
Thailand: Khon Kaen
Vietnam: Da Nang
Chile: Santiago
China: Chengdu, Shanghai
Cuba: La Habana
Korea: Seoul, Kookmin University
Thailand: Chiang Mai
Uruguay: Montevideo
Australia: Melbourne
Costa Rica: Heredia
Czech Republic: Prague
England: London Roehampton
France: Pau
Germany: Lüneburg
Italy: Reggio Emilia, Viterbo
Japan: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Nishinomiya
Korea: Seoul, Korea University
South Africa: Stellenbosch
Sweden: Växjö/Kalmar
Australia: Gold Coast
England: Brighton
France: Lyon
Ireland: Cork
Israel: Haifa
Italy: Torino, Verona
Korea: Seoul, Yonsei University
Netherlands: The Hague
New Zealand: Auckland / Palmerston North / Wellington
Spain: Alicante, Bilbao/Getxo, Madrid, San Sebastián
England: Bristol, London Met, Reading
Ireland: Galway
Netherlands: Maastricht
Portugal: Lisbon
Scotland: St Andrews, Stirling
Scholarship money doesn’t have to be paid back, and it can be used for almost anything. You’re probably already eligible for some scholarships because of your major, favorite hobbies, or family background. Many scholarships are merit-based, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need high grades; sometimes it’s about working toward a degree or going to a certain country. Other scholarships are need-based, so apply to as many as you are able. After you have been accepted to a program, you can apply for USAC’s need- and merit-based scholarships.
You don’t pay to apply to USAC. See, you’re already saving money.
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