Do not rule out studying abroad because of cost. Many programs charge the same tuition and fees as Cal Poly Pomona. There are additional costs, of course, associated with studying abroad with any of the programs. Carefully read through the program material and assess what personal resources you may be able to draw upon for a study abroad semester or year. We recommend you see a Financial Aid Counselor the semester before studying abroad.

1. Follow all standard steps for applying for Financial Aid (submitting the FAFSA or DREAM Application).
2. Award offers will be made starting in late March for the following academic year. Initial awards will be based on standard Cal Poly Pomona costs.
3. After you have been accepted into a study abroad program, you may have your cost of attendance (COA) adjusted based on the published costs of your program. Cost of attendance adjustments may increase your eligibility for additional loan funds.
4. Meet with a representative from the Cal Poly Pomona Study Abroad Office and complete the Study Abroad Financial Aid Form.
5. Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to go over the impact on your financial aid as well as when aid will be released.

Financial aid is typically released 10 days prior to the start of the Cal Poly Pomona semester.  Regardless of when your Study Abroad program begins, your funds will be released to Student Financial Services on the standard date for all Cal Poly Pomona students (which is reflected in Bronco Direct).

Arrange for direct deposit of your financial aid refund to your checking account. Be sure to enroll in Direct Deposit through your Student Center by clicking on "Enroll in Direct Deposit" under the Finances section.  This will minimize delays in your receipt of your funds while studying abroad.

Please plan accordingly to meet your program payment deadlines. 

A number of scholarship opportunities exist for students wishing to Study Abroad, including opportunities from Cal Poly Pomona as well as other outside organizations.

The following sources have information on the variety of scholarship options available:

• Institute for International Education – Study Abroad Funding
• Cal Poly Pomona Scholarships Information       
• University of Minnesota - Study Abroad Funding Search Engine         

Scholarship Opportunity for Pell Grant Eligible Students:
The Gilman Scholarship Program is an undergraduate grant program for U.S. citizens of limited financial means to enable them to study abroad, thereby internationalizing their outlook and better preparing them to thrive in the global economy.  The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. 

Financial aid may be applied to the costs of study abroad programs associated with Cal Poly Pomona through the Study Abroad Office. Students who previously have not applied for financial aid may consider applying in order to be eligible for federal student loans to help cover the costs for Study Abroad.

State University Grant, Cal Grant Fee awards, and Middle Class Scholarship:  These awards are restricted to only covering the State Tuition Fee.  If a student is not paying the State Tuition Fee (either to the Chancellor’s Office or to Cal Poly Pomona), he is not eligible to receive funding from either of these awards. 

Summary of Programs and Financial Aid Eligibility 

*Subject to individual scholarship criteria

Financial Aid and Faculty Led programs 
Eligibility for financial aid for Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs depends on the length of the program and number of units.  If a program is equal to the length of the standard semester – it is eligible for aid.  For programs that are shorter than a standard semester (i.e., 2 week program in the Summer or consists of less than 6 units) – aid eligibility may be limited.  Please consult with a Financial Aid Counselor to determine aid eligibility for your program.

It is mandatory to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor at least once before you leave to your destination to ensure everything is ready to go and that you understand the process of your financial aid while you’re abroad. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Virtual Advising

If you want to learn more about your award or how to increase your loans, you can reach the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships by joining the e-Student Services Zoom for drop-in advising.  Be sure to have your Cal Poly Pomona Bronco ID Number ready to share so that they can provide you with accurate information that is specific to you.