Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Can I receive financial aid for Study Abroad?

A. Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements for the aid you requested and meet the following conditions:

1. The program is recognized by MTSU. Contact the Office of Education Abroad and Student Exchange (EA&SE) for details.

2. The credits earned in the program will transfer to MTSU and will count as either required or elective credit toward your degree.

3. You are not on financial aid probation or suspension.

4. You are approved by the Office of EA&SE as a participant in a Study Abroad Program.

Q. Are scholarships available for students studying abroad?

A. Yes. A limited number of scholarships are available in the Office of EA&SE. You may contact their office at (615) 898-5179 or visit www.mtsu.edu/~mtabroad about application deadlines and qualifications. Scholarships are also available through certain academic departments. The Office of EA&SE has a more inclusive list of available scholarships.

Q. Are loans available for students studying abroad?

A. Yes. In addition to Federal Direct Student Loans, private/alternative loans may be used by students studying abroad. Please refer to http://www.mtsu.edu/financialaid/PrivateLoans.php

Q. Can I receive lottery, scholarship, and grant funds while studying abroad?

A. Yes. You must first complete the FAFSA application to determine if you are eligible for federal and/or state aid. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive lottery funds, scholarships and/or grant funds just like you were attending on-campus. Of course, we can't offer Federal Work Study if you are not on-campus and grants are based upon the number of credit hours for which you will be enrolled. Most MTSU academic scholarships require students to be enrolled full-time while studying abroad. We encourage you to enroll for direct deposit in the Business Office at least one month before you depart. To request Direct Deposit, contact the Business Office at (615) 898-2761 or visit www.mtsu.edu/bursar . Most grants, scholarships, and lottery funds are for only 2 semesters; therefore, if you were enrolled fall and spring semesters, you may have only private/alternative loan eligibility for a summer study abroad program.

Q. If my Fall study abroad program ends in December and I want to attend the upcoming Spring semester, can I receive aid for the Spring?

A. Typically, students transferring credit hours from a study abroad program are allowed one semester of aid before credit hours must be posted to MTSU transcripts. NOTE : Students who receive Lottery Scholarships while participating in a study abroad program will have future lottery funds delayed until official study abroad credit hours have been posted to MTSU transcripts. However, students may qualify for a Lottery deferment.

Q.  My study abroad program begins before the MTSU semester starts. Can I receive my federal funds in advance?

A. No. Regulations do not allow for the early release of federal funds. Therefore, plan on having enough personal funds available or save money from the prior semesters to meet your needs until the MTSU financial aid can be credited to your bank account.

Q. I owe deposit/registration fees to a Study Abroad Program. Will MTSU send my financial aid to the study abroad school?

A. No. Each student is responsible for paying his/her fees to the appropriate school. Financial Aid will be disbursed to your bank account provided you have given the Business Office direct deposit authorization. You are responsible for paying the appropriate deposits and fees.

Q. I am required to pay "program costs" to participate in a Study Abroad Program. Am I also required to pay tuition/fees at MTSU?

A. Typically, Study Abroad programs require you to pay "program costs". However, some programs also require you to register and pay tuition and fees at MTSU. Please make sure you understand all of the charges for your program. For more information contact the Office of EA&SE at (615) 898-5179 or via the web at www.mtsu.edu/~mtabroad.

Q. What happens to my financial aid if I am unable to finish the study abroad program?

A. This rarely occurs, but federal regulations require students to return a portion of their federal aid if they are unable to complete sixty percent of the term. Tennessee Lottery regulations require the suspension of lottery funds for future semesters. However, a student may appeal TELS eligibility based upon extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control (e.g., documented medical emergencies or the death of a family member).

Q. If a study abroad program begins in January and ends in December, will I need to complete a new FAFSA for my Fall Federal and State financial aid?

A. Yes. A FAFSA form is required annually for the Pell, TSAC, Lottery and other similar funds. FAFSA information can be completed beginning in January for aid to be disbursed in the fall semester. Sometimes students are selected for verification by the Federal Department of Education. If you are selected for verification, we cannot disburse any aid until the verification is complete.

Q. How will the Financial Aid Office know the number of credit hours I will be receiving for my study abroad program? Must I be enrolled full-time to receive financial aid?

A. The Office of EA&SE notifies the Financial Aid Office regarding the number of credit hours you will attempt during your study abroad program. The Financial Aid Office will disburse financial aid based upon this information. Pell, TSAC, and Lottery funds are prorated based upon the hours enrolled. If you are receiving less than six hours of credit, you will probably not qualify for any financial aid. Students receiving 6 to 8 hours of credit may receive one-half of a full-time award and students receiving 9 to 11 credit hours may receive three-fourths of a full-time award.