FINANCES

Pricing Guides // Expenses // Scholarships // Insurance // Finance FAQs

Program Pricing Guides

Semester Pricing Guide
Summer Pricing Guide
Short Program Pricing Guide

Billing, Fees, and Expenses

Program Fees: The program fee for a full semester is $8,300. This fee includes airfare, local and international group excursions, international medical insurance, select meals, and additional student support services.

The program fee for summer programs at ACU’s hub locations is $6,800. This fee includes airfare, housing, local group excursions, and international medical insurance. Fees for programs outside ACU’s hub locations vary by program.

Program fees are charged to the student’s account along with regular tuition and fees for the applicable term. Charges are generally posted according to the following schedule:

  • Fall programs: first week of June

  • Spring programs: first week of December

  • Summer programs: first week of May

Deviation fees: Students wishing to extend their stay abroad after the scheduled return date may be eligible to do so for a deviation fee. For more information, please see the flight information section of our website.

Personal expenses: You will incur additional expenses for personal travel, souvenirs, toiletries, laundry, or local events. Based on our student feedback, most spend between $2,000 and $4,000 on personal expenses. Variations in student budgets are largely dependent on independent travel habits.

How billing operates: Study abroad charges are added to your student account and billed in the same manner as other semester expenses. Block tuition remains in effect, eligible financial aid and scholarships continue to apply, and available payment plans may be used.

We encourage students and their families to meet with their financial counselor to review costs, confirm how aid will be applied, and plan for any remaining expenses.

Scholarships

  • ACU Study Abroad awards scholarships made possible by generous donors who believe in the value of international education. For the 2026–2027 academic year, Study Abroad will award at least $15,000 in scholarship funding. Awards may vary based on students’ demonstrated financial need. To apply, click this link or select the “Apply for Scholarships” button below.

  • ACU offers special scholarships for semester student RAs. Each receives $4,500 for their unique peer leadership role and responsibilities. For more information about this position, please see the “Student Employment” section of our website.

  • If you are a Presidential Scholar or a member of LYNAY, ACU automatically gives you a financial voucher for a study abroad program (the amount depends on your classification and program). Please keep in mind that these two vouchers cannot be combined. Be sure to contact your financial aid counselor for specific information.

  • Students with a business or SITC major are eligible to apply for a COBA scholarship for a hub-site semester or summer program. Students must apply using the form linked here by October 1. Students will be notified about their scholarship application result by the priority admission notification deadline (October 15). Please note that COBA study abroad scholarships are for all COBA students (Business & SITC). For business students only, any available experiential learning voucher dollars will also automatically be applied to your study abroad experience.

  • If you are a part of the Honors College, you can apply for a Travel Grant. Refer to the Honors College Canvas page for more information on how to apply for this scholarship.

  • CEL has financial support available for students participating in experiential learning opportunities. Funds can be used for educational expenses incurred while participating in experiential learning. You can apply here. CEL Funds will be applied in two parts: Half at mid-experience and half post-experience. Students will be required to submit reflections and receipts to qualify.

  • University Credit Union is a local ACU partner that offers several financial products—including $0 international transaction fee credit accounts—to ACU students. They have an annual $5,000 scholarship giveaway and they encourage ACU Study Abroad students to apply here. You must be a University Credit Union member to apply. The scholarship amount can be used for any purpose.

  • Lewer Global offers a $2,500 scholarship for Study Abroad students across the nation. For more information on the application process and deadlines, please see their website here.

  • Some departments offer scholarships for studying abroad. Check with your department chair to discuss what options might be available.

  • We encourage you to apply for scholarships outside of ACU. A PDF guide to ACU and third-party study abroad scholarships can be found below. There are scholarships, such as the Gilman, that are specifically for studying abroad, but any additional scholarship can go toward your program fee. We also advise you to talk to your financial counselor, who is an excellent resource for researching and applying for scholarships.

Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships
Scholarship Information

Insurance

All students are covered by a global health insurance policy through Blue Cross/Blue Shield Global Solutions while participating in an ACU International Program. For details about coverage, policy terms, claims, and available mobile resources, please visit the Emergency and Medical section of our website.

Common Finance FAQs

When is the last day to withdraw without being charged a percentage of the program fee?

The final dates to withdraw without being charged a percentage of the program fee are:

  • Summer programs: January 30

  • Fall programs: February 27

  • Spring programs: June 29

Please review the Withdrawal and Ineligibility Policy in the ACU International Programs Handbook for complete details. The application fee is nonrefundable.

How will I access money while abroad?

Most students access money abroad using a debit or ATM card. We recommend traveling with at least two cards and keeping them in separate locations in case one is lost, stolen, damaged, or temporarily blocked.

Mobile payment services are also widely accepted in many European countries and can provide an additional payment option. Before departure, check with your bank or credit card provider regarding international transaction and ATM withdrawal fees. Because these fees vary, consider using cards that charge low or no foreign transaction fees.

How should I obtain local currency abroad?

We do not recommend bringing large amounts of cash to exchange, as currency exchange counters often offer less favorable rates and may charge additional fees. Instead, withdraw local currency from a reputable bank ATM after arriving at your program location.

How does my ACU meal plan work at Study Abroad locations?

For semester programs, your meal plan charge functions as a deposit. The funds will be distributed to you in four installments throughout the semester and may be used to purchase groceries or meals at restaurants.

Meal funds are not included in summer programs at any ACU Study Abroad location. Summer participants should budget separately for meals.