ACU Study Abroad / Finances & Scholarships
Make room for more of the world.
Understand your study abroad costs, explore financial support, and plan ahead with confidence. Your next adventure starts with a budget that works for you.
01 / Program costs
Choose your pricing guide.
The program fee is one part of your study abroad costs. Tuition, housing, meals, books and personal spending can vary. Start with the published guide for your program type.
Semester · International Campuses
The published fee includes airfare, local and international group excursions, international medical insurance, select meals and student support services.
View semester pricing guide →Summer · International Campuses
The published fee includes airfare, housing, local excursions and international medical insurance.
View summer pricing guide →Faculty-Led Programs
Fees vary by program. Review the existing Short Program Pricing Guide and the specific program listing for relevant costs.
View short program pricing guide →02 / Planning and billing
Know what to budget for.
How billing works
Study abroad program fees appear on your ACU student account alongside the regular tuition and fees for the applicable term. Block tuition remains in effect, eligible scholarships and financial aid continue to apply, and available payment plans can be used.
ACU encourages students and families to meet with their financial aid counselor to review their costs and how financial aid applies.
Personal expenses
Based on student feedback, most spend this amount on personal travel, souvenirs, toiletries, laundry and local activities. Independent travel habits make a big difference.
Flight deviations: Students approved to return after the group may pay an additional deviation fee. Read flight information →
When program charges are generally posted
03 / Scholarships and support
Find funding for your experience.
Some opportunities depend on financial need, academic program, existing university awards or student leadership. Review each scholarship's terms and deadline carefully.
ACU Study Abroad scholarships
Donor-supported awards. For the 2026–2027 academic year, ACU Study Abroad states it will award at least $15,000 total in scholarship funding. Individual awards vary based on demonstrated financial need.
Apply for Study Abroad scholarships →Semester Resident Assistant
ACU offers a $4,500 scholarship to each semester RA for peer leadership and responsibilities.
Learn about the RA role →Presidential / LYNAY scholarship
Eligible students automatically receive a financial voucher for study abroad. The amount depends on classification and program. Presidential and LYNAY vouchers cannot be combined. Ask your financial aid counselor.
Contact financial aid counseling →COBA Study Abroad scholarships
Business and SITC majors may apply for an International Campuses semester or summer scholarship. Published deadline: October 1; notification: October 15. For Business majors only, any available experiential-learning voucher dollars also apply automatically.
Open COBA scholarship form →Honors College travel grant
Honors College students can apply for a Travel Grant. See the Honors College Canvas page for application instructions.
Center for Experiential Learning (CEL)
Funding for educational expenses in experiential-learning opportunities. Half is applied mid-experience and half afterward; reflections and receipts are required. The published application deadline is October 11.
Open CEL application →University Credit Union scholarship
The live page describes an annual $5,000 scholarship giveaway. University Credit Union membership is required; the funding can be used for any purpose. Check the current cycle.
View UCU scholarship →Lewer Global scholarship
The live page lists a national $2,500 scholarship for study abroad students. Check the sponsor's current eligibility, application and deadline.
View Lewer scholarship →Departmental scholarships
Some academic departments offer study abroad awards. Ask your department chair whether your degree program has an option.
Outside scholarships
ACU encourages additional outside scholarship applications, including study abroad-specific awards such as Gilman. Consult its existing scholarship resource guide and talk with your financial aid counselor.
Explore outside scholarships →Scholarship link updates to review: the linked scholarship PDF is labeled 2023–2024; the CEL application references Spring 2026; and the UCU application references its 2026 award. All existing links are preserved, but verify active forms and cycles before publishing.
04 / Insurance
Global health coverage.
All students participating in an ACU International Program are covered by a global health insurance policy through Blue Cross/Blue Shield Global Solutions.
For policy coverage, terms, claims and mobile resources, visit Emergency and Medical →.
05 / Common finance questions
Good questions. Clear answers.
When can I withdraw without a percentage-of-program-fee charge?
Published last dates to withdraw without being charged a percentage of the program fee:
- Summer programs: January 30
- Fall programs: February 27
- Spring programs: June 29
Review the Withdrawal and Ineligibility Policy in the ACU International Programs Handbook for complete details. The application fee is nonrefundable. Other charges may apply under the full policy.
How should I access money while abroad?
Most students use debit or ATM cards. ACU recommends carrying at least two cards and storing them separately in case one is lost, stolen, damaged or blocked. Mobile payments are commonly accepted in many European countries.
Check with your card issuer about international transaction and ATM withdrawal fees before you depart; consider options with low or no foreign transaction fees.
How do I obtain local currency?
ACU does not recommend bringing large amounts of cash to exchange, since exchange counters may charge extra fees or offer unfavorable rates. Instead, withdraw currency from a reputable bank ATM after arrival.
How does the ACU meal plan work abroad?
Semester: your meal-plan charge acts as a deposit. The funds are distributed to you in four installments during the semester for groceries or restaurant meals.
Summer: meal funds are not included in summer programs, so students should budget separately for meals.
Will financial aid and scholarships still apply?
ACU's published policy says block tuition remains in effect and eligible financial aid and scholarships continue to apply. Available payment plans may also be used. Confirm the details of your award package with your financial aid counselor.