Study Abroad Program

Enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by UTRGV may be considered enrollment at UTRGV for the purpose of applying for federal student aid.

Students who apply for financial assistance for study abroad should apply in the same manner as if they were planning on being in residence at UTRGV. A study abroad student must file a FAFSA and must be participating in a program that is pre-approved to be a financial aid eligible program. This is determined by the agreements that are set up by the Office of International Programs for each specific program. Students should verify with both the Office of International Programs and the Financial Aid Office to determine if the program they are interested in is an eligible program for financial aid purposes.

To be considered for Title IV funds, the study abroad applicant is expected to meet all financial aid application priority deadlines, to adhere to other financial aid deadlines, to meet all the eligibility requirements for Title IV awards and be making Satisfactory Academic Progress and meet minimum enrollment requirements for financial aid programs.

The study abroad applicant should also note that if awarded an institutional or outside scholarship, these awards may result in a reduction or cancellation of financial aid.

NOTE: Financial aid funds will be disbursed the week before the first day of the program for the respective semester. As a result, students will need to make payment arrangements with their respective study abroad programs.

Federal Direct Loan Program

Students who will be eligible for Federal Direct Loans (subsidized, unsubsidized loans and PLUS loans should be aware that:

1. First-time borrowers will not receive loan proceeds until 30 days after the start of the term.
2. Completion of Entrance Loan Counseling and an approved Master Promissory Note (MPN) will be required for all loan applicants before any loan funds are disbursed.
3. Student loans require students to be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours).
4. For a student enrolled in one term, student loans will be disbursed in two equal disbursements (usually at the beginning of the term and at the term mid-point).

NOTE: If a student is not automatically awarded a Direct Loan, he/she may submit an additional Financial Aid Request available online at www.utrgv.edu/finaid.

Return to Title IV

Any time a student withdraws from the study abroad program, he or she will be responsible for repayment of federal financial aid funds, if applicable. Please refer to section on Return of Title IV in the catalog for additional information