Financing & Scholarships

Questions of funding can often be integral to the decision and planning processes for study away.

Careful and advanced planning will help you find the right study opportunity and the necessary financial support. We suggest allowing anywhere from six to 18 months to research funding options, file applications, and organize paperwork. It’s also important to include the right people in your financing conversations. Study Abroad can guide you through certain costs associated with your chosen programs while Student Financial Services is available to show you how your financial aid may be applied toward those costs.

SAIC Fees and Billing
Certain costs for your study away experience will be billed via your student account. These costs include tuition for 12 or 15 credits that you will take during your term abroad, SAIC health insurance and the SAIC technology fee.

Tuition
For SAIC-sponsored study away programs (international exchange, mobility, and tuition transfer), tuition is charged per-credit and at the regular undergraduate rates. Tuition fees are posted to your student account and due by the program start date.

Health Insurance
Students participating in a SAIC-sponsored study away program are required to carry adequate health insurance coverage. In addition, some programs may require you to purchase additional coverage. Students enrolled for SAIC credit during a semester or yearlong study away program are automatically enrolled in and charged for SAIC’s Health Insurance Plan. If you hold a private insurance policy of equal or better coverage, you may waive SAIC's plan and associated fees. Reach out to Study Abroad office for more details on how to submit a health insurance waiver for your term abroad.

SAIC Technology Fee
Students on SAIC-sponsored semester or yearlong study away programs continue to have access to the SAIC key server and CRIT support even while living away from Chicago. As such, study away students are still responsible for paying the SAIC Technology Fee.

Additional Costs and Budgeting
There are additional costs associated with study away programs outside of those charged through SAIC. When building a budget, it's important to anticipate and plan for as many of these additional costs as possible. Here are typical costs that you may want to consider:

• Airfare and on-ground transportation costs—How much does it cost to get you from your home to your study away location via plane, train, car, etc.? If you are on a semester or yearlong program, how much will it cost for you to get around day-to-day? 
• Passport—Students participating in an international study away program are required to have a valid passport. Passport application and renewal fees can be significant, especially if you need rush service.
• Visa—Some study away programs may require you to apply for a visa to enter the host country. Check with the host country’s embassy or consulate for visa requirements and fees.
• Housing—Housing costs for semester and yearlong programs can vary dramatically depending on the host location. Research typical housing costs for your host location and multiply that for the duration of your program.
• Books/supplies—Consider which books and supplies you will be able to take with you and which supplies you may need to purchase in your host location. Costs for your usual art supplies may be different than what you are used to in Chicago.
• Travel insurance—You may want to purchase additional travel insurance to protect your trip and any equipment you bring with you. 
• Tuition Transfer Programs—Students participating in a study away program through an affiliate school may incur additional tuition costs payable directly to the affiliate school and not SAIC. Costs can vary widely for different programs. Contact the Study Abroad Office if you are considering an affiliate school.

Creating a Study Away Budget
When choosing a program, you should compare the cost of living and attending classes on-campus with the cost of your prospective study away program. As discussed above, costs to consider in both locations include tuition, rent, food, supplies, transportation, health insurance, etc. These calculations will help guide your strategy for funding your time away. Note that working while on study away is typically not allowed.

Since 1998 Marion Parry, a friend of SAIC, has generously provided the means for students to travel to destinations around the globe. Travel can change your perspective, fuel your imagination, allow you to test new waters, and to find inspiration. For more than 20 years, Parry's grants have facilitated students' travel around the United States and the world.

Award: $1,500 to 25 degree-seeking students for the sole purpose of education through personal travel, which must be used for travel before the end of December of this year.

Semester Away

• Additional loan funding may be available while pursuing a semester away. Make an appointment with your Student Financial Services Advisor to discuss your options if you are working with the Study Abroad office on your exchange. You should consider the following:

Work-Study amendments

Cost of living, and how that may affect your funding

Paying for your tuition while away

Extra expenses including airfares, relocation expenses, and visa fees

• Odyssey Travel Grants may be used for semester away programs
• Merit Scholarships are awarded to students upon admission to SAIC. Merit scholarship funds are applied to SAIC tuition on a prorated basis for semester and yearlong study away programs.
• Loans can be used to meet funding requirements for semester and yearlong study away programs. Students should discuss loan eligibility with their Student Financial Services Advisor.

China Scholarship Council Exchange Scholarship

An agreement between SAIC and the China Scholarship Council of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China provides SAIC undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to study or conduct research in China for one academic year. One full scholarship (including tuition, campus housing, health insurance, and a stipend) is offered for study or research at selected Chinese universities authorized to admit foreign scholarship students. 

Admission to the selected university for scholarship winners is arranged by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and recipients also receive a visa application which is pre-approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Applicants (per CSC guidelines) must be US citizens and in good health.

Skowhegan Matching Fellowships

The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture is an intensive nine-week summer residency for upper level visual artists. It is set on 300 acres in the lake district of Central Maine.

Award: SAIC matches funds with Skowhegan to provide two SAIC graduate or advanced senior students full scholarships each summer, covering tuition, room, and board.