Studying abroad provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the world, but it is not without financial considerations. At MSU we offer Tuition Exchange programs with partner univerities through our MSU Direct Exchange program (DEX) and our partnership with ISEP Exchange. Tuition Exchange programs allow MSU students to pay MSU tuition at their host university. Any MSU or MUS scholarships will apply during the term abroad.

There are many other ways to lower the costs of studying abroad. Please read on for more information on how financing, billing, and budgeting can factor in to your study abroad plans. Keep in mind that there are a wide variety of scholarships available to fund your study abroad experience!

As always, our team is here to support you through every step of your study abroad journey. If you have any questions, please email studyabroad@montana.edu or stop by our drop-in advising hours.

 

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Budgeting Costs

When creating a budget for studying abroad, it is helpful to consider:

  • your personal spending habits
  • your program costs
  • airfare costs
  • the cost of living in your host country
  • the host country's exchange rate

Here are two sites to help students budget for studying abroad:

In addition to planning a budget for your educational and living expenses, make sure you also have a plan for how to access your money from abroad.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid and loans may be applied for most semester and year-long study abroad programs. Financial aid awards can be adjusted for the term abroad based on the study abroad program cost; this includes the program fee, room and board, transportation, and living expenses. Please work with your study abroad advisor to complete a Study Abroad Budget Form and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid Services.

It is possible to set up a tuition payment plan for Tuition Exchange study abroad programs. In order to set up atuition payment plan, contact MSU Student Accounts at (406)-994-1991.

Billing & Payment

How a student is billed for their study abroad experience will depend on the type of program they are doing. Below is a brief chart that explains the billing process and associated fees.

Program Type Tuition & Fees Room & Board MSU Scholarships Apply? Application Fee MSU Study Abroad Fee Payment Deadline/Cycle
Direct Exchange (DEX) MSU tuition & fees paid to MSU through Student Accounts Paid to host university (with the exception of programs in Africa) Yes, most apply $50 MSU Study Abroad fee per term $150 Standard MSU billing time - Visit Student Accounts for more information
 ISEP Exchange MSU tuition & fees paid to MSU through  Student Accounts  Cost of a double-occupancy dorm room and silver meal plan; Paid to MSU through Student Accounts Yes, most apply Application fee paid online to ISEP $150 Standard MSU billing time - Visit Student Accounts for more information 
 ISEP Direct Program cost paid to program provider (ISEP)  Depends on program; paid to program provider (ISEP) if applicable No Application fee paid online to ISEP  $150 $150 due on standard MSU billing; other amount deadlines vary by program
 CCIS  Program cost paid to MSU through Student Accounts Depends on program; may be paid directly to host university or to MSU No $50 MSU Study Abroad Fee per term $150  Standard MSU billing time - Visit Student Accounts for more information
Faculty-Led Program cost paid to MSU through student Accounts  Paid to MSU through Student Accounts Depends on program  $300 enrollment deposit to be paid online at time of application   Payment deadline will vary by program term
Direct Enroll Program cost paid to host university or program provider Paid to host university or program provider No $50 MSU Study Abroad Fee per term $300 $300 due on standard MSU billing; other amount deadlines vary by program

Scholarships

Scholarships can be a wonderful resource to help finance your study abroad journey. Please visit the Study Abroad Scholarships page to learn more!