Non-UC Study Abroad
Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
Please note that while the questions and responses are directed to non-UC study abroad programs, they also apply to study at non-UC schools in the United States.
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1. I would like to study abroad through a non-UC sponsored program.
Can I still receive financial aid?
Students are eligible to receive financial aid while studying abroad in a non-UC sponsored program as long as the units will transfer to UCSB. However, their study abroad program must be through another school or organization within the United States.
2. How will the Financial Aid Office know I will be studying abroad through
a non-UC program so that I can receive the aid for which I qualify?
In order for the Financial Aid Office to know that you are studying abroad, you must complete and submit a “Request for a Consortium/Contractual Agreement” form and an “Approval of Transfer Credit” form signed by Admissions. These forms are available in our office. We will contact the host school and request that they sign and agree to the terms in the Consortium/Contractual Agreement.
3. What is a Consortium/Contractual Agreement?
The Consortium/Contractual Agreement is an agreement between the UCSB Financial Aid Office and another school or organization within the United States that sponsors the study abroad program in which you wish to enroll. The other school or organization certifies your enrollment in their study abroad program and agrees to co-coordinate your aid eligibility with UCSB.
4. Who is eligible to request a Consortium/Contractual
Agreement?
You must be a continuing, degree seeking student at UCSB. Returning students in their first quarter of readmission are not eligible during that first quarter.
You are also not eligible to apply if you have been academically dismissed by your college or you are on academic probation and subject to dismissal, suspended, or dismissed due to disciplinary reasons.
5. Is there a deadline to submit a “Request for a Consortium/Contractual
Agreement”?
Yes. There is a separate deadline each quarter by which a “Request for a Consortium/Contractual Agreement” must be submitted for a non-UC study abroad program. In most cases, the deadline is usually about 3-4 weeks prior to the beginning of the UCSB quarter or summer session (e.g., there is an August deadline for the fall) that coincides with your non-UC study abroad program begin date.
These deadline dates are published under “Important Dates” on our home page.
6. Do I receive the same amount of financial aid as if I were studying on EAP?
Like EAP, the amount of financial aid is based on the cost of attending the non-UC program. The type of aid that is available is limited to federal funds (Pell Grant, ACG Grant, SMART Grant, Direct Loans, and PLUS loans) and state funds (Cal Grant, if eligible). Student may also apply for alternative loans. University grants and scholarships are not available for non-UC study abroad programs.
7. Is there a minimum unit requirement.
You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 transferable units per quarter/semester during your consortium/contractual enrollment. UCSB’s Admission Office verifies your units will transfer before you leave. Upon your return, you must transfer those units to UCSB (see #9 below).
8. How will I be notified of the amount of financial aid I am eligible to receive
while on a Consortium/Contractual Agreement?
When our office receives the signed Consortium/Contractual Agreement from the non-UC study abroad program and we have received all other required documents to determine your financial aid eligibility (this latter requirement might have already been met during the regular aid application process), you will receive an e-mail directing you to go to the Financial Aid Office’s web site to access your file and to review your award. It will be displayed under those quarters in which you will be enrolled in your non-UC study abroad program.
9. How and when does my aid get disbursed?
A check will be mailed to your permanent address that is on file in the Office of the Registrar’s GOLD system. Your aid will be disbursed no sooner than 10 days before the start date of your non-UC Study Abroad program. It may be later if you have not submitted required documents or if you have not completed a master promissory note and the entrance counseling required of all first-time borrowers in the Direct Loan program. If you have study abroad program charges that must be paid sooner than this disbursement schedule will allow, you should contact the school or organization about your payment options.
10. How will the Financial Aid Office be notified that my units have transferred
to UCSB?
It is your responsibility to request that your study abroad institution send an official grade transcript to UCSB within 45 days of the completion of your program. Our office will monitor your financial aid file and request confirmation from the UCSB Office of the Registrar that your units have transferred. If no official transcript is received or if at least 6 units did not transfer to UCSB, you will be billed for the aid you received for your non-UC study abroad program. These charges will be placed on your UCSB BARC account.
11. Do I need to inform the Registrar’s Office of my plans to study abroad
through a non-UC sponsored program?
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