Cost is often one of the first questions students and families raise about study abroad. The answer depends on the program you choose, where you study, and how tuition and financial aid apply.
Reviewing the full cost structure—not just one expense—gives you a clearer estimate. And understanding what makes up that total allows you to compare accurately.
Where IFSA fits on the affordability spectrum
Your program cost depends on where you study, how long you go, and which program model you choose. For example, IFSA-Designed programs such as IFSA London and IFSA Buenos Aires reflect our commitment to reducing the cost barrier in a meaningful way, delivering quality study abroad for under $15K in many incredible destinations.
You’ll also find scholarships and grants available through IFSA, including automatic grants for eligible students and need-based awards. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, and award details are listed on the scholarships and financial aid page.
Since cost and funding vary by program, reviewing each program page is the best way to determine your estimated total.
What “study abroad cost” really means
One common misconception is that study abroad automatically costs more than staying on campus. That perception often comes from focusing on travel costs without reviewing what is included in a program fee.
When you think about cost, it helps to separate required program fees from additional personal expenses and consider what is and what is not included in your program fee.
IFSA fees include the elements students need to thrive abroad:
Appreciative advising model with personal guidance from start to finish
Visa support
Housing and utilities
Pre-arrival and onsite orientations
Health and travel insurance
Leading safety/wellness resources including AlertMedia
Curated immersive excursions and activities designed to promote cross-cultural skill building
Student learning plans shape your experience in and outside the classroom
Academic fees
Internship/research/volunteer placement options
Transcripts
Check our ‘What’s included?’ information, and you’ll see that with IFSA, you won’t get surprised later with unexpected hidden fees.
Students are responsible for:
Airfare
Passport fees
Local transportation
Daily living expenses
Personal travel and discretionary spending
Reviewing the detailed cost information for your selected program and location helps you plan realistically.
How home school tuition and financial aid apply
In many cases, you might continue paying tuition to your home institution instead of an IFSA program fee, depending on your school policy. Your financial aid may also continue to apply.
Federal and institutional financial aid may apply to your study abroad program, depending on your home school policy. Review how financial aid applies to your program and confirm the details with your home institution’s financial aid and study abroad offices.
Before estimating cost, confirm:
Whether you will pay home tuition or program tuition
How your financial aid package applies
Whether you are eligible for additional scholarships
This is an important part of understanding the full financial picture.
Major costs and how to save
Understanding major expense categories makes planning more manageable and allows you to evaluate where costs may differ from a typical semester at home.
Expenses that might pause
Depending on your situation, some expenses at home may pause while you are abroad. For example:
Housing payments
Utilities
Parking
Commuting costs
Keep this in mind when you consider your overall costs.
Financial aid, scholarships, and funding options
Many students combine:
Federal financial aid
Institutional aid
Study abroad scholarships
External scholarships
Personal savings or family support
You can apply for scholarships and grants, including automatic grants for eligible students and need-based awards. Eligibility requirements and application deadlines vary by award. Reviewing your options early helps you determine what funding you may qualify for.
Emergency buffer, about $1,500 – $3,000 for a 3-5 month term
Then compare that total to what you would spend during a similar term at home.
Manage currency and spending priorities
Fluctuating exchange rates and local cost of living may affect your daily expenses. Monitoring your spending throughout the term can help you stay within your planned budget.
“Keep constant track on the exchange rate, checking on it minimum twice a month. One trick for saving is to undercut yourself in your head, so you always think you’re spending more than you actually are. For example, the exchange rate in Costa Rica is about 560 CRC to 1 USD, but I live my life as if it’s a flat 500. This not only makes things easier to calculate, but I’m spending a bit less than I think every time I buy something!” —Gabriela R., IFSA Universidad Nacional Partnership program, Costa Rica
Prioritize required expenses first, then plan discretionary spending accordingly. This creates structure around your budget rather than reacting to expenses after they occur.
Helpful budgeting tools
Budgeting apps, spreadsheet templates, and financial planning tools can help you:
Track exchange rates
Monitor spending categories
Set weekly limits
Your study abroad office may also provide cost worksheets or budgeting guides to support your planning.
Real-world cost comparisons
The cost of study abroad can look different for every student. Location, program structure, financial aid policies, and personal spending habits all influence the final number.
For some students, studying in a region with a lower cost of living may reduce housing or food expenses compared to a high-cost U.S. city. For others, travel costs may increase overall spending.
“Different programs have different costs, which you can factor into while making a choice about where to study abroad. For me, my school transferred my financial aid for my semester abroad, and the program fee at the University of Glasgow was cheaper than at my home institution. Furthermore, to incentivize students to go abroad in the fall, my school provided students a $500 grant. In the end, I found out I would spend less money by going abroad.” —Eryn L., IFSA University of Glasgow Partnership program, Scotland
Comparing a full semester abroad to a full semester on campus, including tuition, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses, provides a more accurate picture than comparing airfare alone. In some scenarios, the overall difference may be smaller than expected once all variables are included. The key is ensuring you are comparing equivalent categories.
Is it worth it?
Cost is one part of the equation, value is another. Keep in mind that studying abroad can contribute to:
Academic growth
Increased independence
Cross-cultural communication skills
Career readiness
Long-term benefits often include expanded professional networks and global skills and perspective. You can explore specific examples in IFSA’s overview of the career benefits of studying abroad. For many families, evaluating both the financial investment and the educational return helps frame the decision more clearly.
When discussing cost with your family, focus on:
Published program fees
What’s included in the program fee
Scholarship eligibility
Financial aid policies
Estimated additional expenses
Questions to ask your study abroad office on campus
Will I pay home tuition or program tuition?
How will my financial aid apply?
Are there additional campus-based scholarships available?
What additional expenses should I plan for?
How does this program fit within my degree requirements?
Key takeaways and next steps
Before making assumptions about cost:
Ask your study abroad office how tuition and aid apply.
Request a full cost breakdown.
Compare total cost of attendance, not just airfare.
Explore scholarship options early.
Start your journey
The cost of studying abroad isn’t defined by a singular number. It’s a combination of tuition, housing, financial aid, travel, and personal expenses. When you look at the full picture and compare your total cost of attendance at home vs abroad, you can better understand the true investment in your experience.
