Financial aid can be applied to cover program-related expenses for eligible students on Travel Study. In order to receive summer aid, students must complete the upcoming academic year’s FAFSA application before the priority deadline. Additionally, Travel Study participants will need to fill out the appropriate form(s) in their IEO application portal in order to be advised appropriately regarding next steps.  Please note, the UCLA Financial Aid Office and the IEO cannot predict your award package.

Information for UCLA Students

Continuing UCLA students who are eligible for aid during the academic year are typically eligible for summer aid. Aid packages generally include the program fee and non-billable estimated costs for expenses including; airfare, textbooks, meals, and other items not included in the program fee. Grants are extremely limited in summer, so be prepared for a financial aid package that consists PRIMARILY of loans, including parent and private loans which require additional steps to complete.

Helpful Resources

Using UCLA Financial Aid

In order to receive financial aid, UCLA students must complete the following:

  • Complete your application materials & pay the nonrefundable $300 deposit to secure your spot in your Travel Study program.
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Monday, March 2, 2026. The application is available at https://studentaid.gov.
  • Submit the Travel Study Financial Aid Agreement Form as part of your pre-departure materials: Due by March 4, 2026
  • Graduate students may have additional requirements, including a letter from the Department confirming the Travel Study program is required for the degree.

Waitlists

Waitlisted students will still have access to Financial Aid if space becomes available and they are accepted to a Travel Study program. IEO encourages students on a waitlist to have completed their FAFSA and apply for eligible scholarships while awaiting an open space in a Travel Study program.

Cancellations

Please note that ALL students applying for financial aid assume full responsibility for all program fees. To cancel your Travel Study program participation, please email “info@ieo.ucla.edu” with the subject line “Travel Study Program Cancellation Request”. Your message will be directed to the appropriate staff member for assistance. The $300 deposit is nonrefundable. Financial Aid students who cancel after March 11 will be assessed the full program fee without the possibility of financial aid. See Cancellation Policy for more information.

Information for Non-UCLA Students

Non-UCLA Students

Students should consult with their home institution about financial aid availability and deadlines. Other UC campuses typically allow students to utilize financial aid if eligible to be used toward UCLA study abroad program costs.  Each campus has its own process; please check in with your home campus study abroad office and financial aid to confirm the process and requirements. Once enrolled, additional instructions will be provided to you.

Applying for Financial Aid

In order to apply for financial aid, non-UCLA students must complete the following:

  • Confirm your application acceptance materials & pay the nonrefundable $300 deposit to secure your spot in your Travel Study program;
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2, 2026. The application is available at https://studentaid.gov;
  • Meet all of the requirements and deadlines set by the home campus financial aid office & home campus study abroad office;
  • Submit a signed Non-UCLA Financial Aid Agreement form to our office by March 4, 2025. The form is available for download in your student portal after acceptance to a Travel Study program.

Cancellations

Please note that ALL students applying for financial aid assume full responsibility for all program fees. To cancel your Travel Study program participation, please email “info@ieo.ucla.edu” with the subject line “Travel Study Program Cancellation Request”. Your message will be directed to the appropriate staff member for assistance. The $300 deposit is nonrefundable. Financial Aid Students who cancel after March 11, 2026 will be assessed the full program fee. See Cancellation Policy page for more information.

Information for Veteran Benefits

All Travel Study programs are compliant for Veteran Benefits at the State and Federal level. Please review information about utilizing benefits on our Veteran Benefits page.

Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionAnswer
If I accept financial aid in the summer, will it affect my financial aid package during the next academic year?For UCLA students, the federal loans you accept in summer affect the following academic year. For students who need federal loans for the following academic year, the UCLA Financial Aid Office will offer more parent and private loans to cover your summer program. We advise you to contact your financial aid advisor to discuss your summer plans and learn about the types of loans that will be offered to you (including any remaining spring aid you might be able to accept toward summer). Non-UCLA students should consult with their home institution financial aid office.
Do I have to pay the $300 nonrefundable payment when I apply for a program?Yes, all students are required to pay the $300 nonrefundable deposit to secure their spot in a program. This deposit is applied towards your program fee.
How much financial aid can I expect to receive?Financial aid packages consist primarily of LOANS, including parent and private loans. A typical package includes aid for all Travel Study program expenses, including program fee, airfare, textbooks, and spending money. Non-UCLA students should consult with their home institution financial aid office. In Spring Quarter, the Financial Aid office will release a Summer Aid calculator for guidance on estimated aid packaging.
If I am a UCLA student, participating in two Travel Study programs (in the same summer), can I receive aid for both programs?No, it is not possible to receive financial aid for more than one Travel Study program in the same summer. You will be eligible to apply for aid for only one of the programs (typically the one with the higher total cost of attendance). Please reach out to our office if you are seriously considering two programs in the same summer term.
Are grants available in the summer?There are a limited number of Pell and University grants available in the summer. If you are grant-eligible during the academic year, you may be eligible for grants during the summer. However, you can expect that a majority of your financial aid package will be LOANS, including parent and private loans. Non-UCLA students should consult with their home institution financial aid office.
Are scholarships available?See Scholarships page.
When will I receive my financial aid award notification (FAN)?For UCLA students, award notifications will go out by the end of May or early June. FAN notifications are sent out by e-mail. Non-UCLA students should consult with their home institution financial aid office.
When will the financial aid awards be disbursed?UCLA financial aid awards are usually disbursed 5-10 days prior to the program start date beginning June 14 for 2024 programs. Non-UCLA students should consult with their home institution about disbursement dates.
Do I have to attend a Travel Study financial aid workshop?The Financial Aid Office & IEO require that Travel Study students view a recorded webinar by an established deadline noted in your application portal. Q&A Sessions will be available to answer questions. In addition, if you are a first-time financial aid recipient, you will have to complete a mandatory debt-management session in the spring.
What expenses will I need to cover prior to my disbursement?You will have to cover the nonrefundable $300 deposit for your program prior to award disbursement. You will also have to cover airline ticket expenses in advance of the disbursement. Other travel related expenses (passport application fees, visa fees) may also apply to your situation and require advance payment.
If I am a financial aid student, will I be responsible for paying the program fees in full by the final payment deadline?ALL students applying for financial aid assume full responsibility for all program fees. Eligible financial aid students (who have completed all of their financial aid requirements) will not be required to pay the full program fees by the March final payment deadline. If you cancel your participation *after* the cancellation deadline, you will no longer be eligible for Financial Aid and will need to make alternate arrangements to cover your outstanding balance for the full program fee. See Cancellation Policy.
How can I check the status of my financial aid? UCLA financial aid students can access their financial aid information via MyUCLA. Please check your financial aid portal regularly beginning in May.

Be sure that the UCLA Financial Aid Office has on file a current e-mail address and local mailing address that you check regularly. Non-UCLA students should consult with their home institution financial aid office.

What if I decide I no longer want to participate in my Travel Study program?See Cancellation Policy. Financial aid applicants must notify both IEO and the Office of Financial Aid at the time of cancellation.