UNC Asheville students taking courses abroad through a UNC Asheville program are generally eligible to receive Financial Aid. Study abroad students must follow the same aid application steps as other students. If you plan to study abroad, you should submit all required documents, including loan promissory notes, as early as possible to assure that your aid disbursement is not delayed.

Students participating in study abroad programs are required to select a person to act as their Limited Power of Attorney during the time they will be abroad. This individual should have convenient access to UNC Asheville. Obtaining a Limited Power of Attorney allows your designee to sign Financial Aid checks requiring your signature that may become available after your departure. The Limited Power of Attorney form may be obtained from the UNC Asheville Study Abroad Office.

Keep in mind that financial aid procedures for study abroad will take additional time and planning. Contact our office now so that we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive financial aid for study abroad or study away programs?
UNC Asheville students taking courses abroad or away through a UNCA approved program are generally eligible to receive financial aid.

How should I apply for aid?
Study abroad students must complete the same financial aid application (FAFSA) and follow the same steps as they would for UNCA. If you plan to study abroad or away, you should submit all required financial aid documents as early as possible to ensure that your aid disbursement is not delayed.

How much of my costs will financial aid cover?
It depends on the study abroad or away program cost and your eligibility for financial aid.

What kind of aid is available?
Federal and state grants, loans, and scholarships.

Where can I receive information about scholarships?
The Study Abroad Office and their website has a listing of some available scholarships.

Will my grades I receive while abroad or away affect my financial aid?
Yes. A student that is studying abroad or away is held to the same Satisfactory Academic Standards as all UNCA students, and must complete 70% of the hours attempted. The number of hours you are registered for at UNCA must be completed while you are abroad/away.

Who is responsible for taking care of my financial aid while I’m overseas?
The STUDENT is ultimately responsible. We can help with questions for making the arrangements, but it is the responsibility of the student to make sure all things are carried out. Before leaving, the Study Abroad Office helps students complete the Limited Power of Attorney form. At that time, the Cashier’s office needs a written statement of what should be done with any refund that should become available from your financial aid. Your Limited Power of Attorney is also able to sign any financial aid checks requiring your signature that may become available after your departure.

Will my aid disburse before I leave to go abroad or away?
Your aid will disburse and refunds will be made available at the same time as if you were here at UNCA. Please Note: Refunds are NOT mailed overseas.

What if I am gone when my FAFSA is due for the next year?
You will need to leave signed copies of your federal tax return, W-2 and all other documents necessary to apply for aid and be available if you are selected for verification.

When should I let the financial aid office know if I am going abroad or away?
Once you have completed all the paper work for the Study Abroad Office and it has been approved, you should make an appointment with a financial aid counselor to get the pertinent information you will need concerning your aid.

Can I receive Financial Aid if I study abroad in the Summer?
All students who wish to receive financial aid for Summer sessions must file a separate application for Summer Financial Aid by April 15. This application is available in the Financial Aid Office. You must have also filled out the current year’s FAFSA. Limited financial aid is available to students attending Summer sessions. Most students can only receive Federal Stafford or PLUS loans that are based on their remaining eligibility from the current award year.