Costs and Funding

Cost considerations are an important part of your decision to study abroad. Once a program is picked out and you've viewed the built-in cost sheet, we want you to pursue scholarships. Please visit our Scholarships page to view institutional and external aid opportunities.

Below is an outline of what is included in the costs for each program. The final cost, though, will vary depending on the program selected. Program fees usually include accommodation but may not include all meals. Also be aware that there are additional costs that you may have when studying abroad/away, such as airfare to and from your host country, passport application fees, visa application fees (not required for all countries), immunizations (only needed for certain locations), personal spending for extra travel/souvenirs/food - this all varies greatly from student to student.

To determine an estimate of the total costs for your program, use the buildable/customizable cost sheets in the study abroad portal—each program will have a cost sheet template built in.  

Costs for study abroad programs
Program Type Deposit eBill includes:

Faculty-led

N/A
  • Program Fee
  • Group Flight (depends on program)  
  • Ball State Tuition (based on residency,
    credit hours, M campus code) 
  • Ball State Tech Fee 
  • Study Abroad Fee ($100)

Provider, Consortium,
& Direct Enroll

KIIS ($250)
  • Program Fee
  • Ball State Tech Fee
  • Study Abroad Fee ($350)
  • Application Fee (AIFS only, $150)          

Exchanges

 N/A
  • Ball State Tuition (based on residency,
    credit hours, and M campus code)
  • Ball State Tech Fee, Recreation Fee,
    Health Fee, and Transportation Fee
  • Program Fees (CAP, MCOB, etc.)
  • Study Abroad Fee ($100)
  • Application Fee (NSE only, $150)

Internships

 N/A
  • Program Fee
  • Ball State Tuition (based on residency,
    credit hours, and IR campus code)
  • Ball State Tech Fee
  • Study Abroad Fee ($100)

Billing

It is helpful to know what costs you will be responsible for and when. When possible, the Study Abroad Office will route expenses through your eBill. There will always be some expenses the student is responsible for out of pocket, which can typically include immigration documents, passport, immunizations, additional food, and books/supplies. There may be some programs where larger expenses such as housing must be paid by the student directly to the host institution or landlord.

The study abroad fee will be placed on your account shortly after the commitment deadline for your term. You will be billed through eBill for all other billable expenses by the Study Abroad Office. This date can vary, but you should expect to see your program charges approximately one or two months before departure. If your program fee included tuition, you may also see a tuition bill on your eBill, but this money will be used together with a lowered program fee charge to pay the provider's invoice.

Charges related to study abroad are connected to the semester of the program. For instance, a charge may appear on your eBill in March but not be due until May or June. Payments are due in full on departure date or the regular due date for the corresponding BSU term, whichever is earlier. Late fees will be applied by Student Financial Services each month there is an outstanding balance after the due date has passed.  

Cancellations and Refunds

Student must provide written notice of intent to withdraw to the Rinker Center for Global Affairs (email studyabroad@bsu.edu). 

Program Withdrawal Prior to Commitment Deadline 

Participants will not incur any direct costs from Ball State for withdrawal. If the Ball State deadline is later than your program provider’s deadline, provider procedures and policies supersede those of Ball State. 

Program Withdrawal AFTER Commitment Deadline 

Participant will forfeit the study abroad fee and assume responsibility for any non-recoverable expenses incurred or committed by Ball State and its affiliates on participant’s behalf at the time of withdrawal, up to the entire program cost.  

Study Abroad Office Travel Policy 

This policy supplements the University’s International Travel Policy. The Study Abroad Office reserves the right to amend, suspend or cancel a program or other travel (prior to departure or in progress) if facts and circumstances are such that the Study Abroad Office concludes that the traveler’s health, safety and well-being may be jeopardized or would be inconsistent with applicable U.S. government sanctions or export control laws. Key indicators for evaluation include Department of State Travel Advisory level, CDC guidance, entry or re-entry restrictions, and restrictions on traveler mobility (e.g., quarantine, lockdown, flight restrictions, among others). 

Financial loss resulting from such cancellation is primarily the responsibility of the program participants, but the Study Abroad office will make every effort to make decisions about amendment, suspension, or cancellation in a time frame that minimizes financial loss for participants.