Scholarships and Funding

Cost considerations are an important part of your decision to study abroad. Each program’s digital brochure has a built-in cost sheet. Once a program is picked out, we want you to pursue scholarships. The Rinker Center administers 13 different scholarship funds. Some are need-based, others are merit-based, and eligibility varies. We have a streamlined application process so that applying for one of our scholarships puts you in the pool for all eligible scholarships. Award values typically range from $500 to $3,000, and the type, length, or cost of a program and the strength of your application may impact the amounts of each award. The application for Rinker Center Scholarships is embedded right into your study abroad application—there is no separate application. When your study abroad application asks if you want to apply for Rinker Center scholarships, simply say ‘YES’ and submit your materials.

There are also national scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, and we’ll connect you with the resources to help you. Scholarships might also be available from other sources, including your academic department or program provider. 

In general, existing scholarships and financial aid awards (including Pell Grants and Stafford Loans) can be used for study abroad/away. The details vary greatly from student-to-student and program-to-program. It is very important to discuss your unique financial aid package with Cardinal Central, as they will be able to help you determine how much, for what terms, etc. Take information about your study abroad program (and the cost sheet!) with you to make your discussion more productive. Please be aware that federal financial aid might not apply to non-BSU-sponsored programs.   

Costs

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. 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.

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, $95)

Exchanges

 N/A
  • Ball State Tuition (based on residency,
    credit hours, and M campus code)
  • Ball State Tech Fee, Recreation Fee,
    and Health 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)

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 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.