How Financial Aid Works for Global Learning Programs
- Financial Aid is available to UCSC students who study abroad or away through a UC Global Learning Program. These programs include UCEAP, UCSC Partner Programs, UCSC Global Seminars, UCSC Global Internships, UC Washington Program (UCDC), UC Center Sacramento, and Other UC programs.
- Your financial aid package is redesigned to meet your program costs.
- Students participating in independent programs are not eligible for financial aid but can apply for private funding.
Summer financial aid varies for each student and is based on several factors, including enrollment, program costs, and other eligibility requirements. Students attending summer should not expect to receive the same financial aid provided during the fall, winter, and spring quarters.
The UCSC Financial Aid and Scholarship Office funds up to 4 quarters of Global Learning Study Abroad participation during a student’s undergraduate career. This only applies to students participating in study abroad programs (UCEAP, UCSC Partner Program, UCSC Global Internships, UCSC Global Seminars, Other UC Abroad). It excludes UCDC and UC Center Sacramento.
Financial Aid Estimate
The UC Santa Cruz Study Abroad Calculator is a tool that provides a financial aid grant estimate for undergraduate students who plan to participate in a UC study abroad program. By answering a few simple questions, the calculator will present them with an estimate of their total grant (which includes Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and institutional grant) for their program. Students participating in study abroad programs will also be considered for student loans and/or a parent plus loan option (as applicable) to meet their unmet costs.
To obtain an estimate, students need to provide their Student Aid Index (SAI) derived from their most recent FAFSA or Dream Application. This calculator generates estimates for Quarter, Semester, and Academic Year programs based on the information they provide.
We encourage students to get a grant estimate using the Study Abroad Calculator before applying to a program to make a well-informed decision.
UC Santa Cruz Study Abroad Calculator
*Summer estimates using this calculator will be available in January.
Financial Aid Advising
Visit the UCSC Financial Aid and Scholarships website for Study Abroad and Away Students. For questions about financial aid on global learning programs, email finaid.specialprograms@ucsc.edu.
Financial Aid Packaging Timeline
UCSC Global Seminars and UCSC Global Internships
Student financial aid packages are available on your student portal as per the normal Summer Session schedule. For information on the eligibility requirements to receive summer financial aid, click here.
UCSC Partner Programs
Financial aid packages appear on your student portal. Students participating in a UCSC Partner Program may find they receive their financial aid disbursement earlier, around the same time as, or later than their program start date. If the program start date is earlier than the start of the UC Santa Cruz quarter in which the program occurs, students will need to be prepared to cover any estimated out-of-pocket expenses until they receive their disbursement. The UC Santa Cruz financial aid disbursement and bill pay schedule can be found at financialaid.ucsc.edu.
UCEAP
Student financial aid packages will be available on your student portal prior to the start of your program. Your financial aid package will be sent to UCEAP and posted to your UCEAP finances account. If you have any questions regarding UCEAP aid/refund disbursements, contact your UCEAP Finance Accountant for your program. UCEAP requires an initial payment of $950. However, students on financial aid receive an automatic deferment for their first UCEAP payment of $950. This means that the first payment is pushed back to the second payment deadline, which occurs after Financial Aid funds have been disbursed directly to UCEAP on your behalf. This way, financial aid students only need to pay UCEAP the difference if financial aid does not cover the entire amount. If your financial aid package exceeds your fees owed to UCEAP, then the remaining aid funds go directly to you.
For UCEAP programs, students need to be enrolled in 6+ credits to be considered for federal and state aid and 12+ credits to be considered for institutional aid. Note: Students cannot enroll in additional UCSC summer session courses while participating in UCEAP, as tuition and fees are paid directly to UCEAP by financial aid during the student’s term abroad.
UCDC
Financial aid packages are available in your student portal as per the normal academic year calendar schedule. Students must enroll in 12 units or higher in the UCDC program, which constitutes you as a full-time student eligible for full aid. If the program start date is earlier than the start of the UC Santa Cruz quarter in which the program occurs, students will need to be prepared to cover any estimated out-of-pocket expenses until they receive their disbursement.
UC Center Sacramento (UCCS)
- Academic Year: UC Davis is responsible for awarding aid to participants. Students should contact the Federal Processor and add the UC Davis school code (001313) to the list of FAFSA recipients. Students must inform their home campus Financial Aid office that they will be enrolling at UC Davis for the term they choose to participate. This way they do not receive financial aid at both institutions.
- Summer: UCSC is responsible for awarding aid to participants. Students must inform the UCSC Financial Aid Office they will be enrolling at UC Davis for the summer by completing the Summer Intercampus Form and providing proof of enrollment. For more information on the eligibility requirements for Summer Intercampus Programs, click here.