Financial Aid and Scholarships

Study Abroad

Did you know that the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Office can provide the same federal, state, and campus funds to eligible Cal Poly Pomona students enrolled in university-approved study abroad programs? Did you know there are additional scholarships awarded specifically to students studying abroad?

You can study abroad for a semester, the full academic year, or even a Summer Session with financial aid support and you may also receive additional scholarships specific to study abroad students. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will partner with you to facilitate your transition into the study abroad program of your choice, as well as adjust your financial aid to meet your educational expenses associated with your study abroad program.

Cal Poly Pomona offers numerous opportunities for study abroad through programs at universities throughout the world. For more information on the programs available, visit the Cal Poly Pomona International Center Study Abroad website or drop by the International Center Study Abroad Office in Building 1-104 to pick up information about the various programs.

A number of scholarship opportunities exist for students wishing to Study Abroad, including opportunities from Cal Poly Pomona, the CSU Chancellor's Office, as well as other outside organizations. 

The following sources have information on the variety of scholarship options available: 

Scholarship Opportunity for Pell Grant Eligible Students
The Gilman Scholarship Program is an undergraduate grant program for U.S. citizens of limited financial means to enable them to study abroad, thereby internationalizing their outlook and better preparing them to thrive in the global economy.  The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Scholarship Opportunities for CSU International Programs

A number of scholarship opportunities exist for students participating in a CSU International Program.  Additional information on opportunities and eligibility criteria is available from the CSU International Programs website.

Financial aid may be applied to the costs of study abroad programs associated with Cal Poly Pomona through the Study Abroad Office. Students who have not previously applied for financial aid should consider doing so in order to be eligible for federal student loans to help cover the costs for Study Abroad.  

Financial Aid Availability for Standard Study Abroad Programs 

State University Grant, Cal Grant Fee awards, and Middle - Class Scholarship:  These awards are restricted to only covering the State Tuition Fee.  If you are not paying the State Tuition Fee (either to the CSU Chancellor’s Office or to Cal Poly Pomona), you are not eligible to receive funding from either of these awards.    

Financial Aid Availability for Standard Study Abroad Programs
Type of Aid   CSU System (IP Programs)   Direct Exchange  

Independent  (Non CSU)  Programs

Federal Pell Grant   Yes Yes Yes
Cal Grant Tuition Grants   Yes Yes No
Cal Grant Access Grants   Yes Yes Yes
State University Grant   Yes Yes No
Middle Class Scholarship   Yes Yes Yes
Federal SEOG Grant   Yes Yes Yes
CPP Education Opportunity Grant (EOP)   Yes Yes No
Federal Work Study   No No No
Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan   Yes Yes Yes
Direct PLUS Loans   Yes Yes Yes
Private Loans   Yes Yes Yes
Scholarships*  
Subject to individual scholarship criteria  
Yes Yes Yes

Financial Aid and  Faculty Led programs

Eligibility for financial aid for Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs depends on the length of the program and number of units.  If a program is equal to the length of the standard semester – it is eligible for aid.  For programs that are shorter than a standard semester (i.e., 2 week program in the Summer or consists of less than 6 units) – aid eligibility may be limited.  Please consult with a Financial Aid Counselor to determine aid eligibility for your program. 

Application Process 

In order to have your financial aid applied to your Study Abroad program, follow the below steps:

  1. Follow all standard steps for applying for Financial Aid (submit the FAFSA or DREAM Application). 
  2. Financial Aid packages will be made starting in late June for the following academic year. Initial packages will be based on the standard Cal Poly Pomona Financial Aid cost of attendance budgets. 
  3. After you have been accepted into a study abroad program, you may have your cost of attendance (COA) adjusted. Cost of attendance adjustments may increase your eligibility for additional loan funds.
  4. Meet with a representative from the Cal Poly Pomona Study Abroad Office and complete the Study Abroad Financial Aid Form.
  5. Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to go over the impact on your financial aid as well as when aid will be released.

Financial aid is typically released 10 days prior to the start of the Cal Poly Pomona semester.  If your Study Abroad program begins on – or before – the Cal Poly Pomona semester start date, your funds will be released to Student Accounting & Cashiering Services on the date reflected on your MyCPP Student Center.  

Many Study Abroad programs begin after the semester start date for Cal Poly Pomona.  In these instances, your financial aid will be released to Student Accounting & Cashiering Services on the actual first day of classes for your Study Abroad program.  

Arrange for direct deposit of your financial aid refund to your checking account. Be sure to enroll in Direct Deposit through your Student Center by clicking on "Enroll in Direct Deposit" under the Finances section.  This will minimize delays in your receipt of your funds while studying abroad.  More information about Direct Deposit is available from Student Accounting & Cashiering Services.