Studying abroad is more affordable than you might think, and in some cases, it can even cost less than spending the semester at Lehigh.
Students who study abroad for a semester or year continue to pay their tuition and fees to Lehigh, which means they can apply their existing financial aid package to their international experience. Program fees, travel costs and living expenses depend on the program and location. Study abroad advisors will work individually with students to understand costs and create a budget.
There are many grants and scholarships available and your study abroad advisor can help you.
Study Abroad Tuition and Fees
Lehigh-led Programs
Registration fee: $50
Deposit: $500
Program cost: $3,000-$9,000
The program cost varies by program and generally includes tuition for three to six academic credits, housing, some meals and group excursions.
Please note that when a student is accepted to a Lehigh-led program, he or she will have a specific time frame to make a decision. If they accept their spot, they then become financially committed to the program and will be billed for the full cost of the program.
The $550 deposit and registration fee is non-refundable, except in the case that the program is canceled due to insufficient participation.
Federal and institutional financial aid does not cover these programs.
Lehigh University will bill participants directly for tuition and the program costs.
Withdrawal
Once students commit to the program, they are responsible for paying the full cost of the program even if they withdraw. We recommend families purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) trip insurance in case of unexpected circumstances that may result in the need to withdraw.
Dismissal
Students must remain in good disciplinary standing to participate in study abroad program. If a student’s conduct leads to disciplinary probation after he or she enrolls in a program, he or she will be dismissed from the program. The student will still be billed for the full cost of the program.
Semester and Year Programs
Tuition: Students continue to be enrolled at Lehigh University and pay Lehigh tuition. Federal and institutional financial aid that covers tuition continues to apply.
Additional costs: Students pay additional costs directly to the program university or provider. These costs vary and may include program deposits, lodging, meals and activity fees. Financial aid that covers room and board continues to apply. It is typically disbursed in a refund check 10 days after the start of the Lehigh semester.
Withdrawal
Students are responsible for any costs incurred by withdrawal from a study abroad program. Lehigh will adhere to the policy of the U.S. or overseas sponsor, and students are advised to consult individual program materials for details.
Grants and Scholarships
Lehigh University Grants and Scholarships
Faculty-Led Travel Grant
A need-based grant for students who receive financial aid during the academic year provided by the Study Abroad Office. Students who are in CAS or COH would apply to the college-specific grants listed below.
College of Arts and Sciences Study Abroad Grants
The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has established a fund to provide financial support for CAS students. Funds support students in credit-bearing study abroad experiences. These are typically "off-cycle" experiences during Winter break, Spring break and Summer. Funds may also be used for "on-cycle" (Fall/Spring semester) study abroad experiences as well.
College of Health Study Abroad Grants
The Dean of the College of Health has created a fund to support College of Health majors to go abroad. Students can apply for funding for a credit-bearing study abroad experience with the amount of funding based on individual need and used to support travel and other expenses not covered by financial aid.
Tauck Scholars Program (College of Business and Economics)
Passport to Success
Grants are available to students who are participants in the PASSPORT TO SUCCESS program and who are participating in a Lehigh-approved study abroad program. This application mirrors the nationally competitive Gilman Scholarship application. Students will be able to use the same essay to apply to Gilman and the Passport Program grants. Students should utilize the Writing Center to support the essay requirements.
Lehigh University Loans - Summer and Winter
In addition, the Office of Fellowship Advising helps students apply for nationally competitive scholarships.
National Scholarships
There are many scholarships and grants available for study abroad. Some popular ones include:
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for Pell Grant recipients
Diversity Abroad Network Summer Scholarship
Education New Zealand for study abroad in New Zealand
FlipKey Study Abroad Scholarship
IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants
International Travel Video Contest
Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship for four to six weeks of research abroad, with some type of UNESCO theme
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarships
You can find more at these scholarship databases.
GoAbroad.com Scholarship Search
Diversity Abroad Scholarships and Grants
Semester Partner Scholarships
Several of the semester or year study abroad programs that Lehigh partners with offer their own funding. Students can apply for funding with their study abroad application. Some of Lehigh's program partners that offer scholarships include:
Boston University Study Abroad
Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS)
IES Abroad - Cape Town & Berlin Travel Grant