Scholarships and Finances FAQs

FAFSA Questions

Q I have not completed a FAFSA. Do I qualify for a scholarship?

A You must have completed a FAFSA for the current academic year in order to qualify for a UM Study Abroad Scholarship. If you believe that a FAFSA does not fully account for your financial situation, you may submit a paragraph explaining your situation with your UM Study Abroad Scholarship Application.

 

Q I am not sure if I have a current year FAFSA on file. Where can I find this information?

A Please contact the Financial Aid Office to find out if you have a FAFSA on file with UMD for the current academic year.

 

Students who currently receive financial aid & scholarships

Q I receive a Pell grant. How will this affect my scholarship application?

A If you receive a Pell grant and have at least a 3.0 GPA, then you have a higher chance of receiving a scholarship.

 

Q I have a University of Maryland Scholarship already. Should I still apply for a UMD Study Abroad Scholarship?

A Yes! You may be awarded a UM Study Abroad Scholarship on top of your regular University of Maryland scholarship. If you receive a University of Maryland scholarship and plan to attend a semester or year-long study abroad program that is approved by our office, then you can apply your UM scholarship as well as a UM Study Abroad Scholarship to your study abroad experience.

 

Q I intend to apply for the Md-in-London, Md-in-Spain, or Md-in-Nice program. Should I apply for the Program-Specific Scholarship, the UM Study Abroad Scholarship, or both.

A You may apply for both, but you will only be considered for the Program-Specific Scholarship, as the Study Abroad Office does not offer double-awards. However, we encourage you to consider applying to additional scholarships, which include national scholarships and country-specific scholarships.

 

Eligibility Questions

Q I am an out-of-state student at the University of Maryland. Can I still apply for scholarships?

A Yes! UM Study Abroad Scholarships are available to all University of Maryland undergraduates, regardless of in-state or out-of-state status.

 

Q I am a graduate student at University of Maryland. Do I qualify for a Study Abroad Scholarship?

A No. Unfortunately, the Study Abroad Office is only able to offer financial assistance to UMD undergraduates. Please note, however, that many departments offer travel awards or teaching assistantships for graduate students who wish to go abroad. Please contact your specific department of study.

 

Q I am not attending a University of Maryland Study Abroad program. Can I still receive a scholarship to study abroad?

A Yes! However, in order to be considered for an award, you must meet with a study abroad advisor to ensure that UMD accepts transfer credits from your chosen study abroad program or destination. You must also provide a full budget for the non-UMD program in your scholarship application. If you receive an award to attend a non-UMD program, you must complete the appropriate paperwork for the Study Abroad Office.

 

Q I am a first semester freshman and do not have a UMD transcript or GPA. Can I still apply for a scholarship?

A Yes! If you are a first semester freshman, you may submit a copy of your high school transcript with your scholarship application.

 

Q I am a transfer student and do not yet have a UMD GPA. Can I still apply for a scholarship?

A Yes! Please send an official transcript from your former institution with your Study Abroad Scholarship application. If you received 8 or more credits at more than one institution, then please send transcripts from all of those institutions.