Federally-funded financial aid may be used by eligible NSE participants enrolled at U.S. member colleges and universities. Since federal aid is based on a real budget, the amount of the award for the period of exchange may vary from that received while attending the home college or university. Campuses also vary in the sources of federal aid which may be offered and aid availability cannot be guaranteed in all programs. This, too, could result in an award different from that currently received at your home university. Campuses award aid to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

PLAN A - Eligible students exchanging under Plan A (tuition/fees paid to the host campus) apply to their host campuses for federally-funded financial aid. Federal aid programs designated in the side-bar of the NSE Directory are available to eligible NSE students on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available in each program. There is no guarantee that aid will be offered in each of the programs listed. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by February 15. Failure to do so may result in loss of financial aid. You must list on the form the FAFSA code for each campus where there is potential for being placed on Plan A including your home institution in case your exchange plans change. FAFSA codes are listed in the Directory side-bar area. Exception: There are a handful of NSE members that fund their own outgoing Plan A students. Your home NSE coordinator will advise you if your campus is one that utilizes this procedure. If so, apply for financial aid only at your home university as you would do normally. Do not also apply at your host exchange site. This could result in an over-award which must be repaid.

PLAN B - Eligible students exchanging under Plan B (tuition/fees paid to the home campus) apply to their home campuses for federally-funded financial aid. If you currently receive College Work Study, do not expect CWS to be available while on exchange.

EXCHANGE TO CANADA - Individuals planning to exchange to Canada, regardless of whether on Plan A or Plan B, file for federally-funded financial aid only at their home campuses.

Consult your campus coordinator for additional information and requirements. Failure to apply for financial aid by stated deadlines may result in loss of aid.

OTHER FINANCIAL AID SOURCES – U.S. STUDENTS

If you are receiving private, state-based or institutional-based grants, scholarships, or fee remission for tuition, housing, and/or meals, check with your NSE coordinator and home campus financial aid officer to determine use of such aid for exchange under Plan A or Plan B. Some forms of aid may be portable to your host institution while others may not. Also note that host NSE campuses do not award institutionally-based scholarships, grants or fee remissions to incoming exchange students.

FINANCIAL AID – CANADIAN STUDENTS

Canadian students, regardless of whether exchanging under Plan A or Plan B, apply for financial assistance through their home institution as well as federal and provincial governments. Consult your campus coordinator for additional information and requirements. Failure to apply for financial aid by stated deadlines may result in loss of aid.