Financial Assistance

Many students find that they can use up to 100% of their UNR Financial Aid Award to study abroad. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Pell grant*
  • Millennium scholarship (Specialty programs only)
  • Presidential
  • NV Prepaid Tuition/529 college-savings accounts
  • UNR department and college scholarships
  • Nevada Guarantee
  • Access grant
  • Grant in aid

*Pell grant recipients are strongly encouraged to apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

Types of scholarships

UNR scholarships

Students can pursue scholarships from various sources, including external organizations, the State of Nevada, and the University of Nevada, Reno.

UNR scholarships

USAC scholarships

Historically USAC provides more than $2 million in scholarships, grants and discounts annually. 

Scholarships are awarded three times a year to assist USAC students with their study abroad expenses. We have a variety of funding opportunities available for students enrolled in USAC programs who have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

USAC scholarships

External scholarships

Funding your study abroad requires some research and applying for as many available scholarships as you can. Find various external scholarship opportunities and resources that can help you keep your study abroad costs affordable.

External study abroad scholarships

UNR tuition while studying abroad

UNR students do not pay any additional fees to UNR during the term they are studying abroad with USAC.

  • In-state students: Your USAC program fee may cost more than your in-state tuition, but when factoring in expenses such as housing, food, and transportation, the cost of many study abroad programs is similar (or less) to the cost of studying in Reno.
  • Non-resident, WUE, Pack Exchange, and transfer students: If your USAC program fee is less than your regular tuition, you are not required to pay the difference.

Using UNR financial aid for USAC study abroad programs

  • All students are required to maintain academic compliance with UNR's 30-to-complete policy unless you applied for and were approved for an exemption. 
  • Financial aid for your study abroad will disburse no more than 10 days before the start of your courses abroad, so check your program calendar closely. Students receiving financial aid should be prepared for any expenses they may need to pay upfront before receiving their financial aid (ex. airfare, visa fees, some housing fees, etc.).
  • Summer and Winter Programs: financial aid for summer and winter sessions is more limited compared to aid for the regular academic year. Eligibility for financial aid for these shorter terms may require you to be enrolled in a minimum number of credits or meet other specific criteria.
    • Millennium for Summer Programs (Specialty only): Students who are receiving the Millennium scholarship and enroll in a minimum of 6 credits in a USAC specialty program for the summer are eligible to receive a refund of $80/per credit upon the completion (and passing) of their courses. Please note, refunds are typically assessed and processed in October.

Financial aid exceptions

The following financial aid cannot be used on USAC study abroad programs: G.I. Bill, Native American Waiver, Millennium scholarship cannot be used for Partnership programs, and scholarships for differential fees.