study abroad scholarships, costs and financial aid

Financing Your Study Abroad Experience

SFAI makes it easy to participate in an SFAI study abroad program by ensuring that you may apply all of your current financial aid to your semester abroad, including any SFAI scholarships or fellowships you may be receiving, with the exception of work-study. In some case, students may qualify for and consider taking out additional aid in the form of private loans. If you are receiving a private scholarship from an outside source, you must check directly with that organization or individual to determine if it can be applied to your semester abroad.

If you wish to receive financial aid for the year following your semester abroad, don’t forget you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, even if you received financial aid the previous year. See Financial Aid for more or email them at financialaid@sfai.edu.

Overview of Expenses while Abroad

Many students incorrectly believe that studying abroad isn’t possible because of the expense. SFAI partners with several institutions in which the living costs may be similar to or even less expensive than living in San Francisco. Overall expenses can vary widely depending on a student’s personal costs of living and amount of travel, but in general basic costs include: 

  • Health Insurance
  • Students who are enrolled in the SFAI student health insurance plan are covered for emergency services while abroad. Students not covered by the SFAI health insurance plan should check with their individual agent to discuss overseas coverage. For more information on health and safety while abroad, see the Health and Safety page.
  • Housing
  • Some schools do offer student housing, but many students choose to find non-student housing through online sites or housing boards.
  • Airfare and Travel Expenses
  • Besides travel to and from your study abroad location, many students like to travel before and after their semester as well. There are several student travel agencies that cater to study abroad students. For more information see Travel Resources
  • Food and Personal Expenses
  • Food and personal expenses will depend on each student’s desired lifestyle. Consider whether you have any health or dietary needs that require extra funding. In general, food and living expenses tend to be more expensive in the UK than on our other study abroad programs

SFAI Scholarships and Grants

Jim Daniel Memorial Travel Grant
The Jim Daniel Memorial Travel Grant was created in memory of Jim Daniel, a former Associate Director for International & Off-Campus Study Programs who passionately believed in the benefits of study abroad. Each year a $500 travel grant is awarded to one student who is studying abroad during the spring semester.

Deadline to Apply: November 1
Download the Jim Daniel Memorial Travel Grant Application

SFAI + HFBK Art School Alliance Scholarship
During the Fall 2010 semester, the SFAI + HFBK Art School Alliance Scholarship was launched with the goal of intensifying links and exchange with renowned art universities in Europe, China, and the U.S.

Each spring semester, one SFAI undergraduate student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement will be chosen to travel to Hamburg and participate in an innovative work/live environment with students from six other institutions in the Karolinenstrasse District in Hamburg, the heart of the culture scene. 

The Scholarship recipient will receive free living accommodations and a $3000 stipend to cover additional travel and living expenses. The chosen student is responsible for paying all tuition and fees associated with a full course of study. All financial aid including any existing SFAI scholarships or fellowships may be used. For more information, see the Hamburg program page.

Raising and Saving Money

Be creative and diligent in finding ways to fund your experience abroad. Community organizations or your neighbors may be willing to help fund you. When asking for contributions, explain how you intend to use the money or donated items. Let them know what this experience will mean to you, and share something about yourself. In return for financial assistance, offer to contribute your services, knowledge, or even an art piece once you return. You may also offer to update your donors with a monthly email newsletter while you are abroad.