Financial Aid Policies
Financial Aid is available for Approved Off-Campus Study Programs according to the policies that apply to the aid recipient on campus, up to the amount that would have been provided if the student were enrolled on-campus.
Once the student has been accepted to a program and confirmed their intentions, the Center for Global Education calculates the Cost of Attendance Template. Student Financial Services uses this cost to calculate the amount of aid that the student receives for the semester or year abroad. If you qualify for Bates financial aid, the Financial Aid will issue a credit on your account with Bates in September or January. If possible Bates will pay costs of your program directly, upon receiving an invoice/bill.
The following costs are included in the calculation of your Cost of Attendance:
Tuition, mandatory fees, program deposit.
If attending an English language university, the costs are calculated on the cost of direct application and enrollment at the university. Unless otherwise indicated in the approved programs listing, the extra costs of applying through Arcadia, IFSA-Butler, and other programs are not eligible. The extra costs of optional academic or extracurricular activities are not eligible.
Housing and food costs for the orientation and academic program.
These costs are calculated up to the cost of home stays or dormitories with host-country students with food options if a range of housing options is available. The cost of alternate housing is not included if more expensive. Dormitory costs are based on accommodation in a double.
Books and supplies; Personal expenses.
Students receive the Bates allocation for books and supplies, except for those programs where books are included in program fee. The allocation for “personal expenses” is based on the cost of living at the host city and / or based on program estimates. This allocation is excluded if the program cost includes personal expenses.
Round trip transportation to the program and visa application fees.
Flight estimates are based on advance purchased student fares. Program estimates are used to calculate estimated costs for local travel expenses. For international students, the cost of round trip travel from Boston to the program/university is addressed, unless lower cost alternatives are more appropriate.
Financial aid will consider the cost of an appropriate student visa or resident permit as required to study in the host location. It does not include additional costs related to travel for visa appointments, background checks, or biometric screening costs.
Off-Campus Study Fee.
The College charges an “Off-Campus Study Fee” equal to 7% ($2,988 per semester in 2024-2025) of the Bates Single Fee for that semester except when students pay the full Bates Comprehensive Fee for their program.
Work-study.
The expected work-study contribution for the semester abroad is covered by Bates grant aid.
Non-Bates Grants
Students are encouraged to apply for non-Bates scholarships. Students may apply outside scholarships toward the loan portions of their financial aid package and their expected family contribution. Students retain all the outside grant money they receive unless the Bates and outside grants exceed the “Cost of Attendance. (Large merit awards as a result of academic performance on the program are divided equally between the student and Bates.)
Adjustments
Awards are based on the anticipated costs and the currency exchange rate at the time of the calculation of the “Cost of Attendance.” They are not adjusted, upwards or downwards, unless exceptional cost or rate changes occur. Appropriate documentation is required.
Additional Costs
The costs of passports, immunizations/vaccinations, health insurance, extra travel, and optional program travel are the student’s responsibility.