Education Abroad Costs

Education Abroad Costs

UMass students studying abroad do not pay regular UMass tuition & fees; they pay the costs (program fee or tuition and housing) associated with their selected program. UMass students also pay the Education Abroad Fee for each term they are abroad. 

Listed below are the types of expenses you need to consider when determining the overall cost of study abroad. The program fees are set by and paid to the partner programs; tuition fees for exchanges are based on UMass tuition costs. The program fee may or may not include some of the itemized costs listed below, and can be more or less than a semester on campus. To compare on campus costs with study abroad costs, see UMass Amherst Financial Aid Services.  Look carefully when comparing program fees to see what is included, what additional expenses to expect, and payment deadlines. This information is available online, but if you’re having trouble finding what you need, meet with a Peer Advisor.

Pro-tip: In most countries, it is not legal to work while on a student visa so you should not plan on earning any money while studying abroad.

Pro-tip: Use a Cost of Living Comparison Tool to compare cost of living in potential study abroad destinations.

Primary Costs

All students studying abroad will need to plan for the following expenses:

  • UMass Education Abroad fee
  • Round-trip airfare
  • US-based health insurance
  • Books and study materials
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses (internet, laundry, medical care, phone, personal travel, shopping, etc.) 

In addition, plan for the following costs, which vary by type of program.

Partner programs Exchange programs
Program application fee UMass exchange tuition
Enrollment deposit (usually credited to program fee) Accommodation expenses
Program fee (usually includes tuition, housing, excursions, insurance, and student support) Meals
Meals Commuting expenses

Secondary Costs

Some students may also need to budget for the following optional or location-specific costs:

  • Visa (varies for each country)
  • Passport
  • Immunizations (depending on destination)
  • Educational or cultural excursions

UMass Education Abroad Fee

All students participating on semester, academic year, calendar year, summer and winter program are charged the Education Abroad Fee. This fee is nonrefundable.

For AY23-24, the fee is as follows:

  • $400 for summer or winter
  •  $955 for one semester
  • $1375 for academic year or calendar year
  • Students participating on two different semester-length programs will pay $955 for each semester.

This fee covers the following services:

  • Comprehensive, professional advising based on individual student’s academic and personal needs     
  • Pre-Departure information, delivered in a variety of formats, including but not limited to information about academics, cultural preparation, logistics, and health and safety advice.
  • UMass International Travel & Accident Insurance (this does not replace personal health insurance)           
  • Maintenance of enrollment status with UMass Registrar’s Office               
  • Advising about financial aid including workshops and scholarship application support        
  • Evaluation and transfer of credit earned abroad to the UMass degree
  • 24/7 support while abroad, including monitoring world events for health and safety conditions around the world   
  • Support upon reentry including resources, workshops and support  
  • Management of a variety of approved academic programs to reflect a robust list of options to serve most majors and across most regions in the world