What is the International Studies Tuition Policy?
Like its peer institutions, Villanova University in 2001 adopted a tuition policy governing its study abroad programs. Under the policy, students participating in semester education abroad programs pay the standard Villanova tuition regardless of the overseas location. Under the policy, students may apply their Villanova financial aid to study abroad, just as they do when studying on campus.
Special billing applies for students who receive Tuition Remission, Tuition Exchange and Augustinian Relative Grants. If you are a recipient of the above awards, please contact your OIS adviser and the Office of Financial Assistance for more information.
What if the program I choose is more expensive than Villanova University tuition?
In most cases, Villanova pays the overseas tuition even if the recipient institution’s tuition exceeds Villanova’s. You should assume that your full tuition overseas will be covered.
What are some of the benefits of this tuition policy?
The opportunity to study overseas is an extension of, not a break from, the Villanova education. Because all participants remain full time Villanova students and cannot take a leave of absence for study abroad, all financial assistance applies. Whether students have grants, federal aid, even University scholarships, that money is credited to the student’s account as if they had stayed at Villanova. The policy is an equalizing one that allows all eligible students to study overseas on essentially the same terms as on-campus study regardless of financial need. It also allows students to choose a program based on its academic rather than financial merits. Furthermore, students who elect to study abroad on a Villanova-approved program are kept “on the books” like every other Villanova student; that is, they have access to email, Novasis, and online registration. The Office of International Studies remains in regular contact with the students, helping with issues of advising, course approval, and other troubleshooting. Most importantly, coursework successfully completed overseas transfer to the Villanova transcript. Credit earned abroad is applied toward major, minor, and core requirements as approved prior to departure.
What about room and board?
Non-tuition costs such as room and board are not paid to Villanova University, but are instead paid to the university or program in which the student enrolls. In general, these room and board costs tend to be about the same as they would be at Villanova University. Keep in mind, though, that several factors have to be taken into consideration here, such as geography (i.e., cost of living in London or Tokyo versus Capetown or Bangkok), travel, expenses, and fluctuating exchange rates (i.e., the US dollar versus the Euro).
Want to break down the expenses further?
Use our Cost Worksheet (located here) to estimate the financial commitment associated with your semester or year overseas. For a list of Villanova Tuition fees, please visit the Bursar's Office website.
