Funding and Costs
The cost of studying abroad depends on a number of factors, such as your chosen program and destination.
Despite potentially costing more than a regular term, much evidence suggests the investment pays off. There are also numerous funding options and it may not cost as much as you think!
Need help? Contact Financial Aid and Awards and/or SFU Study Abroad.
What funding are exchange students (from SFU) eligible for?
UNDERGRADUATE: The funding opportunities below may involve eligibility criteria such as a CGPA and minimum unit enrollment. This chart highlights which funding opportunities are generally available to undergraduate students participating in a SFU Study Abroad program. Undergraduate students should discuss their eligibility and opportunities for funding with SFU Financial Aid and Awards. Explore resources for funding as an undergraduate exchange student.
GRADUATE: Graduate students should consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office regarding scholarships and awards. Graduate students can contact SFU Financial Aid and Awards for inquiries regarding bursaries and loans.
How much does an exchange cost?
Please use the Budget Planning Worksheet to research areas of interest to you and to estimate your costs based on your preferred lifestyle.
Since living costs (food, accommodations, travel expenses) will be paid abroad, the cost of exchange varies greatly depending on where you decide to go. Aside from the flight, it is mostly the cost of living abroad that determines how expensive (or not) your exchange term will be.
For example, an exchange term in Taipei will usually cost significantly less than an exchange term in Paris, simply due to the cost of living. Vancouver has a very high cost of living, so many destinations will seem less expensive than what you are used to. However, your costs may increase if you decide to travel or socialize more on exchange than you would here at SFU.
See the Exchange Budget Planning Worksheet 
for a detailed breakdown of the various costs you will need to consider. To see what past exchange students have spent on their exchange, see our Exchange Student Reports and Questionnaires.
Use a currency converter to determine the costs in CAD.
Funding: See opportunities chart here.
Costs: pay regular SFU Tuition and Fees, along with a Program & Admin Fee covering most in-field program costs. Specific details are posted on respective program pages.
How do I submit a Field School Program Fee refund request?
If you participate in a Field School, you would not need to submit a refund request. In the event that the costs incurred by the program are lower than the confirmed Program Fees and there is a surplus of at least $100 per student, the surplus will be refunded to program participants. Please see your Field School Program Refund Policy for more information.
If you are facing unforeseen circumstances which will prohibit you from participating in the Field School and have already accepted your offer, please first reach out in writing to fieldschools@sfu.ca. If you proceed with voluntarily withdrawing from the Field School you may then submit an appeal to International Services for Students detailing your circumstances and providing any relevant documentation. At the discretion of the appeal committee, a portion of the Program Fee may be refunded.
Please note that this appeal process only concerns the Field School Program Fee, as per the terms and conditions of the signed Field School Refund Policy. If you withdraw after the term deadline to drop classes for 100% refund of tuition, in the term you are registered, you may submit a tuition refund appeal as per the Enrollment Appeal Committee. Please note that specific deadlines apply.
SFU Field School Program Fee Refund Policy Appeal - Application Form