Education Abroad > Funding Options > Program Expenses

Program expenses

Fees that support WSU International Learning Experiences

Beginning Fall 2026, one of three different fees may apply to WSU international learning experiences, depending on the type of program. Only one of the fees listed below will apply to each student experience.

These fees are billed to students’ myWSU accounts after the student has formally committed to participate in their program, and the application deadline for the program has passed. These fees are non‑refundable. If a student withdraws from participating in their program after the program’s commitment deadline, the applicable fee will still be owed.

Education Abroad fee, Tier 1: $575

Programs that commonly fall under this fee include:

Functions supported may include:

required services, IT applications, unique application creation, promotional events such as the Education Abroad Fair, tailored advising, contract negotiations, budget development, billing students, payment to international vendors, course setup, financial aid reporting, international insurance coordination, risk management, and compliance oversight.

Education Abroad fee, Tier 2: $200

This fee applies to students earning WSU academic credit through independent or non‑faculty‑led international experiences. These experiences are not offered as Faculty‑Led, Cougs Abroad, Provider, Exchange, or Partnership Programs and may include approved experiential or international virtual learning activities for which credit is earned.

This fee most commonly applies to independent or non‑faculty‑led international experiences for WSU credit. Programs that commonly fall under this fee include:

Functions supported may include:

required services, IT applications (including course setup), financial aid reporting, international insurance coordination, risk management, and compliance oversight.

Education Abroad fee, Tier 3: $60

This fee applies to students participating in WSU ‑related international experiences without earning academic credit. This may include student travel to conferences, research shadowing, volunteerism, cultural tours, music performances, athletic competitions/tournaments, non-credit internships, and similar opportunities.

Programs that commonly fall under this fee include:

Functions supported may include:

required services, IT applications, international insurance coordination, travel registration, risk management, and compliance oversight.

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International insurance: $2.12 per day abroad

All WSU students traveling abroad for WSU-related activities (for-credit and non-credit) are required to have international health insurance coverage. WSU’s provider is On Call International. Students participating in the following program types are automatically enrolled in and billed for international insurance through On Call International:

To waive this insurance coverage, you must provide evidence of coverage from another source that is equal to or better than the coverage provided through WSU’s plan with On Call International. Waivers must be submitted and approved prior to program application deadlines to be considered. This Insurance may not be waived for WSU Faculty-Led or other group programs.

Additional expenses by program type

Faculty-led & Cougs Abroad programs

Tuition, housing, and many other costs are included in the program fees billed to students’ myWSU accounts for faculty-led programs. Each program is unique, and costs vary significantly based on program location, length, included activities, etc. For more program-specific costs, refer to the program budget included with the program info in MyStudyAbroad. Each program-specific budget lists expenses paid directly to WSU, as well as estimated additional expenses (i.e., meals) not paid directly to WSU.

Exchange programs

All outgoing exchange students pay WSU tuition to attend their host universities abroad. Bilateral exchange participants pay campus fees directly to the host university and housing fees directly to the housing provider at the local rates. ISEP exchange participants pay room, board, and campus fees to WSU at WSU’s rates (using the average rate for WSU room and board costs).

Provider programs

Students participating in provider programs pay program fees directly to the provider instead of WSU tuition. Typically, the only expense paid to WSU when students participate in provider programs is the Education Abroad fee (and international insurance for CIEE and SFS participants). Provider program fees typically include tuition, housing, student support, etc. To see everything that is and is not included in a program fee, refer to the program budget included on the provider’s website.

Professional programs

Students participating in professional programs pay WSU tuition. Additional program costs (e.g., housing) are highly variable depending on program location, length, etc.

Partnership programs

Students participating in partnership programs pay tuition directly to the partnered institution. Additional program costs (e.g., housing) are highly variable depending on program location, length, etc.

Additional external expenses

Passport ($130 – $165)

Study abroad participants should ensure their passports are valid for at least 6 months after their anticipated return date. A new first-time passport costs $165, and the cost of renewing a passport is $130. Make sure to submit any necessary applications and materials early, as it often takes several weeks to receive your new passport.

Visa

Visa fees are dependent on the country(ies) you are traveling to and how long you will be there. Visit the US Department of State website and search for country-specific information about visa requirements and fees.

International airfare

Airfare is rarely included in program costs. Students typically need to purchase their airfare separately in addition to whatever program costs are paid directly to WSU or other entities. Airfare should not be purchased until students are committed to participating and the program is confirmed.  

Personal expenses

Study abroad participants also budget for their own personal expenses during their time abroad, and budgeting needs vary greatly from student to student. What types of souvenirs do you expect to purchase? How many? Do you want to travel to neighboring countries during your time abroad? Do you plan to eat out a lot? Make a budget and plan ahead to make the most of your time abroad.