General

Receiving Financial Aid: Many universities have a process to enable students to receive financial aid for programs that take place off-campus. Check with your school’s Financial Aid office to determine what aid you can use towards an IFR program, and the steps necessary to apply it. The Global/Study Abroad office at your home institution may be a good source of information about using aid for off-campus programs. 

Keep in mind that your school will have deadlines for applying for and receiving financial aid, so you want to investigate the process as soon as possible and be aware of any important dates. 

Consortium Agreement: We are happy to complete a consortium agreement if required by your home university. Please complete any student portions of your school’s agreement and then send it to admissions@ifrglobal.org. In most cases, consortium agreements will require that we submit the completed agreement directly to your institution.

IFR Financial Aid Agreement: If you plan to use funding from Federal Financial Aid, grants, or scholarships towards your program fees, but it will not be received before your payment deadline, please complete an IFR Financial Aid Agreement and submit it by April 10. Please be aware that the Financial Aid Agreement is a legally binding document, so be sure to read it carefully and reach out to admissions with any questions. 

>> IFR Financial Aid Agreement (download and open in Adobe for fillable version or print and complete)

529 Funds

As IFR field schools are accredited through our academic partner, Connecticut College, all field school expenses – including program fees, travel, and other expenses – are covered by the 529 IRS rules. 

The payment options available to you will depend on your specific account, so you will need to check with your 529 account holder. Usually you can withdraw the funds to your bank account and then use them to make a payment through our billing system. Some accounts may allow you to add them as a payment account in our billing system so you can make a direct ACH payment. In rare cases, you may need to set up a wire transfer from your 529 account holder. If that is the case, email admissions and request wire transfer instructions. 

GI Bill

As with any form of federally funded Financial Aid, a GI Bill  may be used towards an IFR field school, but IFR cannot accept these funds directly. You should work with your home school and your VA administrator to determine how these funds may be dispersed, whether through your school or directly to you. Unfortunately, IFR is not able to offer any guidance with VA benefits as the parameters are set by your VA administrator. If your school has a Veterans/Military Affairs Office, they may be able to offer guidance, as well your Global/Study Abroad Office.

Gilman Scholarship

The IFR may not accept Federal Financial Aid on your behalf, including funds from the Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship. If you are a recipient of a Gilman Scholarship, ask your school to accept the funds on your behalf and disburse to you or to the IFR. Many schools, but not all, will agree to do so on your behalf.