The University of Missouri offers students the opportunity to study outside the United States through nearly 300 programs in more than 50 countries. Students can choose from program features that include affiliated, exchange/direct-enroll, faculty-led, internship, and service-learning.

In an effort to ensure the health, safety and security of its students and constituents, the University of Missouri reviews how, when and where students may study abroad and considers issues of terrorism, war, disease and other risks to travelers. To minimize health and safety risks, students planning to study in countries with U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings must request approval from the university’s Student Travel Abroad Review Committee.

If a student chooses to study in a country with a Department of State Travel Warning, against the advice of the university, or does not request STAR Committee approval prior to going abroad, the student may not have access to university support or resources in the event of an emergency. The student may also lose scholarships/financial aid requiring continues enrollment at MU, and may not receive academic credit for the study abroad experience.

MU Study Abroad Programs

For MU programs, including exchange/direct-enroll, faculty-led, and internship programs, students are billed through the Office of Cashiers for academic credits. In some cases, billing includes housing, airfare and other costs. Billing procedures vary from program to program, and the student is responsible for following them.

The Financial Aid Office disburses all applicable federal, state, institution and private financial aid for students enrolled in MU programs abroad. The Cashiers Office will extend a refund when financial aid exceeds the balance on the account.

More information about financing study abroad is available through the MU International Center.

Affiliated Programs

MU affiliated programs are managed by universities or organizations with which MU has cooperative agreements. Costs of these programs generally are higher than costs of other MU-sponsored programs.

Under a signed agreement between MU and the other schools/institutions, students are billed for 13 hours of academic credit.

Some affiliated programs extend scholarships or discounts to MU students, which should be reflected on the school/institution’s billing statement.

Non-MU programs

For non-MU programs, the student is responsible for enrollment, payment and return of transcripts. Because MU has no affiliation with these programs, only Federal Pell Grant and loan eligibility are applicable. MU sends verification of enrollment to the school or institution. Any grant and/or loan will be processed through the MU Cashiers Office and paid directly to the student.

Students are strongly encouraged to establish direct deposit with the Cashiers Office for the refund of excess financial aid. To set up direct deposit, log on to myZou. Under “Finances,” click “Manage Direct Deposit.” Enter your bank’s routing number and your account number.

The individual or joint bank account must include the student as an owner. Financial aid refunds are processed nightly. It takes approximately three days to transfer the funds to your bank.