The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.
The Flight & Deposit Advance includes:
- Flight booking
- LAC Program Deposit
The Flight & Deposit Advance does NOT include:
- Pre-Travel Medical Visits
- Passports
- Visas
- Textbooks & Materials
- Housing Deposits
These and other upfront costs will often need to be paid directly by you before your financial aid is disbursed.
How it works:
The program is designed to assist students who do not immediately have funds available to cover upfront costs associated with their education abroad program, enabling the student to pay for these costs with their financial aid package.
Once the Office of Student Finance determines your eligibility, you will be able to book your flight through our designated travel agency. The Flight & Deposit Advance will cover the cost of the flight and your $400 LAC program deposit and these costs will be billed to your UofM account once your financial aid has been disbursed. You will be responsible for paying these costs, along with the program fees according to OneStop’s billing calendar.
Application Process:
- Schedule a Financial Aid Preview Meeting with the Office of Student Finance (OSF) to determine your eligibility
- OSF will notify the Learning Abroad Center if you are approved
- The Flight & Deposit Advance Agreement Form will then be added to your study abroad program application
- Complete the checklist item by the deadline below
- LAC will send an email with instructions for booking your flight
| Program Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester/August + Fall | July 1 |
| Academic Year | June 1 |
| Winter Break | November 15 |
| Calendar Year | November 15 |
| Spring Semester | November 15 |
| Spring Break | December 15 |
| May Session/Summer | May 1 |
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student on the Twin Cities or Rochester campuses.
- You must be eligible for subsidized loans during the academic year you plan to study abroad. Eligibility can be based either on your current on campus costs OR on the estimated cost of participation in your study abroad program. To determine if you are eligible for subsidized loans, follow these instructions or schedule a Financial Aid Preview Meeting.
- You must have applied, or are planning to apply, to a credit-bearing program offered through the Learning Abroad Center. Gopher Gateway programs are not eligible.
If you are a Carlson student participating in a Carlson Global Institute program, review information about their Connecting Flight Advance program.
Eligible Programs
All programs offered through the Learning Abroad Center are eligible. Gopher Gateway programs are not eligible.
Contact
For questions about the Flight & Deposit Advance, contact Cassidy Nelson.