In addition to the FAQ below, you can find additional finance information on GEO’s Finances Overview webpage. 

How Tuition, Fees, and Other Charges are Handled for Study Away

Eliminate unwanted surprises when you understand how the Bursar’s office will handle billing for your student’s term(s) on study away.

Each state, state agency, or educational institution that sponsors a 529 college savings plan or tuition reimbursement plan determines the rules and limits for its plan. It is your responsibility to verify whether, and to what extent, your 529 plan or tuition reimbursement plan funds can be used to cover the costs of a study away program. For a directory of plans, visit the College Savings Plans Network website to review 529 plans. Check with the issuing college or university about rules and limits of a tuition reimbursement plan.

Many study abroad program providers are ineligible for tuition reimbursement programs. Unfortunately, Duke’s Global Education Office is unable to assist with 529 plans or tuition reimbursement programs in those cases. It is not possible to charge non-Duke tuition costs through the Duke billing system.

GEO notifies the Duke University Bursar, Financial Aid Office, Registrar, Housing, and Dining of student intentions to study away once students are placed on Study Agreement. For a student to be placed on Study Agreement, they must complete all Duke GEO requirements listed in the student's MyGlobalEd portal. Once we notify these offices of your student's plan to enroll in a study abroad program for the semester or academic year, the Bursar's Office will update your student's account to have charges removed.

If your student has been issued a campus post office box, they will be charged rental for the semester. To avoid this charge, students should turn in their key to Postal Operations prior to the start of the semester.

If your student's bill lists the wrong charges for the semester, please contact the Duke University Bursar Office. Tuition and/or fees may appear on the bill if your student's final study away paperwork has not been turned in and communicated to the Registrar before the bills were run. 

Your student should communicate that decision to our office as soon as possible. You should also be aware of the financial implications of withdrawing from a program.