To be eligible for an Education Abroad Bridge Loan, students must:

• Submit a program application in Via Global
• Demonstrate the ability to repay the loan within the repayment period
• Have no holds on their MSU Student Account
• Use the loan to cover airfare, Education Abroad Application Deposit and/or Commitment Deposit

NOTE: Students are only allowed to apply for this loan once per semester.

The amount of money for each Bridge Loan will be determined on a case-by-case basis and shall not exceed the estimated cost of airfare, Education Abroad Application Deposit and Education Abroad Commitment Deposit.

Loans are administered by the Office of Financial Aid. Funds are disbursed by the Controller’s Office.

Loans will be due 60 days from the date of issue or no later than the last day of the final semester of study, whichever is earlier. If the due date is less than 60 days prior to departure, all policies and conditions of the Bridge Loan are applicable. Students will not be allowed to enroll in classes until full repayment is made. Diplomas will be placed on hold for any student with a past due loan or default in payment. Students who repay a loan late may lose eligibility for future loans.

It is the responsibility of eligible students to understand and accept the repayment policy as a condition of receiving this funding.

In line with MSU’s core values of fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive work and learning environments, the Office for Education Abroad offers the Bridge Loan with no interest charges for the loan period.

1. Student requests Education Abroad Bridge Loan Application in the Education Abroad Advising Center during walk-in hours.
2. The student reviews the loan requirements carefully and completes the Education Abroad Bridge Loan Application. Students MUST complete the application in its entirety.
3. Completed application forms should be dropped off in the Education Abroad Advising Center (108 International Center) during walk-in hours.
4. The Office for Education Abroad reviews the completed application. If eligible, the Office for Education Abroad will send the loan recommendation to the MSU Office of Financial Aid.
5. The Office of Financial Aid reviews the application to determine the student’s final eligibility. If approved, the Office of Financial Aid will initiate the E-Signature Promissory Note in Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI)
6. The student will get an email from ECSI to electronically sign their Promissory Note.
7. Once the Promissory Note is signed, the Office of Financial Aid will notify the Controller’s Office to disburse the loan.

• If the student selected payment via check, it will be processed by the Cashier’s Office.
• If the student selected payment via direct deposit, it will be processed via JPMorgan.