Can I use my Segal Award to buy my flight?

Often yes. Once the school applies award funds to enrollment, academic credit, and program fees, any remaining balance can typically be refunded to you for eligible educational expenses, including your flight to and from the program.

What travel expenses count as eligible?

Flights, in-country transportation arranged by the provider, travel insurance, passport and visa fees, and required immunizations are commonly covered when they are required for the program.

How do I actually pay for the flight?

Most alumni book the flight themselves and then request reimbursement from the school from any leftover award balance. Some schools can pay the provider directly. Ask the school's financial aid office how refunds work.

Resource hubAward Basics

Can I Use My Segal Award for Flights and Travel Costs?

Yes. When your Segal Education Award is disbursed through an accredited Title IV school for an eligible program, the funds can cover more than just tuition and program fees. Many alumni use the remaining balance for flights, travel insurance, passports, visas, and other expenses directly tied to the program.

By Kristal Sawatzke|Updated August 25, 2026|3 min read

What travel costs the award can cover

The award is routed through a school, which gives it more flexibility than a direct program payment. After the school takes its portion for credit and program fees, leftover funds can often be applied to the practical costs of getting there and staying safe.

Round-trip airfare to the program destination
Airport pickup and in-country transfers arranged by the provider
Travel medical insurance and trip protection
Passport, visa, and required immunizations
Required course materials or equipment for the placement

How the money actually reaches you

Each school handles refunds differently, so ask before you book anything. The most common path is to pay for travel yourself, keep receipts, and request a refund from the school once the award has been disbursed.

Confirm the total award amount the school will receive
Subtract tuition, credit fees, and program fees
Book your own flight and save the receipt
Submit a refund request to the school's financial aid or bursar office
Use the refund for the flight, insurance, and other eligible costs

Plan for the timing

Award disbursement and school refunds take time. Book refundable or changeable fares when possible, and avoid non-refundable flights until the school confirms the disbursement amount and refund timeline.

If you want help mapping this out, request a free planning guide. We include a sample budget that separates program costs from travel costs so you can see exactly how your award might flow.

Quick answers

Can I use my Segal Award to buy my flight?: Often yes. Once the school applies award funds to enrollment, academic credit, and program fees, any remaining balance can typically be refunded to you for eligible educational expenses, including your flight to and from the program.
What travel expenses count as eligible?: Flights, in-country transportation arranged by the provider, travel insurance, passport and visa fees, and required immunizations are commonly covered when they are required for the program.
How do I actually pay for the flight?: Most alumni book the flight themselves and then request reimbursement from the school from any leftover award balance. Some schools can pay the provider directly. Ask the school's financial aid office how refunds work.

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