<p>DD's studying abroad this semester, and I saw that her international school is included in institutions that can be paid for using 529 funds (FAFSA list). Can expenses such as airfare and meals (room is included in cost, meals are not) be paid with 529 plan funds? There's nothing on the international school's website that breaks down COA including these things. Thanks!</p>
<p>The airfare is not a qualified education expense for purposes of a 529 plan. However the meals CAN be paid with funds from such a plan. IRS Publication 970 suggests contacting the eligible institution directly for qualified (room and) board costs.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf[/url]”>http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf</a> (Page 67 - What is a Qualified Tuition Program?)</p>
<p>Having the same issue, gcnorth. While housing will be charged (I think, haven’t seen the bill yet) there is not an estimate for food. I’m not sure colleges in Europe have a COA that includes food; the ones we have looked at don’t have dorms or meal plans - kids get apartments and provide their own food. So I don’t know if contacting the college in our case will do any good.</p>
<p>Thanks, Madison85, although with the price of international airfare it’s not the answer I hoped for. Yes, mamabear1234, that’s where I got stuck too, DD will share an apartment and meals are on their own. The school doesn’t have a COA or estimate for food to provide. </p>
<p>Does anyone know if we get a form similar to the 1098 T from an international institution to document the expenses incurred? Or is it recommended to just keep the receipt in the tax file that breaks out tuition and housing?</p>
<p>Where do you find the list of international schools that qualify for a 529 Plan?</p>
<p>Try this link - </p>
<p>[Federal</a> School Code Lookup for Section 529 Eligible Institutions](<a href=“Federal School Code Lookup for Section 529 Eligible Institutions”>Federal School Code Lookup for Section 529 Eligible Institutions)</p>
<p>Great! Thank you very much.</p>