Can I use a 529 plan to pay for study abroad or an international school?

Often yes. A 529 can pay qualified expenses at any eligible institution that participates in federal student aid programs, and that list includes many foreign universities and U.S. study-abroad programs run through an eligible school. The key test is whether the institution has a Federal School Code in the U.S. Department of Education's system. Qualified costs typically include tuition, mandatory fees, and required books; room and board can qualify if the student is enrolled at least half-time, up to the school's published cost of attendance. Travel and passport costs are not qualified. Before committing, confirm the specific foreign school is on the federal eligible list so your withdrawal stays tax-free.