Separate known and unknown costs
Start with the current official fee page. Record tuition, application charges, travel, accommodation, meals and materials as separate items when relevant. Note what is included and what remains unknown. A blank entry is a question to resolve, not a zero.
Read aid and cancellation terms
If financial aid is offered, check its eligibility, application process and decision date. Do not subtract unconfirmed aid from your budget. Before paying, read deposit and refund terms and ask which costs you would still owe if plans change.
Compare the same scope
Compare programs using the same cost categories and the currency each organizer quotes. Treat any currency conversion as an estimate with a date. Discuss a comfortable spending limit with whoever will fund the experience, and keep unresolved costs visible.