
The classification of students as domestic or international is important for universities and colleges to determine the admission requirements and financial aid options available to applicants. Domestic students are typically those who are citizens or permanent residents of the country where the university is located, while international students are those who do not hold citizenship or permanent residency in that country. For example, at Wichita State University, a student's status as domestic or international will determine the specific requirements and fees. Additionally, at the University of Illinois, domestic applicants are not required to provide proof of English proficiency, and they are eligible for student loans, whereas international applicants may have different requirements and funding opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Domestic student | New Zealand citizen |
| Domestic student | New Zealand permanent resident |
| Domestic student | New Zealand resident visa holder |
| Domestic student | Australian permanent resident residing in New Zealand |
| Domestic student | Australian citizen residing in New Zealand |
| Domestic student | No need to provide proof of English proficiency |
| Domestic student | Eligible for loans |
| International student | Not a New Zealand citizen |
| International student | Not a New Zealand permanent resident |
| International student | Not a New Zealand resident visa holder |
| International student | Not an Australian permanent resident residing in New Zealand |
| International student | Not an Australian citizen residing in New Zealand |
| International student | Needs to provide proof of English proficiency |
| International student | Not eligible for loans |
| International student | Need a student visa |
| International student | Need a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" |
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What You'll Learn

Citizenship
Your citizenship status is a key factor in determining whether you are considered a domestic or international student when applying to colleges or universities. Citizenship can be defined as the legal relationship between an individual and a nation-state, and it comes with certain rights and responsibilities. Here's an overview of how citizenship impacts your student status:
If you are a citizen of the country where you are planning to pursue your education, you are typically considered a domestic student. Citizenship is generally the strongest indicator of domestic student status and comes with certain rights and privileges, including the right to live and work in that country permanently. Each country has its own laws and requirements for obtaining citizenship, which typically involve factors such as birthright, descent, naturalization, or a combination of these. For example, in the United States, a person can acquire citizenship by birth on US soil, having US citizen parents, or through a process of naturalization.
In addition to being a citizen, some countries may also consider other factors, such as permanent residency, to determine domestic student status. Permanent residency, or permanent resident status, grants an individual the right to live and work in a country indefinitely, although they may not have full citizenship rights. Requirements for obtaining permanent residency vary by country and may include factors such visa status, length of stay in the country, and intent to reside permanently. In certain cases, permanent residents may be considered domestic students, even if they are not citizens.
On the other hand, if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the country where you wish to study, you will typically be classified as an international student. International students are usually those who do not hold citizenship or permanent residency in the country of their chosen institution. They may need to obtain a student visa or study permit, depending on the country, and often face different application processes, tuition fees, and requirements compared to domestic students. It's important to note that citizenship status can be fluid, and individuals can hold multiple citizenships or change their citizenship status over time.
For individuals with multiple citizenships, the determination of domestic or international student status may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or country. In some cases, having dual citizenship may provide more options for studying domestically in one or more countries. However, it is always advisable to carefully review the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the institution or country to understand how your citizenship status will impact your student classification.
In summary, your citizenship status plays a crucial role in determining whether you are considered a domestic or international student. If you are a citizen or permanent resident of the country, you will typically be classified as a domestic student, while those without such status are generally considered international students. Understanding the requirements and rights associated with citizenship, as well as permanent residency, can help you navigate the application process and ensure you are taking the correct path towards your educational goals.
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Residence
Your place of residence is a key factor in determining whether you are a domestic or international student. Generally, if you are an international student and your status changes to that of a permanent resident, you will be eligible to apply for enrolment as a domestic fee-paying student. This means that your fees and funding opportunities may change, and you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place.
In Australia, for example, a domestic student is defined as an Australian permanent resident, which includes all categories of permanent residency visas, such as humanitarian visas. Therefore, if you are residing in Australia with a permanent residency visa, you would be considered a domestic student.
On the other hand, if you are residing in a country on a temporary basis, such as on a student visa, you would likely be considered an international student. This means that you would be subject to different fees and funding opportunities than domestic students.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and definitions of domestic and international students may vary depending on the country and institution. Therefore, it's always best to check with the specific university or educational institution to understand their definitions and requirements. Each university may have different criteria for classifying students, and it is important to understand the specific requirements of the institution you are applying to.
In summary, your place of residence and visa status play a crucial role in determining whether you are a domestic or international student. If you are a permanent resident of the country in which you are studying, you are likely to be considered a domestic student. However, if you are residing in a country temporarily, you may be classified as an international student, which can have implications for your fees and funding opportunities.
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Funding
Domestic students often have access to a range of funding options to support their education. One of the most common sources of funding for domestic students in the US is federal aid, which includes grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal student loans, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA is a popular option as it offers lower interest rates and flexible repayment plans linked to income. Domestic students can also explore state aid and scholarships offered by their chosen colleges and universities, which can provide significant financial assistance. Additionally, domestic students may have the option to work part-time or take out private loans to supplement their educational expenses.
For international students, funding their studies, especially in the US, can be more challenging. International students are generally not eligible for federal or state aid in the US and typically rely on personal and family sources of funding. However, there are still some funding opportunities available for international students:
- Scholarships: International scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas. These can be offered by private organisations, institutions, or governments. Scholarships are highly competitive, but they provide financial assistance and open doors to cultural experiences and networking opportunities.
- Private International Student Loans: International students are eligible for private international student loans to study in the US, although it is advised to carefully research and compare interest rates and terms before taking on any debt.
- Institutional Funding: Many US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices, although this is more common for graduate studies.
- Home Country Funding: International students can explore funding opportunities from their home countries, including organisations, companies, or government programs that support studying abroad.
- Exchange Programs: Participating in formal exchange programs between the student's home institution and the US institution can provide financial benefits.
While funding options for international students are more limited, proper research, careful scholarship applications, and exploring diverse funding sources can help international students secure the necessary financial support to achieve their academic goals.
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Visa Requirements
To study in a foreign country, you may need to obtain a student visa. The requirements and types of visas vary depending on the country you are moving to and the type of school or program you plan to attend. Here is an overview of visa requirements for international students:
- United States: To study in the US, international students must obtain either an F-1 or M-1 visa, depending on their course of study. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those pursuing vocational studies. Additionally, J-1 exchange visitor visas are available for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, or research assistants. Before applying for a visa, students must first gain acceptance into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school. Once accepted, students are registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the associated fee. Following this, students can apply for their visa at a US Embassy or Consulate and must present their Form I-20 during the visa interview. It is important to note that students on an F-1 or M-1 visa may only be allowed to work on-campus or in jobs related to their studies.
- Other Countries: Visa requirements for international students can vary by country. In general, international students are required to provide proof of acceptance into an educational institution, proof of financial means to support their studies, and proof of English language proficiency. Additionally, maintaining a valid passport and obtaining the appropriate medical insurance are often necessary. Some countries may also require tuberculosis testing and proof of other immunizations. It is essential to research the specific visa requirements for the country in which you plan to study.
It is worth noting that the terms "international student" and "foreign student" have distinct definitions. According to the OECD and UIS, an "international student" refers specifically to those crossing borders for educational purposes, while a "foreign student" is a non-citizen enrolled at an institution outside their home country but may not have necessarily crossed borders to study.
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Study Location
The classification of a student as domestic or international depends on the country in which they are studying and their citizenship status.
In the United States, for example, a domestic student is typically an American citizen, a naturalized U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, a refugee, or an asylee. This means that anyone studying in the U.S. who does not fall into one of these categories would be considered an international student.
Similarly, in Australia and New Zealand, a domestic student is typically an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian visa holders). Those who are temporary residents of Australia or New Zealand or citizens of any other country (without dual citizenship with Australia or New Zealand) are considered international students.
It is important to note that the classification of students as domestic or international can vary slightly depending on the specific university or institution's definitions and criteria. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the specific guidelines provided by the institution or country of interest when determining one's student status.
When considering study locations, it is worth researching the specific requirements and definitions of student status for that country or region. This information can often be found on government or institutional websites, providing clear guidelines to help prospective students understand their classification and the associated rights, fees, and requirements for their chosen study destination.
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Frequently asked questions
Your citizenship status is the key determinant. If you are a citizen of the country in which you are studying or hold permanent residency, you are typically considered a domestic student. Those without citizenship or permanent residency are usually classified as international students.
Yes, your place of permanent residence can be a factor. Even if you are not a citizen, if you can prove permanent residency in a particular country or region, you may be classified as a domestic student for education purposes within that region.
Typically, a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or state ID, is sufficient to prove domestic student status. In some cases, a recent utility bill or bank statement with your name and local address may also be required to verify your place of residence.
This depends on the specific policies of the educational institution and the region. Generally, if you are classified as a domestic student, you will be eligible to pay the domestic fee rates, which are usually subsidized and significantly lower than international fees.
It is possible, but it usually depends on your long-term visa status and residency. For example, if you have been granted permanent residency or a specific type of long-term visa that allows you to remain and work in the country indefinitely, you may be reclassified as a domestic student after meeting certain requirements, including duration of stay and proof of sustained residency.











































