Lori Meadows
International students seeking financial aid to study in the US can apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to gain access to grants, federal student loans, and work-study funds. However, to complete the FAFSA form, a Social Security Number (SSN) is required, which international students usually do not possess. Without an SSN, international students are ineligible to apply for the FAFSA and federal student loans. Nonetheless, international students can still qualify for financial aid through private institutions, scholarships, and grants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| FAFSA availability | Available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens |
| FAFSA requirements | Social Security Number (SSN) |
| International students' eligibility | Ineligible for federal student aid but may qualify for institutional scholarships, grants, and education loans for international students |
| FAFSA alternatives for international students | MPOWER Financing, ISAFA, Ascent private co-signed loan options, and private international student loans |
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What You'll Learn
FAFSA criteria for international students
FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form circulated by the US government to provide financial assistance to students applying to universities in the US. While FAFSA is available only to US citizens and eligible non-citizens, international students can still apply for FAFSA and may qualify for certain types of merit- or need-based aid. Here are the criteria for international students to be eligible for FAFSA:
- International students must have a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for FAFSA. They can email their SSN to the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to obtain an ID to fill out the form online.
- International students who do not have an SSN and have not completed one year of their education in the US are not eligible to apply for FAFSA.
- Eligible non-citizens include US nationals (including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island) or US permanent residents with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a "green card".
- Students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program and must have academic performance above an acceptable margin.
- Students must be eligible for the direct loan fund program and must provide a self-attested certification statement guaranteeing no defaults on federal student loans, no liability of money against a federal student grant, and that the aid will be used for educational purposes only.
It is important to note that FAFSA is not the only option for international students seeking financial aid. There are other private financial aid options and scholarships available specifically for international students. Additionally, each US college has its own requirements for how international students can prove their ability to pay expenses.
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Alternative financial aid for international students
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US, such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. However, there are alternative funding sources available. Here are some options for financial aid for international students:
Scholarships
Scholarships are the main way to fund studies in the US. There are private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships available. Many universities offer their own scholarships, and some countries also offer scholarships to students studying abroad. For example, Saudi Arabia has a programme that provides full scholarships to Saudi students studying in the US. Scholarships can be highly competitive, but with impressive achievements and a strong application, your chances of securing one are good. Some popular scholarships for international students include:
- United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships
- Fulbright Program for Foreign Students
Private Loans
Several private legal lenders in the US offer loans to international students. However, these loans usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident.
Work-Study Programmes
Some universities offer work-study programmes that provide financial assistance to students. However, keep in mind that immigration regulations are strict regarding working while on a student visa. F-1 status, which is common for full-time international students, allows for part-time, on-campus employment (less than 20 hours per week).
Institutional Aid
Many US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. Private institutions may sometimes be able to discount or reduce tuition fees. It is recommended to request information about financial aid when applying to the institution.
Home Country Funding
Your home country could be a source of funding. Some governments provide scholarships or funding for students studying abroad. Additionally, organisations or companies from your home country may offer scholarships or funding opportunities.
It is important to note that each US college has its own requirements for how international students can prove their ability to pay expenses. It is recommended to research and carefully plan your funding sources, as international student funding can be competitive and limited.
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Private international student loans
International students in the US have fewer student loan options than US borrowers. Unless they are eligible non-citizens who can qualify for federal student loans, they may need to borrow from a private lender.
- MPOWER Private Student Loan: Offers loans without a cosigner.
- Ascent Credit-based Student Loan: Offers loans without a cosigner.
- Earnest International Graduate Loan: Offers loans for graduate students without a cosigner.
- Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan: Offers loans with a cosigner.
- College Ave Private Student Loan: Offers loans with a cosigner.
- Prodigy Finance Student Loan: Offers loans for students at NYU Stern.
- EDvestinU Private Student Loan: Offers loans with a cosigner.
- Custom Choice Loan: Offers loans for DACA students with a cosigner.
- Advantage Education Private Student Loan: Offers loans with a residency card.
- SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan: Offers loans with a residency card.
Other Financial Aid Options
Before borrowing from private lenders, international students should explore other financial aid options. They can start by checking with their country's embassy or governmental educational office for applicable scholarships. They can also use the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search engine to identify scholarships, fellowships, grants, and financial aid awards. Additionally, students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status may be eligible for state, school, or privately funded financial aid.
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International students and federal student loans
International students are not eligible for federal student loans in the US. To be eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Security number. However, there are alternative financial aid options for international students studying in the US.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form issued by the US Department of Education that students must fill out if they need financial aid to study in the US. While international students are not eligible to apply for FAFSA, completing the form can help maximise their chances of obtaining financial aid from private institutions. This is because FAFSA is one of the most comprehensive forms used by universities to determine a student's eligibility for institutional aid.
There are also other applications that international students can complete to qualify for grants, scholarships, and institutional loans. For example, the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) is a form used by many colleges and universities to determine a student's eligibility for institutional aid. Additionally, private companies like MPOWER Financing offer no-collateral, no-cosigner education loans for international students studying in the US or Canada. Similarly, Ascent offers private cosigned loan options for international students.
It is important to note that each US college has its own requirements for how international students can prove their ability to pay expenses. Therefore, it is recommended that international students get in touch with the financial aid office of the university they wish to apply to, to inquire about the financial support available to them.
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International students and institutional scholarships
International students can access institutional scholarships, although these are more commonly available for graduate studies. Undergraduate scholarships are available but are often highly competitive.
There are a variety of scholarships, grants, and loans available to international students, although finding them can be challenging. Some scholarships are merit-based, awarded for special skills, talents, or abilities. For example, scholarships may be based on TOEFL scores, academic record, or artistic, musical, or athletic ability.
There are also scholarships based on nationality. For instance, the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers up to $3,000 towards international education for students from Central America. ColFuturo provides scholarships for Colombian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, and Conacyt does the same for Mexican students. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships for students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial aid for graduate studies. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% loan. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage for students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.
There are also scholarships for women. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries earning graduate degrees in the USA. The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls.
Some scholarships are targeted at students from specific regions or countries who meet certain criteria. For example, the Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world to study in the USA.
There are also loans available to international students who meet certain criteria. Many require a co-signer, which is someone who guarantees and is responsible for payments if the loan recipient is unable to pay.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are not eligible for FAFSA unless they have completed one year of education in the US and have a Social Security number.
International students can apply for financial aid by filling out the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) form. They can also apply for private co-signed loans offered by companies like Ascent or no-collateral, no-cosigner education loans offered by MPOWER Financing.
The requirements for the ISAFA form vary depending on the college or university.
International students can also consider private international student loans, which are offered by some schools.
