
The Federal Work-Study Program is a US government initiative that assists students with the costs of post-secondary education. The program provides part-time work opportunities for students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to fund their education. However, international students are generally not eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program as it is federally funded and restricted to US citizens. While international students may not qualify for federally funded positions, some schools have alternative arrangements. Certain institutions use institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students, while others offer on-campus jobs that are not restricted to federal work-study participants. Additionally, international students can explore research positions, tutoring roles, or off-campus opportunities with nonprofit, civic, or government organizations to earn income during their studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of program | Federal work-study program |
| Who is it for? | Undergraduate and graduate students with financial need |
| Who is not eligible? | International students |
| Why are international students not eligible? | The program is federally funded |
| What do students need to file to apply? | Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| What type of jobs does the program offer? | Part-time jobs |
| Who employs the students? | Federal, state or local agency, a private organization or the institution itself |
| What is the minimum wage? | Federal minimum wage |
| How many institutions participate in the program? | Approximately 3,400 |
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What You'll Learn
- International students are not eligible for Federal Work-Study
- Some schools have policies allowing international students to access Federal Work-Study jobs
- International students can apply for financial aid and work-study through the school's international affairs office
- Work-study jobs are part-time and pay at least the federal minimum wage
- Work-study jobs are in high demand and students should apply as soon as possible

International students are not eligible for Federal Work-Study
However, international students can still find work opportunities at their universities. For example, some schools have special policies that allow all students, including international students, to take advantage of work opportunities that are otherwise reserved for students in the federal work-study program. The University of Pennsylvania, for instance, uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students. The University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," in which wages are provided by the departments the positions support.
Additionally, international students can work on-campus or off-campus jobs that are not part of the work-study program. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encourages all students to work during the academic year, offering jobs in on- and off-campus offices, labs, and other departments. It is important to note that the ability to work on or off-campus may depend on the student's visa type, so reviewing the applicable policies is essential.
While international students cannot participate in the Federal Work-Study Program, there are still various options available for them to find employment and financial assistance during their studies in the United States.
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Some schools have policies allowing international students to access Federal Work-Study jobs
International students in the US often do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program, as it is a federally funded program that assists students with financial needs in paying for their post-secondary education. To apply for the program, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which international students are unable to do.
However, some schools have policies that allow international students to access Federal Work-Study jobs. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students. The University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," where wages are provided by the departments that the positions support. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encourages all students, including international students, to work during the academic year, offering jobs in on- and off-campus offices, labs, and other departments.
While these schools offer work opportunities for international students, they may not always be labelled as "work-study." Additionally, an international student's ability to work on or off-campus may depend on their visa type, so it is important to review the applicable policies.
It is important to note that work-study positions are often in high demand, and even if an international student is eligible for a work-study job, it is not guaranteed that they will get one.
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International students can apply for financial aid and work-study through the school's international affairs office
International students are not usually eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program, as it is a federally funded program that assists students with financial needs in paying for their education. To qualify for the program, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which international students are unable to do.
However, international students can still apply for financial aid and work-study opportunities through their school's international affairs or admissions office. Some schools have special policies that allow international students to take advantage of work opportunities that would otherwise be reserved for students in the Federal Work-Study Program. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students, and the University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," where wages are provided by the departments that the positions support.
Additionally, international students can explore other on-campus job opportunities that are not specifically designated as "work-study." For instance, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encourages all students, regardless of their citizenship status, to work during the academic year, offering jobs in on-and-off-campus offices, labs, and other departments.
It is important to note that an international student's ability to work on or off-campus may depend on their visa type, so it is crucial to review the applicable policies before seeking employment.
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Work-study jobs are part-time and pay at least the federal minimum wage
International students in the US often do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program as it is federally funded and therefore only available to US citizens. However, some schools have special policies that allow international students to take advantage of work opportunities that are otherwise reserved for students in the federal work-study program. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students. The University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," in which wages are provided by the departments the positions support.
Students can be employed by any number of places, including federal, state, or local agencies, private organizations, or by the institution itself. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. Jobs can include research, library assisting, and other administrative roles. Off-campus roles may include opportunities with non-profit, civic, or government organizations.
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Work-study jobs are in high demand and students should apply as soon as possible
Work-study jobs are a great way for students to earn some money while pursuing their education. However, international students may face restrictions when it comes to federal work-study programs due to their federal funding. While international students are generally ineligible for these programs, some schools have policies that allow all students, regardless of citizenship, to access these opportunities. For example, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington offer work-study programs that are funded institutionally rather than federally, opening up these positions to international students.
Work-study jobs are in high demand, and students should apply as soon as they receive their financial aid package. Here are some reasons why:
- Limited Opportunities: Work-study jobs are often in high demand, and there may be more applicants than available positions. Students who file their FAFSA forms early and demonstrate financial need are typically given priority.
- Competitive Nature: Work-study positions can be competitive, and the best opportunities may be snapped up quickly. Don't delay in applying for positions that interest you.
- Financial Benefits: Work-study jobs can provide a steady income to help with day-to-day expenses like food, transportation, and school supplies. Students who start early can maximize their earnings over the academic year.
- Skill Development: In addition to financial benefits, work-study jobs offer valuable work experience and skill development. Students can gain a leg up by starting early and gaining more experience in their chosen field.
- Flexibility: Work-study jobs are designed with student schedules in mind, and employers plan work hours around class schedules. Students can benefit from this flexibility by applying early and securing positions that align with their timetables.
- On-Campus Convenience: Many work-study jobs are conveniently located on campus, saving students time and money on commuting. These positions are often in high demand due to their accessibility, so students should act fast to secure these opportunities.
In conclusion, work-study jobs offer financial assistance, skill development, and flexibility for students. International students should research their specific school's policies, as some institutions offer work-study programs that are open to all students, regardless of citizenship. By applying early and exploring a variety of opportunities, students can increase their chances of securing a work-study position that meets their needs and interests.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students are not eligible for federal work-study as it is federally funded and therefore only available to US citizens. However, some schools have special policies that allow international students to take advantage of work opportunities that are otherwise reserved for students in the federal work-study program.
The Federal Work-Study Program is a US government program that assists undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education.
Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program. Each institution has its own campus-based program that will indicate the exact procedure for applying as well as the specific deadlines.
Jobs that are part of the federal work-study program include research, library assisting, and other administrative roles. Off-campus roles may include opportunities with a nonprofit, civic, or government organization.











































