Savanna Hoffman
International students often have to pay expensive fees to study in the US, and funding for them is usually more limited than for domestic students. However, there are ways for international students to reduce their total cost of attendance, including grants and scholarships. While full scholarships are available, they are rare and depend on eligibility criteria such as grades, extracurricular activities, country of origin, and socioeconomic background. To apply for financial aid, international students may be required to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, and some universities may have their own forms.
Are international students entitled to financial support?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal or state aid | Not eligible |
| Institutional aid | Eligible |
| Need-based scholarships | Eligible |
| Merit-based scholarships | Eligible |
| Full scholarships | Eligible |
| Graduate study | More opportunities |
| Private colleges | More financial aid |
| Application fees | May be waived |
| Tuition fees | May be waived |
| Living expenses | May be covered |
| Travel costs | May be covered |
What You'll Learn
International scholarships
International students often find it challenging to secure funding for their studies, especially at the undergraduate level. Unlike domestic students, international students are usually not eligible for federal or state aid and typically rely on personal finances or external resources outside their host country. However, there are various scholarship opportunities available specifically for international students, which can help alleviate the financial burden.
Some notable examples of international scholarships include the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, which supports graduate students from select developing countries who lack other sources of financial aid. The scholarship consists of a 50% grant and a 50% loan. The American Association of University Women also offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing Master's or doctoral degrees in the USA, with priority given to those committed to advancing women and girls' empowerment. The Civil Society Leadership Awards, on the other hand, provide full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to driving social change.
For students from specific regions, there are scholarships like the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program, which offers up to $3,000 towards international education for Central American students. Country-specific scholarships also exist, such as Conacyt scholarships for Mexican students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, and ColFuturo scholarships for Colombian students in a similar situation. Additionally, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial support, covering tuition, monthly stipends, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowances for students from developing countries who are applying for development-related Master's programs.
While international students may face challenges in securing financial aid, there are options available through institutional, private, and governmental channels. It is important for students to thoroughly research the scholarships that align with their backgrounds and needs, as well as stay informed about application requirements and deadlines.
Work Rights for International Students in the US
You may want to see also
Loans
International students can access international student loans, which are specialised private education loans. These are available to international students studying in the US and can cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books, travel, health insurance, and living expenses. These loans are flexible, with extended repayment terms and reasonable interest rates. The interest rate is determined by the lender, who will consider the chosen benchmark (Prime Rate or SOFR) and add an extra percentage based on the borrower's creditworthiness.
Most loans for non-US citizens will require a US cosigner. This person is legally obligated to repay the loan if the borrower defaults. The cosigner must be a US permanent resident with good credit, and they must have lived in the US for at least two years. If a cosigner is not available, some lenders offer no-cosigner loans.
Repayment terms vary depending on the loan option chosen. Students should consider how much the monthly payments will be, when payments will begin, and how long repayment can be deferred. The repayment period typically ranges from 10 to 25 years, with larger loans having longer repayment periods. Students can also choose to defer payment until six months after graduation, as long as they maintain full-time status. Alternatively, students can pay interest only while in school and defer the principal until 45 days after graduation or when they drop to a part-time course load.
International Students: Eligibility for Canadian Student Loans
You may want to see also
Work-study programs
United States
In the US, international students can participate in work-study programs, but their employment options are limited to on-campus jobs. To be eligible, students must first secure a job offer and then apply for a Social Security Number. The work-study award represents the maximum earnings potential under the program, and students are paid for the hours they actually work. It is important to note that work-study wages are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes, and students are not paid for lunch, holidays, sick time, or other time off. International students are taxed similarly to US students, but those from countries with tax treaties with the US may be able to claim refunds on their yearly income tax returns.
France
Dauphine-PSL University in Paris, France, offers over 50 work-study programs that provide students with valuable professional experience and sought-after skills in the business world. These programs combine theoretical courses with practical, real-world experience in companies. Students sign contracts with companies for one or two years, depending on their degree programs, and divide their time between working and taking classes. The host company covers all tuition costs, and students are remunerated for their work, with the amount depending on their age and degree year.
Overall, work-study programs offer international students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, earn an income, and build their professional profiles while pursuing their academic goals.
Marriage and International Students: Legal Status and Implications
You may want to see also
University-specific grants
International students can access a range of university-specific grants and scholarships to support their studies. These vary by institution, so it is worth checking with the university in question to see what is on offer.
For example, Ohio State University offers the International Student Grant to international students in their final semester before graduation who need financial assistance. To qualify, undergraduate students need a 2.5 GPA, while graduates students require a 3.0 GPA. Meanwhile, Miami University provides the International Grant in Aid, which offers a 100% tuition fee waiver for graduate international students who can demonstrate financial need.
Some universities offer tuition waiver programs, meaning international students pay the in-state tuition rate instead of the higher out-of-state rate, which can save tens of thousands of dollars over a four-year course.
There are also several external organisations that offer grants and scholarships for international students. The Margaret McNamara Education Grant is available to women from developing countries who plan to study in the US or Canada. The foundation awards six to ten grants, each worth approximately $12,000. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsors international fellowships for women who want to study in the US, with different amounts awarded depending on the type of degree. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial help for graduate studies. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% loan. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship also awards grants to women from other countries earning graduate degrees in the USA.
International Students in Canada: A Growing Community
You may want to see also
Country-specific grants
International students are often not eligible for federal or state aid and usually rely on personal and other financial resources to cover their tuition and expenses. However, there are still several country-specific grants and scholarships that international students can apply for to help fund their education. Here are some examples of country-specific grants and scholarships:
The United States
The Fulbright Education Exchange Program is a highly competitive grant supported and administered by the U.S. Department of State. It offers merit-based grants for both U.S. students studying abroad and foreign students studying in the United States. Most Fulbright grants cover round-trip transportation, monthly stipends, and full or partial tuition. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program are specifically designed for international students pursuing degrees in U.S. colleges and universities. The International Fulbright Science and Technology Award, a subset of the Fulbright program, provides three years of funding for eligible foreign students pursuing a Ph.D. in approved science and technology fields.
Additionally, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsors international fellowships for women from 116 countries who wish to pursue graduate and Master's degrees in the U.S. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship also awards scholarships to women from other countries earning graduate degrees in the U.S.
Some universities in the U.S. also offer tuition waiver programs, allowing international students to pay the in-state tuition rate instead of the higher out-of-state rate. For example, Miami University offers the International Grant in Aid, which provides a 100% tuition waiver for graduate international students who demonstrate financial need.
Canada
Women from developing countries intending to study in Canada may apply for the Margaret McNamara Education Grant, which is worth approximately $12,000.
United Kingdom
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other means of financial support for their graduate studies. The scholarship consists of 50% grant and 50% loan.
Mexico
Conacyt provides scholarships for Mexican students pursuing postgraduate studies in institutions abroad.
Colombia
ColFuturo offers scholarships for Colombian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
Other Country-Specific Opportunities
The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
Additionally, international students may find opportunities through private colleges, which can sometimes offer more financial aid than public institutions. Some schools may also have their own financial aid applications and forms.
It is important to note that grant and scholarship opportunities for international students can be highly competitive, and funding is often limited. Students should carefully review the requirements and eligibility criteria for each award and plan their applications accordingly.
International Students Entering China: What's the Policy?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
International students are not entitled to federal or state aid in the US. However, they may be eligible for institutional aid, including grants and scholarships.
There are need-based scholarships for students who can demonstrate financial need. There are also merit-based scholarships for students with exceptional academic achievement, creativity, or leadership qualities. Some scholarships cover tuition fees, while others cover living expenses, travel costs, books, and insurance.
International students can demonstrate their financial ability by providing bank statements, letters from employers showing annual salary, or financial aid letters. Each US college has its own requirements, but students typically need to prove that they can pay for the first year of study and indicate how they will fund subsequent years.
International students can reduce their costs by pursuing on-campus employment, starting their studies at a community college and then transferring credits to a four-year institution, or taking advantage of financial incentives offered by some universities.
