International Students' Guide To Claiming Financial Emergencies

International students can often face financial emergencies during their time at university, and there are a variety of support options available to them. These include emergency funds, grants, scholarships, and private loans. However, it is important to note that funding for international students is often more limited than for domestic students, and they typically do not qualify for federal or state aid. International students may need to provide extensive documentation to support their applications for financial aid, and each university has its own requirements for how they can prove their ability to pay expenses.

Can an International Student Claim Financial Emergency?

International students can apply for emergency funds to support them in emergency situations

For instance, the Scottish Government has provided funds to support international students studying in Scotland who are not eligible for home fee status or living cost support. These funds are intended to cover short-term living costs and cannot be used for tuition fees. Similarly, Central Michigan University offers an International Student Emergency Fund that provides a one-time financial award to currently enrolled international students facing unforeseen emergencies.

To be eligible for emergency funds, international students typically need to demonstrate their financial need and the impact of the emergency on their ability to continue their studies. Some common requirements when applying for emergency funds include providing evidence of income, debt, expenses, and academic standing. It is important to note that these funds are usually not a long-term solution and may have specific restrictions on their use.

Before applying for emergency funds, international students should carefully review the eligibility criteria and gather all the required documentation. In some cases, students may be expected to have exhausted all other forms of support, such as seeking private loans or accessing support from their home institutions. Additionally, it is essential to be mindful of application processing times, which can vary depending on the funding organization.

While emergency funds can provide crucial support, international students can also explore other options to manage their finances. These include grants, scholarships, merit-based aid, and private loans. Each university and country may have different options available, so it is important for students to research and understand the financial resources accessible to them. Seeking guidance from financial aid offices or student support services can help international students navigate these options effectively.

To qualify, students must prove they cannot afford costs and supply evidence of the situation

International students facing financial difficulties may be able to access emergency funds, but eligibility criteria and requirements vary. For example, at Central Michigan University, international students can apply for a one-time financial award from the International Student Emergency Fund if they are currently enrolled, have valid immigration status, and are experiencing an unforeseen emergency. Similarly, the University of Edinburgh offers an International Students' Emergency Fund for those who are not eligible for home fee status and/or living cost support. This fund is intended for short-term living costs and cannot be used for tuition fees.

To qualify for these emergency funds, students must typically prove their financial need and provide evidence of their situation. This may include demonstrating that they cannot afford basic living costs or unexpected expenses, such as travel tickets to return home urgently. The specific requirements vary depending on the university and the funder. For instance, Central Michigan University requires students to have exhausted all other forms of support, including seeking private loans, and to provide supporting documentation for the requested financial amount.

When applying for emergency funds, international students may be asked to submit various documents to prove their financial situation. These can include bank statements, income and debt information, lease or mortgage agreements, and evidence of any other relevant expenses, such as childcare costs. Some universities may also require additional information, such as academic transcripts or a detailed letter explaining the emergency. It is important to provide all the required documentation promptly to ensure a faster decision on the application.

While international students may face more limited funding options compared to domestic students, there are still opportunities for financial aid. In addition to emergency funds, international students can explore merit-based scholarships, grants, and private loans to help cover their educational and living expenses. It is recommended to research the specific requirements and application processes for each funding source, as these can vary.

International students can take out private loans, although financial aid experts advise against too much debt

International students can take out private loans to fund their education, although financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt. While it is possible to secure loans as an international student, there are often additional requirements, such as finding a cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident. This can be a challenge for those without family or friends in the country who are willing and able to act as a cosigner.

There are a few options available for international students seeking private loans. Some lenders, like Discover Student Loans, require a cosigner but do not charge fees or require payments while the student is still in school. Prodigy Finance, on the other hand, offers variable-rate loans to students in specific fields without requiring a cosigner, instead basing their terms on a predictive credit model. MPOWER Financing also provides loans without a cosigner or collateral, offering fixed interest rates to students in any field of study as long as they are enrolled in one of their supported schools.

It is important to carefully consider the loan rates and terms offered by different lenders before making a decision. Variable-interest loans, for example, can be risky as the interest rate may increase over time. Fixed-interest loans, on the other hand, offer stability but can be costly if the initial interest rate is high.

While taking out private loans can help international students finance their education, it is important to remember that defaulting on these loans can have consequences. Unpaid debt is not a crime, and it is not grounds for inadmissibility to the US. However, it can impact an individual's credit score and ability to borrow in the future. Additionally, a large amount of unpaid debt can be considered evidence of poor moral character, which could potentially affect an application for US citizenship.

In addition to private loans, international students facing financial difficulties may be able to access emergency funds from their university or government. These funds are typically meant to support short-term living costs or unexpected expenses, such as urgent travel back home, rather than tuition fees. To qualify for such support, students usually need to demonstrate a change in their financial circumstances or provide evidence of their situation.

International students can qualify for merit-based aid, such as scholarships and grants

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, including federal grants. However, international students can qualify for merit-based aid, such as scholarships and grants, which can be used to pay for tuition, academic fees, books, and room and board. The amount of money provided varies among scholarships, with some being granted once, while others are recurring.

Merit-based scholarships are usually granted based on a student's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or other accomplishments. For example, merit-based scholarships may be awarded based on TOEFL scores, academic records, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability.

Some scholarships are provided by colleges and universities, while others are provided by private businesses or non-profits. While some colleges provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate international students, most merit-based financial aid is reserved for graduate students.

International students wishing to study in the United States can use online scholarship search services such as College Board, International Education Financial Aid, Interstride Scholarships, and others to find scholarships, grants, and loans.

In addition to merit-based aid, international students may also qualify for need-based aid. Some scholarships are also based on financial need, and students can apply for need-based financial aid directly through their college or university.

International students can access cheaper education at private colleges due to significant financial aid

International students often face additional costs on top of tuition and fees, such as visa application fees and international airfare. While they are not eligible for federal financial aid in the US, there are other options to help fund their education.

The average financial aid package for international students at US colleges was nearly $82,000. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the average amount given to international students was $23,800 at the 868 undergraduate schools that reported data. While funding for international students is often more limited, they may qualify for merit or need-based aid.

International students can also take out private loans, although financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt. Instead, it may be better to study in a country with lower tuition fees. International students can also pursue on-campus employment or begin their US studies at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution.

Additionally, there are free scholarship databases and private, corporate, nonprofit, and government scholarship funds that serve undergraduate international students. International students can also apply for emergency funds at their university to help with unexpected costs, such as urgent travel home.

Frequently asked questions