International Students: Fafsa Eligibility And Requirements

International students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, but they are not eligible for federal student aid. However, some universities and states use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for private financial aid, so it is still important for international students to complete the form. To fill out the FAFSA online, a Social Security Number (SSN) is required. If an international student does not have an SSN, they can download the form, print it, and mail it to the Federal Student Aid Office.

Can an international student fill a FAFSA?

International students without a Social Security Number (SSN)

Firstly, international students can fill out the FAFSA form, which is used to determine eligibility for various US state and university scholarships. However, as a Social Security Number is required to fill out the online FAFSA form, international students will have to submit a paper form to attempt to receive institutional aid. The FAFSA form can be printed and mailed to the Federal Student Aid Office.

Secondly, international students may qualify for certain types of merit or need-based aid. This could include grants, scholarships, or work-study funds. Each US college has its own requirements for how international students can prove their ability to pay expenses, so it is worth contacting the college directly to discuss your options.

In very rare cases, a school may require international students to fill out the FAFSA form. Additionally, some universities may have their own financial aid forms. International students may be required to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, which is used by private colleges.

It is important to note that the parent's immigration status is not considered in determining the student's eligibility for federal student aid. However, if the student is an eligible noncitizen and reports an A-number on the FAFSA form, that information is checked against the US Department of Homeland Security's database. If the student's status as an eligible noncitizen cannot be confirmed, they will have to submit immigration documentation to the college or career school they plan to attend for review.

FAFSA eligibility criteria for non-US citizens

International students cannot apply for federal student aid in the US, but they may still be eligible for other types of aid. To be eligible for federal student aid, non-US citizens must be able to provide eligible noncitizen documentation. This includes students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, who are not eligible for Title IV aid but may be eligible for state or college aid. Submitting a FAFSA form can help DACA students access these other types of aid. To complete the FAFSA form, DACA students must enter their SSN and answer the citizenship status question as "Neither U.S. citizen nor eligible noncitizen".

International students with an SSN can fill out the FAFSA form, print it, and mail it to the Federal Student Aid Office. This is because a Social Security Number is required to fill out the online FAFSA form. After submitting the form, students will receive a student aid report (SAR) that outlines the types of scholarships, grants, and the amount the school/college/university can offer.

Additionally, international students may be required to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, which is used by private colleges. Some universities may also have their own forms. In rare cases, a school may require international students to fill out the FAFSA.

It is important to note that each U.S. college has its own requirements for how international students can prove their ability to pay expenses. International students may also qualify for certain types of merit or need-based aid, although funding for them is often more limited.

FAFSA as a requirement for institutional aid

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a requirement for students seeking institutional aid. It is used by colleges and universities to calculate how much student aid a student is eligible for, including grants, scholarships, work-study awards, state and institutional aid, and federal student loans. FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for state-based financial aid.

International students are not eligible for federal student aid, but they may still be eligible for other types of aid. To apply for financial aid, international students may be required to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, which is used by private colleges. Some universities may also have their own forms. In rare cases, a school may require international students to fill out the FAFSA.

To fill out the FAFSA form, international students will need to submit a paper form, as a Social Security Number is required for the online form. The FAFSA form must be printed and mailed to the Federal Student Aid Office. The FAFSA is free to file and can be submitted as early as October 1 of each year. The federal deadline to submit the FAFSA is usually June 30 of the following year, but college and state deadlines may be sooner.

It is important to note that even though international students may not be eligible for federal student aid, they should still fill out the FAFSA form. This is because the FAFSA is used by many colleges and universities to determine eligibility for various scholarships and other forms of financial aid. By filling out the FAFSA, international students can access the largest source of financial aid for school and increase their chances of receiving institutional support.

FAFSA as a requirement for private financial aid

International students cannot apply for federal student aid, but they can still apply for financial aid. To do so, they may be required to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, which is used by private colleges. A very small number of schools may require international students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FAFSA is the financial aid form for accessing grants, federal student loans, and work-study funds. It is important to note that FAFSA eligibility requires applicants to show financial need, have U.S. citizenship, or be eligible non-citizens, and be enrolled in a qualified school program. There is no income limit for FAFSA, so applicants should apply regardless of their family's income level.

The FAFSA form can be filled out online, but a Social Security Number (SSN) is required. Without an SSN, international students must submit a paper application to attempt to receive institutional aid. The FAFSA form is also used to determine eligibility for various state and university scholarships.

The CSS Profile, on the other hand, is a more detailed financial aid application that asks about home equity, which can increase the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). As a result, the FAFSA may be a more favourable option for families with high home equity.

Alternatives to FAFSA for international students

International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US. However, there are several alternatives to FAFSA for international students. Here are some options to consider:

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student. There are many scholarships available specifically for international students, and they can be based on merit, need, or other factors such as heritage, sports, or hobbies. Some scholarships are offered by the US government, while others are provided by private organizations or universities. For example, the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) is a generous scholarship for Saudi Arabian students that covers tuition, material fees, and provides additional benefits.

Financial Aid from Home Country

Many countries offer financial aid opportunities for their students who want to study abroad. For instance, Saudi Arabia has a program that provides full scholarships to thousands of Saudi students studying in the USA. Contact your country's ministry or department of education, as well as your embassy and consulate in the US, to explore these options.

International Student Loans

International students can also apply for private international student loans to study in the US. These loans typically require meeting specific eligibility requirements, such as attending an approved school and having a cosigner. However, some lenders may offer no-cosigner loans as well.

On-Campus Employment

If you have an F-1 visa, which is the most common status for full-time international students, you are allowed to work part-time on campus for fewer than 20 hours per week. This can provide a source of income to help cover some of your expenses. However, jobs available on campus typically do not pay enough to finance a university education, so they should be considered a supplementary source of funds.

University Financial Aid

Many US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. It is important to contact the universities you are interested in to inquire about their specific financial aid options and requirements. Additionally, some universities may have exchange programs with your home institution, which could provide an opportunity for funding.

International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA)

The ISFAA is a financial aid application specifically designed for international students. Some schools may require this form instead of the FAFSA, so be sure to check with your desired institution.

Frequently asked questions