International Student Financial Aid: Is It Possible?

International students often face additional costs when studying abroad, such as student visa fees, health insurance, and travel expenses. While funding opportunities for these students are limited, they can still qualify for merit or need-based aid, scholarships, grants, and private loans. In the US, international students are generally not eligible for federal aid, but they may be eligible for institutional aid, which is more common for graduate study. Some scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas and can provide valuable cultural experiences and networking opportunities. Additionally, international students may be able to work part-time on campus with certain visa statuses.

Characteristics of International Students Getting Financial Aid

Scholarships and grants

International students are not eligible for federal aid or state aid in the US. However, there are still several options for scholarships and grants to help pay for higher education.

Scholarships

There are various private organisations, programmes, and universities that offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers need-blind scholarships to first-time-in-college international students. Eligibility criteria may vary between applications, but there are many opportunities for students from different backgrounds. Some scholarships are reserved for graduate study, while others are merit-based. Some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution, and both private and public institutions may waive application fees in some situations.

Grants

There are a considerable amount of grants available to international students, but they are often competitive. At the federal level, international students may be eligible for Pell Grants, FSEOG Grants, direct subsidised/unsubsidized student loans, or Direct PLUS loans, depending on their residency status.

Private student loans

International students often have more limited funding options for their studies compared to domestic students. While they cannot access federal or state aid, they may be eligible for merit or need-based aid, grants, scholarships, and private student loans.

The eligibility criteria for private student loans can vary depending on the lender. Some lenders may require the borrower to have a minimum credit score, meet a minimum gross annual income, or be pursuing a specific program of study. It is important for prospective borrowers to carefully review the requirements and interest rates offered by different lenders before making a decision.

In addition to private student loans, international students may also want to explore other financial aid options, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. These opportunities may be available through their university, private corporations, non-profit organizations, or government programs. It is recommended that international students consult with their university's financial aid office and international student adviser to discuss their funding options and ensure they are correctly coded to receive any available aid.

Employment

International students hoping to study in the United States face a unique set of challenges when it comes to financial aid and employment. While scholarships, grants, and loans are available, the options are more limited for non-US citizens, and the rules around employment can be complex.

On-campus employment options include serving as a resident assistant (RA) or teaching and research assistant. However, it's important to note that working on or off-campus cannot be the sole source of funding for international students. Most jobs will only provide spending money, and any financial resources earned are typically deemed taxable.

Other Sources of Financial Aid

In addition to employment, international students can explore other sources of financial aid:

• Scholarships and Grants: There are scholarships and grants available specifically for international students, but they tend to be competitive.
• Private Student Loans: International students can take out private loans from banks and lenders, but it is advised not to take on too much debt.
• Institutional Aid: Some US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students, and private institutions may sometimes provide discounts or reduced tuition fees.
• Family Funding: According to a study by the Institute of International Education, family and relatives are the largest source of funding for international students.

Federal financial aid

International students are not eligible for federal aid in the US, such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. However, there are other sources of funding available for international students.

Scholarships

International scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas and are a popular option for students seeking to gain a global perspective. With so many international scholarships available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the application process. However, with careful research and preparation, you can successfully secure funding to help achieve your academic and personal goals abroad. Your own home country could be a source of funding, either from organisations or companies from your home country or your government. For example, Saudi Arabia launched a program that provides full scholarships to over 10,000 Saudi students studying in the USA.

University Funding

Many US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. Most of the institutional aid available to international students is reserved for graduate study in the form of assistantships and fellowships. Both private and public institutions may waive application fees in some situations. Merit-based scholarships are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Your university may have scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability.

Loans

International students are not eligible for US government-backed loans but are eligible for private international student loans to study in the US. However, many financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt.

Work

F-1 status, which is the most common status for full-time international students, allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). J-1 student status allows for similar employment, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor. Jobs available on-campus typically do not pay much, certainly not enough to finance a university education.

University-specific criteria

International students hoping to pursue their education in the United States often face challenges due to rising college costs and limited funding options. While federal financial aid is generally not available to international students, there are still various university-specific criteria and opportunities they can explore to secure financial assistance. Here are some critical aspects to consider:

• University Scholarships and Grants: Many universities in the United States offer scholarships and grants specifically for international students. These awards are often merit-based or need-based and can provide significant financial support. For example, Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers need-based aid to first-time international students in their second year of enrollment. Additionally, some universities may have funds allocated within their academic departments to assist international students with exceptional financial need or talent.
• Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Most institutional aid for international students is reserved for graduate study. Universities often provide financial incentives in the form of assistantships and fellowships to attract top international graduate students. These positions typically involve research or teaching assistant roles and can come with stipends, tuition waivers, or other benefits.
• Waived Application Fees: Both private and public universities may waive application fees for international students. This can reduce the upfront cost of applying to universities in the United States.
• On-Campus Employment: International students can explore on-campus employment opportunities after their first year of study. Positions such as resident assistants (RAs) can provide a source of income to help offset the cost of attendance. However, it's important to note that on-campus jobs may not fully cover all expenses and are subject to eligibility requirements.
• Community College Transfer: Starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year institution can be a more affordable path for international students. Community colleges typically have lower tuition fees, and transferring credits can help reduce the overall cost of a degree.
• University-specific Forms and Requirements: Each university has its own requirements for evaluating an international student's ability to pay expenses. Some universities may require forms such as the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or school-specific financial aid forms. It is essential to contact each university directly to understand their unique criteria and application process.
• Private Student Loans: While federal student loans are typically not available to international students, some private lenders offer student loans specifically for international students studying in the United States. These loans can help fill financial gaps, but it is important to carefully consider the terms and conditions to ensure they are manageable.

It is important to remember that the availability and eligibility criteria for university-specific financial aid can vary significantly across institutions. International students should thoroughly research and reach out to their prospective universities to understand their specific requirements and opportunities for financial assistance.

Frequently asked questions