International Students: Company Funding In The Us

International students in the US are not eligible for federal aid or government-backed loans. However, there are other ways for international students to fund their education. For example, some US universities offer need-blind admission and financial aid to international students. Additionally, international students can apply for scholarships, grants, and private loans. International students may also be able to work part-time on campus or participate in an exchange program with their home institution. Furthermore, companies can sponsor international students by hiring them and facilitating the process of obtaining an H-1B visa or L-1 status.

Scholarships and grants

As an international student in the US, you won't be eligible for federal funding that is intended for US nationals. However, US universities are prioritising internationalisation, so the number of international scholarships has grown. These scholarships are funded by the US government, private organisations, or specific institutions.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship for international students is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. This scholarship is open to graduate students, young professionals, and artists from around the world, excluding medicine. The program offers scholarships for students to study in the US for one year or more, and about 4,000 international students are selected to participate each year. The Australian-American Fulbright Commission also offers scholarships to Australian citizens at all career stages to take part in an academic and cultural exchange.

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

This is a non-degree scholarship program for international, experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US. Although the funding doesn’t support degree qualifications, students are able to study and develop their knowledge at academic institutions across the US.

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

These international scholarships are aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US (of which there are 57). To apply, you must submit an essay or video demonstrating your interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.

Civil Society Leadership Awards

These scholarships are fully funded for students from eligible countries to study for a master’s degree in the US or another host country.

David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship

This scholarship is worth $1,000 and is open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.

Preply Scholarship

Three winners will receive an award of up to $2,000. The scholarship is open to all students (domestic and international) aged between 16 and 35. To enter, you must submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.

Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship

A $2,000 prize is available to a student currently enrolled in the US or another study destination as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student. You will need to submit an essay to apply and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.

Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US.

East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships

These scholarships are to study in the US within selected institutions, aimed at international students from the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan-United States Friendship Commission

An initiative run by Japan and the US, this commission offers grant programs to Japanese students wishing to study in the US (and vice versa).

Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program

Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and student fees.

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

This scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning their graduate degrees in the USA.

MPOWER Financing Global Citizen Scholarship Program

This scholarship program has a broad eligibility criterion and is offered throughout the year, with niche scholarships also available.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This scholarship program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and who are applying for a development-related Master's program.

American Association of University Women (AAUW)

The AAUW sponsors international fellowships for women interested in studying in the US. The amount awarded depends on the type of degree.

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program

The FLTA program provides a grant for foreign citizens to teach their language and culture at a U.S. university for one school year. A master’s degree is preferred but not required, and while international students will not receive a degree, they will have to take coursework related to teaching.

Other Resources

Websites such as International Student, Fastweb, Buddy4Study, and College Board provide scholarship search engines and databases for international students to find grants, scholarships, and loan programs.

Loans

As an international student in the US, you are generally not eligible for the student aid provided by the US Department of Education, such as federal loans. However, there are some exceptions, and if you are an eligible non-citizen, you may be able to access federal financial aid like grants, scholarships, and federal loans. To find out if you are eligible, you should review the requirements laid out by the US government.

If you are not eligible for federal student aid, you may still have options for funding your studies in the US. You can apply for scholarships, private loans, and possibly assistance from your home country. Many scholarships are available to international students, offered by entities such as nonprofits and corporations. You can research scholarships online or contact the financial aid office at your prospective school to inquire about institutional scholarships.

Private student loans are also available to international students from various loan providers, but these usually require a US citizen or permanent resident co-signer with good credit. There are some no-cosigner loan options available, however.

It is important to note that, as an international student, you cannot count on working in the United States unless you have been granted a teaching or research assistantship. When submitting evidence of your financial resources, you cannot rely on potential income. The income on which you base your application must be assured and must be equal to or exceed the costs of the first year of your studies. Immigration regulations are very strict with respect to working while on a student visa.

Family funding

International students in the US face a challenging financial situation, with tuition and living expenses to cover, and limited access to funding. While international students are not eligible for US government-backed loans, there are still several options for family funding.

Family is the largest source of funding for international students in the US, with nearly 65% of all international students in the country being funded by their family and relatives. This is a significant proportion and demonstrates the importance of family support in funding international education.

For families wishing to support their relatives studying in the US, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, families can provide funding directly from their own financial resources. This may include contributions from parents, siblings, or extended family members. It is important to note that when submitting evidence of financial resources for a student visa, the income must be assured and sufficient to cover the costs of at least the first year of studies.

Another option for family funding is through international scholarships. While scholarships are typically competitive, there are a variety of scholarships, grants, and fellowships available specifically for international students. Some scholarships are based on merit, such as academic performance, athletic ability, or artistic talent, while others are need-based, awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need. Families can explore scholarship opportunities by using online scholarship search engines and databases, which often allow filtering by field of study, location, and nationality.

In addition to scholarships, families can also consider private international student loans. These loans can provide funding for the entire cost of education, including tuition, living expenses, and other related costs. However, eligibility requirements, such as having a cosigner, may need to be met. Families can use online comparison tools to find lenders and apply for loans that best suit their needs.

Lastly, families can explore the possibility of formal exchange programs between the student's home institution and the desired institution in the US. Such exchanges can provide opportunities for financial support and reduce the overall cost of studying abroad. Contacting the international student offices at both institutions can provide more information on these types of exchanges.

By combining direct financial contributions, scholarships, loans, and exploring exchange programs, families can play a crucial role in funding their relatives' international education in the US.

University funding

International students in the US often face unique challenges when it comes to funding their education, as they may not be eligible for the same financial aid and loan programs as domestic students. While it can be difficult for international students to obtain funding from US sources, it is not impossible, and there are a few options worth exploring. One option for international students seeking funding is to look into private companies that offer scholarships or grants. Some companies may be willing to fund international students, particularly if they are studying in a field that is related to the company's business or if they have a diverse workforce. It is important to keep in mind that these opportunities may be competitive, and the company may have specific requirements that must be met.

Another avenue to explore is funding from your home country. There may be organizations or government programs in your home country that offer scholarships or grants to students studying abroad. These opportunities can vary widely depending on the country, so it is important to do your research and reach out to the appropriate organizations to inquire about eligibility and application processes. International students can also look into funding opportunities offered by the university they plan to attend. Many universities in the US offer a limited number of scholarships and grants specifically for international students.

These awards can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. It is important to note that competition for these awards is often high, and they may not cover the full cost of tuition and expenses. However, it is definitely worth investigating what financial aid packages the university may be able to offer. Finally, international students may also want to consider seeking funding from private organizations and foundations. There are a number of organizations that provide scholarships and grants to support international students studying in the US.

These opportunities can be competitive, but they can also be a great source of funding for those who are eligible. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application processes for each organization, as they can vary significantly. In conclusion, while funding a university education as an international student in the US can be challenging, there are a number of options available that are worth exploring. From company-funded scholarships to government grants, university financial aid packages to private organization scholarships, there may be opportunities to help offset the cost of your education. It is important to thoroughly research and apply for any and all opportunities for which you may be eligible.

Employment

International students in the US can be funded by a company, but there are strict rules and regulations surrounding this. The most common status for full-time international students is F-1, which allows for part-time, on-campus employment (less than 20 hours per week). This can include working for a contractually affiliated company, such as a school bookstore. To work off-campus, F-1 students must usually have been in the US for at least one full academic year and can only do so in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or international financial crises.

There are other visa options for international students seeking employment in the US, such as J-1, L-1, E-1, E-2, and O-1. J-1 status allows for similar employment to F-1, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor. L-1 is for intra-company transferees and requires employees to have worked at an affiliated foreign office for a minimum of one year before being transferred to the US. E-1 and E-2 statuses allow temporary admission for foreign nationals of countries with commerce or investment treaties with the US, and E-2 status is often used to hire international graduates with the same nationality as the foreign base company. O-1 status is a temporary work status for foreign nationals with "extraordinary ability" in specific fields, such as science, arts, business, or athletics, and some recent students may qualify based on their experience and education.

US employers interested in hiring international students should be aware of the different work authorizations available and confirm the work authorization of potential hires to avoid legal issues. Employers can also facilitate the process by retaining an experienced immigration attorney. While international students can be a great addition to the workforce, companies should be aware of the costs and processing times associated with different visas, which can range from $1,385 for L-1 status to $3,000-$8,000 for H-1B status.

Frequently asked questions