International Students: Unlocking Internship Opportunities With Fafsa

International students seeking internships in the United States often face challenges when it comes to financial aid. While federal student loans typically offer lower interest rates, they are usually restricted to US citizens or permanent residents. International students are generally ineligible for federal aid, including grants and loans, through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, there are exceptions where non-citizens can complete the FAFSA. To be eligible for FAFSA, non-citizens must have a valid Social Security Number and meet specific criteria, such as having an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) indicating certain statuses. When FAFSA is not an option, international students can explore alternative sources of financial assistance, including institutional grants, scholarships, and private loans. Many colleges and universities offer financial aid packages to international students demonstrating financial need or merit. Additionally, international students can inquire about scholarships from their home country's embassy or consulate in the US.

International students can apply for FAFSA but are ineligible for federal or state aid

International students can apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but they are ineligible for federal or state aid. FAFSA is typically only available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens. However, there are some exceptions where non-citizens can complete the FAFSA. For example, non-citizens with a valid Social Security Number and an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) that shows a status of refugee, asylum granted, or parolee can apply. Additionally, battered immigrant-qualified aliens who are victims of abuse by their permanent resident or citizen spouse may also be eligible.

While international students cannot receive federal or state aid through FAFSA, it can still be beneficial to complete the application. FAFSA is used by many colleges and universities to determine institutional aid and private scholarships. Some colleges have specific funds for international student financial aid, and others require the completion of the FAFSA to be considered for any financial aid. Additionally, private scholarships often use FAFSA as an indication of financial need.

It is important to note that international students may have other options for financial aid beyond FAFSA. Many colleges and universities offer institutional grants, scholarships, and awards to international students based on financial need or merit. Furthermore, international students can explore private student loans, which may require a cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, international students can check with their home country's embassy or consulate in the United States for information on international scholarships or grants offered by their government.

To increase their chances of receiving financial aid, international students should research the policies and requirements of each school they apply to. Some schools may have earlier FAFSA deadlines for institutional aid or specific forms and requirements for international students. It is also recommended to apply to a range of well-known and lesser-known colleges, as smaller schools may have fewer applicants and more funds available for international students.

Non-citizens can apply for FAFSA if they have a valid Social Security number

In most cases, international students are not eligible for FAFSA as it requires a valid Social Security number and the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. However, there are some exceptions where non-citizens can complete the FAFSA.

Non-citizens can apply for FAFSA and federal student aid if they have a valid Social Security number and meet one of the following criteria:

• The student has an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the U.S. that shows a status of Refugee, Asylum Granted, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Conditional Resident Alien, Conditional Entrant, or Parolee.
• The student is a battered immigrant-qualified alien and a victim of abuse by their permanent resident or citizen spouse.
• The student is a U.S. national, including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island.
• The student is a U.S. permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a "green card".

It is important to note that even if an international student meets the above criteria and has a valid Social Security number, they may still not be eligible for all types of financial aid. International students are not eligible for federal or state aid, including federal loans, Pell Grants, or any other form of government-offered aid. However, FAFSA data can be used by some institutions to determine their institutional aid. Additionally, international students may be eligible for private scholarships, institutional grants, and merit-based awards, some of which may require a completed FAFSA form.

International students can apply for institutional aid and private scholarships

International students are not eligible for federal student aid through FAFSA, and the application requires a valid Social Security Number, which only US citizens have. However, there are exceptions where non-citizens can complete the FAFSA. For instance, non-citizens with a valid Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) that shows a status of refugee, asylum granted, or parolee can fill out the FAFSA and apply for aid.

Although international students cannot receive federal or state aid, they can still apply for institutional aid and private scholarships. Many colleges and universities in the US offer institutional grants and scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need or merit. For example, Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers merit-based scholarships to first-time international students. Some universities may also have their own financial aid applications, such as the CSS Profile or the ISFAA. Additionally, private scholarships are available for international students, and some are dedicated specifically to non-citizens. These scholarships can help fill the void of federal financial aid and make studying in the US more affordable for international students.

To increase the chances of receiving institutional grants, it is recommended to apply to a range of colleges, including lesser-known schools that may have fewer applicants for their grants. International students can also consider private student loans, although these usually require a US citizen or permanent resident co-signer.

Before applying, international students should research the financial aid options offered by their desired universities and the requirements for international applicants. They should also be proactive in seeking out scholarships and grants, as funding opportunities for international students in the US are limited, and competition for these awards can be high.

International students can apply for private international student loans

International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US and, therefore, cannot apply for federal funds through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). However, some institutions will determine their institutional aid through FAFSA data.

International students seeking private loans have several financial aid options to explore before borrowing money. Here are some ways international students can apply for private international student loans:

• Research funding opportunities from your country's embassy or governmental educational office to see if there are applicable scholarships. You can also use the U.S. Department of Labor's scholarship search engine to identify scholarships, fellowships, grants, and financial aid awards.
• Check with the college you'll be attending to see if they offer international students financial aid.
• Find an advising center to help navigate the financial aid process. For example, Education USA advises international students on topics like how to finance college in the U.S., the student visa process, and standardized testing requirements.
• Apply for private international student loans. Some private lenders offer loans for international students, but they often require a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Your co-signer will need good credit for approval and to get the lowest rates. However, some lenders don't have that stipulation.
• Consider a loan platform like Juno, which gathers large groups of prospective borrowers and gets private student loan companies to compete for their business. This approach can help secure a lower interest rate than you could get on your own.

International students can apply for financial aid from their home country

International students seeking internships or other opportunities in the United States often face challenges when it comes to financial aid. While federal student aid in the US typically requires citizenship or permanent residency, there are alternative sources of funding available for international students, including financial aid from their home country. Here are some options and considerations for international students seeking financial assistance:

Financial Aid from Home Country:

International students can explore financial aid opportunities offered by their home country. This can include scholarships, grants, or loans provided by their government, organizations, or companies based in their home country. Many countries recognize the value of international education and provide financial support to their citizens studying abroad. It is worth contacting the education or scholarship departments of relevant government ministries or agencies to inquire about available funding programs.

Institutional Grants and Scholarships:

Many colleges and universities in the US offer institutional grants and scholarships to international students based on financial need or merit. These opportunities can provide substantial financial assistance and are often awarded to attract diverse and talented students from around the world. It is important to research the financial aid policies and application processes of specific institutions, as they can vary significantly.

Private International Student Loans:

International students can also explore private loan options to fund their education. Private lenders may have their own eligibility requirements, and some cater specifically to international students. These loans can help cover the gap between personal funds and the total cost of attendance. It is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of private loans, including interest rates and repayment options, to make an informed decision.

International Scholarships and Grants:

There are numerous international organizations, such as the Fulbright Commission, that provide scholarships and grants to students worldwide. These opportunities can be highly competitive, and many require applicants to be in their home country at the time of application. International students can benefit from researching and planning their applications well in advance to increase their chances of securing these awards.

FAFSA and Non-Citizen Eligibility:

While international students are generally ineligible for federal aid through the FAFSA, there are exceptions for certain non-citizens. For example, individuals with specific Arrival-Departure Records (I-94) indicating refugee status, asylum, or other qualifying circumstances may be eligible. Additionally, eligible non-citizens, such as U.S. nationals or permanent residents, can apply for FAFSA and may qualify for federal student aid.

In summary, international students seeking internships or educational opportunities in the United States have a range of financial aid options available, including support from their home country, institutional grants, private loans, and international scholarships. By thoroughly researching and proactively applying for these opportunities, international students can increase their chances of obtaining the necessary financial support to pursue their academic goals in the US.

Frequently asked questions