Paid Studies: Opportunities For International Students

International students on an F-1 visa can participate in paid research studies as long as the study is directly related to their field of study and they have obtained authorization from the university sponsoring their visa. This authorization can be obtained by working with a designated school official to ensure eligibility and compliance with the program. International students can also participate in part-time research courses without requiring a Student Visa, although they may still need to apply for a Visitor Visa. Paid research studies are often conducted by organizations such as User Research International, which offers opportunities for students, educators, healthcare workers, and others to provide feedback on products and new technologies.

F-1 visa holders can participate in studies related to their field

International students on an F-1 visa can participate in studies and receive compensation, but only if the study is directly related to their field of study and they have obtained authorization from the university sponsoring their visa. The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows a student to temporarily live in the United States while studying at a school, college, seminary, academic high school, elementary school, or another academic institution. The F-1 visa is intended for those who plan to temporarily study in the United States and is not an immigrant visa.

To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration, and Customs Enforcement (ICE). You must also be enrolled as a full-time student, be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies, and maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.

F-1 visa holders are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions. After completing their first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension. CPT refers to full-time or part-time paid or unpaid work in the form of an internship or cooperative placement related to the student's major. OPT allows F-1 students to work off-campus in positions related to their area of study. The STEM OPT Extension provides an additional 24 months of OPT for F-1 students in STEM fields, giving them more time to gain practical work experience.

Before participating in any off-campus employment, including studies or research, F-1 students must ensure that the work is authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. The DSO is responsible for maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It is essential for F-1 students to confirm that their off-campus work complies with their visa requirements to avoid any legal issues.

In addition to participating in studies, international students can explore other opportunities to fund their graduate education in the United States. Some schools provide lists of fellowships and scholarships that international students can apply for. External fellowships and grants offered by foundations, private companies, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations can provide financial support and valuable networking opportunities. Students can also consider taking out private loans, although these typically come with interest, adding to the overall cost of borrowing.

CPT programs allow students to work from campus

International students can participate in paid studies under certain conditions. For instance, students on an F-1 visa can take part in paid studies if they are directly related to their field of study and they have obtained authorization from the university sponsoring their visa.

One way international students can work in the US is through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT allows F-1 international students to work off-campus in paid positions within the US. CPT requires an application completed by the student, which can be submitted via the ISSS Portal. Once approved, CPT work authorization is added to the student's immigration record, and a new Form I-20 is issued, noting the work authorization. Students cannot legally work off-campus in the US without active CPT approval from the ISSS office. CPT must be related to the student's program major listed on their I-20. CPT is approved one semester or session at a time. During the fall and spring semesters, students can work part-time CPT (up to 20 hours/week). During the summer and winter breaks, students can work full-time (more than 20 hours/week). If an internship position continues to the next semester, students need CPT approval before they can continue working. CPT is designated for paid or unpaid work in an F-1 student's field of study.

There are other ways for international students to fund their studies in the US. Most international students use personal or family funds to help pay for graduate programs. Fellowships and scholarships are also options for international students. Fellowships are typically merit-based and may come with a requirement to teach or conduct research. Scholarships and fellowships can be found through grad schools, specific academic programs, and outside organizations.

Fellowships and grants are offered by schools and external sources

Many schools offer fellowships specifically for international students, which can be a great way to fund their education. For example, the Graduate Studies Office at the California Institute of Technology provides a list of fellowships that international students can apply for. Fellowships can also be found through academic programs and outside organizations. They typically offer monetary awards that can cover tuition and provide stipends for living expenses. In some cases, fellowships may come with requirements to teach or conduct research, providing valuable training and experience in a particular field.

External fellowships and grants are offered by foundations, private companies, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations. These opportunities often provide financial support and allow students to participate in prestigious cohort experiences, establishing valuable alumni networks. Examples of external fellowships include the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) - Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship, the Epilepsy Foundation of America - Research Training Fellowships, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - Livermore Graduate Scholar Program.

International students can also explore private loan options to fund their graduate studies. While international students typically need a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer, there are lenders that specialize in providing loans to international students, such as the International Student Loan and Global Student Loan Corporation. Additionally, databases like Global Scholarships, Funding for U.S. Study Online, and International Student offer comprehensive information on scholarships, grants, and loans specifically for international students.

It is important for international students to start their research early, as application deadlines for external scholarships and fellowships may occur before program deadlines. Evaluating personal and family funds, exploring school-provided lists of fellowships, and considering external fellowships and grants can all contribute to a comprehensive funding plan for graduate studies.

International students can apply for country-based financial aid

International students can often find themselves in a difficult position when it comes to financing their studies. While personal and family funds are the primary source of finance for most international students, there are other options available.

Some schools provide a list of fellowships that international students can apply for. Fellowships are usually merit-based and may come with a requirement to teach or conduct research. They can offer training in a particular field and provide a monetary award that covers tuition and perhaps a stipend for living expenses.

Scholarships are another option, and these are often merit-based, awarded for academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. They can also be need-based, but international students usually need to have been at the institution for a year before they can apply for this type of scholarship.

Loans are also available to international students, but they usually require a co-signer and can come with high interest rates, so financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt.

It is important to research early, as deadlines for external scholarships and fellowships are often before program deadlines, starting around October.

Loans are available from some US banks and finance companies

International students can consider private student loans from US banks and finance companies, but these typically come with interest, adding to the overall cost. Some lenders require a co-signer and a Social Security Number (SSN). Examples of lenders offering private student loans for international students include College Ave, Earnest, Citizens Bank, MPOWER Financing, Prodigy Finance, and Nelnet Bank.

Fellowships and grants offered by foundations, private companies, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations are also options for international students to fund their education. These opportunities often provide access to valuable alumni networks and high-prestige cohort experiences. Additionally, international students can explore external scholarships and financial aid from their home country or third-party international organizations, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Open Society Foundations.

Frequently asked questions