Lori Meadows
International students who wish to study in the United States face a tricky situation when it comes to financing their education. Unlike domestic students, international students are generally ineligible for federal or state aid, and most U.S. institutions offer little to no discount on tuition fees. However, there are alternative sources of financial aid available for international students, including scholarships, grants, private loans, and work-study programs. This paragraph will explore the options available to international students seeking financial assistance for their studies in the United States.
Can international students apply for financial aid in the US?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal or state aid | Not eligible |
| Institutional aid | Available in the form of grants and scholarships |
| Application forms | International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or CSS Profile |
| FAFSA | Only in rare cases |
| Need-blind schools | Very few |
| Funding sources | Family, home country, scholarships, private international student loans, grants, work-study programs |
| Scholarship databases | Some charge fees, some are free |
| Scholarship providers | United World Colleges, Joint Japan World Bank, Fulbright Commission, U.S. colleges and universities |
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What You'll Learn
International students are ineligible for federal aid
International students are not eligible for federal financial aid in the US. This includes federal loans such as Stafford Loans and Plus Loans, which are only available to US citizens.
However, international students can apply for private international student loans to fund their studies in the US. These loans are offered by private institutions and are not government-backed. Additionally, there are other funding options available to international students, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Scholarships are the main way to fund studies in the US for international students. There are private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships available. While these scholarships are highly competitive, international students with impressive achievements and a well-prepared application have a good chance of securing funding. Many US colleges and universities offer scholarships or grants to talented international students, and some schools offer sports scholarships, while others provide academic or artistic scholarships.
It is important to note that the amount and type of aid vary by institution. Some universities may have their own financial aid applications, while others may require the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile. Additionally, some schools may offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution, such as waiving application fees.
International students can also explore funding opportunities from their home country, either from organizations, companies, or their government. For example, Saudi Arabia launched a program that provides full scholarships to over 10,000 Saudi students studying in the US.
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Scholarships are the main source of funding
International students typically cannot access federal or state aid and must rely on personal and external financial resources to fund their studies in the US. However, scholarships are the main source of funding for international students.
Scholarships can be private, institutional, or government-funded. Many universities offer scholarships to attract talented international students. These are often merit-based, awarded for academic excellence, athletic ability, or other special skills. For example, Howard University Freshman Scholarships are merit-based and available to first-time international students. Similarly, the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students offers scholarships to international students based on merit.
Some scholarships are need-based, awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need. Academic departments may have funds to support international students with exceptional financial need and/or talent. Additionally, some private organisations offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from developing countries with no other financial options.
There are also free scholarship databases, such as International Student, which provide information on grants, scholarships, and loan programs. The College Board also offers financial aid resources, scholarships, and internship information for international students.
While scholarships are the primary source of funding for international students, other financial aid options are available, such as federal or private loans and work-study programs.
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Private scholarships and loans are available
International students in the US typically use personal and external financial resources to cover their tuition and expenses, as they do not qualify for federal or state aid. However, private scholarships and loans are available to help fund their studies.
Private Scholarships
Private scholarships are offered by private organisations, companies, and institutions. These scholarships are often merit-based, awarded to students with impressive achievements, special skills, talents, or abilities. Many colleges and universities in the US offer scholarships to talented international students, and some universities offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution. For example, Amherst College runs a need-based financial aid program that provides assistance to financially needy international students, while Berea College offers scholarships that cover 100% of tuition, room, board, and fees for the first year of enrollment for international students.
Some popular private scholarships for international students include:
- United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships: Offered by a group of 18 universities worldwide to over 10,000 students annually.
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships: Open to students from developing countries pursuing a Master's in a development-related subject in partner universities in the US and other regions.
- Fulbright Program for Foreign Students: Offers around 4000 scholarships annually to international students pursuing a Master's or PhD in the US.
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: Provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial help for their graduate studies. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% loan.
- MPOWER Financing's Global Citizen Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships for international and DACA students with broad eligibility criteria.
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Awards scholarships to women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the USA.
- East Tennessee State University's International Students Academic Merit Scholarship: Offers $5000-$9000 per academic year to new international students seeking a graduate or undergraduate degree.
Private Loans
Private loans are another option for international students seeking financial aid. While federal loans are typically restricted to US citizens or specific categories of students from other countries, private loans do not have the same limitations. Private loans tend to have higher interest rates than federal loans, but they can provide necessary funding for international students.
It is important to note that scholarship databases may charge fees, so it is recommended to use free resources like EduPASS, Fastweb, International Education Financial Aid, and International Scholarships to search for scholarships. Additionally, students should be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and never send money or financial information to organisations promising scholarships.
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Some universities offer their own scholarships
International students typically have to rely on personal and other financial resources to cover their tuition and expenses in the US. However, some universities offer their own scholarships, which can be a great way to fund your studies. These scholarships are often highly competitive, but with impressive achievements and a strong application, you have a good chance of securing one.
University scholarships can be broadly categorized into academic, merit-based, and performance-based scholarships. Academic scholarships are awarded to students with a strong academic background, including those with high grades and impressive exam results. Merit-based scholarships recognize students with special skills, talents, or abilities. For example, your university may offer scholarships based on TOEFL scores, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. Performance-based scholarships are usually awarded to those with exceptional ability in an extracurricular activity, such as sports or performing arts.
Some universities also offer specific scholarships for international students. For example, Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers merit aid through its Freshman Scholarships program, which is available to first-time-in-college international students. Additionally, the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students provides around 4000 scholarships annually to international students who want to study in the US.
To increase your chances of securing a scholarship, it is important to start preparing early. You may need to attend an interview, submit essays, or participate in special 'scholarship weekends' hosted by universities. Be sure to treat scholarship interviews with the same level of formality as admission interviews, dressing smartly and coming well-prepared with good answers to potential questions. Remember, there is usually no limit to the number of scholarship applications you can send out, so don't be discouraged by rejections and keep trying!
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International students can work part-time on-campus
International students in the US typically rely on personal and other financial resources from outside the country to cover their tuition and expenses. While some financial aid is available at the institutional level, it is usually reserved for graduate study.
One way for international students to fund their studies is to take on part-time work. US immigration laws allow international students to be employed during and after their studies, but there are several restrictions in place. Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which is the non-immigrant student visa. F1 students are allowed to work, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
On-campus employment is the most common option for international students. This includes work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school, such as a university bookstore, cafeteria, or library. Students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week during the school term and full-time during breaks. To apply for on-campus employment, students should talk to their Designated School Official (DSO), who will provide a letter of approval, which is necessary to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
While off-campus work is more restricted, F1 students who can demonstrate "severe economic hardship" may be eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. To qualify, students must show that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient and that they have made a good-faith effort to find on-campus work. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another off-campus employment option for F1 students when practical training is an integral part of their curriculum or academic program. Prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and notification to USCIS are required for CPT employment.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are not eligible for federal aid or state aid in the US. However, there are other options available, including grants, scholarships, and private international student loans.
Scholarships can be private, institutional, or government-funded. Some scholarships are merit-based and granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. There are also international scholarships specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas.
Some popular organisations that offer scholarships for international students include United World Colleges (UWC), Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships, and the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students.
Family is the largest source of funding for international students. International students can also apply for federal loans or FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), although this is restricted to specific categories of students from other countries.
International students should be aware that funding opportunities in the US are limited and that most international students cover their own tuition fees and costs of study. It is important to consider how much money you will need and whether you can cover those costs before applying. Additionally, international students cannot count on working in the United States unless they have been granted a teaching or research assistantship.
