International Students: Financial Aid Options In The Us

International students who wish to study in the United States may need to dip into their savings or take out loans, as funding opportunities are limited. While international students are not eligible for federal aid or state aid, there are other sources of financial aid available, such as scholarships, grants, and private international student loans. These are offered by universities, private organisations, and the students' home countries.

International students are ineligible for federal aid, but some universities offer scholarships and grants

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.

While some scholarships are restricted to US citizens, there are scholarships and grants available for international students. Many US universities offer scholarships and grants to talented international students, and some universities waive application fees. The availability and type of aid varies by institution, with some offering sports scholarships, and others providing academic or artistic scholarships.

International students can also apply for scholarships from their home country. For example, Saudi Arabia has a programme that provides full scholarships to over 10,000 Saudi students studying in the US. There are also international organisations that grant aid to students worldwide, such as the Fulbright Commission.

It's important to note that funding opportunities for international students in the US are limited, and competition for scholarships can be high. Most international students cover their tuition fees and costs of study themselves, or with financial support from their family.

To apply for financial aid, international students may need to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, which is used by private colleges. Some universities may have their own forms and requirements, so it's important to check with the specific institution.

Private scholarships and grants are also available, but they are highly competitive

International students in the US are not eligible for federal or state aid, and most US institutions offer little to no discount on tuition. However, private scholarships and grants are available, although they are highly competitive.

There are several international organisations that grant financial aid to students worldwide, such as the Fulbright Commission. Many of these organisations require applicants to be in their home country when they apply, so it is important to plan ahead. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, for example, is one of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international students, providing scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year.

Some US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. For instance, Harvard University offers a range of competitive international scholarships for students from all over the world. Similarly, New York University Wagner International Scholarships provide funding for international students to study at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Michigan State University also offers various grants and scholarships for international students.

Additionally, some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution. Most of the institutional aid available to international students is reserved for graduate study in the form of assistantships and fellowships. Merit-based scholarships are also granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. These scholarships are usually very competitive.

There are also international scholarships designed to help fund education programs overseas and open doors to unique cultural experiences and networking opportunities. For example, the Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US. The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is another example, aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US.

It is important to note that scholarship applications may require an essay, personal statement, project, or interview process, and some may charge fees to apply. It is recommended to carefully research the requirements and application process for each scholarship to increase your chances of success.

International students can apply for private international student loans

International students are not eligible for US federal aid or government-backed loans. However, there are other sources of funding available. Some US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students, mainly for graduate study. Certain private institutions may also discount or reduce tuition fees. Additionally, international scholarships are available to help fund education programs overseas. Students can also explore funding opportunities from their home country's embassy or government.

Some universities may waive application fees

Application fees can be a significant expense for international students applying to US universities, especially considering the other costs involved, such as airfare, visa fees, and health insurance. The good news is that some US universities may waive these fees for international students, offering financial respite and making it easier to apply to multiple institutions.

US universities waive application fees for a variety of reasons, often to encourage a more diverse student body:

• To attract international students: Waiving fees makes it easier for international students to apply and can help universities attract students from different countries.
• To promote equal opportunities: Some universities believe in fairness and want to give students from low-income families a chance to apply, even if they cannot afford the application fee.
• To increase applications: Universities may want to encourage more students to apply, especially those from diverse backgrounds or financially disadvantaged families.
• To offer financial relief: With the strengthening of the US currency, an application fee waiver can provide financial relief and allow students to focus on their studies and the international student experience.

Many top-ranked universities, including Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Yale, waive application fees for eligible students based on financial need. Additionally, some universities do not charge application fees at all, such as Westminster University and Case Western Reserve University. Here are some other universities that offer application fee waivers:

• University of Houston: International students can get a US$90 waiver during online applications.
• Florida International University: Freshman applicants can opt for a US$30 application fee waiver if they use an SAT or ACT fee waiver.
• Northeastern University: Application fee waivers are available, and applications can be submitted through the Common App or the Coalition App.
• Colorado School of Mines: The US$75 application fee for international applicants can be waived through the Common App or the Golden App.
• University of New Haven: Offers application fee waiver codes that students can enter into their application before submission.
• St. Olaf College: Offers application fee waivers through the Common App.

Students can increase their chances of getting an application fee waiver by:

• Applying early: Some universities offer application fee waivers for early applications, usually submitted between November and December of the year before the expected start of studies.
• Demonstrating financial need: Contact the programme coordinator or admissions team and provide evidence of your lack of financial ability to support your request for a fee waiver.
• Using platforms like Common App: Platforms like Common App, Coalition App, or College Board often partner with universities to give fee waivers to eligible students.
• Applying through specific channels: Some universities offer application fee waivers for students applying through the Common Application or via specific channels like the Coalition App or Golden App.

International students can work part-time on-campus while studying

International students in the US are not eligible for federal financial aid and typically rely on personal and other financial resources from outside the US to cover tuition and expenses. However, there are still options available at the institutional level, including grants and scholarships. Additionally, international students with F-1 or J-1 visas are allowed to work part-time on-campus while studying, providing an opportunity to earn money to fund their studies.

On-Campus Employment for International Students

International students with F-1 visas are generally allowed to work on their university campus for up to 20 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours per week during school break periods. J-1 visa holders have similar privileges, provided they obtain permission from their exchange visitor program sponsor.

Types of On-Campus Jobs

There are various part-time job opportunities available for international students on US campuses, including:

• Library or teaching assistant
• Campus ambassador
• Research study assistant
• Peer mentor or tutor
• Sales assistant in campus stores or cafes

Application Process for On-Campus Employment

Before commencing on-campus work, F-1 students must obtain permission from their designated school official (DSO). They may also need to provide a letter for Social Security purposes, certifying their job as on-campus employment and their F-1 status. For off-campus employment, F-1 students must demonstrate severe economic hardship and obtain employment authorization from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Frequently asked questions