International Students: Financial Aid Options And Availability

International students often face challenges when it comes to financing their education, especially in countries like the United States, where tuition fees and living expenses can be high. While international students are generally not eligible for federal financial aid or state aid in the US, there are alternative options to explore. These include institutional grants and scholarships, private student loans, on-campus employment, and need-based or merit-based aid offered by certain universities. The availability and accessibility of these options vary across institutions, and international students are advised to carefully research the financial requirements and opportunities presented by each school before applying.

Can international students get financial aid?

Scholarships, grants, and private student loans

International students can access scholarships, grants, and private student loans to help fund their studies. While funding for international students can be limited, and federal or state aid is not usually available, there are still options to help international students reduce their total cost of attendance.

Scholarships

Some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students, and while most institutional aid is reserved for graduate study, there are still scholarships available for undergraduate international students. These are often highly competitive, and students should consult their university to take advantage of any supplements or waivers that may be offered. Undergraduate scholarships are usually merit-based, awarded for special skills, talents, or abilities, or need-based, for students who can demonstrate financial need. There are also scholarship databases that serve undergraduate international students, such as IEFA, College Board, and International Education Financial Aid.

Grants

International students can also access grants, although these are usually only available to permanent residents. The U.S. Department of Education publishes a handbook with detailed information on the statuses that do and do not qualify for federal financial aid.

Private student loans

International students can take out private student loans, although financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt.

On-campus employment

International students can face challenges when it comes to financing their education, especially in countries like the United States, where tuition fees and living expenses can be high. While funding opportunities for international students in the US are limited, there are some options available for on-campus employment, which can provide a source of income to help cover their costs.

One option for on-campus employment is to apply for work-study programmes. These programmes are offered by some universities and allow students to work part-time on campus while studying. The availability of such programmes varies between institutions, so it is important for prospective students to check the university's website or contact the relevant department to inquire about their specific offerings. Additionally, international students should ensure that their visa allows them to work while studying.

Another possibility for on-campus employment is to pursue positions such as resident assistant (RA) roles, which are often available after the first year of study. Resident assistants typically work in student housing or dormitories and are responsible for supporting and supervising their fellow residents. These positions can provide a source of income while also offering valuable leadership and interpersonal skills.

It is worth noting that the eligibility requirements for on-campus employment can be complex, and international students should consult with their campus's International Student Adviser to understand their specific situation. Additionally, international students may be exempt from paying taxes on certain forms of financial aid, depending on factors such as their visa type, duration of stay, and the type of aid they receive. In some cases, tax treaties between the student's home country and the United States may allow for a full refund of taxes withheld from financial aid awards.

Need-based scholarships

International students can access financial aid in the form of need-based scholarships, institutional grants and scholarships, and on-campus employment. Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need, and students who can demonstrate need at a predetermined level are eligible for this type of aid. Academic departments within universities may have funds allocated to assist international students with exceptional need and/or talent. It is recommended that students consult with their university and/or their major department to take advantage of any special funding opportunities they may offer.

While funding for international students is often more limited, they may qualify for certain types of merit or need-based aid. International students do not qualify for federal or state aid and typically use personal and other financial resources, mainly from outside their host country, to cover tuition and expenses. However, there are options available at the institutional level, including grants and scholarships. For example, Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers need-based aid to international students after their first year.

International students can also take out private loans, although many financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt. Paras Education Services (PES), for example, is a financial consultant that helps international students obtain study abroad loans with interest rates ranging from 2% to 7% and repayment periods of 15 or 20 years.

Additionally, international students can pursue on-campus employment, such as serving as a resident assistant (RA), to earn money during their studies. However, it is important to note that working on or off-campus cannot be the sole source of funding, and most jobs will provide only spending money for personal expenses. International students should also be aware of the complex tax implications of their employment and financial aid, as they may be exempt from paying taxes on certain forms of financial aid depending on their visa type, duration of stay, and the type of award.

Merit-based scholarships

International students can qualify for merit-based scholarships, which are usually awarded for outstanding academic achievements, special talents, leadership potential, or other personal characteristics. These scholarships are often highly competitive, as international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, including federal grants.

Some universities may offer merit-based scholarships for undergraduate international students, but the majority of merit-based financial aid is reserved for graduate students. Additionally, public and private universities may waive application fees for international students, and some may offer other financial incentives.

To apply for merit-based scholarships, international students may need to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile for private colleges. Some universities may have their own forms or, in rare cases, require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is important to consult with your university and academic department to take advantage of any financial aid opportunities they offer.

Fellowships and assistantships

International students can access financial aid through fellowships and assistantships. Fellowships are typically awarded for full-time study or research and are often highly competitive. Assistantships, on the other hand, are part-time, paid work experiences within a student's department that can provide a salary, tuition supplements, and resident tuition.

Fellowships

The Fellowships Office (FO) of the National Academies administers predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior fellowship awards on behalf of government and private/foundation sponsors. Fellowship awards are important for the career development of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and scholars. The Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program, for example, is designed for graduate students in science, engineering, medical, veterinary, business, and law. It engages them in the analysis that informs science and technology policy creation and familiarizes them with the interactions of science, technology, and government.

The DeKarman fellowships are another example, open to students in any discipline, including international students, enrolled in a US university or college. Undergraduate students entering their senior year and PhD candidates with ABD status are eligible for consideration.

The American Association for University Women also offers International Fellowships for women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. These fellowships support graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited US institutions. Up to five fellowships are renewable for a second year, and recipients are selected based on academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to women and girls.

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are part-time, paid work experiences within a student's department, typically ranging from 10 to 20 hours per week. They can provide a salary, tuition supplements, and resident (in-state) tuition. Many graduate students fund all or part of their education through assistantships, and they can also lead to additional research funding, fellowships, and grants.

Assistantships are often competitive, and students should consult their academic advisor or department to learn about specific opportunities. Some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students, and both private and public institutions may waive application fees in certain situations.

Other Considerations

It is important to note that international students may be exempt from paying taxes on certain forms of financial aid, depending on their visa type, duration of stay, and the type of award. Additionally, if their home country has a tax treaty with the United States, they may be eligible for a full refund of any taxes withheld from their financial aid award.

Frequently asked questions