Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the US face several challenges when it comes to financing their education. Unlike domestic students, international students are generally ineligible for federal or state aid and must rely on personal and external financial resources to cover their tuition and living expenses. However, there are still some options available for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and private loans. While the availability of institutional aid is limited for undergraduate international students, there are more opportunities for those pursuing graduate studies in the form of assistantships and fellowships. Additionally, some universities offer work-study programmes, but visa restrictions may apply. International students can also explore funding opportunities from their home countries or international organisations that provide aid to students worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal student aid | International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US |
| State aid | International students are not eligible for state aid in the US |
| Institutional aid | Some US institutions offer limited financial aid for international students |
| Grants | International students may be eligible for grants |
| Scholarships | International students may be eligible for merit-based or need-based scholarships |
| Loans | International students may be eligible for private student loans |
| Work | International students with an F-1 visa can work part-time on campus for up to 20 hours per week |
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What You'll Learn
Merit-based scholarships
Although international students studying in the US are not eligible for federal or state aid, there are other options for financial aid, including merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities, and they can be quite competitive.
- Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships: Colby-Sawyer College offers merit-based financial aid to international students. The scholarship value increases based on academic ability (measured in GPA) and can be up to $8,000 per year.
- Concordia College Scholarships: Concordia College offers International Student Merit Scholarships based on academic ability and family need, ranging from $11,000 to $17,000 per year. They also provide two annual, renewable scholarships of at least 50% of tuition to selected international undergraduate students dedicated to advancing intercultural learning.
- East Tennessee State University: ETSU offers the International Students Academic Merit Scholarship for new international students seeking a graduate or undergraduate degree. The scholarship value is $5,000-$9,000 per academic year.
- Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships: IWU offers merit-based scholarships to qualified international applicants with outstanding academic achievements and test scores on the required entrance exams. These awards range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years.
- Iowa State University: Iowa State University offers International Merit Scholarships to incoming international freshmen based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school marks/grades. The awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year and are renewable.
- New York University Wagner Scholarships: NYU offers merit scholarships to a limited number of admitted students, including international students. These scholarships are partial to full tuition scholarships ranging from $25,000 to $47,000.
- Oregon University: The University of Oregon awards more than $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Their ICSP Scholarship program offers tuition-waiver scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition for up to 15 credits per term each year, based on financial need, academic merit, and presentation skills.
In addition to these specific university scholarships, there are also other scholarship opportunities for international students, such as the International Merit Scholarship, which is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, and the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship, which provides funding for graduate students from Asia, the Pacific, and the US.
It is important to note that scholarship databases may charge fees, but free alternatives with similar information are available. The US Department of Education offers resources to protect students from dishonest organizations offering scholarships.
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Need-based scholarships
Although federal and state financial aid is not available to international students in the US, there are other options for financial support. Need-based scholarships are one such option. These 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 the university may have funds allocated to assist international students with exceptional need and/or talent.
- Financial need: The main requirement is needing financial support to pay for your education. Some scholarships require a detailed analysis of your family income, while others use simpler assessments.
- Citizenship: Many need-based scholarships are available for international students, but there might be specifics based on citizenship or regional eligibility.
- Academic achievement: Basic academic qualifications are often required, although the primary focus is financial need rather than academic excellence.
Some need-based scholarships are renewable, meaning students can receive funding for multiple years as long as they maintain eligibility requirements, such as a minimum GPA or continued financial need. It is important to understand the renewal criteria, which usually includes both academic and financial requirements.
- The Fulbright Program (USA): The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students wanting to study in the United States. It provides funding based on financial need, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
- Chevening Scholarship (UK): The Chevening Scholarship is offered by the UK government to students from eligible countries who demonstrate both leadership potential and financial need. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more, providing full support for a one-year master's degree program at any UK university.
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany): The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers need-based scholarships to international students who wish to study in Germany.
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Private student loans
International students in the US have limited options when it comes to financial aid, and they cannot apply for federal student aid. However, they can take out private loans from a variety of organisations and institutions. These loans can cover up to the total cost of school minus any other financial aid received.
International students usually require a cosigner, a person who guarantees and is responsible for repayment if the borrower defaults. This is because international students typically do not have a credit history in the US. The cosigner's creditworthiness can also impact the interest rate offered on the loan.
When considering private student loans, it is important to evaluate the costs, eligibility requirements, repayment options, and other factors to ensure you are getting the best deal. There are online tools and platforms that can assist in comparing loan options, such as NerdWallet, which provides comprehensive ratings and reviews of various lenders.
While private student loans can provide necessary funding for international students, it is important to carefully consider the potential debt burden. Financial aid experts advise exploring other options first, such as scholarships, grants, or choosing a country with lower tuition rates.
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International scholarships
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US and do not qualify for state aid either. However, international students can apply for private loans, although financial experts advise against taking on too much debt.
There are some scholarships available for international students, although these are often reserved for graduate study and are highly competitive. Some scholarships are merit-based, awarded for special skills, talents, or abilities. For example, high TOEFL scores, an impressive academic record, or artistic, musical, or athletic ability. Others are needs-based, awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need.
There are also some US universities that offer need-blind admission to international students. Some scholarships are funded by the US government, while others are funded by private organizations or specific institutions.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: One of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international graduate students, young professionals, and artists. It does not cover medicine.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree scholarship for experienced international professionals to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: Aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at one of 57 participating colleges or universities in the US. Applicants must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
- Civil Society Leadership Awards: Fully-funded scholarships for students from eligible countries to study for a master's degree in the US or another host country.
- East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Scholarships for international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the US.
- Japan-United States Friendship Commission: An initiative offering grants to Japanese students wishing to study in the US, and vice versa.
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering the full cost of tuition and student fees.
- AAUW International Fellowships: Fellowships offered by the American Association of University Women for female international students to study in the US.
- Bat and Ball Game Women’s Sports Scholarship: A scholarship offering $1,000 to a woman currently studying a sports-related degree at any US university.
- MIT-Zaragoza Women in Logistics and SCM Scholarship: Scholarships for female students of any age, ethnicity, or nationality, to study at the Zaragoza Logistics Center at MIT.
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Work-study
International students are not eligible for US federal aid or government-backed loans. However, international students can still receive financial aid through private scholarships, institutional aid, private international student loans, and work-study programmes.
International students should seek guidance from the office of career services or the international students' office to review what job opportunities might be available to them. They should also check the university's website to see if they offer work-study programmes and ensure their visa allows them to work.
The type of work can vary, including jobs inside or outside the campus. On-campus jobs can include working in the library or student centre, or performing administrative functions in the office. Off-campus jobs can include working for a public office or a private not-for-profit organisation. At least 7% of the jobs offered must be in helping the community, such as reading tutors for young children.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US, and funding for them is often more limited. However, there are other options for financial aid, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and grants.
Merit-based scholarships are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Some universities may offer scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability.
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Students who can demonstrate need at a predetermined level are eligible for this type of aid. Some universities may have a need-blind admission policy, where students are accepted based on merit without considering their financial situation.
Information about financial aid for international students is typically available on the university's website or through the Admissions Office, Financial Aid Office, or International Student Services Office. International students can also contact their student advisor to inquire about on-campus employment opportunities, as some universities offer part-time, on-campus employment for international students.
