Douglas Olsen
International students often face supplementary costs such as visa application fees and international airfare, which can make earning an education in the US very expensive. While international students are unable to receive federal student aid, there are other options available to them. These include institutional scholarships, grants, and education loans for international students. Some private lenders, such as Citizens Bank and Discover Student Loans, offer student loans to international students, while some schools offer tuition waivers. Additionally, international students may be eligible for federal financial aid, depending on their residency status.
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What You'll Learn
International students' eligibility for Pell Grants
International students who are U.S. nationals, such as citizens of American Samoa or the Swains Islands, or U.S. permanent residents with a "green card", are eligible for federal financial aid and, therefore, Pell Grants. Additionally, international students with specific Arrival-Departure Records (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing statuses such as "refugee", "asylum granted", or "humanitarian parole" are also eligible for federal aid.
Furthermore, citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau are eligible for Pell Grants, although there are limitations for Marshall Islands and Micronesia citizens. It is important to note that international students seeking federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Alien Registration Number (ARN).
While federal aid may be limited for international students, there are other options for financial assistance. Many colleges and universities offer financial aid for international students, including grants and scholarships. Additionally, some schools provide tuition waivers for international students, although requirements may apply. International students can also explore private student loans from banks and lenders, although these typically require a cosigner who is a permanent resident or U.S. citizen with a good credit score.
Lastly, international students can inquire about financial aid programs offered by their home country's government or department of education. Speaking to the country's embassy or consulate in the United States may help identify government-backed scholarships or other forms of financial support.
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Pell Grants and federal student loans
Pell Grants are a form of federal financial aid designed to support students from low-income families. To qualify for the program, a student must demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Federal aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, is generally limited to US citizens and permanent residents. However, there are some exceptions where non-citizens can fill out the FAFSA and qualify for federal aid. This includes US nationals, such as citizens of American Samoa or the Swains Islands, and permanent residents with a "green card".
In some cases, international students may be eligible for federal financial aid, depending on their residency status. For example, citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau are eligible for Pell Grants, although there are some restrictions. Additionally, students with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) showing certain statuses, such as "refugee", "asylum granted", or "parolee", may also be eligible for federal aid.
Even if international students are not eligible for federal student aid, there are other options for financial assistance. Many colleges and universities offer financial aid for international students, which may include grants, scholarships, and institutional loans. International students can complete the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) or the CSS Profile to determine their eligibility for institutional aid. Additionally, some private lenders offer student loans to international students, although these loans typically require a cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident.
Furthermore, foreign governments may have financial aid programs to support their citizens studying in the United States. International students can also explore merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers offered by colleges and universities. While funding may be more limited for international students, there are still opportunities to reduce the total cost of attendance.
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International students' eligibility for federal student aid
International students are generally not eligible for federal student aid in the US, which includes Pell Grants and federal student loans. To qualify for federal aid, students must be US citizens or permanent residents with a valid Social Security number. However, there are some exceptions where non-citizens can fill out the FAFSA and qualify for federal aid. This includes US nationals, such as citizens of American Samoa or the Swains Islands, and permanent residents with a "green card".
International students with certain visas or Arrival-Departure Records (I-94) showing specific statuses, such as refugees, asylum seekers, or victims of abuse by a citizen or permanent resident, may also be eligible for federal aid. Additionally, citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau may be eligible for Pell Grants.
While international students may not be eligible for federal aid, they can explore other options for financial assistance. Many colleges and universities offer financial aid for international students, which may include grants, scholarships, and institutional loans. International students can complete applications such as the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) or the CSS Profile to determine their eligibility for institutional aid. Some schools may also offer tuition waivers or need-based aid for international students.
Furthermore, international students can explore private student loans from banks and lenders, although these often require a cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident with a good credit score. Additionally, foreign governments may have financial aid programs to support their students studying in the US, and it is worth contacting the relevant department of education or embassy to enquire about such opportunities.
Overall, while international students may not be eligible for federal student aid in the US, there are alternative sources of financial assistance available through institutions, private lenders, and foreign governments.
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Applying for financial aid as an international student
As an international student, you may not be eligible for federal financial aid in the US, but there are other ways to receive financial support. Here is a guide on applying for financial aid as an international student:
Types of Financial Aid
Firstly, it is important to understand the types of financial aid available for international students. These can be broadly categorized into:
- Institutional Aid: This is financial aid that comes from the university itself. It is more common with private universities.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic, athletic, artistic, or other achievements. They may cover part or all of the tuition costs and are often awarded based on the student’s general application for admission.
- Need-Based Aid: Many universities offer need-based aid to international students, which can come in the form of scholarships and grants. This aid requires an application detailing the family’s income and financial resources.
- External Scholarships and Grants: There are numerous external organizations, foundations, and governments that offer scholarships and grants to international students studying in the US. These can be based on academic merit, field of study, country of origin, or other criteria.
Applications for Financial Aid
Once you have identified the types of financial aid you are interested in, the next step is to complete the relevant applications. Here are some common applications for financial aid:
- International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA): This is a form used by many colleges and universities to determine eligibility for institutional aid. It is free to complete and can be accessed online.
- CSS Profile: This is a commonly used application by schools in the US. It collects information about your family’s income, assets, and expenses in your home currency.
- Institutional Applications: Some schools have their own financial aid applications for international students. For example, the University of Pennsylvania requires the CSS Profile and a separate Penn Financial Aid Supplement application.
- International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA): This application is required by some colleges and provides information about your family's income and financial resources.
Additional Considerations
When applying for financial aid as an international student, keep the following in mind:
- Research and Planning: Thoroughly research the policies and requirements for each college before applying. It is important to understand the types of financial aid offered and the application processes involved.
- Deadlines: Aid deadlines vary per school but are usually aligned with application deadlines. It is important to submit your applications by the stated deadlines to be considered for financial aid.
- Tuition Waivers: Some schools offer tuition waivers to international students, which can significantly reduce the cost of attendance. Speak to the financial aid office of your prospective school to see if they offer tuition waivers and what the requirements are.
- Country-Specific Aid: Many foreign governments offer financial aid programs to support their citizens studying abroad. Contact your home country’s department of education or embassy/consulate in the US to learn more about potential opportunities.
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Other grants and scholarships for international students
International students are generally unable to receive federal student aid in the US, which includes Pell Grants. However, there are other grants and scholarships available to international students.
International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA)
Many colleges and universities use the ISAFA to determine an international student's eligibility for institutional aid. The form is free to complete and accessible online.
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is another commonly used application used by schools across the US. It collects information about a student's family income, assets, and expenses in their home currency.
Institutional Applications
Some schools have their own financial aid applications for international students. For example, the University of Pennsylvania requires the CSS Profile and a separate Penn Financial Aid Supplement application.
Foreign Fulbright Student Program
The Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world, as well as young professionals and artists, to study in the US.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This scholarship program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.
MPOWER Financing
MPOWER Financing offers no-collateral, no-cosigner education loans for international students looking to study in the US or Canada. They also offer scholarships for international and DACA students through their Global Citizen Scholarship Program.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial help for their graduate studies. The scholarships are 50% grant and 50% loan.
American Association of University Women Fellowships
The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls, and the scholarship may be reapplied for each year of the program.
Civil Society Leadership Awards
The Civil Society Leadership Awards offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
Country-specific Scholarships
Some scholarships are specific to students from certain countries. For example, Conacyt provides scholarships for Mexican students pursuing postgraduate studies in institutions abroad, while ColFuturo does the same for Colombian students. Buddy4Study is a scholarship search engine for Indian students applying to schools in the US and other countries, and Edukasyon lists various scholarships for students from the Philippines.
University Scholarships
Some US universities offer scholarships and grants specifically for international students. For example, Iowa State University offers International Merit Scholarships, a merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students. Michigan State University also offers various grants and scholarships for international students.
Government-backed Scholarships
Many foreign governments have financial aid programs to help international students study in the US. Contact your home country's department of education or embassy/consulate in the US to learn more about the types of aid they could offer.
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Frequently asked questions
Generally, international students are not eligible for federal student aid, including Pell Grants. However, there are exceptions for certain non-citizens, such as U.S. nationals and permanent residents.
To be eligible for a Pell Grant, international students must meet specific residency status requirements. For example, residents of American Samoa and Swains Island are eligible as U.S. nationals. Permanent residents and those with specific Arrival-Departure Records are also eligible.
International students must provide documentation supporting their residency status and demonstrating that any foreign degree earned is not equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. This can include information about the type of school attended and the total years of education completed.
International students can explore institutional scholarships, grants, and loans. Some colleges and universities offer financial aid specifically for international students. Additionally, foreign governments may have financial aid programs, and private student loans are also an option.
International students should research prospective colleges and their financial aid offerings for international students. They may need to complete specific applications, such as the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) or the CSS Profile. Additionally, they should be prepared to provide documentation to demonstrate financial need and eligibility.
