Ibrahim Gardner
The Federal Work-Study Program is a US government initiative that assists students with the costs of post-secondary education. The program provides part-time employment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs. However, international students are generally not eligible for federal funding, which raises the question of whether they can benefit from the Federal Work-Study Program. While federal work-study is typically not an option for international students, some universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington, offer institutional work-study programs funded by the institution itself rather than federal funds. These programs provide international students with similar job opportunities and wages as their federally funded counterparts. Additionally, international students may still have many opportunities for employment while enrolled, such as on-campus jobs, although their ability to work may depend on their visa type.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Available to international students? | No, international students are generally not eligible for federal funding. However, some institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington offer work-study programs to international students through institutional funding. |
| Nature of the program | A federally-funded program that assists undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. |
| Application process | Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate an interest in the program. |
| Job opportunities | Jobs are offered through colleges or universities that participate in the program, including on-campus and off-campus employers. |
| Wage | All positions are paid at least the federal minimum wage, with some paying more based on the university's ability to contribute. |
| Demand | Work-study jobs are often in high demand, and the program is typically first-come, first-served. |
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What You'll Learn
International students' eligibility for work-study
To be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate their interest in the program. The applicant's financial need is determined based on their application, and the amount of aid they receive depends on the total amount of assistance they are already receiving.
While federal work-study is typically not an option for international students, some universities offer institutional work-study programs funded by the institution itself rather than federal funds. For example, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington offer work-study programs for eligible international students using institutional funding. Similarly, the University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," where wages are provided by the departments the positions support. These programs provide international students with the same job opportunities and payment schedules as students receiving Federal Work-Study, with the only difference being the source of funding.
It is important to note that work-study positions are not guaranteed, and students must still find and apply for jobs, either on or off campus. Additionally, the availability of work-study programs and the specific application processes and requirements can vary by school. International students seeking employment while enrolled in a US university should consult the office of career services or the international students' office to review the applicable policies and available job opportunities.
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Work-study alternatives for international students
As an international student in the US, you may come across the term "work-study" while searching for jobs. Work-study is a US government program that assists students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. Unfortunately, the program is not open to international students as it is federally funded. However, there are several alternatives for international students to work and study simultaneously. Here are some options:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
A growing number of schools in the US offer a specialized CPT program that allows international students to work from the moment they arrive on campus. CPT is offered as part of the academic program or curriculum, and provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience while earning an income.
On-Campus Jobs
International students can seek on-campus employment opportunities, which may include working in offices, labs, or other departments within the university. It is important to note that the availability of on-campus jobs may depend on the student's visa type, so reviewing applicable policies is crucial.
Off-Campus Employment
International students may also find off-campus employment opportunities with private employers. These jobs can be related to the student's field of study, allowing them to gain valuable experience while earning an income. However, off-campus employment may also be subject to visa restrictions, so it is important to understand the regulations.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students on an F-1 visa to gain practical work experience in their field of study. Students with valid F-1 status may pursue a 12-month OPT opportunity or even a 24-month STEM OPT Extension, providing a longer duration of employment authorization.
Institutional Work-Study Programs
Some universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington, offer institutional work-study programs funded by the institution itself rather than federal funds. These programs are open to international students and provide a valuable source of income while studying.
Employment Due to Economic Hardship
In cases of economic hardship, international students may be eligible for employment opportunities. This option allows students facing financial challenges to support themselves while pursuing their studies.
It is important for international students to seek guidance from their university's international student office or career services office to understand the specific regulations, visa requirements, and available opportunities for employment while studying in the US.
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On-campus jobs for international students
Federal work-study programs are school-sponsored, meaning that work-study positions are offered through colleges or universities that participate in the federal work-study program. Work-study programs, job opportunities, application processes, and requirements vary by school. While federal work-study is not an option for international students, schools may have programs or special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. Additionally, international students can work in on-campus jobs.
International students can work up to 20 hours a week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours a week full-time while classes are not in session if studying on a US student visa. They can earn around USD 20-USD 40 an hour, which can help them support their personal expenses.
- Campus ambassador: Campus ambassadors are in charge of promoting the university and showing prospective students why they should apply. They may also be asked to give guided tours of the university campus on open days. This job typically pays between USD 12 and USD 15 per hour.
- Barista: Working as a barista in a campus coffee shop can be a great way to learn about coffee and tea and take advantage of employee discounts. This job typically pays between USD 12 and USD 15 per hour.
- Catering assistant: Catering assistants work in university cafeterias and restaurants, gaining hands-on experience in catering. This job is well-suited for students pursuing hospitality courses but is open to students from all majors.
- Department assistant: Department assistants provide administrative and secretarial support for a department, handle departmental matters, and provide support to specific teams or projects. This job can help students gain transferable skills for their CVs, such as computer literacy and teamwork.
- Research study assistant: Research study assistants work on various projects, carry out research, maintain lab equipment, and collate results. This job typically pays between USD 12 and USD 15 per hour.
- University receptionist: University receptionists provide general office support and administration, customer service, and communicate with students and staff via phone and email. This job typically pays between USD 12 and USD 15 per hour.
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Off-campus jobs for international students
Federal work-study is a US government program that assists students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. While federal work-study is not an option for international students, schools may have programs or special policies that allow international students to work in jobs usually reserved for federal work-study. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students. Additionally, international students have many opportunities to be employed while enrolled, such as on-campus jobs.
On-campus jobs
On-campus employment is specific to work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Examples of on-campus employment include working at a university bookstore or cafeteria. Active F-1 students may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. In order to apply, talk to your Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, your DSO will provide you with a letter of approval. Take this letter from your DSO and a letter of approval from your employer to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). All students who wish to work must apply for an SSN. If you participate in on-campus employment, you may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.
Off-campus jobs
Off-campus employment is work that takes place outside of a school campus. Off-campus jobs are more restricted and require work authorisation through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training). These roles are typically related to a student's field of study. Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. To apply for off-campus employment, you must explain your economic hardship situation and receive approval to work from your DSO. If your DSO determines that the situation applies, they will recommend you and give you an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status". Once you have the new Form I-20, you must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with USCIS within 30 days of receiving your recommendation. If USCIS approves you to work, they will send you a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document", with the dates that you may work off-campus.
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International students and the FAFSA
International students studying in the US often come across the term "work-study" while searching for jobs. Federal work-study is a US government program that assists undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and fund their education. While federal work-study is not available to international students, some universities offer work-study programs through institutional funding. For example, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington offer work-study programs funded by institutional resources. Additionally, international students have many opportunities for employment while studying, such as on-campus jobs, and their ability to work may depend on their visa type.
When it comes to financial aid, international students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens can apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible non-citizens include those with specific immigration statuses, such as being a US permanent resident with a green card or having an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94). To complete the FAFSA application, students must create an FSA ID using their social security number (SSN). However, international students who do not meet the eligibility criteria and do not have an SSN are unable to apply for FAFSA.
It is important to note that even if international students cannot receive federal aid, completing the FAFSA is still beneficial. The application provides information about the student's financial situation, which can be used by the school to determine the availability of other forms of aid. Students can inquire about funding opportunities with the financial aid office of their prospective school and explore options like state aid, institutional aid, or private international student loans.
The Federal Work-Study Program, also known as "Work-Study," assists students in earning funds for their education through part-time employment. Approximately 3,400 institutions participate in the program, and students can apply if they demonstrate financial need. The program is not guaranteed every year, and students must apply early as funds are limited. Once a student's financial need is determined, they may be employed by various organizations, including federal agencies, state or local agencies, private organizations, or the institution itself.
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Frequently asked questions
The Federal Work-Study Program is a US government program that assists undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education.
International students are generally not eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program as it is federally funded. However, some universities like the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington offer institutional work-study programs funded by the institution or the departments the positions support.
Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate an interest in the program. The applicant's financial need will be determined based on their application.
