Lori Meadows
International students often face challenges when it comes to financing their education, especially in countries like the United States, where federal student aid is typically reserved for citizens or eligible non-citizens. While international students are generally ineligible for federal financial aid, there are alternative options available, such as private student loans, grants, scholarships, and country-specific loan programs. The financial aid landscape for international students can be complex, and it's important for prospective students to carefully explore their options, understand the requirements, and seek out opportunities to make their educational journey more affordable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' eligibility for federal financial aid | Not eligible for federal aid from the FAFSA® or federal student loans |
| International students' eligibility for institutional funding | Generally not eligible, but some schools may offer international financial assistance |
| Requirements for financial aid | U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status (e.g., U.S. national or permanent resident) |
| Alternatives for international students | Private student loans, grants, scholarships, country-specific financial aid |
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What You'll Learn
International students and federal financial aid
International students are generally not eligible for federal financial aid in the US and typically use personal or other financial resources to cover tuition and expenses. However, there are other options for financial aid available at the institutional level, including grants and scholarships.
Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid
According to the Federal Student Aid website, eligible non-citizens must be either a U.S. national or a U.S. permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a "green card". Students with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the U.S. may also be eligible. Refugees and asylees also qualify for federal financial aid in the form of loans, grants, or work-study opportunities.
Options for International Students
Although international students are generally not eligible for federal or state aid, there are other options available. Some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students, such as waiving application fees. Additionally, both merit-based and need-based scholarships are available for international students, although these are often quite competitive.
Applying for Financial Aid
Prospective international students may be required 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 in rare cases, a school may require international students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, since a Social Security number is required to complete the online FAFSA, the form would need to be submitted on paper to attempt to receive institutional aid.
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International students and private student loans
International students are generally not eligible to receive federal, state, or institutional funding in the United States. To be eligible for federal financial aid, one must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. This includes U.S. nationals, permanent residents, and those with specific visas.
However, international students can apply for private student loans to fund their education. These loans are available to non-U.S. citizens studying in the U.S. and can cover the total cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, transportation, books, health insurance, and other expenses. Most private loans for international students require a U.S. co-signer, which can improve the chances of approval and lower interest rates. The co-signer must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with good credit history.
There are a few loan options that do not require a co-signer, such as the MPOWER Private Student Loan, which is considered the best option for international students without a co-signer. The Ascent Credit-Based Student Loan is another option for students without a co-signer, specifically catering to DACA students.
Before taking out a loan, it is important to consider the repayment process. The repayment period typically ranges from 10 to 25 years, with various plans available. Students can often defer payment until after graduation, but this may vary depending on the loan and the student's course load.
It is recommended that international students explore other financial aid options before borrowing. This includes researching funding opportunities from embassies or governmental educational offices, as well as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Additionally, some colleges offer financial aid for international students, so it is worth checking with the specific institution.
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Grants, scholarships and other financial options
International students can access a range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. These can help offset the costs of studying abroad, which can be significant. For example, the average cost for an international student studying at the undergraduate level in the UK is about £22,000 per year, but can vary from £11,400 to £38,000.
Grants
Grants are a common form of financial aid for international students. These can come from private sources, such as companies and non-governmental organisations, or be offered by the university itself. Private grants often come with conditions, such as requiring recipients to work for the granting company upon graduation. Grants from universities are usually based on financial need or personal circumstances, such as facing financial or other disadvantages. They are typically one-off payments to help with travel costs or other expenses.
Scholarships
Scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students. They are typically awarded based on academic merit, talent, or potential. There are many scholarships specifically for international students, such as the Chevening Scholarship in the UK, the Fulbright Scholarship, and the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program, which offers up to $3,000 towards international education for students from Central America. Other examples include the Commonwealth Scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries and the GREAT Scholarships for students from certain countries to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Other Financial Options
In addition to grants and scholarships, international students can explore other financial options. Some universities may offer their own loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds. Additionally, students can consider international student loans, which are offered by some banks and financial institutions. These loans can help cover tuition fees and living expenses, but it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions, including repayment time limits and interest rates.
It is important to research the criteria and eligibility requirements for each funding opportunity, as well as prepare strong applications to increase the chances of securing financial support.
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International students and FAFSA
International students are generally not eligible to receive federal, state, or most institutional funding in the US. However, there are certain criteria that, if met, allow non-US citizens to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Who is eligible for FAFSA as a non-US citizen?
According to the Federal Student Aid website, eligible non-citizens must fall under one of the following categories:
- Be a US national (including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island)
- Be a US permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a "green card"
- Have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the US
- Be a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. However, financial aid options may be limited for citizens from these countries.
- Be a "battered immigrant-qualified alien" and a victim of abuse by your citizen or permanent resident spouse, including being the child of a person designated under the Violence Against Women Act.
To complete the FAFSA, students must create an FSA ID using their social security number (SSN). International students that do not meet the above criteria and do not have an SSN are not eligible to apply for FAFSA.
It is recommended that students submit their FAFSA application as soon as possible, as more financial aid is available earlier in the year. Additionally, students will need to submit a new application every year they take classes in the US. The FAFSA opens on December 31, and the deadline to submit is June 30.
If you are an international student who is not eligible for FAFSA, there may still be other funding opportunities available to you. Contact the financial aid office of your prospective school to ask about financial aid for international students. Financial aid may be available from the state where your school is located or the school itself, which will often require you to complete a specific form. Additionally, private international student loans are an option to consider if other sources of funding do not cover the total cost of attendance.
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International students and eligibility for financial aid
International students are generally not eligible for federal aid or funding from the US government. To be eligible for federal financial aid, a student must be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen (permanent resident). However, there are still options for financial assistance for international students seeking to pursue their education in the US.
Firstly, international students can apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While they will not receive federal aid, some schools may require the FAFSA to determine what other types of aid an international student can receive. Additionally, some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is beneficial to submit the form as early as possible. It is important to note that without a US Social Security number, the FAFSA cannot be submitted online, but it can be printed out and mailed. Some schools may also require other forms, such as the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or school-specific forms, so it is recommended to contact each school to determine their preferred form and availability of international financial assistance.
Secondly, international students can explore private student loans offered by various organisations, such as Ascent Funding. These loans can help cover the cost of attendance, and some options do not require a cosigner. Additionally, students can look into grants and scholarships, which are forms of gift aid that do not need to be repaid.
Lastly, international students should investigate financial aid opportunities within their own countries. They can contact their country's banks, embassy, and ministry of education to gather information about potential loan programs and other sources of financial assistance. Additionally, the student services offices of their chosen universities may provide resources and guidance on financial aid specifically for international students.
While the cost of undergraduate and postgraduate studies can vary between institutions, it is important to carefully consider the associated expenses, including student visa fees, health insurance, and travel between their home country and the US.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students are not eligible for federal financial aid in the US. However, they may be eligible for financial aid allocated for international students, as well as scholarships, grants, and private student loans.
FAFSA® stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is intended for US citizens and eligible non-citizens to determine what financial aid they can receive from the federal government or schools.
Yes, international students should apply for FAFSA® as some schools may require it to determine where they can receive financial aid from.
