Financial Aid For International Students At University Of California

does university of california give financial aid to international students

The University of California offers a range of financial aid options for students, but does it extend the same support to international students? International students often face additional challenges when it comes to funding their education, and understanding what financial aid they may be eligible for is crucial. While international undergraduates at UC typically pay non-resident supplemental tuition, there are various scholarships, private loans, and short-term loans that they may be eligible for.

Characteristics Values
University of California financial aid for international students Most international undergraduates are required to pay nonresident supplemental tuition for the entire time they are enrolled at UC. International students are generally ineligible for student loans and are eligible for very few scholarships.
Visa types F-1 or F-2 Student, G Series, H Series, J-1 or J-2 Exchange Visitor
Types of financial aid Scholarships, private loans, and short-term loans
Scholarship resources for international students International Education Financial Aid (IEFA), InternationalScholarships.com, Institute for International Education's Funding for U.S. Study, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)

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International students' eligibility for federal financial aid

International students at the University of California are generally ineligible for student loans and are eligible for very few scholarships. However, international students may be eligible for scholarships, private loans, and short-term loans.

The University of California maintains information on private loans and provides a lender list specifically for international students. For information on short-term and emergency loans, visit the short-term loan page.

There are also many opportunities for international students to receive outside scholarships. For a list of available scholarship opportunities, visit the Outside Scholarships page for international students.

Scholarship resources for international students include:

  • International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
  • InternationalScholarships.Com
  • Institute for International Education's Funding for U.S. Study
  • Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)

International students with F-1 or F-2 Student, G Series, H Series, J-1 or J-2 Exchange Visitor visas are ineligible for most types of financial aid.

Federal and university policy limit eligibility for need-based financial aid to eligible non-citizens such as permanent residents, refugees, or asylees. However, other sources of aid may be available to international students who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. These include merit-based scholarships, on-campus work (not including Federal Work-Study), and off-campus work with permission from the Office of International Services.

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Scholarships for international students

International students at the University of California are generally ineligible for student loans and most types of financial aid. However, they may be eligible for very few scholarships, private loans, and short-term loans.

The University of California maintains information on private loans, with a lender list provided specifically for international students. Additionally, there are opportunities for outside scholarships, and scholarship resources for international students include:

  • International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
  • InternationalScholarships.Com
  • Institute for International Education's Funding for U.S. Study
  • Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)

Furthermore, some departments disburse merit-based scholarships directly to recipients in the form of monthly stipends.

International students can also seek on-campus work (not including Federal Work-Study) and off-campus work, with permission from the Office of International Services. However, off-campus work authorization is very limited.

It is important to note that in most cases, international students will need to apply for financing with a co-borrower who is a creditworthy US citizen or US permanent resident.

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Private loans for international students

The University of California does offer financial aid to international students. However, international students are generally ineligible for student loans and are eligible for very few scholarships. Most international undergraduates pay nonresident supplemental tuition for the entire duration of their enrolment at UC, which amounts to an additional $29,754 for the 2020-21 academic year.

International students can consider private student loans to finance their education. Private student loans are available to international students to help cover costs while studying at college in the U.S. The majority of students will require a cosigner, who needs to be a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen with a good income history, a good credit rating, and who has lived in the U.S. for the past two years. There are also no-cosigner loans available to students at a growing number of universities and colleges. If you do not have a cosigner, you can check whether you’re eligible for a loan without one.

International student loans are available year-round and can cover up to the total cost of school minus any other financial aid received. The loan comparison tool on InternationalStudentLoan.com will match you with eligible loan options. After selecting your citizenship and school, the tool returns a list of lenders that will work for you. You can then compare the different terms and conditions and choose the lender that works best for you.

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Short-term loans for international students

The University of California offers financial aid to international students in the form of scholarships, private loans, and short-term loans. International students are generally ineligible for student loans and are eligible for very few scholarships.

International students at the University of California can apply for short-term loans to cover a temporary shortage of funds. These loans are intended to cover educational expenses, and the maximum amount is $500 for undergraduates and $1,500 for graduates. The actual loan amount is subject to approval based on the repayment source. To be eligible, students must:

  • Be currently enrolled at the University of California during the quarter the funds are requested.
  • Have an account balance of $300 or less.
  • Be able to submit signatures on DocuSign within five calendar days.
  • Not be within 30 days of graduation or the end of the academic year.
  • Not owe any prior-year debt to the University.
  • Have no history of failed payments or late payments on prior loans.
  • Not have any financial aid holds on their student account.
  • Not have any outstanding short-term loans in repayment.

The loan application process involves the following steps:

  • Submit an application for the loan.
  • Upon approval, proceed to Campus Cashiering to redeem the funds, presenting a valid UC, state, or federal ID.
  • Repay the loan within the specified timeframe, which is typically within 30 days.

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On- and off-campus work for international students

International students at the University of California are generally ineligible for student loans and are only eligible for a few scholarships. However, there are some opportunities for employment, both on and off campus.

On-Campus Work

On-campus work for international students is limited. There are a few work-study programs available, but these are limited and most students who work during the school year do not have work-study awards. Work-study is a form of student employment limited to part-time during the school year, with students working no more than 20 hours a week. The program provides financial assistance through student employment, with students receiving a payroll check for hours worked.

Off-Campus Work

Off-campus work for international students is also limited, with U.S. government restrictions making summer and part-time work difficult to secure. However, there are some opportunities available, and most employers can accommodate class schedules.

Student Cooperatives

Another option for international students is to live in a student cooperative. Student cooperatives are available on a few campuses, and in exchange for a few hours of work per week, students receive room and board at a lower cost. In some cases, working permits may be required to live in these cooperatives.

International Houses

The Berkeley and San Diego campuses each have an International House, a residence for international and domestic students interested in living in a multicultural environment.

Overall, while there are some opportunities for on- and off-campus work for international students at the University of California, they are limited, and students hoping to secure employment or financial assistance after enrolling may face challenges in completing their studies.

Frequently asked questions

The University of California does not offer most types of financial aid to students with the following visa types: F-1 or F-2 Student, G Series, H Series, J-1 or J-2 Exchange Visitor.

International students may be eligible for scholarships, private loans, and short-term loans.

Scholarship resources for international students include International Education Financial Aid (IEFA), InternationalScholarships.com, and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF).

In addition to scholarships and loans, international students may be able to work on-campus (not including Federal Work-Study) or obtain off-campus work authorization from the Office of International Services.

International students can learn more about financing their education by visiting the University of California's website and contacting the Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS).

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