Lori Meadows
The University of Iowa offers financial aid to international students in the form of scholarships and loans. While there is no central financial aid fund, international students can apply for scholarships or take out private loans from their home country's government or a US-based lender. Additionally, the university provides a Self-Service Loan Program of up to $500 and a Short Term Loan Program of up to $1500 for international students. International students entering in the fall term may also be considered for merit scholarships. The university's study abroad programs offer financial aid, and students can seek advice from the Office of Student Financial Aid and the International Student and Scholars Office. Upper Iowa University also offers scholarships to international students based on their grade point average (GPA).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Merit scholarships | Available for international students entering the fall (August) 2025 term |
| Grants, loans, or need-based aid | Not available for international students |
| Full-time enrollment requirement | 12 semester hours |
| Minimum cumulative UI GPA | 2.50 |
| Self-Service Loan Program | Up to $500 credited directly into a student's UBill by the University |
| Short Term Loan Program | Up to $1500 |
| Scholarships based on GPA | Available for incoming students |
| Student loans | Available but come with high-interest rates |
| Scholarships from home governments | May be available for students studying in the US |
| Financial aid for study abroad programs | Available |
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What You'll Learn
Merit scholarships
The University of Iowa does offer merit scholarships to international students entering in the fall (August) term. These merit scholarships are available for up to eight semesters or until you receive your bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. To be eligible for these scholarships, students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment (12 semester hours) and a minimum 2.50 cumulative UI GPA. Renewal reviews are conducted at the end of each semester. Scholarship selection is competitive and based on a holistic review of all application information, high school marks/grades, and ACT or SAT scores.
In addition to the scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions, there are various scholarships administered by different colleges and departments within the University of Iowa. These scholarships are available for both incoming and continuing international students.
Upper Iowa University, a separate institution, also offers scholarships to international students based on their grade point average (GPA). These scholarships are of increasing amounts, and prospective students are automatically considered for them at the time of admission.
It is important to note that the University of Iowa does not have a central financial aid fund to fully support international students. International students in F-1 or J-1 status are also not eligible for federal financial aid or loan programs. However, the university provides an emergency Self-Service Loan Program of up to $500 with no interest charged, and international students may request short-term loans of up to $1500 from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
For students interested in study abroad programs, the Office of Student Financial Aid works closely with the Study Abroad office to facilitate the disbursement of financial aid. Students on summer or winter programs are advised to contact the Financial Aid office to determine their eligibility.
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Private student loans
The University of Iowa does not offer financial aid in the form of grants, loans, or need-based support to international students. However, international students at the university can apply for private student loans from external financial institutions, banks, or credit unions. These private loans can help meet financial needs, including past-due balances from previous semesters. It is important to note that most international students will require a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to co-sign their loan application.
The University of Iowa provides a preferred lender list, which includes lenders that require a U.S. co-signer and those that do not. This list is meant to assist students and parents in considering their financing options. Some lenders on the list include Iowa Student Loan, Sallie Mae Student Loan, and SoFi. The university also mentions MPower Financing, Ascent (for DACA students), and Prodigy Finance Student Loan (for Masters-level coursework) as lenders that may not require a U.S. co-signer.
The terms and conditions offered by each lender may vary, and the University of Iowa has no control over these variations. The loan amounts are typically limited to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. Lenders may offer competitive interest rates based on the applicant's credit history. It is recommended that students carefully research their options before committing to a private student loan.
In addition to external private loans, the University of Iowa offers a limited number of short-term loans to students through its Office of Student Financial Aid. These include the Self-Service Loan Program, which provides up to $500, and the Short-Term Loan Program, which offers up to $1500. These loans are intended to cover educational or living expenses and are interest-free if repaid on time.
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Emergency loans
The University of Iowa does not offer financial aid in the form of grants, loans, or need-based aid to international students. However, international students at the University of Iowa facing financial emergencies have a few options available to them.
Self-Service Loan Program
The Self-Service Loan Program is available through the Office of Student Financial Aid. Students can receive up to $500, which is credited directly to their UBill. The loan is interest-free, and repayment is due near the end of the semester.
Short-Term Loan Program
International students at the University of Iowa may request a loan of up to $1,500 through the Short-Term Loan Program. This loan must first be cleared with an ISSS advisor. The interest rate is 0% and payment is due within 90 days. However, missing a payment will result in the interest rate increasing to 10%.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Short-Term Loan Program, students must be in F-1 or J-1 status and participating in degree programs. They must also demonstrate financial need and the ability to repay the loan. Additionally, students must be enrolled in the current semester and show evidence of the ability to repay the loan by the specified due date.
Student Life Emergency Fund
The University of Iowa also has a Student Life Emergency Fund to support undergraduate, graduate, and professional students facing unforeseen financial emergencies that may prevent them from continuing their education. This fund is not intended to cover routine expenses but rather to help students who experience a negative and severe impact on their academic success. The Office of Student Financial Aid can assist in determining if the granting of the emergency fund request would affect current and future aid.
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Study abroad financial aid
The University of Iowa does offer financial aid to international students, but it is limited. International students at the University of Iowa are not eligible for financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, or need-based aid from the university. However, there are a few options available for financial support:
Merit Scholarships
The University of Iowa offers a limited number of merit scholarships for international students entering in the fall (August) term. These scholarships are awarded based on a holistic review of the student's application, including high school marks/grades, and ACT or SAT scores. The scholarship selection process is competitive, and not all eligible students will receive a scholarship.
Departmental Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions, there are various scholarships administered by different colleges and departments within the University of Iowa. These scholarships are available for both incoming and continuing international students.
Self-Service Loan Program
The University of Iowa offers a Self-Service Loan Program for international students, where up to $500 can be credited directly to a student's UBill. This loan is interest-free, and the payment is due near the end of the semester. Students can apply for this loan through the MyUI portal.
Short-Term Loan Program
International students at the University of Iowa may also request a short-term loan of up to $1,500 from the Office of Student Financial Aid. However, this loan must first be cleared with an ISSS advisor.
For international students participating in study abroad programs, there are additional financial aid options available. The Office of Student Financial Aid works closely with the Study Abroad office to facilitate the disbursement of financial aid for UI study abroad programs. Students on summer or winter programs may need to contact the Financial Aid office to determine their eligibility for financial aid.
For study abroad programs sponsored by other institutions, international students must meet with a Study Abroad advisor to complete a Credit Approval Form. After obtaining the necessary signatures, students should bring the form to the Office of Student Financial Aid. A drop-in counselor will determine the student's eligibility for financial aid and initiate a consortium agreement with the host school if eligible. It is important to note that financial aid cannot be disbursed without this agreement, and consortium agreements are not available with all foreign universities.
Additional Funding Sources
International students at the University of Iowa can also explore other funding sources, such as private student loans or scholarships offered by their home governments or external organizations. These options may help alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad.
It is always recommended to visit the official website of the University of Iowa for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding financial aid for international students, as eligibility and availability may change over time.
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Scholarships from home governments
The University of Iowa offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to international students entering in the fall (August) 2025 term. These scholarships are awarded based on a holistic review of application information, high school marks/grades, and ACT or SAT scores. However, financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, or need-based aid is typically not available for international students. International students are also not eligible for federal financial aid or loan programs.
Regarding scholarships from home governments, it is important to note that the availability of such scholarships varies depending on the country and specific government policies. Each country may have different programs and requirements for funding international studies for its citizens. Here are some general examples of how home governments may provide scholarships to their citizens studying abroad:
- Government-funded scholarships: Some governments offer scholarships to encourage and support students pursuing higher education in specific fields or countries. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or both, and they are typically awarded through a competitive application process.
- Bilateral exchange programs: Governments may have agreements with other countries, including the United States, to facilitate educational exchanges. These programs often provide scholarships or grants to students from one country to study in the other, promoting cultural exchange and international understanding.
- Country-specific scholarship programs: Many countries have dedicated scholarship programs specifically designed to support their citizens studying abroad. These programs may have specific eligibility criteria, such as academic merit, financial need, intended field of study, or a commitment to return to the home country after graduation.
- Embassy or consulate scholarships: Embassies and consulates of a student's home country in the United States may offer scholarships or grants to their citizens studying at American universities. These opportunities may be promoted and administered directly by the diplomatic missions.
- Tuition fee waivers or discounts: In some cases, home governments may negotiate agreements with foreign universities, including the University of Iowa, to offer reduced tuition fees or waivers for their citizens. This effectively lowers the overall cost of attendance for international students.
- Reimbursement or loan programs: Some governments may provide financial support in the form of reimbursements or low-interest loans, which can help students finance their studies abroad. Repayment terms and conditions may vary, and students may need to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for these programs.
It is important for international students to research and explore the specific opportunities offered by their home governments. Contacting the relevant government departments, embassies, or consulates can provide up-to-date and accurate information on the availability and application processes for scholarships. Additionally, the University of Iowa's scholarships and grants policies can provide further details on eligibility and requirements for international students.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Iowa does not have a central financial aid fund for international students. However, international students can apply for merit scholarships, which are awarded based on a holistic review of the application information, high school marks/grades, and ACT or SAT scores.
The University of Iowa offers merit scholarships to international students entering in the fall term. Additionally, there are various scholarships administered by the different colleges and departments within the university.
International students at the University of Iowa can apply for scholarships through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. The application process requires logging in with a HawkID and password.
International students at the University of Iowa may explore private student loans, but these typically require a U.S. citizen co-signer. Additionally, students can contact their respective governments to inquire about scholarships for studying in the United States.
