Financial Aid For International Students At University Of Maryland

The University of Maryland offers a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment, to assist students in financing their education. However, when it comes to international students, the situation is a little different. International students are generally not eligible for federal or state financial aid, as that is typically reserved for US nationals and permanent residents. However, the University of Maryland does provide certain avenues for financial assistance for international students.

Scholarships and grants

As a publicly funded institution, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) does not offer financial assistance to international students. However, international students may be considered for scholarships and assistantships. Additionally, UMB participates in the #YouAreWelcomeHere national scholarship program, which offers scholarships for international students to study in the US.

The University of Maryland offers an array of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. Scholarships and grants are especially beneficial as they provide funding that you don't have to pay back. These offers are based on financial need and/or academic achievement.

The Scholarship Retriever is available to all UMBC students and allows students to submit a general scholarship application to be considered for additional opportunities. Undergraduate international students are automatically considered for all general merit-based scholarships and may also apply to UMBC Scholar Programs.

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offers two annual, renewable scholarships for up to four years of study, covering 50% of tuition. These scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study at UMBC. Applicants are required to submit a 500-1000 word essay or a 2-5 minute video about their ideas for advancing intercultural learning and understanding at UMBC.

Graduate international students may receive funding through assistantships, typically offered by academic departments. Alternative loans may also be available for international students through select borrowers. UMBC offers a neutral listing of loan options through ELM, allowing students to select criteria to determine suitable loans.

International students may also participate in UMBC's Monthly Payment Plan as an alternative to a one-time payment of the bill in full. Additionally, students can sign up for payment plans each semester with Student Business Services (SBS).

Other sources of financial aid for international students include private education loans. International students who can secure a US citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer may apply for private loans. Those who are unable to find a co-signer may still be able to secure educational funding through their home country or other international lenders.

Private education loans

The University of Maryland does not provide financial aid for international students. However, international students at the university can apply for private education loans. These are non-federal student loans offered by private institutions like banks or credit unions.

Before applying for a private education loan, it is recommended that students explore all other funding options, including federal, state, and institutional sources. Federal student loans often offer more favourable terms, such as fixed interest rates, no credit checks, and a range of repayment and loan forgiveness options.

If alternative funding sources are insufficient, students can consider applying for a private loan. The first step is to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for federal funds. Students should then speak with a financial aid counsellor to understand their eligibility for all potentially available federal funds. If a private loan is the only option, the financial aid counsellor will refer the student to the Alternative Loan Counselor.

International Students

International students at the University of Maryland who can secure a US citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer may apply for a private loan. Those who are unable to find a US co-signer may still be able to secure educational funding through their home country or other international lenders.

Application Process

Students can apply for a private student loan directly through their chosen lending institution. The amount borrowed can be up to the cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid received. Before any funds are disbursed, borrowers must complete, sign, and return the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form to their lender. This form provides information about the borrower's financial aid eligibility and educational expenses.

It is important for students to carefully consider the terms and conditions of private loans, including interest rates, fees, and repayment options. They should also keep written records of all loan-related documents and correspondence with the lender.

Federal Work-Study Employment

As a publicly funded institution, the University of Maryland does not provide financial assistance to international students. However, international students at the university can seek employment to fund their education.

F-1 students who are maintaining status are eligible to work on campus. This includes hourly positions or assistantships. To be eligible to work on campus, students must be enrolled full-time and can work no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year. Students can work full-time during official university breaks.

There are also different types of employment authorization available to F-1 students, including:

• On-Campus Employment: This includes employment located on the University of Maryland, College Park campus, and employment at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the University of Maryland, College Park.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): F-1 students wishing to participate in an off-campus training program that is "an integral part of an established curriculum" must first obtain CPT authorization. The training must be directly related to the student's major field of study.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Students in F-1 status can work in the United States to reinforce what they have learned in their degree programs.
• Employment with an International Organization: F-1 students offered employment with an organization like the World Bank or the United Nations may apply for special employment permission from USCIS. Students can work part-time during the school year and full-time during vacation periods, provided they continue their studies the following semester.
• Employment Based on Economic Necessity: F-1 students facing severe economic hardship may apply to USCIS for off-campus work authorization, provided they can prove that their financial situation was due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.

It is important to note that F-1 students must not work in the United States unless the employment is specifically authorized. Additionally, international students are required to provide proof of available financial resources to cover one year's worth of expenses (including tuition, fees, books, insurance, and living expenses) before enrolling at the University of Maryland.

Assistantships

International students at the University of Maryland may be considered for assistantships. Assistantships are typically offered by academic departments and are a source of funding for graduate students. If you are interested in an assistantship, you should direct your questions to your academic department.

Other Sources of Financial Aid for International Students

Although the University of Maryland does not provide financial assistance to international students, there are other options for financing your education.

One option is to apply for scholarships. The University of Maryland offers an array of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. The university automatically reviews students who apply by the early action deadline for some merit scholarships. Additionally, the Scholarship Retriever is available to all UMBC students and allows them to submit a general scholarship application to be considered for additional opportunities.

Another option for international students is to apply for private education loans. International students who are able to secure a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer may apply for these loans. For those who are unable to find a co-signer, there may be other options for securing educational funding through their home country or other international lenders.

It is also worth checking with your academic department to see if they have any scholarships available. Additionally, there are several online resources that provide information and advice on financial aid for international students, such as EduPass, InternationalStudent.com, and NAFSA.

Monthly payment plans

As a publicly funded institution, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) does not provide financial assistance to international students. However, international students may be eligible for scholarships and assistantships. Additionally, UMB offers a Monthly Payment Plan, allowing students to pay their fees in instalments each semester. Here is some more information about the Monthly Payment Plan:

International students at the University of Maryland can participate in the Monthly Payment Plan offered by the Student Business Services (SBS). This plan allows students to pay their fees in instalments each semester, rather than a one-time payment of the full bill. The Monthly Payment Plan is a helpful alternative for those who may not be able to afford a lump-sum payment.

Students can enrol in a payment plan each semester by signing up with SBS. It is important to note that the plan is only available for the semester fees and does not cover the full cost of attendance, which includes other expenses such as books and supplies, room and board, and personal expenses.

Other Sources of Financial Aid for International Students

Although UMB does not offer direct financial assistance to international students, there are other options available:

• Private Education Loans: International students can apply for private loans with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer.
• Home Country Funding: Students may be able to secure funding through their home country or other international lenders.
• Scholarships: The University offers scholarships for international students, such as the International Student and Scholar Services scholarship, covering 50% of tuition fees. Additionally, the #YouAreWelcomeHere national scholarship program offers scholarships for international students.
• Assistantships: Graduate International Students may receive funding through assistantships offered by academic departments.
• Online Scholarship Search Engines: Students can explore scholarship opportunities through online platforms like EduPass, InternationalStudent.com, FastWeb, Global Scholarships, and International Scholarships.
• Federal Work-Study Employment: Although not specifically for international students, this federally funded program allows eligible students to work part-time to meet their educational and living expenses.

It is recommended that international students research their options thoroughly and stay informed about the requirements and application processes for the various financial aid opportunities available.

Frequently asked questions