Lori Meadows
International students seeking to attend university in the United States often face high costs, including tuition, housing, food, textbooks, health insurance, and other basic living needs. While the U.S. government generally does not fund international students, there are various ways to attend a U.S. university for free or at a reduced cost. These include scholarships, grants, work-study programmes, financial aid, and tuition-free universities. Additionally, international students may be able to work part-time on campus to supplement their income.
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students
Scholarships are a great way for international students to attend US universities for free. While the US government generally does not provide funding for international students, there are many scholarships offered by universities, non-profit and private organisations, as well as companies, that international students can apply for.
International students can search for scholarships by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name. Some scholarships are also offered by specific universities. For example, candidates who meet CUNY's eligibility requirements can benefit from the Macaulay Tuition Scholarship, which covers eight semesters of full-time undergraduate tuition. Similarly, the NYU Grossman School of Medicine awards all students enrolled in the MD degree program full-tuition scholarships.
There are also scholarships that are specific to the student's origin country. For example, the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers students from Central America the chance to win up to $3,000 towards their international education.
Additionally, international students can also apply for grants and loans. For instance, Berea College is a private liberal arts college that offers four-year degree programs in 28 fields. Grants or scholarships, loans, and earnings from work while studying cover the education costs.
International students can also explore tuition-free universities in other countries. For example, public universities in South America are mostly free or very cheap for international students. However, most courses are offered in Spanish or Portuguese, so proficiency in one of these languages is necessary.
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Work-study programmes
As an international student, you may have access to work-study programmes in the US, which can help you balance your academic pursuits with part-time employment. Work-study programmes are offered by many prestigious universities worldwide, providing students with an opportunity to work while pursuing their studies. These programmes are especially beneficial for international students, allowing them to gain work experience while easing the financial burden of tuition and living expenses.
It is important to note that federal work-study programmes in the US are not typically available to international students as they are federally funded. However, some schools have special policies that allow all students, including international students, to take advantage of work opportunities that are otherwise reserved for students in the federal work-study programme. These work opportunities are often funded directly by the school or specific departments within the school.
When considering a work-study programme, it is important to understand the demands of your courses and manage your schedule effectively. Working while studying can provide extra cash and enhance your resume, as well as allow you to practice English in a professional environment, helping you prepare for work after college.
There are a variety of work-study opportunities available, including on-campus jobs and off-campus positions. Some universities offer Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programmes, which allow students to work from the moment they arrive on campus. Other options may include Optional Practical Training (OPT) or part-time jobs related to a student's major. These programmes provide a unique opportunity for students to gain work experience, earn an income, and integrate into the local workforce while pursuing their academic dreams.
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University financial aid
The cost of attending a US college or university as an international student can be high, but there are several options for financial aid that can reduce costs. Firstly, scholarships are a great way to fund your studies. Many universities offer scholarships to international students, which can be merit-based, needs-based, or both. These are often highly competitive, so it is important to research and apply for scholarships that match your skills, talents, and situation. Some universities may also waive application fees, so be sure to consult your chosen institution to take advantage of any waivers or supplements they offer.
Additionally, some universities offer work-study programmes, allowing students to work part-time on campus to earn money. International students with F-1 visas, the most common type for undergraduates, are usually permitted to work on-campus jobs. Graduate students with J-1 visas should consult their international student office about their work options.
Another option is to look for tuition-free universities. For example, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia offers full-tuition scholarships to all its students, and the NYU Grossman School of Medicine offers full-tuition scholarships to students enrolled in its MD degree programme. Outside of the US, public universities in South America are often free or very cheap for international students, but courses are mostly offered in Spanish or Portuguese.
Finally, international students may qualify for student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are also free scholarship databases, as well as private, corporate, nonprofit, and government scholarship funds that serve undergraduate international students. However, it is important to be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and never send money or financial information to organisations promising scholarships.
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Federal government financial aid
International students are generally not eligible for US federal aid such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. However, permanent residents may qualify for federal and state government aid, including the Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, or Federal Work-Study.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most common form of financial aid for domestic US students. FAFSA is restricted to specific categories of students from other countries, including those with a green card (US permanent residents), former victims of human trafficking (T nonimmigrant status), and immigrants abused by US citizens (battered immigrant-qualified aliens status), or their children. To apply for FAFSA, you need a Social Security Number or an Alien Registration Number.
International students can also apply for scholarships, grants, or work-study programmes. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, exceptional talent, or academic merit. Many universities offer their own scholarships, but there are also private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships. International students can also apply for private international student loans, although these usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident.
Some US universities offer full or partial tuition scholarships, including the Macaulay Tuition Scholarship, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music. Additionally, some countries offer scholarships to their citizens studying in the US, such as Saudi Arabia's scholarship program for over 10,000 Saudi students.
Finally, international students may be able to work part-time on a student visa, although this is usually not enough to finance a university education.
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Visa requirements and fees
International students intending to study in the United States must obtain a visa that reflects their academic activities in the country. The visa requirements and fees for international students planning to attend a US university are outlined below:
Visa Requirements:
- International students must apply for a student visa (F or M) prior to entering the United States.
- Students must be admitted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the United States.
- After receiving acceptance, students must register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Students will then receive Form I-20, which must be presented during their visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
- During the visa interview, students must provide required documents, including a valid passport, letter of admission, and financial documentation.
- Spouses and dependents accompanying the student to the US must also enrol in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and apply for visas (without paying the SEVIS fee).
- Upon arrival in the US, students must present their valid visa and immigration documents (Form I-20, DS-2019, or I-797B) to a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
- The CBP officer will ask questions about the purpose of travel and funds for the stay. Students should answer these questions and provide any additional requested documentation.
- It is important to ensure the correct visa classification that supports academic activities. Entering on a visitor (B-1/B-2) visa is usually not recommended, as it does not allow for most academic pursuits.
- Students authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Visa Fees:
- Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee: $185 (non-refundable)
- Visa issuance fee: Varies based on reciprocity agreements between countries
- SEVIS I-901 fee: Paid to register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
- Visa application fee: May be required before the visa interview, depending on the US Embassy or Consulate instructions
- Visa issuance fee: May be applicable after visa approval, depending on nationality
It is important to note that visa requirements and fees may change, and it is recommended to consult official government sources for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some individuals may be exempt from certain visa fees, such as those participating in specific government-sponsored programs or providing charitable services.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is difficult to attend a US university for free as an international student, there are some scholarships and tuition waivers available.
International students who meet CUNY's eligibility requirements can benefit from the Macaulay Tuition Scholarship. This scholarship covers eight semesters of full-time undergraduate tuition, excluding fees and expenses.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a way for non-citizens to qualify for student aid.
The Schwarzman Scholarship Program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, offers full scholarships to international students who meet the high entry requirements.
The NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York offers full-tuition scholarships to all students enrolled in the MD degree program. This is only open to international students who completed their undergrad in the USA.
