International Students: Free Entry To Us Universities

International students hoping to attend a US university often face steep tuition fees and living costs. While the US government generally does not provide funding for international students, there are other ways to attend a US university for free. International students can apply for financial aid, which comes in two primary forms: need-based and merit-based awards. Need-based financial aid is awarded according to the financial situation of the student and their family, while merit-based scholarships are often academically focused. Additionally, international students must obtain a student visa to study in the US.

Merit-based scholarships

• Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships: Colby-Sawyer College offers merit-based financial aid to international students. The scholarship amount increases based on academic ability, as measured by GPA, and can be up to $8,000 per year. However, the college does not meet full financial need.
• Concordia College Scholarships: Concordia College values the contributions of international students and provides partial financial assistance through its International Student Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on academic ability and family need, ranging from $11,000 to $17,000 per year. Concordia also offers two annual, renewable scholarships of at least 50% of tuition to selected international undergraduate students who contribute to intercultural learning and understanding.
• Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships: Illinois Wesleyan University offers merit-based scholarships to qualified international applicants with outstanding academic achievement and test scores on the required entrance exams. The awards range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years. Additionally, they award two full-tuition President's International Student Scholarships each year to qualified international students.
• Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships: Iowa State University offers a limited number of merit scholarships to international freshmen based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school marks/grades. The awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year and are renewable.
• New York University Wagner Scholarships: NYU offers merit scholarships to a limited number of admitted students, including international students, each application cycle. These scholarships are partial to full-tuition scholarships, ranging from $25,000 to $47,000.
• Oregon University Scholarships: The University of Oregon awards more than $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Their ICSP Scholarship program offers tuition waivers ranging from partial to full tuition for up to 15 credits per term each year. The scholarships are based on financial need, academic merit, and the ability to make presentations to diverse groups.
• University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Undergraduate International Student Scholarship Program: This university offers summer internship scholarships and foreign language study fellowships to international students through this program.

These are just a few examples of the many merit-based scholarships available for international students wishing to study in the US. It is important to note that each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so be sure to carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each opportunity.

Need-based financial aid

Here's a closer look at what need-based financial aid entails and how international students can access these opportunities:

Understanding Need-Based Financial Aid

Identifying Universities that Offer Need-Based Financial Aid

A significant number of US universities offer need-based financial aid to international students. Here are some examples of universities known for their generous financial aid packages:

• Harvard University, Massachusetts: Harvard has awarded nearly $2.9 billion in financial aid since 2005. Families with incomes of $85,000 or less are not expected to contribute financially, and the average student pays approximately $13,000 per year with financial aid.
• Yale University, Connecticut: Yale offers need-based financial aid, and families with incomes below $75,000 are not expected to contribute. The average need-based scholarship for 2021-22 was $60,820, and students pay around $13,000 towards their degree.
• Princeton University, New Jersey: Princeton provides financial aid for all students, including internationals. The average grant varies based on gross family income, with lower-income families receiving higher levels of support.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT offers financial aid for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Families with incomes under $140,000 can apply for financial aid, and the university aims to cover the full cost of an MIT education.
• Dartmouth College, New Hampshire: Dartmouth has no income cut-off for financial aid, and families with incomes below $65,000 are not expected to contribute. For the class of 2026, families earning under $125,000 will receive scholarships covering at least tuition costs.
• Amherst College, Massachusetts: Amherst offers financial aid to international and domestic students. They provide application fee waivers and expanded eligibility for first-generation applicants and those from households with incomes below $65,000.
• Carleton College, Minnesota: Carleton's financial aid program covers tuition, housing, food, student activity fees, and other expenses. In 2022, the average financial aid package was $53,000 per year, with 52% of students receiving need-based grants and scholarships.
• Rice University, Texas: Rice offers a financial aid package to incoming first-year students, with an average award of $57,000 in 2023. The total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, living expenses, books, and personal expenses, is approximately $78,278 per year.

Application Process for Need-Based Financial Aid

When applying for need-based financial aid, international students typically need to follow these steps:

• Research universities: Identify universities that offer need-based financial aid to international students. The list provided above is a good starting point, but it's always worth checking the financial aid section of each university's website for specific details.
• Determine eligibility: Review the financial aid requirements and eligibility criteria for each university. Some universities have specific income thresholds or other criteria for awarding financial aid.
• Prepare financial documentation: Gather the necessary financial documents, such as proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, and any other relevant information. These documents will be required to assess your financial need accurately.
• Complete the application process: Each university will have its own application process and forms for financial aid. Follow the instructions carefully and provide all the required information and supporting documents.
• Wait for the university's decision: After submitting your application and supporting documents, the university will review your financial aid request and determine your eligibility. They will typically communicate their decision to you within a specified timeframe.

By exploring need-based financial aid options, international students can make their dream of studying at a US university a reality, without the burden of financial constraints. Remember to carefully review the requirements and application processes for each university, as they may vary.

Student visas

To study in a US university as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. There are three primary types of student visas: F, J, and M. Here is a breakdown of each type:

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 Visa is for international students pursuing full-time academic studies at an accredited US college or university. It also applies to those studying English at an English language institute. To qualify for this visa, you must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language training program, or a vocational program. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and you must be enrolled as a full-time student. Additionally, you must demonstrate English language proficiency or be enrolled in courses to achieve proficiency. You must also show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.

F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions. After the first year, F-1 students can engage in off-campus employment through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or the STEM OPT Extension for specific fields. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus work in special situations, such as severe economic hardship.

J-1 Exchange Visa

The J-1 Exchange Visa is for participants in exchange programs, including high school and university studies. It is meant for foreign nationals approved for work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants. J-1 visa holders must consult their responsible officer to determine their eligibility for work outside their program of study.

M-1 Student Visa

The M-1 Visa is for international students pursuing full-time non-academic or vocational studies in the US. This visa is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Similar to the F-1 visa, M-1 students must be enrolled in a SEVP-certified school full-time and demonstrate English proficiency or be enrolled in relevant courses. M-1 students can only engage in practical training after they have completed their studies, and any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized in advance.

In summary, obtaining a student visa is a crucial step for international students seeking to attend a US university. The type of visa depends on the nature of your studies, and each visa has specific requirements and work eligibility conditions. It is important to carefully review the guidelines and ensure you meet the necessary criteria before applying for a US student visa.

Researching schools

The US Department of State's 5-step guide suggests that the first step to studying in the US as an international student is to research schools that meet your needs. This is an important step as it will help you identify the schools that are the best fit for you in terms of the programs they offer, their teaching methods, and the available resources.

When researching schools, it is advisable to consider a range of factors that will impact your overall experience. These include the location of the school, the availability of specific courses or areas of study, the size of the school and its student population, the available facilities and resources, and the cost of tuition and living expenses.

You can start by making a list of your priorities and the factors that are non-negotiable for you. For example, you may be looking for a school that offers a specific major or one that has a diverse student body. You can then use online resources and school websites to gather information and narrow down your options.

It is also beneficial to look into the available support services for international students, as these can greatly enhance your experience. This includes considering the availability of scholarships or financial aid for international students, as well as support groups, cultural clubs, and language classes that can help you adjust to life in a new country.

Additionally, you may want to research the career services and alumni networks that each school offers. These can provide valuable connections and enhance your career prospects after graduation.

By thoroughly researching and comparing different schools, you can make an informed decision about which ones align with your academic goals, financial situation, and personal preferences.

Additional costs

While some universities in the US offer free tuition for international students, there are often other costs to consider. These additional costs can include:

• Visa application fees: International students are required to obtain a student visa to study in the US, which comes with associated costs.
• Travel expenses: Students need to consider the cost of travelling to the US, including plane tickets or other transportation costs.
• Living expenses: The cost of living in the US can vary depending on the location, but students will need to budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses. For example, at UC Berkeley, the cost of attendance excluding tuition is approximately $18,864, while in expensive cities like New York, living expenses can be much higher, exceeding $28,000 per year.
• Health insurance: International students are responsible for covering their health insurance costs while studying in the US.
• Other fees: There may be additional fees associated with specific programs or activities, such as lab fees for science courses or fees for extracurricular activities.
• Taxes: International students may be subject to taxes on non-tuition aid, such as room and board.
• Miscellaneous expenses: Students should also budget for unexpected costs, such as emergency medical care or travel expenses during school breaks.

It is important for international students to carefully research the costs associated with their specific university and program of choice to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the financial commitments involved. Additionally, students should also be aware of the financial aid options available to them, as mentioned previously, to help offset these additional costs.

Frequently asked questions