Savanna Hoffman
International students can face challenges when it comes to financing their studies in the USA, as federal aid is typically not available to them. However, there are alternative funding options to explore, such as scholarships, grants, private loans, and work-study programmes. Scholarships are the primary method of funding for international students, and they can be highly competitive. These scholarships can be private, institutional, or government-funded. Additionally, some universities may offer their own scholarships or grants, and public institutions may waive application fees. International students can also seek aid from international organisations, such as the Fulbright Commission. To apply for financial aid, international students may need to complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, which provides a more detailed assessment of their financial situation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International scholarships | International scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas and are a popular option for students seeking to gain a global perspective. |
| Private scholarships | Private scholarships also exist. |
| Federal loans | International students are not eligible for U.S. government-backed loans like Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. |
| Private loans | International students are eligible for private international student loans to study in the USA. |
| Work-study programmes | Work-study programmes are available. |
| FAFSA | FAFSA is the most common form of financial aid for domestic US students. However, it is restricted to specific categories of students from other countries. |
| CSS Profile | This online service provided by College Board allows students, including international students, to apply for financial aid. |
| ISFAA | International students may be required to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application. |
| Grants | Grants are available for international students. |
| Tax exemption | Undergraduate international students are more likely to gain tax exemption if their financial aid is designated as an educational award rather than a work-related award. |
| Application fee waiver | Both private and public institutions may waive application fees in some situations. |
| On-campus employment | On-campus employment opportunities may be available for international students. |
| Transfer credits | Transferring credits from a two-year school to a four-year institution can help reduce costs. |
| Financial aid deadlines | Aid deadlines vary per school, but typically they align with application deadlines. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, grants, and loans
Scholarships
Scholarships for international students do exist, but they may require some digging to find. Schools tend to be one of the best resources to uncover scholarships for international students. It is recommended that prospective students contact the financial aid office of their school of choice and use scholarship search tools like InternationalStudent.com to learn about scholarships awarded by colleges and universities. Applicants should look for scholarships open to all, rather than just permanent residents or citizens of the host country, and carefully review the requirements, such as test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Grants
Some grants are also available for international students. For example, international students at US universities, both new and transferring, are automatically considered for a grant that covers 65% of the cost of attendance. This amounts to $39,000 USD per year for undergraduate students and $7,000 USD for the first year for graduate students.
Loans
International students can also apply for loans to fund their studies. Most loans for non-US citizens will require a US co-signer—a person legally bound to pay the loan if the applicant cannot—which will improve the chances of approval and lower the interest rate. If a co-signer is required, they must be a US citizen or permanent resident with good credit who has lived in the US for the past two years. However, some lenders offer no-cosigner loans for international students enrolled at select schools.
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Understanding your Cost of Attendance (COA)
COA is an essential number for determining your eligibility for financial aid, grants, and loans. It is used to calculate how much financial support you can receive. The calculation is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By subtracting your SAI from the COA, the college determines your financial need and the amount of need-based aid you can receive. Need-based aid includes scholarships, grants, work-study, and subsidized federal student loans.
It is important to note that COA may vary depending on your housing situation. For example, undergraduate students who live on campus, off campus, or commute from home may have different COAs. State colleges and universities also differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students. Additionally, some colleges break down their COAs into direct charges, such as tuition and room and board, and indirect expenses, such as transportation or meals off campus, which you would pay for separately.
Colleges typically publish their COA on their websites, and you can use this information to compare the costs of different schools. Remember that COA does not include the potential reduction in costs through scholarships, grants, or other financial aid. Understanding your COA is a vital step in planning your financial strategy, and it is recommended to explore all available options for financial support to help offset the costs of your education.
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FAFSA and other application forms
International students looking to study in the US often face a challenging financial situation, with higher costs of attendance and limited funding opportunities. While federal financial aid is generally not available to international students, there are other options to explore, such as institutional aid, scholarships, grants, and private loans.
One important form to consider is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While FAFSA is primarily for US citizens and permanent residents, it can, in rare cases, be used by international students to seek institutional aid. FAFSA is viewed as a standard form to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. However, it is essential to note that international students cannot obtain federal aid through FAFSA and will need to submit the form on paper as it requires a Social Security Number for the online application.
Another form to look into is the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). This form is specifically designed for international students seeking financial assistance. It is accepted by many colleges and universities in the US and can be a great way to access institutional aid and merit-based scholarships.
Additionally, some private colleges in the US use the CSS Profile for financial aid applications. This form takes into account various factors, including family income, assets, and expenses, to determine eligibility for financial aid. It is worth checking with the specific colleges you are interested in to see if they accept the CSS Profile or have their own financial aid application forms.
Lastly, it is crucial to be cautious when exploring financial aid options. Avoid dishonest scholarship offers that may ask for money or personal financial information without providing legitimate opportunities. Always consult with official sources, such as the admissions office or international student office at your university, to ensure the legitimacy of any financial aid offers or scholarships.
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Funding from universities and colleges
International students are not eligible for federal aid in the US, such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans, and are typically required to pay out of pocket. However, some colleges and universities do offer financial aid packages for international students, and there are other funding options available.
Many US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students, though there is generally much less money available for undergraduate study than for graduate study. The amount and type of aid varies by institution, with some offering sports scholarships, and others providing academic or artistic scholarships.
Some private institutions can discount or reduce tuition fees, though public institutions rarely have this option. The average financial aid package for international students at US schools was nearly $82,000, with Vassar College in New York awarding the largest average amount of $86,258 to 52 international students in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Some universities may have their own financial aid application forms, or they may require students to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile. Very rarely, a school may require international students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), though this is primarily for domestic students.
Other sources of funding
International scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas and are a popular option for students seeking to gain a global perspective. There are also several international organisations that grant aid to students all over the world, such as the Fulbright Commission and the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students. Many private organisations also offer scholarships specifically for international students, such as United World Colleges (UWC).
Some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution. Most institutional aid available to international students is for graduate study in the form of assistantships and fellowships. Scholarships can be highly competitive, so it's important to know how to make a good application.
International students are eligible for private international student loans to study in the US, though there are not many lenders, and they usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident.
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International organisations offering aid
International students seeking financial aid for their studies in the United States face a challenging task, as US federal financial aid is typically not available to them. However, there are international organisations that provide financial aid to students worldwide, such as the Fulbright Commission. Many US colleges and universities also offer financial aid packages to international students, and some even provide full scholarships.
The Fulbright Commission is one example of an international organisation that provides financial aid to students globally. Other organisations offering aid include:
- IEFA (International Education Financial Aid): IEFA is a comprehensive database of scholarships for international students seeking to study in the US or abroad. They have partnered with leading providers of international student loans to enable talented students to pursue their dreams of an international education.
- InternationalStudent.com: This website features schools that are actively looking for international students and provides detailed, state-by-state information for the USA. It also offers a comprehensive list of resources for locating sources of international financial aid.
- NAFSA: NAFSA provides information for international students with non-immigrant visas (F-1, J-1, etc.) and permanent residents of the United States. They offer resources such as a glossary of key financial aid terms and information on calculating the cost of attendance.
- EduPASS: EduPASS (The Smart Student Guide for Studying in the USA) offers a comprehensive glossary of terms relevant to student financial aid.
- Yale Young African Scholars: This organisation provides information on US colleges and universities that offer financial aid to international students, specifically highlighting opportunities for African students.
In addition to these international organisations, it is worth noting that many US colleges and universities do offer financial aid to international students, and this aid can make a significant impact on reducing the overall cost of studying in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
The funding opportunities for international students are limited, and most students cover their tuition fees and costs of study themselves. However, international students may qualify for merit or need-based aid, scholarships, grants, private international student loans, work-study programmes, and institutional aid.
You can apply for financial aid through the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. You may also be required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in rare cases.
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the most common form of financial aid for domestic US students. However, it is restricted to specific categories of students from other countries, such as permanent residents or former victims of human trafficking.
Aid deadlines vary per school, but they usually align with application deadlines. It is also important to note that some schools may consider an applicant's ability to pay for college in their admissions decision.
