Lana Oconnell
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a financial aid form for accessing grants, federal student loans, and work-study funds. While FAFSA is primarily for US citizens and eligible non-citizens, international students can still apply for FAFSA and may be eligible for other aid opportunities. To complete the FAFSA, students must create an FSA ID using their social security number (SSN). However, international students who do not have an SSN can fill out a paper version of the form or apply through the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). Additionally, international students may qualify for certain types of merit- or need-based aid, scholarships, or grants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application window | Opens on December 31, deadline to submit is June 30 |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens |
| Eligible non-citizen criteria | U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, T-visa holder, Battered Immigrant-Qualified Alien, Citizen of Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or Republic of Palau |
| Application requirements | Social Security Number (SSN) or Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) |
| Alternative applications | International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) |
| Other funding opportunities | Merit-based or need-based aid, scholarships, state aid, government-backed scholarships, work-study opportunities |
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What You'll Learn
International students' eligibility criteria
International students cannot receive federal aid through FAFSA, but they may be eligible for institutional aid from their college. To be eligible for federal aid, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Eligible non-citizens include:
- U.S. nationals, including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island
- U.S. permanent residents with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a "green card"
- Individuals with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any of the following statuses: refugees, asylum granted, indefinite parole, humanitarian parole, or Cuban-Haitian entrant
International students without an SSN are not eligible to apply for FAFSA. However, some colleges may require international students to fill out a paper version of the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for institutional aid. This is because a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Alien Registration Number (ARN) is required to fill out the online FAFSA form.
While international students cannot receive federal aid through FAFSA, they may still be able to receive other forms of aid to help cover the cost of attending college. Colleges and universities decide whether international students receive financial aid, and not all colleges offer aid to international students. International students may qualify for certain types of merit or need-based aid, and universities use the information provided in the FAFSA form to offer their scholarships.
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FAFSA application process
International students are not eligible for federally funded aid as government funding is reserved for students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens. However, submitting a FAFSA application can potentially unlock other aid opportunities for international students. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is an online form that students complete to qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, or work-study opportunities.
To complete the FAFSA, students must create an FSA ID using their social security number (SSN). International students who do not have an SSN are not eligible to apply for the FAFSA. In rare cases, a school may require international students to fill out the FAFSA, and the form would have to be submitted on paper. The FAFSA is available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens, including US nationals (including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island) or US permanent residents with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a "green card".
The College Board also provides an alternative form similar to the FAFSA for international students called the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). It is a standardized form that some schools use to evaluate a student's eligibility for financial aid. If required, students must provide their and their parents' financial information and any expected financial support before returning the form to their financial aid office. It is important to check with the financial aid office in advance to learn its specific process for awarding financial aid. Aid programs vary between states and schools, as do their requirements for eligibility.
There are other options for international students seeking financial aid. Most colleges have either need-based or merit-based financial aid packages. Students should talk to their admissions office or financial aid office to see what financial aid they are eligible for. There may be additional items to complete during the application process and different due dates to be aware of. Additionally, several resources, including the US Department of State and higher education non-profit groups, provide information on scholarship programs for international students.
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Alternative financial aid options
International students are not eligible for federal or state student aid in the US and cannot apply for federal student aid. However, there are alternative financial aid options available for international students. Here are some options to consider:
Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to fund your studies, and there are many international scholarships available specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas. Scholarships are often competitive, and you may need to demonstrate financial need or exceptional talent to be awarded one. There are scholarship databases that you can access for free to find scholarships for international students.
Grants
Grants are another form of financial aid offered by universities and colleges for international students. These are usually need-based rather than merit-based. Subject-based grants, grants based on your country of origin, and grants provided by charities or official bodies are all options to explore.
Private Student Loans
International students who can get a creditworthy US citizen or permanent resident as a cosigner might be eligible for a private alternative student loan.
Funding from Your Home Country
Your home country could be a source of funding, either from organizations, companies, or your government. Some countries have programs that provide full scholarships for their students studying abroad. However, there may be stipulations involved, such as having to return to your home country after graduating.
Institutional Aid
Some US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. Private institutions may sometimes be able to discount or reduce tuition fees, and both private and public institutions may waive application fees in some cases.
Exchange Programs
You may be able to participate in a formal exchange program between your home institution and the institution you wish to attend in the US, which can help reduce expenses.
It's important to remember that funding options for international students can be limited and competitive, so it's essential to start your research and application process early.
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Deadlines for submission
The federal deadline for submitting the FAFSA form is usually June 30 or the end of the academic year, whichever comes first. This is the last opportunity for students to submit their applications for that school year. The federal deadline for the 2025-26 school year, for instance, is June 30, 2026.
Each college has its own deadline for the FAFSA form, and these deadlines tend to be much sooner than the federal deadline. Many colleges have priority deadlines, which mean that students who submit their FAFSA forms by that date will receive the best financial aid packages. These dates are usually published on the college's financial aid webpage or can be obtained by contacting the financial aid office.
State deadlines for the FAFSA form also vary, and some state grant programs have very early deadlines. The Department of Education publishes a list of state deadlines, which can be found on the state's website.
It is recommended that students submit their FAFSA forms as early as possible to be eligible for as much financial aid as possible. Students who file their FAFSA forms during the first three months tend to receive more grants, on average, than those who file later.
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Required documentation
To apply for FAFSA as an international student, you must meet the eligibility criteria for non-citizens and have a Social Security Number (SSN). International students who do not meet the criteria and do not have an SSN are not eligible to apply.
If you are eligible, you will need to create an FSA ID using your SSN. You will also need to provide the following documentation:
- Your driver's license (if you have one)
- Your tax returns, typically from the previous two years
- Bank statements and investment records
- Records of any untaxed income, such as child support or veteran's non-education benefits
Additionally, you will need to sign a certification statement declaring no previous defaults on federal student loans, no liability of money against a federal student grant, and confirmation that you will use the aid amount solely for education purposes.
It is important to note that the FAFSA typically opens on December 31, with a deadline for submissions on June 30. You will need to submit a new application each year.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are not eligible for federally funded aid as FAFSA is reserved for US citizens and eligible non-citizens. However, some schools may ask international students to complete the application to assess their eligibility for other aid opportunities.
Non-citizens must fall under one of the following categories: Be a US national (including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island) or be a US permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a "green card".
International students without a Social Security Number (SSN) can manually fill out a paper version of the FAFSA form. The PDF version can be found at StudentAid.gov.
International students can explore alternative options such as the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or scholarships offered by their home country. Additionally, colleges may have need-based or merit-based financial aid packages, and some schools have a need-blind admission policy.
