International Students: Financial Aid Options In The Usa

The US is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, attracting around one million new international students every year. However, covering the costs of your education at an American university can be challenging. While US federal aid is not available to international students, there are other ways to get financial aid. This includes scholarships, grants, private loans, work-study programs, and, in rare cases, federal loans.

How to get financial aid for international students in the USA

Scholarships and grants

There are private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships. Some scholarships are merit-based and are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Your university may have scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. Merit-based scholarships are usually very competitive.

Some scholarships are also renewable yearly, so you have support throughout college. You should be able to apply for as many scholarships as you want to help with the cost of college.

There are several international organizations, such as the Fulbright Commission, that grant aid to students all over the world. Many U.S. colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. However, there is much less money available for undergraduate study than for graduate study.

• The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial help for their graduate studies. The scholarships are 50% grant and 50% loan.
• The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women who want to earn a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who can demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls, and the scholarship may be reapplied for every year of the program.
• The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
• Conacyt provides scholarships for Mexican students pursuing post-graduate studies in institutions abroad.
• ColFuturo provides scholarships for Colombian students pursuing post-graduate studies abroad.
• The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning their graduate degrees in the USA.
• The College Board supports 7 million students each year and also oversees the SAT college admission test. Their website offers scholarship and other financial aid and internship information from more than 2,200 programs.
• The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries who have provided support to their home country's development and who are applying for a development-related Master's program.
• MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students. Its Global Citizen Scholarship Program has the broadest eligibility criteria and is offered throughout the year, and niche scholarships are also available.

Loans

Private Loans

Private student loans are available to international students from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. These loans usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident. Some lenders, such as Ascent Funding, offer cosigned loan options specifically for international students.

Scholarships

Scholarships are the main way to fund studies in the US. There are private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships available. Scholarships can be highly competitive, but your chances of securing one are good if you have impressive achievements and a strong application. Many colleges and universities in the US offer scholarships or grants to talented international students.

Work-Study Programs

On-campus employment, such as a resident assistant (RA), is another option to consider. F-1 status, the most common status for full-time international students, allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). J-1 student status allows for similar employment with permission from the exchange visitor program sponsor.

International Scholarships

International scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas and are a popular option for students seeking a global perspective. They can also open doors to unique cultural experiences and valuable networking opportunities.

International Organizations

Several international organizations, such as the Fulbright Commission and the Open Society Foundations, offer student aid for non-citizens studying in the US. Many of these organizations require you to be in your home country when you apply, so plan ahead as they can be very competitive.

Family Funding

A recent study by the Institute of International Education found that nearly 65% of international students in the USA were funded by their family and relatives. Therefore, your family may be another source of funding to explore.

Work-study programmes

As an international student in the US, you may come across the term "work-study" while searching for jobs. Work-study is a US government program that allows students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. While federal work-study is not available to international students, some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs usually reserved for federal work-study. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students.

International students can expect to make at least minimum wage, which can help offset the cost of education. However, it is important to understand the demands of your courses and manage your schedule to ensure you can balance work and studies.

To work in the United States, you need a Social Security Number. You must secure a job first to apply for the Social Security Number, and you cannot begin working until you have been appointed to a job requisition number. Additionally, your ability to work on or off-campus may depend on your visa type. F-1 status, the most common for full-time international students, allows for part-time, on-campus employment of fewer than 20 hours per week. During school breaks, F-1 students may work full-time, up to a maximum of 40 hours per week.

There are several employment opportunities for international students, including on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Remember to utilize the international student office and the career services office for guidance on finding on-campus positions.

On-campus employment

International students with F-1 status, the most common status for full-time international students, can work part-time on-campus (fewer than 20 hours per week) if they are in good academic standing or have completed their academic programme. J-1 student status holders can also work part-time on-campus with similar restrictions, as long as they have permission from their exchange visitor program sponsor.

Before accepting any on-campus employment, it is crucial for international students to discuss eligibility with their International Student Adviser, as the rules regarding nonimmigrant student employment are complex and can vary depending on immigration status and the time of year. For instance, some jobs may only be available during vacations.

There are various on-campus jobs that international students can pursue. One option is to become a resident assistant (RA) after your first year of study. Serving as an RA can provide financial assistance and the opportunity to build valuable leadership skills. Additionally, some universities offer work-study programmes where students can work part-time on campus. These programmes not only provide income but also help students gain work experience.

It is worth noting that international students may be exempt from paying taxes on certain forms of financial aid, depending on their visa type, duration of stay in the US, and the type of award. If your home country has a tax treaty with the US, you may even qualify for a full refund of any taxes withheld from your financial aid award.

Sports scholarships

US university sports scholarships are a popular choice for many young athletes worldwide, as they provide the opportunity to continue training at a high level while studying. Student-athletes can gain access to academic support, state-of-the-art technology, and regular high-level competition. Additionally, some student athletes even achieve celebrity status, like UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi, whose perfect-scoring routines went viral with over 60 million views.

To qualify for a sports scholarship, you must be an amateur athlete and not a professional. Most US university athletes fall under the banner of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which organises championships across 24 sports, with nearly 20,000 teams participating. Each sport is divided into three divisions, with athletes in Division I and Division II eligible for scholarships.

To increase your chances of securing a sports scholarship, it is important to start your research early, approximately 18 to 24 months before your planned enrolment date. You can begin by checking the NCAA International Standards for Student Athletes for your country and finding a school that participates in the NCAA Sport Listing. Creating a sports CV or resume that showcases your athletic accomplishments and includes videos of your performance can also enhance your application.

Additionally, consider using a scholarship recruitment service, such as U.S. Sports Scholarships, which has successfully placed thousands of student-athletes in American schools. They can assist you in finding the right school academically and athletically and provide support throughout your collegiate career.

Remember, the student-athlete experience is about more than just sports. You will also need to maintain certain grades to continue receiving scholarship support, so be prepared to balance your athletic and academic commitments.

Frequently asked questions