Douglas Olsen
International students in the USA often face difficulties in funding their education, as they are ineligible for federal financial aid and typically pay out of pocket. However, there are several financial aid options available for international students, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and private or institutional loans. While scholarships are highly competitive, they are the main way to fund studies in the US. Additionally, some US colleges and universities offer financial aid packages to attract international students. International students can also pursue on-campus employment or begin their studies at community colleges before transferring to a four-year institution to reduce costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International student loans | Require a cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident |
| Scholarship search services | International Education Financial Aid, International Scholarships, Mobility International USA |
| Types of scholarships | Private, institutional, and government-funded |
| US colleges offering financial aid to international students | Vassar College, Stanford University, Pomona College, Vanderbilt University, The Citadel, Arizona State University |
| Application forms | ISFAA, CSS Profile, FAFSA (restricted to specific categories of international students) |
| Work opportunities | Part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week) |
| Other sources of funding | Family, Fulbright Commission, other international organizations |
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Scholarships and grants
International students may not qualify for federal or state aid and usually rely on personal and other financial resources to cover tuition and expenses. However, there are options available at the institutional level, including grants and scholarships.
International students can access scholarships and grants from various sources, including universities, private organisations, and governments. Some scholarships are aimed at students from specific regions or countries, while others are open to international students in general.
University scholarships and grants
Some US universities offer need-blind admission to international students, and the number of international scholarships has grown as US universities prioritise internationalisation.
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships: A merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students.
- Michigan State University International Scholarships: Various grants and scholarships for international students to study at MSU.
- New York University Wagner International Scholarships: Scholarships for international students to study at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
- University of Arkansas International Scholarships: Funding opportunities for international students of varying backgrounds and nationalities.
- University of Minnesota International Scholarships: Offers a Global Excellence Scholarship and the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, a renewable scholarship offering $15,000 per year.
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering the full cost of tuition and student fees.
Private organisation scholarships and grants
Private organisations also offer scholarships and grants for international students. Some examples include:
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: Provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial help for graduate studies. The scholarships are 50% grant and 50% loan.
- The American Association of University Women Fellowships: Offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women committed to advancing women and girls, and the scholarship may be reapplied for annually.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards: Offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change.
- MPOWER Financing Global Citizen Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships for international and DACA students with broad eligibility criteria.
Government scholarships and grants
Some scholarships are funded by the US government, such as the popular Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which offers scholarships to graduate students from around the world to study in the USA.
Other government scholarships include:
- The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree scholarship program for international, experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: International scholarships aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating US college or university. Applicants should submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
Application process
To apply for financial aid, international students may need to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, used by private colleges. Some universities may have their own forms, and in rare cases, a school may require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
It is important to note that US institutions rarely offer tuition discounts, and scholarships for international students, especially at the undergraduate level, are highly competitive. International students can also consider taking out private loans, although financial experts advise against taking on too much debt.
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Loans
International students are not eligible for federal aid from the US government, such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. However, international students can apply for private international student loans to study in the USA. These loans are offered by several private legal lenders in the US, although there are not many lenders that offer these loans. Additionally, these lenders usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident. If you do not have a co-signer, you can see if a no-co-signer loan is available.
It is important to be careful about taking on too much debt. You should only borrow what you need to cover the cost of studying and living in the US.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is restricted to specific categories of students from other countries, including students with a green card (US permanent residents) and former victims of human trafficking (T nonimmigrant status). However, it is still important to file the FAFSA form, as some schools may require it to determine where you can receive aid from.
International students can also take out private loans, although many financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt.
As an international student, you can also consider working part-time on campus to supplement your income. F-1 status, which is the most common status for full-time international students, allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week).
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Work-study programmes
As an international student in the US, you may come across the term "work-study" while searching for jobs. This usually refers to the Federal Work-Study Program, a US government initiative that allows students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money for their education. Unfortunately, this program is not open to international students as it is federally funded.
However, working while studying can be a great way to earn money and offset the cost of your education. International students can expect to make at least minimum wage, which can help finance your educational expenses and tuition, as well as save money for other expenses. It can also provide you with valuable experience for your resume and allow you to practice English in a professional environment, helping you prepare for work after college.
It is important to note that your ability to work on or off-campus may depend on your visa type, so be sure to review the applicable policies. For example, students with an F-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. To work in the US, you will need a Social Security Number, but you must secure a job first to apply for one.
While federal work-study is not an option, some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for the program. These positions are often funded directly by the school. For example, the University of Pennsylvania offers work-study programs to eligible international students through institutional funding. Additionally, international students can seek on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Remember to utilize the resources available to you, such as the international students office and the career services office, for guidance on finding on-campus positions.
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Employment
International students in the USA are not eligible for federal financial aid from the US government, and funding opportunities are limited. However, there are some employment options available for international students to help fund their studies.
On-Campus Employment
Many US colleges and universities offer on-campus employment opportunities for international students. These positions are typically part-time and may include roles such as resident assistants (RA), research assistants, or other administrative roles. Some schools may limit the type of work and the number of hours per week. For instance, you may be restricted to working fewer than 20 hours per week while school is in session.
Off-Campus Employment
The rules regarding off-campus employment for international students on non-immigrant visas (such as F-1 or J-1 visas) are complex. F-1 visa holders are generally allowed to work part-time off-campus (up to 20 hours per week) through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is required for graduation and must be completed while taking courses. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another option for off-campus employment, typically available for students after graduation. J-1 visa holders may also be permitted to work off-campus with permission from their exchange visitor program sponsor.
It is important to discuss eligibility for any kind of off-campus employment with the International Student Adviser on your campus before accepting any work. Additionally, income from employment should not be the sole source of funding for your studies, as it will likely only provide spending money for personal expenses.
Work-Study Programmes
Some universities offer work-study programmes as part of their financial aid packages. These programmes provide students with part-time employment opportunities, allowing them to earn money to help cover their educational expenses.
Internships
Internship opportunities are available at many schools in the United States, providing students with valuable work experience and a source of income.
Teaching or Research Assistantships
International students with teaching or research assistantships may be able to work in the United States. However, these positions are typically highly competitive and may be challenging to obtain.
While employment options can provide some financial support, international students should also explore other funding opportunities, such as scholarships, grants, and private loans, to ensure they can cover the full cost of their studies.
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Application fee waivers
Some top universities in the USA, such as Harvard, Yale, and Carnegie Mellon, offer application fee waivers based on financial need and other eligibility criteria. Many mid-tier and private universities, such as Case Western Reserve University, the University of Dayton, and Michigan Technological University, also charge no application fees for international students. Eligibility for fee waivers is often based on financial need, academic excellence, participation in pre-college programmes, and military service. Many universities provide fee waivers through Common App, Coalition App, and specific university-sponsored events.
To request an application fee waiver, you can submit an online application, pay the application fee if necessary, and then request a waiver. You can also apply for a need-based application fee waiver, which will require a financial aid letter that outlines your financial needs and includes any supporting evidence for your application.
Some universities, such as Northeastern University in Boston, offer need-based application fee waivers. Michigan Technological University also provides application fee waivers for certain applicants, including military personnel, low-income students, and those applying through designated partner programmes.
In addition to university-specific waivers, you can also check with your school counsellor for possible fee waivers.
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Frequently asked questions
Scholarships, grants, private loans, and work-study programs are some of the financial aid options available to international students. International students are not eligible for federal loans or aid.
Many universities offer scholarships for international students, and there are also private scholarships. International scholarships are specifically designed to help students fund education programs overseas.
Scholarship applications can be competitive, so it is important to research and prepare your application carefully. Make sure to provide any requested documentation, such as income data or transcripts, as soon as possible.
Yes, some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students, such as waiving application fees or providing discounts on tuition. International students can also pursue on-campus employment, but there are strict immigration regulations regarding working while on a student visa.
You may need to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile for private colleges. Some universities may have their own forms. In rare cases, a school may require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but this typically requires a Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number.
