Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US often face challenges when it comes to funding their education. While the US is a popular study destination, attracting around one million new international students annually, the funding opportunities for international students are limited. International students are generally not eligible for federal aid or state aid, and they cannot rely on working in the US unless they have a teaching or research assistantship. However, there are alternative funding sources available, including scholarships, grants, private loans, and work-study programs. Scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for athletic or academic abilities. Additionally, some universities may waive application fees or offer tuition waivers. International students can also explore funding from their home countries, through organisations, companies, or their government. Family support is the largest source of funding for international students, and wire transfers are a common method for receiving money from abroad. To build credit, international students can open a bank account and obtain a debit or credit card. While funding an education in the US as an international student can be challenging, careful research and preparation can increase the chances of securing the necessary financial aid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Funding opportunities | Limited |
| Scholarships | Competitive |
| Application fees | May be waived by private and public institutions |
| Merit-based scholarships | Granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities |
| Need-based scholarships | Awarded based on financial need |
| Scholarship databases | Some are free, some charge fees |
| Sources of funding | Family, home country, university, international scholarships, private scholarships, institutional scholarships, government-funded scholarships, private international student loans, tuition waivers, employment |
| Work | F-1 status allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week); J-1 status allows for similar employment with permission from the exchange visitor program sponsor |
| Bank accounts | Debit cards, credit cards, traveller's checks, wire transfers |
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Scholarships and grants
As an international student, you won't be eligible for funding intended for US nationals. However, many universities in the US prioritise internationalisation, so the number of international scholarships available is growing. Some universities also offer need-blind admission to international students.
There are two main types of scholarships: merit-based and need-based. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Your university may have scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded based on financial need.
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship for international students. It offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
- The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship program for international experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US. Applicants must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer fully-funded scholarships for students from eligible countries to study for a master's degree in the US or another host country.
- 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 seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA.
- The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries earning their graduate degrees in the USA.
- The East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships offer scholarships to international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the US.
- The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program offers scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering the full cost of tuition and student fees.
- The Japan-United States Friendship Commission is an initiative run by Japan and the US that offers grant programs to Japanese students wishing to study in the US and vice versa.
- 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 supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.
- The MPOWER Financing Global Citizen Scholarship Program has broad eligibility criteria and is offered throughout the year.
- The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships of up to $30,000 to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or public service.
- The Boren Award for International Study provides funding for undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad.
- The Language Flagship offers programs at 22 universities and colleges across the US, combined with overseas study opportunities at ten Flagship Overseas Centers.
- The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship Program provides grants for doctoral candidates to engage in full-time dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies, excluding Western Europe.
- The USDA/1994 Tribal Scholars Program provides scholarships for applicants attending 1994 Land Grant Tribal Colleges and Universities seeking careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences.
- The William F. Helms Internship Program helps protect US agriculture and the environment while facilitating the global trade of pest- and disease-free agricultural goods.
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports international research and education through fellowships, travel grants, summer institutes, workshops, and research and education projects.
- The NIH Fogarty International Center supports and facilitates global health research conducted by US and international investigators.
- Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program – Funding opportunities for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
- Harvard University Scholarships – A range of competitive international scholarships for students from all over the globe.
- Illinois State University International Awards – Tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships for incoming international students.
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships – Merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students.
- Michigan State University International Scholarships – Various grants and scholarships for international students.
- New York University Wagner International Scholarships – Scholarships to study at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
There are also several free online scholarship databases that you can use to search for scholarships and grants, including:
- Scholarship Finder
- EducationUSA
- EduPASS
- FastWeb
- International Education Financial Aid
- International Scholarships
- Mobility International USA
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Loans
International students can take out loans to help pay for their college education in the US. The cost of tuition, room and board, transportation, books, supplies, health insurance, and other expenses can add up, and loans can help to cover these costs.
There are a few different loan options available to international students in the US. These include private loans from a third-party lender (not the government), international student loans, and loans to study abroad from the student's home country. The most common type of loan taken out by international students is a private student loan, which is offered by banks or credit unions.
International student loans are available year-round and can cover up to the total cost of school minus any other financial aid received. Students can borrow up to their school's total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. The maximum loan amount can be determined by contacting the school's financial aid office.
When taking out a loan, it is important to understand the concept of interest. Interest is the additional amount charged by a lender on top of the principal amount borrowed. The interest rate is calculated using a benchmark rate, such as the Prime Rate or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), plus a margin based on the creditworthiness of the borrower or their co-signer.
Most international students need a co-signer to help them qualify for a loan. A co-signer is someone who guarantees and is responsible for repayment if the borrower is unable to pay back the loan. The co-signer must be a permanent US resident with good credit and has lived in the US for at least the past two years.
It is important to carefully evaluate the repayment terms of the loan, as they can vary depending on the lender and loan option chosen. Repayment terms typically range from 10-25 years, and students may be able to defer payment until 6 months after graduation.
In addition to interest, there may be other fees or costs associated with student loans, such as origination fees and application fees. It is recommended to research and plan ahead before submitting loan applications and to consider alternative funding options such as scholarships and grants, which do not need to be paid back.
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Family funding
If you are an international student, your family may be a source of funding for you to explore. However, it is important to note that the income on which you base your application must be assured and must be equal to or exceed the costs of the first year of your studies. Immigration regulations in the US are very strict with respect to working while on a student visa. For instance, F-1 status, which is the most common status for full-time international students, only allows for part-time, on-campus employment (less than 20 hours per week).
If your family is able to provide financial support, there are a few things you should keep in mind when applying for your student visa. Firstly, make sure that the income documentation you provide is accurate and up-to-date. This may include tax returns, bank statements, or other financial records. Secondly, be prepared to demonstrate that the income is sufficient to cover your educational and living expenses for at least the first year of your studies. This may involve providing detailed estimates of your expected costs, including tuition, housing, books, and other related expenses.
In addition to family funding, there are other sources of financial aid available for international students in the US. These include scholarships, grants, and private loans. Scholarships are the main way to fund studies in the US, and there are many private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships available. While they are highly competitive, your chances of securing one are good if you have impressive achievements and a strong application. Many colleges and universities in the US also offer scholarships or grants specifically for talented international students.
In conclusion, family funding is a significant source of financial support for international students in the US. However, it is important to ensure that the income provided by your family meets the requirements for your student visa and covers your educational and living expenses. Additionally, exploring other sources of funding, such as scholarships and grants, can further help you secure the financial resources needed to pursue your studies in the country.
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Sports scholarships
As an international student-athlete, you can be eligible for athletic and academic scholarships, as well as financial aid, at many colleges and universities in the United States. To increase your chances of receiving a sports scholarship, there are several steps you should take:
Start Early
The application process for sports scholarships is competitive and requires careful planning. It is recommended to begin your research approximately 18 to 24 months before you plan to attend a university in the United States. This includes familiarizing yourself with the U.S. system and terminology, such as division levels, admissions deadlines, and how to communicate with college coaches.
Research Schools
Take the time to research schools that would be a good fit for you academically, athletically, socially, and geographically. Look at program rosters to see if they have recruited international students in the past. Once you have done your research, create a target list of 20-30 schools that includes a balance of reach, fit, and safety schools.
Connect with Coaches
Email coaches at your target schools to express your interest in their program and ask relevant questions. Ask about the availability of full or partial athletic scholarships for your sport, admission and academic requirements, and the presence of other international student-athletes. It is important to distinguish yourself by showcasing your knowledge of the team, program, and how you would contribute.
Prepare Your Application
Colleges and universities offer athletic scholarships to attract talented athletes who can contribute to their sports programs. To increase your chances of being noticed, create a sports CV or resume highlighting your athletic accomplishments, and consider filming videos of your skills and raw footage. You can also use platforms like NCSA Recruiting Profiles to make it easier for coaches to discover and evaluate you.
Eligibility Requirements
To compete at an NCAA or NAIA institution, you must register with their respective Eligibility Centers to verify your academic and amateurism status. International athletes must submit official documents, including transcripts and test scores, which may need to be translated into English. The NCAA will ask about your education background and athletic participation to determine your eligibility for amateurism status.
Financial Considerations
While international athletes are not eligible for U.S. federal student aid, some colleges and universities offer their own institutional aid based on financial need. Additionally, international athletes may qualify for private student loans, but these usually require a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
By following these steps and staying dedicated to your athletic and academic goals, you can increase your chances of receiving a sports scholarship as an international student in the United States.
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Part-time work
As an international student in the USA, you may find that funding your studies is challenging. International students are not eligible for federal student aid, and the funding opportunities are limited. However, there are still ways to secure funding for your education. One option is to work part-time while studying. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Visa requirements: The type of work visa you can obtain will depend on your student visa status. The F-1 visa, which is 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.
- Employment opportunities: On-campus employment opportunities may include working in the cafeteria, library, or administrative offices. You can check with your student advisor or international student office to learn about available positions and eligibility requirements.
- Academic standing: To be eligible for part-time work, you must maintain good academic standing. This usually means maintaining a certain grade point average (GPA) or academic progress.
- Work related to your major: If you are pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), your work must be directly related to your major. OPT allows international students to work off-campus in a field related to their major, while CPT allows for internships or training related to their degree.
- Income considerations: Working part-time can provide a source of income to help cover your living expenses, but it may not be enough to cover all your costs. It is important to consider the income you can realistically earn and ensure it aligns with your financial needs.
- Time management: Balancing work and studies can be challenging. Be sure to manage your time effectively to ensure your academic performance does not suffer.
Remember that working part-time is just one option for funding your studies. You can also explore scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. By combining multiple sources of funding, you can make studying in the USA more affordable and achievable.
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Frequently asked questions
Scholarships are the main way to fund your studies in the US as an international student. There are private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships. You can also look into tuition waivers, which allow students to not pay a portion or all of their tuition fees.
Merit-based scholarships 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.
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Students who can demonstrate need at a predetermined level are eligible for this type of aid.
Scholarship applications can be competitive, so it's important to do your research and prepare your application carefully. You can also refer to guides on how to write a motivation letter for a scholarship application.
Aside from scholarships, you can explore funding from your home country, either from organizations, companies, or your government. You can also look into private international student loans, although these may have strict conditions. Additionally, some international students work part-time on-campus while studying, but this may be limited by your visa status.
