Lori Meadows
International students are individuals who have crossed international borders to participate in educational activities in a foreign country. The number of international students is increasing, with an estimated 6.9 million international students worldwide in 2022. International students can be enrolled in exchange programs or independent international study. When it comes to financial aid, international students who are independent may qualify for more grants, scholarships, and need-based loans. In the United States, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines a student's status as independent or dependent, which impacts their financial aid eligibility. Independent students are those who do not rely on their parents for financial support and may have unique circumstances, such as homelessness or estrangement from their parents.
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What You'll Learn
- International students at Université Paris Cité must complete an interview and/or language test
- Undergraduate students under 24 are usually considered dependent
- International students should budget for visa and phone plan costs
- FAFSA independent students qualify for more grants, scholarships and loans
- Dependency override: students facing unusual circumstances can change from dependent to independent
International students at Université Paris Cité must complete an interview and/or language test
Université Paris Cité welcomes international students who are not enrolled in an exchange programme or one of its partner universities. The university has a separate admission process for independent international students, which depends on their country of residence, origin, and level of studies.
International students wishing to enrol at Université Paris Cité (except for the first year of a Bachelor's degree) must submit their application directly on the Campus France "Études en France" platform if they reside in one of the 66 countries listed. These include countries like the United States, Canada, China, India, Brazil, and many others. Alternatively, if an applicant's country is not listed, they must apply through the university application portal eCandidat.
As part of the admissions process, international students at Université Paris Cité may be invited to participate in an interview and/or language test. A committee will review the student's application, academic background, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. If the committee accepts the application, an authorisation to register will be provided by the pedagogical secretariat of the chosen programme. This document is essential for registration at the university.
It is important to note that most degrees at Université Paris Cité are taught in French. However, there are also study programmes taught in English, particularly at the Master's and PhD levels. The university accepts various language tests, and international students should check which tests are accepted and the minimum passing grades expected. Additionally, in 2024/2025, the university granted non-European students a partial exemption from registration fees, allowing them to pay the same fees as French and European students.
Overall, international students at Université Paris Cité must be prepared for the possibility of an interview and/or language test as part of their admissions process, and they should carefully review the university's admissions guidelines and requirements.
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Undergraduate students under 24 are usually considered dependent
An international student is an individual who undertakes all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were an estimated 6.9 million international students globally, a 276% increase over the past two decades. The majority of these students were enrolled in OECD countries, with the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, and Australia being the top destinations.
When it comes to financial aid and tax implications, the dependency status of undergraduate students plays a crucial role. Undergraduate students under the age of 24 are typically considered dependent on their parents or guardians for financial support. This classification has significant implications for financial aid applications, loan eligibility, and tax benefits.
According to the IRS guidelines in the United States, a college student can be claimed as a dependent by their parents or guardians if they meet specific requirements. These requirements include being related by blood, adoption, or fostering, being under the age of 19 or under 24 if enrolled as a full-time student, and residing with the claimant for more than half of the year. Additionally, the dependent student must not provide more than half of their financial support. Claiming a dependent college student can provide tax benefits, such as tax credits and deductions, as well as impact the student's eligibility for financial aid.
The dependency status of an undergraduate student also affects the calculation of the Student Aid Index (SAI) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For dependent students, their parents' financial circumstances, including income, assets, taxes paid, and family size, are considered. This information is used to determine the expected family contribution towards college expenses. On the other hand, independent students' calculations are based solely on their personal financial circumstances, without regard to their parents' financial data.
It is important to note that the criteria for dependent and independent status may vary depending on the specific regulations and guidelines of different countries and educational institutions. Additionally, the age threshold of 24 years mentioned in this context pertains specifically to the IRS guidelines in the United States.
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International students should budget for visa and phone plan costs
International students face many costs when studying abroad, and budgeting for these expenses is essential. Two key costs that international students should plan for are visa fees and phone plans.
Visa Costs
The cost of a visa for international students varies depending on the country and visa type. For instance, in the United States, the application fee for a student visa is US$160. Additionally, specific visa types have associated costs: an F student visa for full-time study at a post-secondary institution costs US$510, an M student visa for non-academic or vocational studies costs US$160, and a J student visa for exchange visitors is US$160. These visa fees are essential to consider when budgeting for international studies in the US.
Phone Plan Costs
International students also need to budget for phone plans to stay connected with their loved ones back home and their new community abroad. Phone plans can vary in price and features, so it's important to compare options. Some providers offer plans tailored specifically for international students, taking into account factors like data usage, calling frequency, and preferred countries for communication.
In the US, several carriers provide budget-friendly options. Republic Wireless, for instance, offers plans ranging from $15 to $90 per month with unlimited features. Simple Mobile is another affordable choice, with a $25 plan offering unlimited talk and text with 1GB of high-speed data, including international calls and texts to key countries. Straight Talk also provides flexible and diverse plan options for international students.
International students can also consider Tracfone, which offers flexible plans compatible with multiple networks, starting at $15 per month. Verizon, while generally more expensive, has plans ranging from $35 to $80 per month and includes robust network coverage and diverse options. For those seeking a balance between cost and flexibility, options like Mint Mobile, Ting, and Google Fi offer affordable rates, pay-as-you-go approaches, or free roaming in numerous countries.
In summary, international students should be mindful of visa and phone plan costs when budgeting for their studies abroad. By researching and comparing prices and features, they can make informed decisions to stay connected and manage their finances effectively during their international educational journey.
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FAFSA independent students qualify for more grants, scholarships and loans
International students are defined as students who undertake their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were approximately 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations.
In the context of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), independent students may qualify for a broader range of grants, scholarships, and loans compared to dependent students. FAFSA independent students are those who can declare themselves financially independent from their parents or guardians. This status is typically reserved for students in "dire circumstances," such as those who are divorced, come from abusive homes, or have incarcerated parents. In these cases, students must provide documentation from third-party agencies and evidence that they are living away from their parents.
While it is possible to complete the FAFSA without parental information, it is more challenging. Students who indicate that they are unable to provide parental information will not qualify for federal student aid outside of direct unsubsidized student loans, according to the U.S. Department of Education. However, unsubsidized loans are generally preferred over private loans due to more favourable terms for the borrower. Additionally, DACA recipients and other undocumented students may be eligible for scholarships and state aid, further expanding the options for independent students.
To maximize their financial aid opportunities, independent students are encouraged to communicate their situation with their school's financial aid office. They can provide guidance and help students navigate the available options, such as Pell Grants, loans, or merit-based scholarships. Furthermore, students should consider the overall cost of their chosen program and not solely rely on financial aid. By being proactive and informed, independent students can make their college education more financially feasible.
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Dependency override: students facing unusual circumstances can change from dependent to independent
An international student is an individual who undertakes all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. The definition of an "international student" varies from country to country. In the US, an international student is defined as an individual studying in the country on a "non-immigrant, temporary visa" that allows for academic study at the post-secondary level.
In the US, financial aid administrators have the authority to change a student's status from dependent to independent in cases involving unusual circumstances, under Section 480(d)(7) of the Higher Education Act. This is known as a "dependency override". It is important to note that dependency overrides are rare and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Nationwide, approximately 2% of undergraduate students become independent through such dependency overrides.
Dependency overrides are typically granted in situations involving an involuntary dissolution of the family or when it would be harmful for the student to have contact with their parents. Examples of such circumstances include the incarceration or institutionalization of both parents, abuse, abandonment, or the death of the custodial parent. Additionally, if a student is an emancipated minor, under legal guardianship of someone other than a parent, or is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, they may qualify for a dependency override.
It is important to note that a student's self-sufficiency is not sufficient grounds for a dependency override. However, financial aid administrators may consider other factors, such as abandonment or abuse, when evaluating a student's situation. Students seeking a dependency override must provide documentation of their unusual circumstances, such as reports from police, courts, clergy, school counselors, social workers, or medical professionals.
While a dependency override can provide access to increased financial aid opportunities, it is not a guarantee. Students who believe they may be eligible for a dependency override should contact the college's financial aid office and provide the necessary documentation to support their request.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student is someone who has crossed an international border with the objective of participating in educational activities in a foreign country.
An independent student is someone who is financially independent from their parents or guardians. This means that they cannot rely on their parents or guardians for financial support and may qualify for more financial aid.
To become an independent international student, you must meet certain requirements, such as being enrolled in a tertiary degree and not being part of an exchange programme. You may also need to prove financial independence through a dependency override, which can be granted in unusual circumstances such as parental abuse or homelessness.
Independent international students may qualify for more financial aid, grants, scholarships, and need-based loans. They may also be eligible for in-state tuition rates and tax benefits, such as education tax credits.
One challenge for independent international students is the cost of tuition and living expenses, as they cannot rely on financial support from their parents or guardians. Additionally, the admissions process for independent international students can be complex and may require interviews, language tests, and academic evaluations.
