Savanna Hoffman
International students face additional costs when studying in the US, such as visa application fees and international airfare. Although funding for them is often more limited, international students may qualify for certain types of merit or need-based aid. While international students cannot apply for federal student aid, there are exceptions for eligible non-citizens, such as US nationals, permanent residents, refugees, and asylees. These students can apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, international students can explore other financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and institutional aid offered by colleges and universities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for federal student aid? | U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees and asylees. |
| Who is not eligible for federal student aid? | Nonimmigrant visa holders (F-1, J-1, etc.), international students (except eligible noncitizens). |
| What is the application process for federal student aid? | Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with a Social Security Number (SSN) or Alien Registration Number (ARN). |
| What types of aid are available through FAFSA? | Loans, grants, work-study opportunities. |
| What are the alternatives for international students who are not eligible for federal student aid? | International scholarships, home country funding, institutional grants and scholarships, merit-based aid, need-based aid, Fulbright grants. |
| Are there any employment opportunities for international students to fund their studies? | Part-time, on-campus employment (F-1 visa, <20 hours/week); similar for J-1 visa with sponsor permission; no work during studies for M-1 visa holders. |
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What You'll Learn
International students' eligibility for federal student aid
International students can access financial aid to fund their studies in the US, although eligibility for federal student aid is generally limited to US citizens and permanent residents.
International students with non-immigrant visas (F-1, J-1, etc.) are typically not eligible for federal financial aid. However, they may be able to access other forms of financial support, such as international scholarships, which are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas. Many US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. International students can also explore funding opportunities from their home countries, such as scholarships offered by their governments or organizations. For example, Saudi Arabia has a program that provides full scholarships to over 10,000 Saudi students studying in the US.
Permanent residents of the US, including refugees and asylees, may qualify for federal financial aid in the form of loans, grants, or work-study opportunities. They can apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is used by colleges and universities to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid, including scholarships for international students.
International students with F-1 status, the most common visa type for full-time international students, are allowed to work part-time on campus for fewer than 20 hours per week. However, on-campus jobs typically do not pay enough to finance a university education, so careful financial planning is necessary.
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Colleges' determination of institutional aid
International students are generally ineligible for federal financial aid in the US and typically pay out of pocket. However, colleges may offer institutional aid in the form of grants and scholarships.
To apply for financial aid, international students may need to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, which is 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). The FAFSA form also helps colleges determine whether a student qualifies for institutional aid.
Colleges may offer need-based aid or merit aid. Need-based aid is awarded based on financial need, while merit aid is awarded based on academic merit, special skills, talents, or abilities.
Some colleges may offer a discount off the sticker price as a financial incentive to attract students. However, students may still need to take out loans to cover the remaining cost of attendance.
It is uncommon for US institutions to offer aid to undergraduate international students, so scholarships at this level are often competitive. Most of the institutional aid available to international students is for graduate study in the form of assistantships and fellowships.
- Vassar College
- Stanford University
- Pomona College
- Vanderbilt University
- The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
- Arizona State University
- Howard University
- St. Lawrence University
- Davidson College
- Indiana University - Bloomington
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Centre College
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International scholarships
International students seeking financial aid for their studies in the United States can explore various scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are designed to help fund education programmes overseas and offer valuable cultural experiences and networking opportunities. Here is some information on international scholarships:
Eligibility:
Sources of Scholarships:
International students can explore scholarships offered by their home countries, either through organisations, companies, or their governments. For instance, Saudi Arabia provides full scholarships to Saudi students studying in the USA. Additionally, several international organisations, such as the Fulbright Commission, offer scholarships to students worldwide. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship assists students from select developing countries with no other financial means for graduate studies.
Scholarship Databases:
Websites like InternationalStudent.com and IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) offer comprehensive databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs specifically for international students. These sites provide valuable information on funding opportunities and promote international education. EduPASS also maintains a list of scholarships for international students, including undergraduate scholarships and MBA funding opportunities.
University Financial Aid:
Many U.S. colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. Students can explore these opportunities by contacting the institutions directly or using resources like the College Board, which provides information on scholarships, financial aid, and internships.
Work Opportunities:
International students with specific visa statuses may be eligible for part-time, on-campus employment. For example, students with F-1 visas can work on campus for fewer than 20 hours per week. However, it is important to carefully plan and not rely solely on this income to finance their education.
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Home country as a source of funding
International students are not eligible for federal aid in the US, such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. However, your home country may be a source of funding. This could be in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans from organisations, companies, or your home country's government. For example, Saudi Arabia launched a program that provides full scholarships to over 10,000 Saudi students studying in the USA.
There are also several international organisations, such as the Fulbright Commission, that provide grants and scholarships to students all over the world. Many of these organisations require applicants to be in their home country at the time of application, so plan ahead as competition can be fierce.
Some countries offer grants and scholarships to students from specific regions or countries who meet certain criteria. For example, the Organisation of American States, an international organisation based in Washington, DC, offers interest-free loans to students from Latin American and Caribbean countries to help finance their graduate, postgraduate, and final two years of undergraduate studies at accredited universities in the US.
Your home country may also have a tax treaty with the US, which could qualify you for a full refund of any taxes withheld from your financial aid award.
It is important to investigate this option thoroughly before you leave your home country, as there may be stipulations involved. For example, you may be required to return home to your country once you have graduated.
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Work-study opportunities
International students in the US often face additional costs, such as visa application fees and international airfare, on top of the usual expenses like tuition and housing. While international students cannot apply for federal student aid, they may still be able to take advantage of work-study opportunities to help fund their education.
Work-study programs allow students to work part-time while studying, providing them with the opportunity to earn money to cover their educational expenses. These programs are typically school-sponsored, with participating colleges and universities partnering with on-campus and off-campus employers to offer eligible job opportunities. While federal work-study programs are not open to international students, some schools have special policies that allow international students to access work opportunities that would otherwise be reserved for federal work-study participants. For example, the University of Pennsylvania offers work-study programs to eligible international students through institutional funding, while the University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study", where wages are provided by the departments that the positions support.
International students can also look into Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs, which allow students to work from the moment they arrive on campus. Additionally, on-campus jobs are typically available to international students, providing an opportunity to practice English in a professional environment and gain valuable work experience.
It is important for international students to carefully manage their schedules and understand the demands of their courses before participating in a work-study program. While working and studying simultaneously can help offset the cost of education, it is generally not enough to fund a student's entire education.
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Frequently asked questions
In most cases, international students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US. However, there are exceptions for permanent residents and eligible non-citizens, such as refugees or those with asylum status.
International students can explore other options for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and merit-based aid. Some colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students, and there are also international organizations that provide aid, such as the Fulbright Commission.
To apply for financial aid, international students should research the requirements and application processes for the specific type of aid they are seeking. Some colleges may require additional forms to determine financial need and eligibility. It is important to note that not all colleges offer aid to international students.
International students with an F-1 visa status are allowed to work part-time on campus for up to 20 hours per week. Those with a J-1 visa can also work part-time with permission from their exchange visitor program sponsor. However, jobs on campus typically do not provide enough income to finance a university education.
International students can also seek funding from their home country, including organizations, companies, or their government. Some countries offer scholarships or other forms of support for students studying abroad. However, there may be stipulations or requirements to return home after graduation.
