Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the USA face a unique set of challenges when it comes to financing their education. While the US is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, attracting around one million new international students each year, the costs of tuition, housing, books, and other supplies can quickly add up. International students are not eligible for federal student aid, and funding opportunities are limited, so most students must cover their own expenses. However, there are several options available to help international students fund their studies, including private loans, scholarships, work-study programs, and sports scholarships. Additionally, some universities may offer reduced tuition fees or financial aid packages. Proper research and preparation of scholarship applications are key to securing funding and achieving academic and personal goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Financial aid options | Merit-based or need-based aid, scholarships, private international student loans, work-study programs, federal loans (FAFSA), grants, fellowships |
| Scholarships | Offered by universities, private organizations, or governments; based on academic, athletic, or other talents |
| Loans | Provided by private organizations or lenders, requiring a co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident; MPOWER Financing is a lender that does not require a co-signer |
| Work opportunities | Part-time, on-campus employment allowed for F-1 and J-1 visa holders; work-study programs offered by some universities |
| Cost considerations | Tuition, living expenses (room and board, utilities, transportation, books, supplies, health insurance), visa fees, international airfare, personal expenses |
| Resources | EduPASS, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Institute for International Education (IIE), EducationUSA centers, university financial aid offices |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and grants
Scholarship and Grant Databases
There are several online databases that provide comprehensive lists of scholarships and grants specifically for international students wishing to study in the US. These databases allow you to search for awards based on criteria such as location, subject of study, and student origin. Here are some reliable databases to explore:
- EduPASS: Offers a list of websites that allow international students to search for scholarships, as well as a glossary of terms relevant to student financial aid.
- InternationalStudent.com: Provides a free and up-to-date list of scholarships, grants, and other awards available to international students worldwide.
- IEFA (International Education Financial Aid): Features a comprehensive database of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students.
- FastWeb: A free online scholarship search service with access to 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion. Students can create a profile to keep track of their applications.
- International Education Financial Aid: Another free online scholarship search service designed specifically for international students.
- Scholarship Finder: A searchable database of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and financial aid opportunities sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- EducationUSA: A directory of special opportunities and financial aid for international students and scholars.
- International Scholarships: A free online scholarship database for international students wishing to study worldwide.
University-Specific Scholarships and Grants
Many universities in the US offer scholarships and grants specifically for international students. These opportunities vary widely and are often based on merit, financial need, or both. Here are some examples of universities that provide scholarships for international students:
- University of Minnesota: Offers the Global Excellence Scholarship and the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, which is renewable and offers $15,000 per year.
- University of Iowa: Provides various scholarships for international students starting their first year.
- University of Oregon: Awards scholarships to international students from around the world.
- University of Wisconsin: Offers a Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program for international students demonstrating financial need.
- Iowa State University: Has a merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students.
- Michigan State University: Provides various grants and scholarships for international students.
- New York University Wagner: Offers US scholarships for graduate studies at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
- University of Arkansas: Provides funding opportunities for international students of varying backgrounds and nationalities.
Private Organization Scholarships and Grants
In addition to university-specific scholarships, there are also private organizations that offer scholarships and grants for international students studying in the US. These opportunities often have specific eligibility criteria, so be sure to review the requirements carefully:
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: Provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial aid for their graduate studies. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% loan.
- American Association of University Women: Offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the US. Priority is given to women committed to advancing women and girls' causes.
- Civil Society Leadership Awards: Offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change.
- Country-Specific Scholarships: Some countries offer scholarships for their citizens wishing to study abroad, such as Conacyt in Mexico and ColFuturo in Colombia.
- Foreign Fulbright Student Program: Offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from around the world to study in the US.
- MPOWER Financing: Offers scholarships for international and DACA students, including the Global Citizen Scholarship Program.
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Awards scholarships to women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the US.
- Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: A $2,000 prize open to students of all nationalities enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs in the US or abroad.
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded twice a year to international students wishing to study in the US, with a value of $1,000.
Additional Tips
When searching for scholarships and grants, keep in mind that some opportunities may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. Here are some additional tips to consider:
- Merit-based Scholarships: These are awarded based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Universities may offer scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. Merit-based scholarships are often very competitive, so be prepared to demonstrate exceptional ability.
- Need-based Scholarships: These are awarded based on financial need. Consult with your university's academic departments to learn about any funds allocated for international students with exceptional financial need.
- University Websites: Regularly check the websites of the universities you're interested in, as they may offer unique scholarships or funding opportunities for international students.
- Country-Specific Opportunities: Research scholarship opportunities specific to your home country, as some governments or organizations offer scholarships to support their citizens studying abroad.
- Application Requirements: Pay close attention to the application requirements and criteria for each scholarship. Ensure you submit all the necessary documents, essays, letters of recommendation, and proof of financial need or academic achievement.
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Work-study programmes
Federal work-study is a US government programme that allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and fund their education. However, federal work-study is not available to international students. Nevertheless, there are other work-study opportunities for international students. Some colleges and universities have work-study programmes or special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. Additionally, international students can gain employment through on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
It is important to note that the availability of work-study programmes and the specific opportunities available may vary by school. Participating colleges and universities typically partner with on-campus and off-campus employers to offer eligible job opportunities. On-campus jobs are typically student-oriented, such as working in the library, cafeteria, or student centre. CPT allows students to work from the moment they arrive on campus, and OPT provides opportunities for off-campus employment after the first academic year.
International students should review the applicable visa policies, as their ability to work on or off-campus may depend on their visa type. Students with an F-1 or M-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but there are opportunities for off-campus employment after completing the first year. M-1 students may only engage in practical training after completing their studies, and any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
In addition to work-study programmes, international students can explore other financial aid options such as scholarships, federal loans, and private loans.
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Private international student loans
International students in the USA have fewer student loan options than most US borrowers. Unless they are eligible non-citizens who can qualify for federal student loans, they may need to borrow from a private lender.
International student loans are specialized private education loans available to international students studying in the US. These loans are flexible and can offer loan amounts high enough to pay for one's entire education. They also have extended repayment terms and reasonable interest rates.
International students can also take out private loans, although many financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt. When considering taking out a student loan from any private organization or institution, it is important to do thorough research and compare the rates and terms offered by various loan providers. Interest rates, repayment terms, loan maximums, and fees can vary significantly between lenders.
A cosigner is someone who guarantees and is responsible for payment to the loaning institution if, for any reason, the borrower is unable to pay back the loan. The cosigner must be a permanent US resident with good credit who has lived in the US for the past two years. The cosigner is often a close friend or relative who can assist in getting credit, since most international students cannot receive credit on their own. The two most common indexes used for international student loans are the Prime Rate and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). This benchmark is based on the transactions in the Treasury repurchase market, where banks and investors loan Treasuries overnight. When determining the interest rate for an international student, the lender considers the chosen benchmark (Prime Rate or SOFR) and adds an extra percentage depending on the creditworthiness of the borrower or their cosigner.
Before taking out a loan, it is recommended to research funding opportunities from one's country's embassy or governmental educational office to see if there are applicable scholarships. One can also use the U.S. Department of Labor's scholarship search engine to identify scholarships, fellowships, grants, and financial aid awards.
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Sports scholarships
The application process is competitive and requires careful planning. It is recommended to start researching 18-24 months in advance. You should look up the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) International Standards for Student Athletes and find a school that suits your academic and athletic ambitions. Creating a sports CV or resume, as well as recording videos of your athletic performances, can also be helpful.
Yes, there are several organisations that specialise in helping international students secure sports scholarships in the USA, including:
- U.S. Sports Scholarships: They have successfully placed thousands of student-athletes from over 30 countries at over 800 American and Canadian schools since 2008.
- College Scholarships USA (CSUSA): They have assisted over 3100 student-athletes from all over the world since 2007 and have a fantastic reputation for their services.
- Keystone Sports: With over 20 years of experience, they have helped more than 14,000 international students become student-athletes in the US and Canada.
- Aspire Atlantic: They offer a program designed to help athletes succeed both on and off the field, providing everything needed to reach their goals.
Being a student-athlete in the USA comes with a range of benefits, including access to state-of-the-art facilities, academic support, and the opportunity to compete at a high level. Student-athletes can even achieve celebrity status, with their games being broadcast worldwide. However, it is important to remember that it requires a lot of commitment and hard work, with stipulations in place to maintain certain grades to continue receiving scholarship support.
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Country-specific funding
International students in the USA have limited funding opportunities, and most cover their tuition fees and costs of study themselves. However, there are still several country-specific funding options available. Here are some suggestions:
Scholarships
Scholarships are the main way to fund your studies in the US, and there are various scholarship options available for international students. Many colleges and universities in the USA offer scholarships or grants to talented international students, and the amount and type of aid varies by institution. Some schools offer sports scholarships, while others provide academic or artistic scholarships.
There are also many private organisations that offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students offers around 4,000 scholarships annually to international students who want to study in the US. Eligibility criteria differ depending on your country of origin.
Some countries also offer scholarships for their students to study abroad, usually awarded to exceptional students or for specific programs in areas where specialists are needed. For instance, Saudi Arabia launched a program that provides full scholarships to over 10,000 Saudi students studying in the USA.
Student Loans
International students are eligible for private international student loans to study in the USA, although many financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt. Many organisations and institutions provide private loans to international students, and some offer assistance targeted at students from specific regions or countries who meet certain criteria. Interest rates, repayment terms, loan maximums, and fees can vary significantly between lenders, so it is important to do thorough research and seek advice from a financial advisor or student loan expert.
Home Country Funding
Your own home country could be a source of funding, either from organisations or companies from your home country or your government. It is a good idea to start your research early and check with your local government to see if such programs exist.
Work-Study Programs
Some universities offer work-study programs where students can work part-time jobs on campus. This can provide an opportunity to earn money to help cover costs while also gaining work experience. However, it is important to note that working on or off-campus cannot be your sole source of funding, and most jobs will provide spending money at best. Additionally, international students must discuss eligibility for any kind of employment with the International Student Adviser on their campus before accepting any work, as immigration regulations are strict regarding working while on a student visa.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the USA, but there are other options. Many colleges and universities offer financial aid packages, which can be need-based or merit-based. Some universities also offer work-study programmes where students can work part-time jobs on campus. Additionally, international students can take out private loans, although financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt.
Many universities offer their own scholarships, and there are also private scholarships available. Scholarships can be based on academic merit or athletic ability. International scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas and are a popular option for students seeking to gain a global perspective.
There are a number of organisations and companies that offer resources and support for international students in the USA. EducationUSA centres, for example, are sponsored by the US government and provide resources and events about the college application process and adjusting to life as an international student. The Institute for International Education (IIE) is the largest non-profit organisation in the USA devoted to international exchange, managing over 200 programs and developing scholarship and training programs.
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