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According to the Institute of International Education, the United States is the top destination for international students around the world who want to study abroad - both undergraduate and graduate students. It can also be one of the most expensive, considering that international students will need to pay for their tuition and living expenses including room & board, utilities, transportation, books, and supplies, as well as health insurance – and students may not have all that money on-hand.
If you are like many international students interested in studying in the USA, or if you are already in the United States studying, you may be wondering how you can afford the high cost of all of these expenses as a foreign citizen. It's not going to be easy, but with some hard work and financial aid, you can make this dream a reality.
So, what are your financial aid options to pursue your higher education in America if you don't have the financial resources to cover all your costs up front?
The US Government provides financial assistance to US Citizens and Permanent Residents through the FAFSA* (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but is limited in the financial support it gives international students.
Even though most foreign citizens are not eligible for federal student aid, the US Department of Education states that “Many non-U.S. citizens qualify for federal student aid. Don't assume you can't get aid just because you're not a citizen.” There are some instances in which non-citizens may be eligible for financial aid from the U.S. federal government. So all is not lost for you hopefuls. If you are on an international student visa, you may be eligible for these US government-funded programs designed for eligible noncitizens:
If you are an international student, most likely you are not eligible for financial aid from the US government. Don't lose hope, though, there are a number of other alternatives that can help you fund your education.
*We often get asked "Can international students file the FAFSA?". While the FAFSA is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for financial aid from the US government, some schools ask international students to complete it anyway – and they use this information to assess what aid the students may be eligible for.
It's always a good idea to start looking at home. There's no question that if you have been an outstanding student, your own country may be so proud that they're willing to send you to an American college or university. After all, many foreign governments send their best and brightest students abroad so that they can apply their newly gained skills back home.
American universities are generally more flexible when it comes to offering financial aid for international students in the United States. You can typically find information for financial aid on your school's website either with your Admissions Office, Financial Aid Office or International Student Services Office. Here you can find information on budgeting, the cost of your education, and financial aid that can help you navigate the ins and outs of affording your education.
Often aid from your school will be based on financial need.
Most colleges have either need-based or merit-based financial aid packages, and this can come in many forms. For example, some schools have instituted need-blind admission policy, where you are accepted based on your merits and they do not look at your financials. It's important to talk with your Admissions Office or Financial Aid Office to see what financial aid you are eligible for. There may be additional items to complete during the application process and different due dates to be aware of so be sure to ask.
The consensus amongst reputable admissions counselors is that schools vary widely when it comes to international financial aid offered to students. If the school is well-endowed, looking to diversify its student population, or has special interests, it might be willing to offer their international students a more generous financial aid package.
A number of international students get full scholarships through their university or college to participate on their school's sport teams. Whether you are an excellent rugby player, tear up the field at track and field, or have a talent for another sport, this might be your ticket to a school in the United States. There are a number of agencies that travel the world looking for students who have excelled in their sport, and will match you with a coach recruiting for their school. The coach will have the final say as to whether you get selected and whether there is a financial package to go along with that.
Please do not fall victim to scammers. Make sure whichever school you apply to, it is a legitimate and accredited institution. In 2011, Tri-Valley University in Pleasanton, California was shut down by a federal court order for being a fake university. It promised to sponsor Indian students and get them student visa/work permits. Instead, the owner pocketed the cash to buy herself a nice house and a Mercedes. The students were cheated out of tuition and their dreams of studying in the U.S. Do your research first. Check on the internet and make sure they are an accredited school. Talk with your school counselors and be careful that the school is well-known. Remember if it sounds too good to be true, watch out!
Working in the United States to supplement your financial aid is difficult and limited for international students. F-1 students are allowed to work part-time on campus if they are in good academic standing or once they have completed their academic program. In order to get approval for OPT or CPT, your work must be directly related to your major. Be sure to check with your International Student Advisor to see whether you can work during your studies.
If you are pursuing higher degrees, some international organizations may be able to help you study in the United States including the United Nations and the World Health Organization, to name a few. Again, these scholarships are extremely competitive, but can be an amazing opportunity if you have the qualifications and skills to do so.
There are many sources of international scholarships. Many organizations around the world have created scholarships and grants to help students study abroad. While these awards can be competitive, they can offer free money to students without the obligation of having to pay back the money. There are thousands of scholarships and grants out there, but keep in mind that it's important to put the time and effort into each application to increase the likelihood of winning the award. Keep track of due dates, have your application reviewed, and submit as many as you can.
If you still need additional money, there are private loans that can cover up to the total cost of your US education, including your tuition, transportation, food and living expenses.
As long as you attend an approved school, there are a number of lenders that will work with international students. You can apply right online in most cases and get approval within days. Useful Pointerss are available for undergraduate and graduate students, and the application process is very simple. You don't need to apply before the school year begins - with private loans you can apply at any time as there are no application deadlines.
Loans are not typically available for high school students, but are for international undergraduate students and for graduate study.
Remember, Useful Pointerss allow you to borrow money but you will need to pay back the money along with a cost of borrowing. Be sure to look over all the details and compare lenders to find the loan that's right for you.
In many cases a cosigner is required to get an Useful Pointers in the United States, and that cosigner must be a US Citizen or permanent resident.
The lenders that work with us at InternationalStudentLoan.com do not charge any application fees.
Remember, Useful Pointerss allow you to borrow money but you will need to pay back the money along with a cost of borrowing. Be sure to look over all the details and compare lenders to find the loan that's right for you.