International Students - Financing College
International students will receive better financial aid and scholarships at
universities and colleges that are actively seeking to draw such students to
their programs. Despite this fact, competition for such aid and scholarships is
fierce because of its limited availability. Applying for aid and scholarships
early is one of the best ways to secure as much funding as possible.
Financial aid packages for international students are similar to aid for students who are citizens of the country in which the school is located. Many scholarships and grants are earmarked for specific categories of students. Factors taken into consideration for aid outside the scope of a student’s academic achievements could be race, religion, level of study, field of study, affiliations to specific groups, and more.
The most deserving of the college applicants usually receive the largest financial packages. This often equates to the highest-acheiving individuals among all applicants, meaning those students with the highest test and exam scores. The best academic record is the most important parameter in determining which international students receive the most aid. In fact, graduate students with strong academic records are more likely to receive financial help than undergraduate students.
The most likely places to look for funding for a college education for international students is at home. Many students rely on family and friends for a large percentage of support. Outside sources, such as corporations, government agencies, special foundations, or local businesses, may also offer some type of funding or scholarships for students who want to study abroad.
Specific organizations also offer scholarships to international students in an effort to promote international education and cultural exchange. These organizations include the League of Red Cross Societies, the World Health Organization, the World Council of Churches, and the United Nations.
In the United States, federal financial aid is only available for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. This kind of aid generally includes federal grants and loans (such as Stafford, Perkins and PLUS). Eligible non-citizens include U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents with a Permanent Resident Card, or people with an Arrival-Departure Card from USCIS with one of the following designations:
- Refugee
- Asylum granted
- Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending
- Conditional Entrant, issued before 4/1/80
- Victim of human trafficking
- Parolee (with specific guidelines)
People with a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence, with student visas, or with exchange visitor visas are not eligible for federal student financial aid in the United States.
