Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

College Admissions

Our Counselors Answered:

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?
Benjamin Waldmann

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

You can’t file a FAFSA, but many state & private colleges have special forms for intn’l students. Ask first, rather than be disappointed later.

Claire Law

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Generally, international students are not eligible for US Government based financial aid, such as loans. They are expected to provide funding from their home country. Some colleges however, provide scholarships that are funded by the college itself. As a consultant and former director of international admission, I can help guide you to those colleges.

Kathleen HarringtonOwnerNew Jersey College Consulting

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Most US colleges will encourage international students to apply for financial aid. Although many items are needed to receive aid for attending college in the USA, if not eligible, the college may still like to review the financial aid paperwork to potentially award the applicant with other monies such as grants and scholarships.

The FAFSA will ask the applicant for a social security number. If the applicant does not have a SSN#, he or she can apply as a eligible non-citizen. Unfortunately, if an applicant is attending school on a student visa, he or she will not be eligible for financial aid. The best resource to utilize is the financial aid office at your potential school of interest. Also, additional information can be found on the FAFSA website.
Patricia KrahnkePresident/PartnerGlobal College Search Associates, LLC

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Short Answer:

Financial aid is not offered to international students through the U.S. federal government; however, many colleges and universities give “scholarships” in the form of tuition discounting to international students to encourage them to attend (NOTE: These scholarships may only be for the first year.) This means they simply reduce the cost of attendance by making your tuition lower than an American student who is asked to pay full tuition. Often this discounting will be called an “academic scholarship.” But, hey, it’s money, right? Detailed Answer: If the college does not offer you a scholarship, and you really want to attend that institution, ask them if they can offer you some money to attend. (NOTE: Most colleges generate their scholarship award via the admissions office, which means any notice of scholarships will come via your letter of acceptance or in the spring as a separate notice. U.S. colleges are increasing their competition to get you to attend their college or university. They will say it’s because they welcome the diversity that you might bring, and certainly that’s a wonderful contribution you can make to our colleges. But the bottom line is that all almost all American colleges and universities are in financial crisis, and they believe you can pay for the education without much financial assistance from them. They know that many of their competitors are offering prospective international students substantial tuition discounts (which they are calling “scholarships.”) So if the institution you are interested in does not offer you a “scholarship,” you can either 1) agree to pay the full amount of tuition, 2) pressure them for money, or 3) you can tell them you will attend another college that is offering you a “scholarship.” Then see if the college you really want to go to will decide to offer you money. If you do receive a scholarship, make sure it is renewable over the four years of your undergraduate degree. Many, many colleges use scholarships (or tuition discounting) as bait to get students to attend the college the first year. They hope that the student will become emotionally and socially integrated to the point that they will do anything to pay the full amount to continue attending, even without a scholarship. This can place undo hardship on the international student’s family (it certainly makes it very difficult for American students.) To see which colleges (by state) in the U.S. offer scholarships to international students, visit http://www.internationalstudent.com/schools_awarding_aid/ [Keep in mind that the list of institutions mentioned on this page specifically are EXTREMELY difficult to get into, even for top students. But many, many other colleges and universities in the U.S. offer outstanding, prestigious degree programs.]
Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

I also entered this answer in a slightly different form for another question which was similarly formulated.

The amount of financial aid available to international students varies from one institution to another, so it is very important when researching colleges/universities to find out how each school deals with this issue. Scholarship and financial aid offerings are usually accessible on each institution’s website, as well as an indication of the procedures to be followed in applying for that aid. Some schools do have need-based aid for international students, but this aid is usually quite limited. There are other institutions which have quite generous financial aid offerings for international students and state that they will meet the full financial need of any student, domestic or international, who is accepted to the school. Keep in mind, though, that your idea of your family’s financial “need” could differ considerably from your financial need as calculated by the institution. Many schools offer merit-based aid which is available to international as well as domestic applicants, with decisions on the awarding of this aid being focused on the student’s prior academic success, standardized test scores, leadership success, or other specified criteria. Some of this aid is awarded automatically if certain high school grades, standardized test scores, or other obvious criteria have been achieved. Other awards must be applied for. Some will require additional essays and/or recommendations in addition to those needed for the college application. Application forms for these scholarships will be found on the websites of the relevant institutions. A student with outstanding skills in a particular academic discipline, athletics, music, art, or some other specialized area might qualify for aid or scholarships awarded through the relevant department within an institution. A few institutions in the U.S. offer international students the same tuition as in-state applicants, an amount which is considerably less than tuition costs for out-of-state domestic applicants. Often students who receive this type of tuition assistance are asked to participate in various cultural sharing activities within the school and local community as a way of repayment. International students should also consider approaching governmental agencies in their respective countries to find out if financial assistance is available for students studying in another country. Another source of financial aid could be various civic organizations within the student’s country. Students who are citizens of the European Union would do well to look at institutions in the U.K., particularly Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, as well as universities in the Netherlands and Finland, in which there are many English-language programs. Tuition rates for EU citizens applying to many/most institutions in those countries will usually be equivalent to the rates for citizens of the country in which the school is located, and these rates are often extremely economical! Hope that helps!
Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

I also entered this answer in a similar form for another question which was similarly formulated.

The amount of financial aid available to international students varies from one institution to another, so it is very important when researching colleges/universities to find out how each school deals with this issue. Scholarship and financial aid offerings are usually accessible on each institution’s website, as well as an indication of the procedures to be followed in applying for that aid. Some schools do have need-based aid for international students, but this aid is usually quite limited. There are other institutions which have quite generous financial aid offerings for international students and state that they will meet the full financial need of any student, domestic or international, who is accepted to the school. Keep in mind, though, that your idea of your family’s financial “need” could differ considerably from your financial need as calculated by the institution. Many schools offer merit-based aid which is available to international as well as domestic applicants, with decisions on the awarding of this aid being focused on the student’s prior academic success, standardized test scores, leadership success, or other specified criteria. A student with outstanding skills in a particular academic discipline, athletics, music, art, or some other specialized area might qualify for aid or scholarships awarded through the relevant department within an institution. A few institutions in the U.S. offer international students the same tuition as in-state applicants, an amount which is considerably less than tuition costs for out-of-state domestic applicants. Often students who receive this type of tuition assistance are asked to participate in various cultural sharing activities within the school and local community as a way of repayment. International students should also consider approaching governmental agencies in their respective countries to find out if financial assistance is available for students studying in another country. Another source of financial aid could be various civic organizations within the student’s country. Students who are citizens of the European Union would do well to look at institutions in the U.K., particularly Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, as well as universities in the Netherlands and Finland, in which there are many English-language programs. Tuition rates for EU citizens applying to many/most institutions in those countries will usually be equivalent to the rates for citizens of the country in which the school is located, and these rates are often extremely economical! Hope that helps!
Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

I also entered this answer in a similar form for another question which was similarly formulated.

The amount of financial aid available to international students varies from one institution to another, so it is very important when researching colleges/universities to find out how each school deals with this issue. Scholarship and financial aid offerings are usually accessible on each institution’s website, as well as an indication of the procedures to be followed in applying for that aid. Some schools do have need-based aid for international students, but this aid is usually quite limited. There are other institutions which have quite generous financial aid offerings for international students and state that they will meet the full financial need of any student, domestic or international, who is accepted to the school. Keep in mind, though, that your idea of your family’s financial “need” could differ considerably from your financial need as calculated by the institution. Many schools offer merit-based aid which is available to international as well as domestic applicants, with decisions on the awarding of this aid being focused on the student’s prior academic success, standardized test scores, leadership success, or other specified criteria. A student with outstanding skills in a particular academic discipline, athletics, music, art, or some other specialized area might qualify for aid or scholarships awarded through the relevant department within an institution. A few institutions in the U.S. offer international students the same tuition as in-state applicants, an amount which is considerably less than tuition costs for out-of-state domestic applicants. Often students who receive this type of tuition assistance are asked to participate in various cultural sharing activities within the school and local community as a way of repayment. International students should also consider approaching governmental agencies in their respective countries to find out if financial assistance is available for students studying in another country. Another source of financial aid could be various civic organizations within the student’s country. Students who are citizens of the European Union would do well to look at institutions in the U.K., particularly Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, as well as universities in the Netherlands and Finland, in which there are many English-language programs. Tuition rates for EU citizens applying to many/most institutions in those countries will usually be equivalent to the rates for citizens of the country in which the school is located, and these rates are often extremely economical! Hope that helps!
Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

I also entered this answer in a similar form for another question which was similarly formulated.

The amount of financial aid available to international students varies from one institution to another, so it is very important when researching colleges/universities to find out how each school deals with this issue. Scholarship and financial aid offerings are usually accessible on each institution’s website, as well as an indication of the procedures to be followed in applying for that aid. Some schools do have need-based aid for international students, but this aid is usually quite limited. There are other institutions which have quite generous financial aid offerings for international students and state that they will meet the full financial need of any student, domestic or international, who is accepted to the school. Keep in mind, though, that your idea of your family’s financial “need” could differ considerably from your financial need as calculated by the institution. Many schools offer merit-based aid which is available to international as well as domestic applicants, with decisions on the awarding of this aid being focused on the student’s prior academic success, standardized test scores, leadership success, and/or other specified criteria. A student with outstanding skills in a particular academic discipline, athletics, music, art, or some other specialized area might qualify for aid or scholarships awarded through the relevant department within an institution. A few institutions in the U.S. offer international students the same tuition as in-state applicants, an amount which is considerably less than tuition costs for out-of-state domestic applicants. Often students who receive this type of tuition assistance are asked to participate in various cultural sharing activities within the school and local community as a way of repayment. International students should also consider approaching governmental agencies in their respective countries to find out if financial assistance is available for students studying in another country. Another source of financial aid could be various civic organizations within the student’s country. Students who are citizens of the European Union would do well to look at institutions in the U.K., particularly Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, as well as universities in the Netherlands and Finland, in which there are many English-language programs. Tuition rates for EU citizens applying to many/most institutions in those countries will usually be equivalent to the rates for citizens of the country in which the school is located, and these rates are often extremely economical! Hope that helps!
Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

I also entered this answer in a similar form for another question which was similarly formulated.

The amount of financial aid available to international students varies from one institution to another, so it is very important when researching colleges/universities to find out how each school deals with this issue. Scholarship and financial aid offerings are usually accessible on each institution’s website, as well as an indication of the procedures to be followed in applying for that aid. Some schools do have need-based aid for international students, but this aid is usually quite limited. There are other institutions which have quite generous financial aid offerings for international students and state that they will meet the full financial need of any student, domestic or international, who is accepted to the school. Keep in mind, though, that your idea of your family’s financial “need” could differ considerably from your financial need as calculated by the institution. Many schools offer merit-based aid which is available to international as well as domestic applicants, with decisions on the awarding of this aid being focused on the student’s prior academic success, standardized test scores, leadership success, and/or other specified criteria. A student with outstanding skills in a particular academic discipline, athletics, music, art, or some other specialized area might qualify for aid or scholarships awarded through the relevant department within an institution. A few institutions in the U.S. offer international students the same tuition as in-state applicants, an amount which is considerably less than tuition costs for out-of-state domestic applicants. Often students who receive this type of tuition assistance are asked to participate in various cultural sharing activities within the school and local community as a way of repayment. International students should also consider approaching governmental agencies in their respective countries to find out if financial assistance is available for students studying in another country. Another source of financial aid could be various civic organizations within the student’s country. Students who are citizens of the European Union would do well to look at institutions in the U.K., particularly Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, as well as universities in the Netherlands and Finland, in which there are many English-language programs. Tuition rates for EU citizens applying to many/most institutions in those countries will usually be equivalent to the rates for citizens of the country in which the school is located, and these rates are often extremely economical! Hope that helps!
Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

I also entered this answer in a similar form for another question which was similarly formulated.

The amount of financial aid available to international students varies from one institution to another, so it is very important when researching colleges/universities to find out how each school deals with this issue. Scholarship and financial aid offerings are usually accessible on each institution’s website, as well as an indication of the procedures to be followed in applying for that aid. Some schools do have need-based aid for international students, but this aid is usually quite limited. There are other institutions which have quite generous financial aid offerings for international students and state that they will meet the full financial need of any student, domestic or international, who is accepted to the school. Keep in mind, though, that your idea of your family’s financial “need” could differ considerably from your financial need as calculated by the institution. Many schools offer merit-based aid which is available to international as well as domestic applicants, with decisions on the awarding of this aid being focused on the student’s prior academic success, standardized test scores, leadership success, and/or other specified criteria. A student with outstanding skills in a particular academic discipline, athletics, music, art, or some other specialized area might qualify for aid or scholarships awarded through the relevant department within an institution. A few institutions in the U.S. offer international students the same tuition as in-state applicants, an amount which is considerably less than tuition costs for out-of-state domestic applicants. Often students who receive this type of tuition assistance are asked to participate in various cultural sharing activities within the school and local community as a way of repayment. International students should also consider approaching governmental agencies in their respective countries to find out if financial assistance is available for students studying in another country. Another source of financial aid could be various civic organizations within the student’s country. Students who are citizens of the European Union would do well to look at institutions in the U.K., particularly Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, as well as universities in the Netherlands and Finland, in which there are many English-language programs. Tuition rates for EU citizens applying to many/most institutions in those countries will usually be equivalent to the rates for citizens of the country in which the school is located, and these rates are often extremely economical! Hope that helps!
Pamela Hampton-GarlandOwnerScholar Bound

Financial Aid & International Students

Every student should apply for financial aid because many schools use the financial aid appication information to determine the distribution of scholarships and other aid including merit based scholarships.

Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting

Financial Aid Factors for International Students

International students who are considering applying for financial aid should be certain that they truly need assistance before submitting an application as many schools are “need-aware” or “need-conscious” when reviewing applications. What this means is that some universities will not admit an international student if they are not able to fully meet their financial need thus leaving many students who might otherwise be admissable to receive rejection letters.

While most universities in the U.S. do not offer need-based assistance to international applicants, most schools will include this subset of students in their pool for merit-based scholarships.
Saroj Jagernauth

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Absolutely.

Jonathan DunnDirectorCreative College Counseling, LLC

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

This depends upon the schools to which you intend to apply. There are many schools that offer financial aid for international students, but not all do. Most offer merit aid for international students.

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

getting the financial aid info from the college tour in China!

There are many college tours available currently to US colleges such as Linden tours, CIS tours. Regardless the difference between the tour company and non-profit associations, most colleges share the same goal for participating in tours across the country in China. That is to recruit students. In my opinion, some of the schools actually spend half of their time talking to Chinese agencies because of the arrangements as part of their tours. Educating the Chinese students about colleges admissions policy and learn what needs to be prepared to succeed at those colleges are normally not part of the tour. On the other hand, when the tour’s information advertised in China, which 100% handled by Chinese agencies, the so called advertised information are highly questionable. Depends on who is reading it. It is true that Chinese students received information about colleges most likely from the Chinese agencies instead of colleges themselves. It is also true that the Chinese students have no problems access individual colleges websites. However, getting accurate information sometimes may not have a lot to do with direct access to the information source. It has everything to do with how the message is being perceive and understood by the Chinese students. In the mean time, students can pick up brochures at college tours. They may have limited opportunity to ask questions directly during the tours. The face to face communication between Chinese students and US commissions officer are typically short and related to whether the students are getting in or not which most admissions officers are hesitant to answer. There are misunderstandings among Chinese students especially those highly achieved. They feel a sense of entitlement and never thought about what they can actually do for the US colleges that they should strong interest in. The questions are always surrounded by what the schools can actually do for them. In other words, those questions will not help the Chinese students to sell themselves well in front of college admissions. The worst part of the college tours in terms of educating the Chinese students is that after the tour those Chinese students will continue to work with the Chinese agencies instead of apply colleges directly on their own. Ivy Counselors network believes that at traditional college tours whether held at US or China should have the same purpose. Although Chinese universities does not offer college tours across the country for Chinese students, therefore Chinese students have no idea what to expect what to prepare for college tours. This excellent opportunity for the college admissions should focus on educating the Chinese students about what they need to do in order to succeed in college. It is critical as part of the decision making process for Chinese students to make all the decisions called acceptancy rate. That is also the same approach that decide the contracts with the Chinese agencies. Regardless how wonderful the college may sound, the question is whether the Chinese students does not believe he or she can actually get in is an entirely different story. If the Chinese student are prepared for the college tour, that will be a wonderful opportunity for them to approach college admissions officers and focus on whether the school is a good fit or match for them. Before the student actually consider apply to this particular school. That being said, the students learning everything about the school, participated in the tours is essential. Their questions should not be limited to the basic statistics that normally reduce shorts and passed around throughout the tours. Chiense students should ask the hard questions such as the percentage of Chinese students as part of the total international students population, what are those strong majors and departments, and what is a typical relationship between undergrad students and their faculty. What is the normal classroom size, is it allowed for undergrad students to do research with faculty, and what about career placement services. Maybe more information about grad rates vs retention rates and the specific department that students are interested in, how many of those students continue their education in grad schools. Letting the Chinese agency promoting advertisement for the college tours in China is not by choice but by the law in China. However, if the colleges does require everything in print, has English and Chinese versions, they can at least supervise what needs to be said on the advertisement. So the Chinese students can afford misunderstanding that the purpose of the tour actually does not show the university admissions office. Therefore, they are not the ones that can guarantee admissions as part of the contract for the Chinese students that are interested in those participating colleges.

Sarah ContomichalosManagerEducational Advisory Services, LLC

Financial Aid and the International Student

If you require financial aid in order to be able to attend a particular college, you must indicate this on your application. It is very difficult to successfully apply for financial aid once you have been accepted. Only a handful of colleges are “need blind” for international students. While FA is more limited for international students it is available at a number of schools. International students should also apply to colleges where their grades and scores put them in the top percentages of applicants. Many colleges offer the most generous merit scholarships to those students look to be the strongest students.

Laree HenningCo-founderGlobal Guidance College Counseling Services

Financial aid is limited for international students

If you are a foreign national wanting to complete your undergraduate studies in the United States, your options are quite limited. Your best chance at receiving financial assistance may be merit-based aid—money you receive based on your performance in high school. However, loans for international students do exist. An excellent website to gain more information regarding financial aid options for international students is http://www.edupass.org/finaid/.

Dale FordCounseling Department ChairSingapore American School

Avoid it if you can

Only a small number of US colleges offer financial aid to international students. Most expect international students to fund the full cost of their education. If you must have aid, don’t apply to a college which doesn’t offer it. To have a decent chance at getting financial aid you must apply to colleges offering aid and be a top applicant in that college’s applicant pool. Applying for aid will definitely reduce your chances of admission at all but the six or so colleges which remain “need blind” for international students.

Connie Boger

Financial Aid for Internationals

Yes, you can apply for financial aid. Some scholarships and grants are specific about US citizenship, some are not.

Dr. Stabile

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

If you are in need of financial, apply for financial aid There is very little financial aid for foreign nationals to study in the US. There is very little financial aid information available for international students. The FinAid.com web site provides information for international students seeking financial aid

Darla Andrews

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

This will depend on your immigration status. It will also depend on your financial situation.

Kathryn Lento

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

International students can apply for financial aid. The amount of aid available varies by college. You may have more success with merit or interest based scholarships. Keep in mind, if a financial aid package is a critical part of your ability to study in another country, avoid applying early decision. You will not have the ability to compare financial aid packages offered by various schools. Also, the school you are applying early decision to can only give you an estimate of your financial aid package. If it comes up short, you are still responsible for the difference. If you can’t afford the difference your only option is to break your agreement which does not reflect favorably on you and by the time you reapply to other colleges the pool of aid might be dried up.

Donna LandrethHS Counselor/Educational ConsultantFounder and Owner of Expert College Planning

Financial aid for international student applicants

An international student should not indicate that they intend to apply for financial aid. Unless you are a US citizen, you cannot apply for federal funds. (fafsa) For admission advantages, the international student should indicate they will not be applying for financial aid from a college or university in the United States. The school is more likely to admit you as an international student if they know you can afford to attend.

Mark GathercoleUniversity AdvisorIndependent University Advising

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Need-based aid for international students is available at a number of schools, but at all but 5-10 of them, the need for financial aid may affect your chances of admission. You have to decide whether your need for funds is worth the risk at these schools. Merit-based aid is available to international students at most universities in the U.S., and does not affect a student’s chances of admission. Merit scholarships are given for a number of reasons by admissions offices, and international students have as good a chance of receiving it as anyone. The schools which are the most likely to award merit aid to an international student are those where the student falls in the top half of the applicant pool, and schools where there are not many other international students.

Mark GathercoleUniversity AdvisorIndependent University Advising

Maybe………..

Need-based aid for international students is available at a number of schools, but at all but 5-10 of them, the need for financial aid may affect your chances of admission. You have to decide whether your need for funds is worth the risk at these schools. Merit-based aid is available to international students at most universities in the U.S., and does not affect a student’s chances of admission. Merit scholarships are given for a number of reasons by admissions offices, and international students have as good a chance of receiving it as anyone. The schools which are the most likely to award merit aid to an international student are those where the student falls in the top half of the applicant pool, and schools where there are not many other international students.

Helen Cella

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Yes

Dr. SkarlisOwner/PresidentThe College Advisor of New York

International Student financial aid

Some private colleges award aid to international students but most public schools do not because financial aid comes from the US Federal Govt and is not available to non-US citizens.

The reason some private schools award aid to international students is because they are using their own institutional funds and not governement money.
Tyler BurtonPresident Burton College Tours

The funds are limited.

You may apply for financial aid as an international student. International students may qualify for institutional aid but not federal aid. Many schools have a different subset of rules for international students who are applying for aid and this includes if a student may apply for early decision or regular decision.

Tyler BurtonPresident Burton College Tours

The funds are limited.

You may apply for financial aid as an international student. International students may qualify for institutional aid but not federal aid. Many schools have a different subset of rules for international students who are applying for aid and this includes if a student may apply for early decision or regular decision.

Steven CrispOwner Crisp College Advising

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

My brief answer would be no. International students in most cases do not have US citizenship and therefore do not qualify for federal financial aid. However, you should still be eligible for academic based scholarships. You will need to contact the individual school to find out what your eligibility for these academic based scholarships is, in some cases they might exclude international students. Private schools also have institutional funds and can set their own rules for how these funds are awarded, so again you will have to get in touch with them to find out the rules.

Carita Del ValleFounderAcademic Decisions

There are only scholarships available no grants

If the international student has the extra time then yes apply for aid. But the student must understand they are only eligible for scholarships specific to them (international student) and there is a very small percentage available.

Nicholas Umphrey

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

It really depends on what your need is. I know that it never hurts because the worst they can say is no.

Don Tamminga

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Of course! There is merit based finacial aid as well as need based financial aid and you never know what a school is willing to give you to attend.

Robin Farris

Financial aid and International students

I highly recommend my international students apply for merit based scholarships. A lot of colleges will award scholarships based on merit.

Annie ReznikCounselor/CEOCollege Guidance Coach

Not Probable

International students who will be enrolling on an F1 or J1 visa will not be eligible for federal financial aid programs. Most private or institutional aid is also limited to US citizens and permanent residents. Students who live abroad but will not seek a visa for study will be eligible for aid and should apply.

Annie ReznikCounselor/CEOCollege Guidance Coach

Probably Not

International students who will be enrolling on an F1 or J1 visa will not be eligible for federal financial aid programs. Most private or institutional aid is also limited to US citizens and permanent residents. Students who live abroad but will not seek a visa for study will be eligible for aid and should apply.

Woodrow DunnAcademic CounselorFreedom High School

Financial Aid

Most financial aid for international students is merit based, however I would always investigate what aid is available. All universities have different types of financial aid available, so check the financial aid websites carefully for each school.

Michael Maldonado

Yes.

If you have need, then yes you should apply for financial aid. But be aware that US federal aid will only be available to US citizens and qualified permanent residents. So if you are a US citizen abroad you qualify for federal aid. Also, understand the amount of aid available for international students will be dependent on the schools to which you apply and how much that school caters to international students. Realize, as well, which schools are need blind for international students in their admission decisions. You also have the option of competing for merit based aid at the schools that you apply. In the end if you need aid, do your research and apply to schools that actually have aid for international students otherwise you will be wasting your time. Look into private and outside scholarships from your own country as well as the US. Look for schools that are actually trying to increase their international student population. You may not have heard about many of them but you may realize that they offer as good of an education as some well known schools.

Michael Maldonado

Yes.

If you have need, then yes you should apply for financial aid. But be aware that US federal aid will only be available to US citizens and qualified permanent residents. So if you are a US citizen abroad you qualify for federal aid. Also, understand the amount of aid available for international students will be dependent on the schools to which you apply and how much that school caters to international students. Realize, as well, which schools are need blind for international students in their admission decisions. You also have the option of competing for merit based aid at the schools that you apply. In the end if you need aid, do your research and apply to schools that actually have aid for international students otherwise you will be wasting your time. Look into private and outside scholarships from your own country as well as the US. Look for schools that are actually trying to increase their international student population. You may not have heard about many of them but you may realize that they offer as good of an education as some well known schools.

Mr C CoakleyPresidentAcademic Coaching Services

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Always apply for financial aid if it’s available and you need it. Policies regarding financial aid vary so always check your intended schools website first for the latest information.

David AllenManaging DirectorGlobal College Counselors Ltd

Free money

If it takes an hour and you get a finance package of only $1000 – well that’s a pretty good rate of pay! If you have the time do it – it’s free money and might well make the difference between you being able to afford to go and not. There are a number of colleges adn universities that offer good financial packages to international students, but by no means all do.

Helen H. ChoiOwnerAdmissions Mavens

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

There is very little financial aid available for international students who want to pursue their undergraduate degrees in the U.S. While that should not stop you from applying for aid, you should be aware that chances are very slim that you will receive grants or scholarships. For more information on aid for international students, please check out this site: http://www.edupass.org/finaid/.

It is a part of FinAid — which is one of the most reputable authorities on financial aid for college students in the U.S.
Laura O’Brien GatzionisFounderEducational Advisory Services

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Well, if you need it then you should apply for it now. You won’t have the option later unless you can prove that your financial situation has changed. You also will be required to file a Certificate of Finances in order to receive the paperwork for the student visa application. Please note that international FA is limited at the vast majority of schools and unless the school is committed to a need-blind policy for international students, requesting FA may affect your admittance.

Nina BerlerFounderunCommon Apps

Financial Aid for International Students

Only some colleges and universities provide financial aid for international students. There is only so much aid to go around, and thousands of U.S. citizens are applying. Even the most elite schools in the United States explain that aid is limited and that a financial award is generally a reduction in tuition, not an outright award of cash. In addition, check The Association of International Educators, Association of International Educators, http://www.aieaworld.org.

There is much discussion as to whether it is advantageous to not ask for aid in order to be at a competitive advantage versus U.S. students who need the aid. However, there are few guarantees. Application decisions as such should be made upon consulting the policy of the target school and talking it over with counselors and family.
ldx

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

no

Helese Sandler

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

no

Helese Sandler

Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

Financial aid is generally not offered to International students unless you have a green card.

Corey FischerPresidentCollegeClarity

If you need it, apply

That depends on your financial situation. Many US colleges are not able to give financial assistance to international students, but many are able to help. If your family cannot afford to pay for college it makes sense to apply for financial aid. It also helps to be willing to consider colleges you may not be as familiar with because they freqeuntly want to attract international students. As a result, they will often help fund all or part of your education.

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

it should be part of your admissions strategy!

although the fact that more and more international students are full pay students aross the US campuses, some international students especially the advance study students are qualfiied for financial aid. if you are undergraduate students who need financial aid and have no other way to finace your education, you should consider different type of schools to apply for aid. transfer students normally are not qualified for financial aid at all, but freshman are open for international students.

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

it should be part of your admissions strategy!

although the fact that more and more international students are full pay students aross the US campuses, some international students especially the advance study students are qualfiied for financial aid. if you are undergraduate students who need financial aid and have no other way to finace your education, you should consider different type of schools to apply for aid. transfer students normally are not qualified for financial aid at all, but freshman are open for international students.

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Should I apply for financial aid as an international student?

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