In order for international students to obtain a student visa, which grants them permission to enter the US for a lengthy stay, they are required to provide proof of financial support. These available funds should be enough to fund the student's entire stay during the program of study for which they have received approval, as demonstrated by filling out an Affidavit of Support. For the 2006-2007 school year, the College Board suggested the following undergraduate student budgets, including tuition, lodging, personal expenses, transportation, and other costs per year:
- 2-year public community colleges (living off campus): $12,294
- 4-year public institutions (living on campus): $26,304
- 4-year private institutions (living on campus): $33,301
Costs for graduate programs can be considerably more expensive.
Receiving enough financial aid to fund an entire program of study, from sources other than family members, is a rare occurrence for most international students - especially undergraduates. In fact, more than two-thirds of international students in the US rely on financial assistance from family members to fund their education, according to NAFSA (the Association of International Educators).
Although there is an abundance of information about financial aid available for US students, most of these sources are limited to American citizens. Below are some of the most common kinds of sources of financial aid available to foreign nationals.
For information about specific sources of economic assistance, check out:
- FastWeb is one of the best searchable Internet databases of financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, including sports scholarships, and grants.
- EducationUSA has a long list of sources compiled by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
- FinAid provides an easy-to-use guide and list of financial aid options.
- Worldwide Classroom, provided by the Consortium for International Education and Multicultural Studies, supplies a list of resources for finding financial assistance.
- Ethnic and student-oriented newspapers and magazines that are published in the US often feature ads from specific programs.
Beware fee-based scholarship matching services. Many claim to offer help for international students, only to exploit them instead. Addressing questions -- about using a particular service or receiving funds from a particular source -- with international studies departments of colleges and universities can be helpful... they are often well informed about these scams.
US Sources
About 20% of financial aid for international students comes from US sources, and students in Canada and Mexico are most likely to qualify for it.
- Government - While US government student assistance programs such as Pell Grant, PLUS and Stafford loans and work-study programs are available only to US citizens, there are some programs for international students from specific countries. For reliable information, prospective students can contact their embassy, the US Department of State or the Agency for International Development's Office of International Training.
- Educational institutions - Foreign studies departments at universities and colleges may have helpful information that financial aid departments don't have, including available scholarships and direct exchange programs that include economic assistance. These resources are particularly helpful for undergraduates, for whom funding opportunities are more limited. Graduate students frequently seek teaching or research assistantships, based on their academic merit, to help fund their schooling. In most cases, recipients of financial aid from postsecondary institutions must demonstrate a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 to qualify, therefore financial aid is not typically available for English as a Second Language courses.
- Private organizations and sponsors - There are some companies and organizations that sponsor international students through scholarships and fellowships, although these sources are quite limited. Consider using FastWeb to locate these opportunities, as well as professional associations in your field of study (e.g. the American Medical Association for pre-med students). Religious institutions in the community where a campus is located may be helpful in identifying individuals or businesses that might be willing to act as a sponsor. However, this kind of sponsorship is much more common abroad than in the US because there are so many students seeking aid - students are more likely to find sponsors in their home country.
- Student loans - US companies that provide student loans usually require that a U.S. citizen act as a guarantor by co-signing on the loan, and that students already be enrolled at a college or university.
Home Country Sources
A student's home country is frequently the best source for finding financial assistance to fund their US schooling. Local educational advising centers often provide information about government aid, private organizations, businesses, religious groups and community sponsors who have available resources. Ministries of education and embassies also have helpful information, as many awards are contingent on government-initiated nominations.
International Organizations
Seeking scholarship awards offered by global organizations can be highly competitive. Such organizations include the:
- United Nations
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- AMIDEAST
- International Maritime Organization
- International Telecommunications Union
- League of Red Cross Societies
- Soros Foundation
- World Health Organization
- World Council of Churches
Most require that students apply from their home country. Those already in the US may not be eligible.
Approximately 4,700 graduate students worldwide receive Fulbright scholarships each year. Students are required to be on J-1 visas during the time that they're
sponsored. Information on the Fullbright program can be obtained at US embassies or consulates, educational advising centers, or the EducationUSA website.
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