If you are a student who is aspiring to study in the USA, this article is for you. We would like you to know that no matter how much money you have in your wallet, the cost of studying abroad in the USA may add up fast and exceed what you actually possess.
This is another way of saying that you need to seek financial aid for international students in the USA to finance your studies regardless.
In this article, we will be writing on how to get financial aid for international students in the US. See Best International Student Loans.
Parallel to being world’s toppers, USA universities are among the most expensive in the world. For the absolute majority of foreign students, the cost of seeking a degree in the USA must be supported by additional funds otherwise it is not affordable.
But, contrary to what most foreign students believe, there’s a wide range of financial aid for international students available in the USA.
Here is the list of sources you can get financial aid as an international student in the USA
Financial Aid from the US Government (and FAFSA)
- Financial Aid Through the Admissions Office
- Financial Aid Through Athletic Department
- Financial Aid Through An Academic Department
- Tuition Waivers
- International Scholarships
- International Student Loans
1. Financial Aid from the
The US Government provides financial assistance to US Citizens and Permanent Residents through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, but it’s 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.
So if you are on an international student visa, you may be eligible for these US government-funded programs designed for eligible noncitizens. Such programs include: Fulbright and EducationUSA
2. Financial Aid from Your Home Country
It is 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.
Here are some of the financial aid programs in different countries. See How to Get Financial Aid For International Students in The UK.
King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) A generous scholarship for Saudi Arabian students that covers the total university cost along with material fees, and provides full medical and dental insurance, a monthly stipend, and coverage for airfare each year.
Brazil Scientific Mobility Undergraduate Program (BSMP) This scholarship is designed for Brazilian students to study at US colleges and universities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for one year.
Kuwait Cultural Office Merit Scholarship A scholarship designed for Kuwaitis studying at specific US colleges and universities to promote the needs and interests of the Kuwaiti government.
All you need to do is to talk to your home country’s ministry or department of education, as well as your embassy and consulate in the US and back home, to see if there are government-backed scholarships available.
3. Financial Aid Through An Academic Department
Many schools are looking to build up a specific academic department, and have the funds to do so. Whether you excel in mathematics, business, or physics, there may be a scholarship with your name on it.
You will need to contact the head of the Department to see if they would be willing to help support you. Oftentimes, these scholarships are available in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
These departments are looking to put forth new research and expertise, so you will need to show your track record and that you are worth the investment.
4. Tuition Waivers
A tuition waiver allows students to not pay a portion or all of their tuition for one or more school years. While not all schools grant a tuition waiver for international students, there are a handful that do.
The school will specify what requirements need to be met in order to be granted a tuition waiver. It can be based on citizenship, academic performance, or part of a fellowship or grant.
Do your research, look on the school’s website, and talk to your admissions counselor or an international student advisor to get more information on eligibility.
Conclusion
Here we have listed out different mediums where you can get financial aid as an international student in the USA, all you have to do is to conduct research on each of them to know the one that is available for you.
You can hit up our comment section with questions based on this topic, and we will be there to give justice to your questions.
