Financial Aid for International Students

Targeting applications to programs that align with one’s needs and qualifications can improve chances of being awarded a scholarship and other financial aid. (Photograph courtesy Rice University)

Preparing to study in the United States can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially when it comes to the cost of higher education at U.S. universities. Luckily, students have a host of financial aid options available.

“Students should be aware of several key aspects regarding financial aid,” says Shanthi Mohan, adviser, EducationUSA at United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), Chennai. “These include having a clear plan with your family or sponsors about the level of funding that can be allocated for your education, and understanding the different types of financial aid available at U.S. universities like scholarships, grants, assistantships and loans.”

When exploring financial aid, students should be aware of the eligibility criteria for each type. “This may include academic performance, financial need and other factors,” she adds. Targeting aid programs that fit well with a student’s needs and capabilities is a good way to improve their chances of success. Once an award is received, Mohan says, “it’s very important to understand the requirements for maintaining eligibility for financial aid, such as maintaining satisfactory academic progress and fulfilling any other obligations.”

Diverse financial aid options

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is a good example of the opportunities available for qualified students. “There are many not-for-profit organizations and government agencies, both in India and abroad, that offer scholarships,” says Mohan. “Other notable scholarships include the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships for master’s programs at U.S. universities in select fields, the Narottam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship Program for graduate studies in India and abroad, the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship and the Education Future International Scholarship.”

Some programs, like the Quad Fellowship, are focused on specific fields. “A joint initiative of the governments of Australia, India, Japan and the United States, the Quad Fellowship is awarded to exceptional master’s and doctoral students from these countries to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at U.S. universities,” explains Mohan. While others may favor particular demographics, “there are also exclusive scholarships for women students, like the international fellowship from the American Association for University Women,” she adds.

It is key to target your applications to programs that align with your needs and qualifications. “Students can reach out to advisers at the nearest EducationUSA center for further guidance on their scholarship search,” says Mohan.

Once programs are chosen, it is important to begin the application process early. “Thoroughly research the various financial aid opportunities available to international students at U.S. universities. Beyond the universities, numerous online resources provide information on financial aid for international students studying in the United States,” says Mohan.

Besides independent research, students can also discover resources by connecting with alumni networks. “Connecting with international alumni can provide insights about navigating the financial aid process at U.S. universities,” she says. “It is very important to pay close attention to the eligibility requirements for each financial aid opportunity.”

Supporting students

Sherri Avery, assistant vice president of student financial services, and Jennifer Walker, dean of admissions and financial aid at Brandeis University, provide insights into the available funding options. “Brandeis offers both scholarships and employment opportunities to undergraduate international students,” they explain. “Brandeis offers both need- and merit-based scholarships to undergraduate international students. We meet 100 percent of calculated financial need with scholarship and employment opportunities for all admitted international students who complete a financial aid application, which includes documentation of income and assets, prior to admission.”

For programs focused on STEM, Brandeis offers the Quantitative Biology Research Community Fellowship, an interdisciplinary fellowship specifically for students interested in research in the sciences. “The fellowship includes a scholarship, specialized academic offerings and a guaranteed research opportunity,” says Walker.

On-campus jobs can provide an excellent way of providing income to students. These jobs are conveniently located on the university campus and are sensitive to the schedules and demands of student life. “International students who are eligible to work may obtain a job on campus to earn funds to support their educational expenses,” Avery notes.

Robert J. Alexander, vice provost and university dean for enrollment management at the University of Rochester, views financial need assessment as integral to the admissions process. “The University of Rochester utilizes a holistic admissions assessment, and takes into consideration academic achievement, extracurricular engagement and ethical character. Rochester offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to international students,” he says. “Admissions for international students are highly selective, but for those students offered admission, need-based aid is awarded based on financial need as determined via the CSS Profile.” The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid.

Students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. “Merit scholarships,” Alexander explains, “are extremely limited and awarded to recognize those admitted students with the highest levels of academic achievement.” The primary factor in awarding merit scholarships is recognition of extraordinary academic excellence; though, Alexander adds, “we do offer the Harper Scholarship in acknowledgment for students who have demonstrated interest and leadership in expanding political, social and economic equality for women worldwide.”

Paul Negrete, executive director of Rice University financial aid services, gives a similar picture of financial aid options at the university. “Rice University offers need-based aid to a limited number of international undergraduate students entering in the fall semester. First-time undergraduate international applicants are also considered for merit scholarships,” he says, adding that, “for merit-based aid, no additional application is required other than the admission application requirements. For need-based aid, we require the CSS Profile and foreign income documentation.”

By being well-informed and proactive in the financial aid process, Indian students can better navigate the costs associated with studying in the United States.

Natasa Milas is a freelance writer based in New York City.

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