Types of Financial Aid for International Students in the USA

International students in the USA can access several types of financial aid, including university scholarships, institutional grants, fellowships, teaching or research assistantships, private scholarships and private student loans. However, most international students are not eligible for U.S. federal student aid unless they meet eligible noncitizen requirements.

The right financial aid for international students often comes from combining more than one funding source. You might receive a university scholarship, earn through an assistantship or campus job, use family savings and take an education loan to cover the remaining cost.

This guide explains the main types of financial aid for international students, who may qualify and how each option works.

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Key Takeaways

• Most F-1 international students do not qualify for U.S. federal student aid.
• Universities may offer merit scholarships, need-based institutional aid and grants.
• Graduate students may find fellowships and teaching or research assistantships.
• F-1 students can generally work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
• Private student loans can help cover the funding gap left after scholarships and other aid.
• Eligibility varies significantly by university, program, lender and funding source.

Financial Aid Options for International Students

Here is a quick overview of the main types of financial aid for international students:

Financial Aid	Available to International Students?	Repayment Required?
U.S. Federal Student Aid	Generally No*	Depends on aid type
University Scholarships	Yes	No
Institutional Grants	Yes, at some universities	No
Private Scholarships	Yes, if eligible	No
Fellowships	Yes	Usually No
TA/RA Assistantships	Yes, program dependent	No
Private Student Loans	Yes, eligibility varies	Yes
On-Campus Employment	Yes, subject to visa rules	No

Source: Federal Student Aid

Scholarships for International Students in the USA

Scholarships are one of the first funding options worth exploring because they generally do not need to be repaid.

International student scholarships USA may be offered by:

• Universities
• Individual departments
• Private organizations
• Foundations
• Professional associations
• External scholarship providers

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit scholarships are usually awarded based on factors such as academic performance, leadership, extracurricular achievements or other accomplishments.

Some universities automatically consider admitted students for selected merit awards, while others require a separate scholarship application.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Some U.S. universities provide institutional need-based aid to international students. Eligibility and the amount available depend on the university’s financial aid policy.

Universities may ask students to submit financial information through their own forms or the CSS Profile.

Private and External Scholarships

Students can also explore USA scholarships for international students offered by private organizations and foundations.

Eligibility may depend on:

• Nationality
• Academic achievement
• Field of study
• Leadership experience
• Financial need
• Community involvement

Instead of relying on one large award, students can apply for several smaller USA Scholarships to reduce their overall funding requirement.

For detailed scholarship opportunities, use a dedicated USA scholarship guide rather than treating this financial aid overview as a scholarship directory.

Institutional Grants for International Students

Grants are another form of funding that generally does not need to be repaid.

Unlike scholarships, which may focus heavily on merit, institutional grants can be based on demonstrated financial need or other university-specific criteria.

Not every U.S. university provides need-based grants to international students. Students should check the university’s international financial aid page to understand:

• Whether international students are eligible
• How financial need is calculated
• Whether a separate application is required
• Application deadlines
• Whether funding continues in later academic years

CSS Profile and Institutional Financial Aid

Some universities use the College Board’s CSS Profile to understand a student’s financial circumstances and determine eligibility for institutional financial aid.

The CSS Profile is used by participating colleges and scholarship programs to award their own nonfederal institutional aid.

International students can submit the CSS Profile to participating institutions where required.

Remember that submitting a CSS Profile does not guarantee financial aid. Each university decides its own eligibility rules and award amounts.

Fellowships for International Students

Fellowships are particularly relevant for graduate and doctoral students.

Depending on the university or organization, a fellowship may provide:

• Tuition support
• A stipend
• Research funding
• Academic or professional development support

Some fellowships are awarded based on academic merit or research potential, while others focus on a particular field, nationality or research area.

Students should check their university’s graduate school and department funding pages for current opportunities.

Teaching and Research Assistantships

Graduate students may also receive financial support through teaching assistantships (TA) or research assistantships (RA).

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching assistants may support professors by:

• Conducting discussion or laboratory sessions
• Assisting students
• Grading assignments
• Supporting course administration

Compensation and tuition benefits vary by university and department.

Research Assistantships

Research assistants work with faculty members or research teams on academic projects.

Depending on the university, an RA position may include a stipend, tuition support or other benefits.

TA and RA opportunities are competitive and program dependent. Students should not assume that admission automatically comes with an assistantship.

On-Campus Jobs for International Students

For students looking for part-time jobs in the USA, on-campus employment can provide additional income for day-to-day expenses.

Under federal F-1 rules, eligible students may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Full-time on-campus employment may be permitted during annual vacations and other periods when school is not in session, subject to the applicable rules.

Common part-time jobs in the USA on campus may include roles in:

• Libraries
• Dining facilities
• Administrative offices
• Academic departments
• Campus recreation facilities
• Student services

Students should confirm employment eligibility with their Designated School Official before starting work.

On-campus earnings can help with personal or living expenses, but students should not rely on employment as their primary source of tuition funding.

Student Loans for International Students

Scholarships and grants may not cover your complete cost of attendance. Private education loans can help cover the remaining funding gap.

International students may broadly encounter: 

Note: You can also combine scholarships and loans!

US Private Student Loans With a Cosigner

Some U.S. private lenders allow international students to apply with an eligible U.S. cosigner.

Students researching how Indian students get a US co-signer should first understand that a cosigner is taking legal responsibility for the loan. The person must meet the chosen lender’s credit, income and residency requirements.

The exact eligibility criteria differ between lenders.

International No-Cosigner Loans

Some international lenders provide education loans to eligible international students without requiring a U.S. cosigner or collateral.

Availability generally depends on the student’s university, program and lender-specific underwriting requirements.

If you are researching how Indian students get a US co-signer, compare cosigner loans with no-cosigner options before deciding which structure fits your profile.

Student loans must be repaid with interest, so they should be compared based on APR, fees, repayment period, monthly payments and total repayment rather than only the maximum amount offered.

Can International Students Get FAFSA?

International students can complete the FAFSA only where applicable, but completing the form does not automatically make them eligible for U.S. federal student aid.

Federal Student Aid states that U.S. citizens and certain eligible noncitizens can qualify for federal student aid. Most students in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa are not eligible.

Therefore, most international students should focus on institutional aid, scholarships, assistantships, private funding and other eligible sources.

Source: Federal Student Aid – Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens

FAFSA vs CSS Profile for International Students

FAFSA and CSS Profile serve different purposes.

Factor	FAFSA	CSS Profile
Main Purpose	Federal student aid	Institutional/nonfederal aid
International F-1 Students	Generally not eligible for federal aid	Can submit if required by participating institution
Managed By	U.S. Department of Education	College Board
Aid Determined By	Federal eligibility rules	Individual participating institutions
Cost	Free	Fees may apply; eligibility for fee waivers varies

Merit-Based vs Need-Based Financial Aid

Understanding this distinction can make your scholarship and aid search easier.

Merit-based aid is generally awarded based on achievements such as:

• Academic performance
• Leadership
• Talent
• Extracurricular achievements
• Research or professional accomplishments

Need-based aid considers the student’s or family’s financial circumstances.

Some universities offer both, while others may provide limited or no need-based financial aid for international students.

Financial Aid for Undergraduate vs Graduate Students

Financial aid options can look different depending on your study level.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students may primarily explore:

• University merit scholarships
• Need-based institutional aid
• Private scholarships
• Grants
• On-campus employment
• Private student loans

Graduate Students

Graduate and doctoral students may have additional opportunities through:

• Fellowships
• Teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships
• Departmental scholarships
• Research grants
• Private student loans

Graduate students should check both the central university funding page and their individual academic department.

How to Combine Scholarships, Assistantships and Student Loans

You do not necessarily have to depend on one source of funding.

For example, your study budget could include:

Total Cost of Attendance

• minus USA scholarships for international students
• minus University Grants
• minus Assistantship or Fellowship Funding
• minus Personal/Family Contribution
• equals Remaining Funding Gap

An education loan can then be considered for the remaining amount.

This approach can help reduce how much you need to borrow and, in turn, your potential interest and repayment burden.

What If Financial Aid Does Not Cover Your Full Cost?

It is common for scholarships or university aid to cover only part of the total cost.

If you still have a funding gap:

1. Check for additional university or departmental funding.
2. Apply for relevant external international student scholarships USA.
3. Explore eligible assistantships.
4. Consider permitted on-campus employment for living expenses.
5. Review your personal or family contribution.
6. Compare private education loan options for the remaining amount.

Avoid borrowing the maximum amount simply because it is available. Calculate how much you actually need after considering other funding sources.

How Nomad Credit Can Help With Your Funding Gap

Finding the right types of financial aid for international students usually means combining scholarships, personal funds and financing rather than relying on a single option.

Nomad Credit can help international students explore education loan options for the remaining funding requirement after scholarships and other aid.

Students can compare options based on factors such as:

• University and program
• Required loan amount
• Co-applicant profile
• Collateral availability
• U.S. cosigner availability
• No-cosigner loan eligibility

Before borrowing, compare the interest rate or APR, fees, repayment terms and total repayment.

Find Your Best Loan Option

Secure Your Future with the Right Financial Plan

Education in the U.S. may not be costly provided you seek the proper funding options. Scholarships, assistantships, smart loan options, and more are just a few methods to control the cost of education. Always do a comparison of US student loan rates, and verify whether you can get a US education loan without collateral.