Financial

1. Are foreign students eligible for scholarships?

Unfortunately, few American colleges grant scholarships to foreign students. Often scholarships are not awarded to foreign students until they have studied in a department for at least one year and have proven their ability. 

Nevertheless, some foreign students receive scholarship offers even before they have decided upon the school. A scholarship often includes a tuition and fee remission and may also include a stipend. An exceptionally qualified student may be offered a scholarship that covers his or her entire period of study.

If you are offered a scholarship from an American college, determine whether it is renewable or whether it applies only to your first year of study. 

In addition to colleges, sources such as service organizations may provide scholarships to students who wish to study abroad. You should inquire from local community organizations whether scholarship funds are available.

2. How can I learn what scholarship funding is available?

You should check with the institution of your choice regarding their policy and available funding for international students. Keep in mind that many schools, especially those with graduate level programs, do not offer financial assistance to undergraduates from abroad. 

Other sources of funding include corporate or institutional sponsors, foundations and international organizations. An essential tool in researching financial aid sources is the Internet. Try using the search phase "International Student Financial Aid," under a sub-directory of "Higher Education." You can also search the websites of schools and companies to find those that offer educational funding opportunities.

For international students pursuing graduate degrees, there are considerably more financial aid opportunities in the form of assistantships (teaching, research, and administrative), grants and scholarships. Again, the Internet is a great resource for available programs and funding opportunities.

3. In addition to my tuition, what other expenses should I expect to pay?

In addition to tuition and registration fees, you should also plan for a number of additional expenses. 

These include the basic expenses of housing and food costs; books and supplies; personal expenses (i.e., clothing and entertainment); and transportation costs. Additionally, many classes require a lab or practicum fee. 

You should also be aware that there are fees for parking or bicycle registration; applications for graduation; requests for transcripts; lockers; insurance; and other campus services. 

Most colleges and universities publish lists of standard costs and other fees on their websites or in their catalogs. Check these sources for an estimate of expenses. 

4. Is it possible to get a job during my U.S. studies?

To be eligible to work legally, you must maintain your immigration status (full-time student status) and academic standing. 

F-1 students can work on campus up to 20 hours each week while classes are in session. They do not need permission from the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) or from a foreign student adviser first. 

These on-campus employment opportunities range from assistantships (such as teaching assistantships and research assistantship) to jobs in the school's library, cafeteria, offices or other areas.

Students continuing their studies the following term may also work full time on campus during vacation periods and academic breaks. 

For off-campus employment, an F-1 student must obtain authorization from either the foreign student adviser or the INS. 

F-1 students also may be eligible for "Curricular Practical Training". This includes internships, co-ops, and work experience in the student's field of study. 

After completing their course of study, F-1 students may apply for "Optional Practical Training" allowing them to obtain full-time employment for one year in their field of study. Additionally, F-1 students may work for an international organization prior to or after completing their studies at an U.S. college. Such employment requires consultation with the school's foreign student adviser and work authorization from the INS.

J-1 students must maintain good academic standing and obtain written authorization from the officer of their exchange visitor program to work on or off campus as part of an academic training experience.

It is always wise to consult the college's International Student Office to make sure that the proper authorities approve any employment opportunity.

5. During the admissions process, how much money must I show as an affidavit of support? Must I show funds for four years of study, or just the first year?

You must have documentation showing that you are able to pay all your educational and living expenses for that year of study.