Studying in the USA for international students can be very expensive if you are not wealthy. However, the good news is that the USA is one of those countries that are very generous with their scholarships and financial aid, making the dream of studying in the US more attainable. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into various financial aid opportunities and scholarship programs for international students seeking admission to US undergraduate programs.

 

Understanding Financial Aid

 

Financial aid includes various forms of funding, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, designed to assist students in covering the costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses. International students may be eligible for merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, or a combination of both.

 

Types of Financial Aid and Scholarships

 

Merit-Based Scholarships

 

Awarded to students based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership potential, or other exceptional talents.Many US universities offer merit-based scholarships specifically for international students to attract top talent from around the world.

 

Need-Based Aid

 

Provided to students who demonstrate financial need based on their family's income and resources. Some US universities offer need-based financial aid to international students, although availability may vary.

 

Specialized Financial Aid Forms

Students who need financial aid have to submit either CSS profile or ISFAA. It depends on the universities and colleges what the applicant need to submit.

 

CSS Profile

An online application used by many US colleges and universities to assess a student's eligibility for non-federal financial aid. The CSS Profile provides a detailed analysis of a student's financial situation, including family income, assets, and expenses, to determine eligibility for institutional aid. 

 

Tips to get a CSS fee waiver:  The CSS profile costs $25 to submit to one institution and $16 for each additional institution. However, students can waive this fee. To obtain a fee waiver, mail the university explaining your financial situation, and they will provide you with a CSS fee waiver.

 

ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application)

A form specifically designed for international students to provide detailed financial information required by US universities for financial aid consideration. It is basically the PDF version of CSS profile. 

 

Tips for Securing Financial Aid and Scholarships

 

Start Early

• Begin researching financial aid and scholarship opportunities well in advance of application deadlines to maximize your chances of success.

Research Extensively

• Explore scholarship databases, university websites, and financial aid resources tailored for international students to identify relevant opportunities.

Meet Application Deadlines

• Pay close attention to deadlines for submitting financial aid and scholarship applications, as late submissions may jeopardize your chances of receiving aid.

 

Securing financial aid and scholarships is a crucial aspect of the US undergraduate admissions process for international students. With thorough research, careful planning, and support from scholarship providers and university resources, international students can achieve their goal of pursuing higher education in the United States.