FAFSA Scholarships for International
Students
As an international student, finding funding for education can be a daunting task. Fortunately,
there are various sources of financial aid available, including FAFSA scholarships.
In this article, I will provide a detailed guide on FAFSA scholarships for international students,
including their significance, eligibility criteria, the application process, and top scholarships
available. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a program run by the U.S.
Department of Education that offers financial aid to students pursuing higher education.
FAFSA scholarships are grants awarded to students based on their financial needs, academic
merit, and other eligibility criteria. As an international student, you can apply for FAFSA
scholarships, but you must meet certain requirements.
To be eligible for FAFSA scholarships, you must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an
eligible non-citizen. International students are not eligible for federal student aid unless they are
eligible non-citizens. You must also have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Additionally, you must be enrolled in an eligible program
at a participating institution, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and not owe a refund on a
federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan.
FAFSA scholarships are significant for international students as they can provide financial
assistance to cover tuition fees, room and board, textbooks, and other educational expenses.
They can help ease the financial burden on students and make it more accessible for them to
pursue their academic goals.
How to Apply for FAFSA Scholarships as an International
Student
The application process for FAFSA scholarships can be a bit complicated, but with the right
guidance, it can be straightforward. To apply for FAFSA scholarships, you need to follow these
steps:
Step 1: Obtain an SSN or ITIN To apply for FAFSA scholarships, you must have an SSN or
ITIN. If you do not have an SSN, you can apply for one by following the steps outlined on the
Social Security Administration’s website. If you do not qualify for an SSN, you can apply for an
ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS.
Step 2: Gather required documents To apply for FAFSA scholarships, you need to gather the
required documents, including your Social Security Number or ITIN, your tax return, your
parents’ tax return (if applicable), and other financial documents.
Step 3: Fill out the FAFSA form You can fill out the FAFSA form online by visiting the official
website at fafsa.ed.gov. The form will ask for your personal information, educational
background, and financial information. Make sure to fill out the form accurately and honestly.
Step 4: Submit the FAFSA form After filling out the FAFSA form, you need to submit it. You can
submit it online or by mail. Make sure to check the deadlines for submission and submit it on
time.
Top FAFSA Scholarships for International Students
International students face unique challenges when it comes to funding their education in the
United States. Fortunately, there are still several FAFSA scholarships available to help alleviate
some of the financial burden.
One of the top FAFSA scholarships for international students is the Fulbright Foreign Student
Program. This prestigious scholarship provides funding for graduate study, research, and
professional development in the United States. The program is open to international students
from more than 160 countries, and the selection process is highly competitive.
Another option for international students is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. This
non-degree scholarship program provides professional development opportunities for mid-
career professionals. It is open to international students from eligible countries who have at
least five years of work experience in their field.
The AAUW International Fellowships are grants that provide funding for women pursuing full-
time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States. The program is open to women from
any country other than the United States who have demonstrated academic achievement. The
scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a program that provides funding for individuals to pursue a
master’s degree in fields related to peace and conflict resolution. The program is open to
international students who have work experience in a field related to peace and conflict
resolution. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
To be eligible for FAFSA scholarships, international students must meet certain criteria. They
must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree program at a qualifying institution, be a
citizen or eligible noncitizen, have a valid social security number, maintain satisfactory academic
progress, and not owe a refund on a federal student grant or be in default on a federal student
loan.
To apply for FAFSA scholarships, international students must first complete the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form collects information about the student’s
financial situation and determines their eligibility for federal financial aid. The FAFSA form must
be submitted by the deadline, which varies depending on the state and institution.
In addition to FAFSA scholarships, international students can also explore other scholarship
programs like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program,
AAUW International Fellowships, and Rotary Peace Fellowship. These programs offer funding
for graduate study, research, professional development, and master’s degrees in fields related
to peace and conflict resolution.
Different Types of FAFSA Scholarships
As an international student looking to fund your education in the United States, it's important to
understand the different types of FAFSA scholarships that are available. FAFSA scholarships
come in three main types: grants, work-study programs, and student loans.
Grants are a type of scholarship that does not need to be repaid and are awarded based on
financial need. These scholarships are a great option for students who require financial
assistance to cover their tuition and other educational expenses. The federal government offers
several grant programs, including the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
The Pell Grant is a need-based grant that is awarded to undergraduate students who
demonstrate financial need. The amount of the grant is based on several factors, including the
student’s financial need, the cost of attendance, and the student’s enrollment status. The
maximum award amount for the 2021-2022 academic year is $6,495.
The FSEOG is another need-based grant that is awarded to undergraduate students with
exceptional financial need. The grant ranges from $100 to $4,000 per year and is awarded on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Work-study programs provide part-time employment to students to help pay for their educational
expenses. These programs allow students to earn money while gaining work experience that
can be beneficial to their future careers. Students who participate in work-study programs are
typically employed on campus, and the amount they earn is based on their financial need and
the availability of funding.
Student loans are loans that need to be repaid after graduation, with interest. There are two
main types of student loans: federal and private. Federal student loans are offered by the
government and have fixed interest rates, flexible repayment options, and borrower protections.
Private student loans, on the other hand, are offered by private lenders and have variable
interest rates and fewer borrower protections.
To apply for FAFSA scholarships, international students must first complete the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form collects information about the student’s
financial situation and determines their eligibility for federal financial aid. The FAFSA form must
be submitted by the deadline, which varies depending on the state and institution.
FAFSA scholarships come in different types, including grants, work-study programs, and
student loans. Grants are a type of scholarship that does not need to be repaid and are
awarded based on financial need. Work-study programs provide part-time employment to
students to help pay for their educational expenses. Student loans are loans that need to be
repaid after graduation, with interest. By understanding the different types of FAFSA
scholarships available, international students can make informed decisions about how to fund
their education in the United States.
FAQs
1. Can international students receive federal financial aid?
No, international students are not eligible for federal financial aid unless they are an eligible
non-citizen.
1. What is the difference between a grant and a loan?
A grant is a type of scholarship that does not need to be repaid, while a loan needs to be repaid
after graduation with interest.
1. How can I apply for FAFSA scholarships?
To apply for FAFSA scholarships, you need to fill out the FAFSA form online or by mail and
submit it by the deadline.
Conclusion
FAFSA scholarships are a valuable resource for international students pursuing higher
education in the United States. While the application process can be challenging, the rewards
are worth the effort. By following the eligibility criteria and application process, international
students can increase their chances of receiving financial aid to pursue their academic goals.
In addition to FAFSA, international students can also explore other scholarship programs like
the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, AAUW
International Fellowships, and Rotary Peace Fellowship. These programs offer funding for
graduate study, research, professional development, and master’s degrees in fields related to
peace and conflict resolution.
If you are an international student and are interested in pursuing higher education in the United
States, take the time to research scholarship options available to you. With careful planning and
preparation, you can successfully apply for scholarships and achieve your academic and
professional goals.
