Scholarships and Grants Guide: Requirements, Documents, and Visas

Prospective international students seeking to study in the United States must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel to qualify for a student visa. This financial requirement is a critical component of the application process, as designated school officials must collect evidence of a student’s financial ability before issuing a Form I-20, the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.

Evidence of financial ability is required not only for the Form I-20 but also during the visa application process with the U.S. Department of State and potentially upon entry at a U.S. Port of entry. According to the Department of Homeland Security, acceptable forms of financial evidence include family bank statements, documentation from a sponsor, financial aid letters, scholarship letters, and letters from an employer stating an annual salary.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Structures

Financial assistance for international students generally falls into four categories: scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Scholarships and grants are the most common forms of aid and are typically awarded based on financial need or academic merit.

While some SEVP-certified schools offer internal financial aid and scholarships for F and M students, international students are not eligible for U.S. Government-funded financial aid.

Loans are available to international students, but these typically require a cosigner who is a permanent resident or a citizen of the United States. Some universities provide work-study programs that allow international students to earn money while enrolled in school.

Funding Disparities by Academic Level

The availability of financial aid varies significantly depending on the level of study. Data from the Institute for International Education, reported in Open Doors 2023, indicates that nearly 60 percent of payments for tuition and fees at U.S. Undergraduate institutions during the 2022-23 academic year came from personal and family sources.

According to NAFSA, scholarship aid for undergraduate international students is minimal, with the majority of available scholarship funding reserved for graduate studies. U.S. Institutions generally offer little to no tuition discounts for undergraduate international students, though some private and public institutions may waive application fees.

To determine the necessary funding, institutions calculate the budgeted Cost of Attendance. This figure includes tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, and the estimated cost of books and other living expenses, and in some instances, travel costs.

Visa Eligibility and Compliance

Beyond financial solvency, applicants must meet several other criteria to be eligible for a U.S. Student visa. These requirements include:

• Possessing an accepted Form I-20 from a U.S. Program or school.
• Having a U.S. Sponsor.
• Demonstrating strong ties to their home country to ensure they return after completing their studies.
• Possessing the necessary English language skills and academic background to succeed in the program.
• Passing a visa interview with a U.S. Consular official.

The U.S. Department of State provides resources on its website to assist students in finding and applying for scholarships to help finance tuition, research, and living expenses.