FAFSA eligibility for International students

Applying for FAFSA is a major step for American students who are looking to gain financial aid to cover their college costs.

But what is the FAFSA eligibility for international students who dream of studying in the United States?

FAFSA eligibility for International students

Federal student aid programs are designed to support U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens in their pursuit of higher education. 

To be eligible for FAFSA, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. U.S. Nationals: Individuals born in American Samoa or Swains Island are considered U.S. nationals and qualify for FAFSA.
  2. Permanent Residents: Students with a Green Card (Form I-551) are considered permanent residents and may be eligible for FAFSA.
  3. Eligible Non-Citizens: A limited number of non-citizen categories qualify for FAFSA. These include refugees, asylum grantees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and certain parolees. You can find a detailed list of eligible non-citizen categories on the Federal Student Aid website (https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/international-students.pdf).

Can Non-U.S. Citizens Apply for FAFSA?

There are limited exceptions for non-U.S. citizens to qualify for federal student aid. 

These exceptions include students with specific immigration statuses such as:

  1. Refugees
  2. Asylees
  3. Cuban-Haitian Entrants
  4. Certain categories of parolees

If you are a non-U.S. citizen and unsure about your eligibility, carefully review the Department of Education’s website for detailed information on non-citizen eligibility requirements.

Financial Aid Options for International Students

While international students may not be eligible for federal aid through FAFSA, there are still several avenues to explore for financial assistance.

Some of these alternative financial aid options include the following:

  1. Institutional Scholarships and Grants: Many colleges and universities offer scholarships and grants specifically for international students. Contact the financial aid office at your desired institutions to learn more about their offerings.
  2. Private Scholarships: Numerous private organizations and foundations offer scholarships for international students. Conduct thorough research online or use scholarship search engines to find these opportunities.
  3. Merit-Based Aid: Many institutions award merit-based scholarships to exceptional students, regardless of citizenship. Focus on maintaining a strong academic record to increase your chances of receiving merit aid.
  4. External Loans: International students may be eligible for private student loans from lenders specializing in international education. Take your time to compare loan terms and interest rates before applying.
  5. Government Funding from Home Country: Some countries offer financial aid programs to support their students studying abroad. Do your best to explore the resources provided by your home country’s government or educational institutions.