International Student Information

Financing Your Education

Funding your studies is a challenge faced by many international students studying in the U.S.  The Antioch University Financial Aid Office does not offer any type of federal, state, or other form of aid to international students studying in the United States, as generally, international students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.  You must be one of the following to receive federal student aid:

• U.S. citizen
• U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swain's Island)
• U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C (Alien Registration Receipt Card)

If you are not in one of these categories, you must be an eligible noncitizen, and you must have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:

• Refugee
• Asylum Granted
• Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending
• Conditional Entrant (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)
• Parollee (You must be paroled into the United States for at least one year, and must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become a citizen or permanent resident.)

If you have only a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence (I-171 or I-464), you are not eligible for federal student aid.

If you're in the United States on certain visas, including an F1 or F2 student visa, or a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, you are not eligible for federal student aid.  Students on F-1 visas are not permitted to work unless approved for on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, Severe Economic Hardship, or employment at designated International Organizations.

Also, persons with G series visas (pertaining to international organizations) are not eligible.

Links for International Students

• Association of International Educators (NAFSA) — This page contains information about planning your study in the U.S. and the costs of studying.
• International Student Scholarship & Financial Aid Guide — This page provides a comprehensive overview of resources and financial planning considerations for international students.
• Funding for U.S. Study — Funding for US Study Online is an extensive database of scholarships, fellowships and grants organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
• EduPASS — This website contains useful information and links pertaining to scholarships, financial aid, and loans for international students. In addition, there are links to information about traveling and living in the U.S., calculating college costs, income tax, and much more.
• International Education Financial Aid — IEFA provides a scholarship search with options to narrow the results based on your program of study and home country.
• International Scholarships — This website lists over 1000 scholarship and other funding opportunities for international students.

Things to keep in mind

• There may be funding options offered by your own government. If you are still in your home country, write or contact your government to ask about funding possibilities. Many organizations, corporations, and institutions provide funding for students for foreign study.
• Make sure the scholarships and grants that you apply to are open to international students. If you are unsure, contact the person or organization in charge of the scholarship.
• Allow plenty of time for searching, applying, and receiving any type of scholarship or financial funding. Keep pertinent contact information from organizations and records of your applications for your reference.  There are many people like you searching and applying for the same scholarships, so do not worry if you do not receive a reply from every organization.
• If you are awarded a scholarship or any other type of funding, congratulations!  Verify how to obtain the funds, and note any deadlines.
• Good luck and happy searching!