If you are facing an unexpected financial need or concern, make an appointment to meet with an international advisor. But, be prepared:
"There is very little financial aid for foreign nationals to study in the US, with the possible exception of citizens of Canada and Mexico. Most grants, scholarships, and loans from public and private sources are restricted to US citizens. As a result, international students will find very little information about financial aid for international students."
This statement is from EduPass, an organization that provides more information about financial aid for international students than any other publication. However, there are some options, and ISS advisors may be able to help you find them.
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Before you meet with the ISS advisor
- Review the criteria for emergency assistance (below) and determine whether your case qualifies as an emergency
- Review the student budget analysis data (below) to see if your budget meets these expectations
- Complete a financial status worksheet (available at the counter) and bring it with you to discuss with the advisor
- Check out this website: www.edupass.org for information about international student options
Please also bring your current I-20. Advisors will review your current financial status, and the discussion may include budget management, employment options, loan and scholarship possibilities.
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Criteria for emergency assistance (including UW-Madison Bridge Loan, tuition installment plans and also for INS economic hardship work permission)
- a medical emergency involving loss of job and medical coverage
- medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses
- illness not covered by insurance
- a family crisis requiring an unexpected round trip airfare home
- fire or other destruction or theft of property
- currency exchange rates interfering with money transfers from home
- political turmoil or natural disaster in the home country
- loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student
- substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate
- inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs
- verifiable unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support
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Are you currently employed?
Self-sufficiency and employment are considered by Americans an appropriate way to pay for education. Advisors can assist you in understanding your options for employment in the USA and how to go about finding work.
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The following budget guidelines have been developed as a guideline for students by student financial counselors:
- Housing - 30%
- Food (groceries and eating out) - 18%
- Credit card/loan repayment - 18%
- Transportation (including car insurance) - 10%
- Clothing - 8%
- Medical and dental - 4%
- Recreation and entertainment - 4%
- Savings - 5%
- Miscellaneous - 3%
Does this match your spending pattern?
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Long term loans:
ISS Advisors may be able to help you by approving a short-term or long-term loan or other form of assistance on campus. But in case you do not qualify, you may consider applying for a long-term loan through an agency other than the UW-Madison (such as those on the EduPass web-site www.edupass.org.). In this case financial counselors at Student Financial Services can advise you as to what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to plan repayment schedules. They can also assist with budget management advice. Call 262-3060 for an appointment.
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Topics covered at www.edupass.org/finaid:
Calculating College Costs
Financial Planning Worksheet
Sources of Financial Aid
Schools with Financial Aid for International Undergraduate Students
Useful Publications
Organizations
Scholarships for International Students
Loans for International Students
Income Taxes
International Students and the FAFSA
Financial Aid for Canadian Students
Financial Aid for European Students
But don't forget the bottom line: there is very little aid for international students in the USA.
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