Scholarships, Grants, Loans, oh my!
March 5th, 2012 by Jennifer Frankel
If you are planning to study overseas, you may find that going to school in a foreign country can be costly. While you will still have to cover your tuition, books, and living expenses, now you’ll need to factor in additional flight costs, exchange rates, health insurance, etc. While there is no doubt that studying overseas can help you become more competitive in the job market and advance your career, the immediate dent in your wallet could take a toll.
Whether you are an international, study abroad, or foreign enrolled student, you may – like many students – consider looking for external sources to help finance your education. But where should you look? Scholarships, grants, and loans are a great first step to get the funding you need:
Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to fund your education since you do not need to worry about paying back the money you receive. Some schools provide scholarships to their students based on financial need, or based on your academic merit. Contact your school to determine the availability along with any requirements and deadlines that you may need to meet.
Additionally, there are scholarships that are provided by independent organizations based on a wide range of criteria. Ever heard about the travel video contest by International Student? They awarded $4,000 to the winner for their video describing why they want to study abroad. Because these scholarships are offered by independent organization, there are a wide range of opportunities as they are looking for students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic or artistic talent.
Check out International Scholarships to begin the scholarship search.
Grants
Grants are typically granted to students based on financial need by a non profit organization, educational institution, government division, business or individual. The higher your financial need, the more likely you are to be awarded a grant – however this can be quite difficult for an international student.
Unlike scholarships that consider other factors such as field of study, qualifications, etc., grants require students to show that they need the grant based on academic need. However, like scholarships, once the money is dispersed, you do not need to worry about paying it back to the organization.
Check out International Education Financial Aid to see what grants are available.
Loans
Unlike scholarships and grants, international student loans are dispersed to those students who apply for the loan. Once the money is dispersed, you will be responsible for paying back the money you borrowed PLUS interest. Loans are typically easier to receive than scholarships and loans, but international students in the US will need to have a US cosigner in most cases who have spent at least 2 years in the United States.
Keep in mind that there are only certain lenders that will loan to international students. Eligibility will be determined not only lender, but also by school. Before beginning the application process, you may want to check to see if you are eligible. Our partner International Student Loan has also done this process for you where they compare lenders based on your eligibility.
Subscribe to our blog to get the latest information on financial aid.
I would like to ask for a scholaship because I need to continue my studies in foreign countries and I am able to submit all required asked things. I am rwandan and I Have finished my secondary studies with good results. For more informations my e-mail adress is available. Thanks.
hello i need a loan of 25000usd to cover my study in us .i got a scholarship from OHIO CENTER FOR BROADCASTING SCHOOL i got 3000usd awarded i need your help please.
Students can also check with the financial aid office of their current college for options of studying abroad for a semester or two. Their current financial aid package may help cover the expenses.
please i need either a scholarship or financial aid to help me start school abroad. please am desperate to get back to school. any info? please contact me through this e-mail: emahmfon@mail.com.
Thank you for your interest!
For more information regarding scholarships, grants and loans you can follow the links provided above.
Good luck!
Hi i am yet to be admitted to phoenix east aviation inc .but i don,t have enough funds to pay for my tution fees.can somebody tell me where i can get scholarships or any form of financial aid. My email alisdairushed@gmail.com
Hi,
I am a Liberian and would like to request for a scholarship to study in foreign country because of my field of studies and low financial income. I also need a financial assistance from the financial aid office to empower me go through my studies. Hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards.
I am in need of any financial assistance to help me atleast have a chance to study abroad due to the fact that i have no hopes of making it to the university hence i would wish if there is an opportunity somewhere i would appreciate with all my heart.This is because i have no assistance since i have to work to fend my siblings so there is no good job to sustain both my education and our survival
hi
iam a new admited i really need to find a schoolarship to pay my studies ,please guide me
Thank you for all of your interest!
Although we can’t grant you a scholarship, we can direct you to where you need to go:
Are you looking for more information on loans? Click here.
Would you like to search for a scholarship? Click here.
In need of a grant? Click here.
Good luck finding what you need.
i am cameroonian student , i need financial help to continu with my in usa.
Hello,
I am admitted at OH Northern University for academic year 2012/2013, LL.M in Democratic Governance and Rule of Law.
I would kindly wish your cordial assistance to meet my costs of studies. And God shall pour onto you and your children abundant of blessings!
Obadia and Ondoa,
Thank you for your interest. I have sent you each an email with more information on international student loans.
Please feel free to reply with any questions you might have.
i want financial assistant to study abroad after my first degree in computer science i want to get my master on imformation technology.Kindly mail thro the address as i will be glad if you can be great assistance.
I am a masters student in International Law and wish to obtain my phD abroad,please need help studying on loan.
sir,with due respect and humble,i would like to study in usa,but due to my finincial problem i could not able to go,so pleas can i get a student loan or a scholorship from your side.please can you help me out, i will thankfull to you.
Hi Nkeng, Festus and Kihoto,
Thank you for your interest.
I have sent each of you an email with information on our international student loans. If you have any questions please let us know!
great guide, i’ve actually applied to that video scholarship, but lost =(
Planning on trying again next year.
If you guys have any other scholarships for international students or ideas please let me know.
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HEY folks iam currently living in Botswana i ve been admitted to ASA college in new york city this coming fall i need student loan or scholarship of 4000 usd.thank you email please
Hi Lloyd,
Congrats on getting admitted. You are able to apply online for an international student loan here to help you with the financial aid you need. You can also browse awards here.
hi please i want to know how i can get funding to study piloting in pheonix east aviation school without having a cosignor to sign for a loan for me and i am from nigeria.thanks
Hi Haruna,
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, you will need a US co-signer for your international student loan. This is usually a friend or family member that you already know. You can find out more about your loan options here. Good luck.
MAY I GET MORE NEWS
Hi Frenk,
Thank you for your interest! You are able to find more information on scholarships and loans here. Additionally, you can sign up there for our newsletter to receive the most up to date information!
I hope this helps you find what you need.
how can I get sponsor for my education
i won a scholarship of 13600 pounds but for me to be able to benefit it i need a maintenance of 7500 pounds for me to be able to go to UK. Could and one help?
Hi Nathan,
To receive a scholarship you will need to first find one that you are eligible for, then apply. You can start your search here.
I hope you find the aid you need.
Hi I have got 92% in 10th ICSE. I am interested a lot to study more but due to financial problems I am not able to study.so I request you to help me by helping me financially or by providing me scholarship.pls help me to study.I want to become an engineer.so pls help me to study more..
hi.. I’m from India.. I have to do study in foreign. I’m good in studies.. but have financial problem.. please help me and tell me what to do. please anybody ..
Hi Gusharan,
Thanks for visiting. If you would like a scholarship you can start by searching in our database for scholarships in which you are eligible to apply. You can also see if we have a lender available in your situation. Good luck.
Hi!am Bernadette,Rwandan I covered my A1 in midwifery but I have no mean to continue with bachelor’s. and in my country we have no bachelor’s for midwifery but only for educational midwifery. so please I need help for my studies. for more info please contact me on mumudete2020@yahoo.fr
Hi Mumukunde,
Thanks for visiting. Are you looking to find a program in the US or are you looking for funding? If you’re looking for funding you can check out our list of scholarships and lenders. If you’re trying to find a school in the US you can visit here.
hello i need your help to study my education .i want to study my degree in foreign but i have financial problem.please please i need help
Hi Meseret,
Thanks for visiting. You’re able to find information on scholarships here and more details on loans here. Good luck!
how can I get the chance to further my education in abroad. am studies nursing and I wants to do degree
Hi Ebenezer,
If you need information on scholarship, grants and loans the links above will provide you with further information. If you need to find a college or university inside the US a good site to try is http://www.internationalstudent.com. Good luck!
I would like to be awarded a bursary because I am in financial crises.crises. I’m admitted to the University in Namibia but I have no any option to pay my studies.
We are sorry to hear that! You can check our scholarship search tool to see if there are alternative financing options. Best of luck!
A first year bonafide student of Sharda University in New Delhi India looking for loan, scholarship or grants to complete my studies am desperate on how i can fund my studies after removed from pay roll soon after enrolled in University I only managed to pay for first semester of my studies from last previous saving from my employer please any kind of assistance at this critical moment is welcome
Thanks for your message – please check http://www.iefa.org/scholarships