The short answer to the question is: yes. The simple fact is that studying abroad can be costly, and most students do not have the money to pay in full. For this reason, most people will look into student loans as a possible option for paying for school expenses.
Since study abroad is an official academic program set up by your school, your student loan can be used to cover any of the associated costs. This could include airfare, room and board, tuition, and other related expenses. Studying abroad brings a lot of opportunities with it and should not be hindered by financial limitations.
You should keep in mind a few things if you are thinking about using student loans to finance your education abroad. Let’s explore what you need to know in a little more depth.
As we mentioned earlier, studying abroad can be an expensive venture. Some students will have the resources to come up with a large sum of money, but most will not. For this reason, students need to look into student loans as a possible option when it comes time to pay their way through school.
If you want to study in developed countries like the U.S. and UK, it is not surprising that the tuition fees are expensive. Even the living cost can be very high in these countries. For example, the tuition costs for studying at Harvard is $38,891 per year, while Oxford University’s one-year course fee is around the £18,000 mark (more than $29,000).
Therefore, it makes sense to look into student loans as a possible option if you want to study abroad in such countries.
There are two types of student loans – Federal Student Loans and Private Loans.
Federal loans are the loans that are offered and regulated by the United States Department of Education. These loans are typically offered to students who cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for their education and living expenses. Federal loans are usually offered at a lower interest rate than private student loans.
Private loans are offered by private lenders, such as banks and credit unions. These loans usually have a higher interest rate than federal loans, and they also come with a range of fees. The United States Department of Education does not regulate private loans. They are controlled mainly by private organizations like banks and credit unions.
When it comes to comparing Federal Loans and Private Loans, here are some of the differences between them.
Typically, private loans have a higher interest rate than federal loans. The interest rates vary from 3% to 12%, depending on the borrower’s credit score, among other factors. Federal Loans are offered at an interest rate that the government determines. The current interest rate for Federal Loans is 4.29%.
Private lenders usually have a range of fees, which can include an origination fee, a late payment fee, and a prepayment penalty. Federal loans do not come with any origination fees, late payment fees, or prepayment penalties, as they are considered non-profit loans.
Private student loans typically require a cosigner. A cosigner is a person who agrees to be responsible for the loan if the borrower cannot repay it. And if you are applying for study abroad loans, it is essential to have a cosigner with a good credit score unless you are lucky enough to be approved for a loan without a cosigner. Federal loans do not require a cosigner.
Private lenders typically offer a range of repayment options, including deferred payment, interest-only payments, and graduated repayment.
Federal loans do not have any eligibility criteria for income level or geographic location. They are not affected by the ability of the student to repay the loan or find a job after graduation. They mostly look into students’ academic history and credit scores. On the other hand, private student loans have very stringent eligibility criteria that are based on the credit score of the borrower and cosigner, as well as the borrower’s income level.
Private international student loans usually offer a higher loan amount than federal loans when it comes to the loan amount. The annual limit for Undergraduate students is $12,000-$15,000 and $55,000-$60,000 total in federal loans. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,000-$22,000 annually and $135,000-$ 140,000 total. When it comes to private students loan borrowing, you can almost double the loan amount.
One of the most significant differences between a private student loan and a federal student loan is that personal loans typically have stricter repayment options if the borrower defaults on the loan payments. In the case of Federal Loans, there are no such repayment options, and the government can even garnish the borrower’s wages.
Now that you know some of the differences between Federal Loans and Private Loans, it is essential to decide which type of loan is best for you. Private loans can be expensive and come with a lot of fees. Also, if you default on repayment, private lenders have more stringent repayment options. If you want to save money on interest rates and smaller or no fees, federal loans are the way to go.
However, keep in mind that there are stringent eligibility criteria for federal loans compared to private student loans. You must have a good credit score and meet the income level requirements. So, if you want to study abroad and do not have a perfect credit score or do not meet the income level requirements, you might want to consider getting a study abroad loan from a private lender. A cosigner with a good credit score can help you get a better interest rate as well.
Yes. You can take both federal loans and private loans to study abroad. However, remember that you need to have a cosigner for any private loans you want to take, as they have stringent eligibility criteria.
As we mentioned before, federal loans only offer a limited amount of money for students studying abroad. And sometimes that amount is not enough. So, in that case, you can take a study abroad loan from a private lender. For example, you can use the federal loan towards your tuition fee and the private loan towards the living costs.
Before taking a study abroad student loan, there are a few things to consider. If you are not sure whether it is the right decision for you, here are a couple of points that can help you make that decision:
1. Double check if you qualify for any scholarship, financial aid, or grant for studying abroad.
2. Make sure that you understand your private student loan repayment options.
3. Make sure to read all the terms and conditions of your loan before signing on the dotted line. Please do not take it lightly!
4. Increase your credit score so that you can increase your chances of getting a reasonable interest rate on your student loan.
5. Make sure that you do not borrow any more money than you need to study abroad.
6. Do not think of a study loan as a free ride to have fun during your stay overseas. You still have to pay it back with interest!
Studying abroad is the dream of millions of students around the world. But the costs associated with studying abroad make it difficult for students to fulfill their dreams. If you are one of those students, getting a student loan is the key to making your dream a reality. This article will help you understand everything you need to know about getting a student loan to study abroad.
Many international students attend college or community college in the USA or go to a university or other higher education institution in Canada, the UK, Australia or many other countries around the world.
At IEFA we encourage students to broaden their horizons and take on the rewarding experience of an international education just like the estimated 5 to 6 million international students currently enrolled at universities in all four corners of the globe.
Some international students may feel they are isolated in their new country away from friends and family. However, this does not have to be the case! You can find communities of other international students, clubs and societies with common interests and the local community who will help you with the transition to your new country. Many international students actually report that the social life and extra curricular activities many colleges offer is even more valuable to them in their future careers than the quality education they receive compared to staying in their home country.
There are also plenty of resources specifically for international students – from housing, to scholarships and even financial assistance – whether you attend a small college or a large university overseas. You will have access to an international student advisor who can provide assistance and guidance to you before, during and often after you’ve completed your degree program. Many schools have dedicated support teams, or an international student office, who can help with any student visa questions foreign students might have, financial aid and advice on funding sources and access to financial resources.
I hope that this article offers some helpful advice on what people need when they first come over to a different country; don’t be afraid or shy! If you ever need any help please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
International students, or foreign students, are individuals who choose to do all or part of their post-secondary education in another country and relocate there for the explicit purpose of study. Most international students (more than 40% of all international students around the world) study at colleges and universities in just four destination countries – The U.S., The U.K., Canada and Australia.
Many countries require prospective international students to complete standardized tests to demonstrate language competence in the language of instruction or the main spoken language in that country. Students who do not have the required level of language to enter onto their chosen degree program may be able to take a Pathway Program at many colleges and universities. Pathway programs allow students to develop their language skills before proceeding onto their chosen degree programs.
Requirements will also vary depending on your chosen academic studies – whether you’re enrolling for undergraduate study or pursuing a graduate degree.
A student visa is one of the required documents for enrolment for many students. The exact student visa requirement will vary depending on the destination country, length of program and many other factors. Your chosen college or university will be able to give you the latest advice on whether student visas are required or not – for example for a short course of less than 6 months in Canada may not require a study visa as the course can be completed in the time allowed for many temporary visitor visas. Talk to the admissions office or international student office for guidance.
Living expenses, travel, tuition fees, having a social life… the costs of your education soon add up. Of course this is great for a country’s economy! It does mean that you may have to demonstrate that you have the resources to pay for the total cost of your education in that country in order to be granted your student visa. If you will be studying in the U.S. then there is definitely a requirement to prove you can pay for your own education and living costs. You can do this by providing statements from your bank account, as well as information about whether you receive funding from other sources to pay for your education.
The feeling of homesickness can be very real for international students when they first study abroad. Most students go through a period of adjustment where they may feel very emotional and even want to return home.
It may feel like the people you meet don’t understand your culture, you miss your friends and family back home, or you can’t get used to the weather or find food that reminds you of home. It can be many things. But there are a number of ways for an international student to overcome homesickness:
There are also plenty of resources specifically for international university students-from housing, to scholarships and even financial aid information, we have it all covered here!
As well as the IEFA international scholarship database you can also search internationalscholarships.com and speak to the advisors at your college or university as there may be some specific financial aid available for you. Many organizations and top universities offer financial and other aid to support talented students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access higher education at home or abroad.
You can set up a free account to use IEFA here.
Many international students simply cannot afford to study abroad with only their own income and family support. Even after securing scholarships, awards and grants there can still be a gap between the funds available and the costs.
If this is the case most international students on graduate programs or in their final 2 years of their undergraduate studies at many Canadian or American universities may be eligible for international student loans.
Loans for U.S. permanent resident students abroad are also available (and Stafford Loan funds can be used for study abroad, too). The majority of international students studying in other countries will struggle to find loans available to them.
Whether it’s advice on financial aid or support with on or off campus housing, your university has one or more departments dedicated to getting you the advice and resources you need as an international student. Your education, happiness and welfare is their number 1 priority.
You will have access to
Although the federal government doesn’t offer financial aid to those studying abroad in the USA, that doesn’t mean that there are no other funding sources. In fact, American colleges and universities are among the most generous in the world when it comes to offering international student financial aid in the form of tuition waivers or discounts as well as scholarships based on financial need, academic merit or athletic ability.
Wherever you are studying the advisors at your school or university should be your first port of call for any questions or concerns you have along your international student journey, from admissions requirements right through to job prospects and careers advice after graduation.
If you’re a student from the United States, you could be eligible for financial support through the standard federal FAFSA program, meaning studying at a foreign university may not be as difficult to finance as you’d imagined! You might want to study abroad as part of an exchange program for a semester or an academic year, or even for your undergraduate degree or as a graduate student.
Do you have a dream of studying in the UK, France, Germany, Italy or somewhere else?
Technically the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” is the Federal Student Aid system operated by the US Department of Education.
Every year, many thousands of US students and permanent residents complete the FAFSA application forms to check their financial aid eligibility for their higher education. These could be grant programs or loans (or both). Of course the main difference between a grant and a loan is that you have to repay the loan.
Yes! Federal Student Loan funding can be used to pay for your studies at an international school!
There are roughly 750 institutions outside of the US (about 600 in Europe and the rest in other countries) that have been approved by the US Department of Education to use federal funding or to defer other study loan payments. Unfortunately federal grants (i.e. Pell Grants) through this program are not eligible for study abroad.
Whether or not foreign universities are eligible for federal loans is decided by the US Department of Education. There is an official list of recognised international schools. You can find it at studentaid.gov.
Europe is home to some of the world’s most famous and most historic universities like Oxford and Cambridge in the UK and many around the continent offering high quality education and wonderful international experience. It’s an incredibly popular destination for international students from the US and around the world. Many universities are eligible for study abroad funding. You can find out if the school you choose is eligible by looking at the US Department of Education list, or checking a site like InternationalStudentLoan – because if a school is approved for private student loans then it must be approved for federal loans. Don’t forget that you must also be attending an approved program at the school.
If the Federal Student Aid isn’t enough or you don’t qualify, maybe you can get a study abroad scholarship or student loan from a private sponsor or lender – these are some of your financial aid options. Study abroad scholarships, grants and similar awards may be available directly from schools or private institutions. Loans may be available from private lenders, but in order to be eligible for private loans, a school must be eligible for FAFSA loans first.
You should speak to the financial aid office to find out what support the school offers to their international students.
Check to see if your chosen university is approved for FAFSA, and if they aren’t ask them if they offer financial aid packages or private loans for international students or know of any lenders that do.
You should see if there are study abroad scholarships offered by your chosen school and private scholarships – you can search these at internationalscholarships.com
Find a loan:
Read Next: How to find study abroad scholarships
In this video we break down all the Financial Aid Opportunities for International Students in the US.
If you’re specifically looking for a loan, then you can use the tool on our site to see if you are eligible.
If you’re looking for a scholarship, then you can search through our database on our Scholarships Page.
It’s also the most expensive. International students have to pay for tuition, room & board, transportation, books, and supplies – and students may not have all that money saved in advance.
So how can international students pay all these expenses? It’s not easy, but you can realise the dream of studying in the US with hard work and some financial aid.
The U.S. government gives international students limited financial support. But while most foreign citizens are not eligible for government student support, the U.S. Department of Education states that:
“Many non-U.S. Citizens qualify for federal student assistance. Don’t assume you can’t get help because you’re not a citizen.”
Under certain circumstances, non-citizens may be eligible for U.S. federal funding. If you are applying for an international student visa, you may be eligible for the U.S. government-funded programmes:
However, as an international student, you are most likely not eligible for US government financial aid.
But there are other alternatives that can help fund your education.
Always start looking at home. If you’re an outstanding student with great potential, your own country may be willing to send you to an American college or university to learn at some of the best institutions, and then return home to apply your newly acquired skills.
To give you some examples of these programs:
You should talk to the education department of your home country and your US embassy or consulate to see if government-funded programs are available.
Universities are often flexible in offering financial support to international students. You can usually find plenty of financial aid information on the website of your school or by talking to your Admissions Office or International Student Services Office, or the Financial Aid Office.
You can find information on budgeting, the cost of your education, and any financial support you can afford.
For their students, most colleges have either need- or merit-based financial aid packages, which can come in various forms.
Some schools have introduced a “need-blind” admissions policy, meaning you’re accepted based on your academic merits and don’t look at your financials.
It’s important to talk to your admissions office about what financial aid you ‘re eligible for. You may be aware of additional completion forms and deadlines.
Schools differ greatly in the international financial aid offered to students. If the school is well-funded, wants to diversify its student population, or has special interests in certain fields of study, it may be willing to offer a generous financial aid package to attract international students.
International students can get up to a full scholarship to participate on their school’s sport teams. If you’re a talented athlete, this could be your ticket to a US school.
There are agencies travelling the world searching for students who have excelled in their sport and will match you with a coach recruiting for their school. The coach will have the final say as to whether you get selected — and whether there is a financial package to go along with that.
Many schools are looking and have the funds to build a specific academic department. Whether you excel in math, business, or physics, there may be a scholarship for you. You’ll need to contact the Department Head to see if they’re willing to help you. These scholarships are often available in STEM fields — science , technology , engineering, and mathematics. These departments are seeking new research and expertise, so you need to show your track record and make the investment worthwhile.
A tuition waiver allows students not to pay a portion of their tuition. While not all schools grant international students a tuition waiver, a handful to do. The school will specify the requirements to be met for a waiver of tuition. It can be based on citizenship, academic performance, or part of a fellowship or grant. Do your research, look at the school’s website, and talk to your admissions counsellor or an international student advisor to find out more about eligibility.
Many organisations worldwide have created scholarships and grants to help students study abroad. But these awards can be competitive. There are thousands of scholarships and grants out there, but remember to put the time and effort into each application to increase the likelihood of winning the award. Have your application reviewed and submit as many as you can. You can search international scholarships on IEFA.org.
Working in the U.S. to supplement your financial support is difficult for international students. F-1 students may work part-time on campus if they are in good academic standing or have completed their academic programme. For OPT or CPT approval, your work must be directly related to your major. Check with your International Student Advisor if you can work during your studies.
If you pursue higher degrees, some international organisations can help you study in the U.S., including the United Nations and the World Health Organization, to name a few. Again, these scholarships are extremely competitive, but they can be amazing if you have the qualifications and skills to do so.
If you still need funds, there are international student loans that can cover your U.S. education’s total cost, including your tuition, transportation, living and food expenses. As long as you attend an accredited school, several lenders will work with international students. In most cases, you can apply online and get approval within days. Remember, international student loans allow you to borrow money, but you’ll need to pay back the money with additional borrowing costs. Check all the details and compare lenders to find the right loan.
Study abroad loans are available for US citizens and permanent residents planning to study abroad. It doesn’t matter if you will be doing a short-term study abroad program through your college, or if you will be doing a full degree program abroad – you are eligible for a ton of financial aid!
Want to learn more? Our student loan specialist, Bryanna Davis, will be hosting a LIVE Google Hangout on-air to help you get the financial aid you need to make your international dreams a reality. Student loans can cover your total educational costs, including your tuition, transportation, housing, books, etc.
Mark your calendars for tomorrow:
Friday, August 15, 2014
11:00 am EST
Join the Hangout Here
Tomorrow’s discussion on Finding Your Study Abroad Loan will discuss the various types of student loans available, including federal and private student loans. It can be confusing, so let our Student Loan Specialist help you navigate the process, from start to finish.
Do you have questions lingering in the back of your head? Ask them now, or bring your questions to the Hangout and we’ll answer them live on air.
See you tomorrow, Friday August 15, 2014, at 11:00 am EST!
Whether you just graduated, are planning to become an international student or are an international student- we know you will think one, or both of these hangouts is worth watching!
Today, Thursday 26th, at 10am EST International Student Loan is hosting a Google+ Hangout On Air to help explain some of the most confusing loan terms that students run across. International students in need of financial aid and who have considered a loan won’t want to miss this hangout! The hangout will explain some of the top terms you’ll come across when comparing and applying for a loan- terms that are important to understand before agreeing to a loan.
International Student is also hosting a Google+ Hangout On Air this week! The International Student Hangout will address how you can use your contacts to get a job. Whether you’re an international student who just graduated or who is about to start your first semester- these tips will be ones to take note of and keep in mind during your search for a job. Don’t miss this Hangout Friday June 27th at 11am EST.
Attend the International Student Loan Hangout to get student loan terms explained. Start watching today at 10am EST.
Attend the International Student Hangout to learn how to use your contacts to get a job. Watch Friday at 11am EST.
If you can’t attend the hangouts make sure to visit the International Student Loan video page and the International student Hangout page so you can watch both videos in your free time.
If you are planning to apply for student loans come July or August, it’s important to know key terms so that you can evaluate lenders and choose the one that works best for you. The international student loans that are available have different repayment options. Repayment is defined as the act of paying back the money (with interest) that was initially loaned to you. It means that you are looking not only at how much you are borrowing, but the timing – when will you be expected to begin paying back the loans? So let’s take a closer look at student loan repayment.
Borrowers typically have three different options available on private student loans, it includes full deferral, payment of interest only, or immediate interest and principal repayment. We will explain the three options below, however keep in mind the further you delay payments the more money the lender will expect you to pay.
Interested in learning more about student loans? Check out our previous blog on understanding interest rates.
The amount of students who study abroad – defined as U.S. students embarking on a short-term course of study in another country – is increasing every year. And while your financial aid package through your home school will typically be continued even during this short time away, the added expenses of the international experience can mean needing even more loans. But when should you apply for study abroad loans?
The simple answer is that it depends on your situation! If you’re wondering “When should you apply for study abroad loans?” and looking for a hard date, there isn’t one. That is because study abroad loans will almost all be from private lenders, which do not in fact have application deadlines like federal loans or financial aid through a school.
So the right time to apply is all about the specifics of your own situation. A few things to consider:
So when should you apply for study abroad loans? As long as you make sure you have your full financial picture, thoroughly research your options, and get a cosigner, there’s no wrong time!
* Airplane flying around the world photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Study abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences for students. After studying abroad, many students return home with memories that last a lifetime. If you don’t agree, just look at the numbers! According to the Open Doors Report, 270,604 US students studied abroad in 2009-2010. This milestone represents the largest number of US study abroad students, marking a 3.9% increase over last year. Whether the attraction is cultural immersion, learning a new language, building professional skills, or to gaining international experience, you may not be able to afford NOT to go.
So then comes the question, how do you finance your study abroad so that you can take advantage of these opportunities as well?
If you are looking to finance your study abroad, you first need to look for opportunities that are free gifts and do not require you to pay back the money. This includes scholarships and grants offered to students. Your financial aid counselors or advisors can be an enormous resource as they may be able to recommend funding options and help you budget wisely. To make sure you take advantage of all of the scholarship opportunities, you should not only contact your financial aid office, but also your study abroad office, academic department, clubs and organizations, national organizations with ties to international education, religious and civic organizations, and perhaps even places of work for you and your parents.
Once you’ve maximized your grants and scholarships, you may find that you need additional financial assistance. Stafford loans are another great way to help fund even more of the expenses. It’s important to note, however, that federal loans have limits on how much you can borrow. To put this in prospective, the maximum Stafford loan that students can borrow is $5,500.
Finally, private study abroad loans are another avenue to finance your study abroad. While you should always maximize scholarships and grants followed by federally backed loans, private student loans can also help you get the financing you need to make your study abroad a reality. If you are thinking about taking out a loan, it is important to realize that loans will need to be paid back along with interest. Consider how this debt will affect you, and develop a plan that will allow you to pay back your loan on time.
Financing your study abroad is no easy task – especially as costs can easily add up while you try to make the most of your international experience. The payoffs, however, are unquantifiable especially in this day in age where the world is interconnected no matter what career path you choose.
What a difference a week makes in the world of financial aid. After all, at this point a week ago, there was every indication that federal student loan interest rates – which had been set to double on July 1st due – would do exactly that. Although both US President Obama and Mitt Romney, his Republican challenger – not mention quite a few members of Congress besides – voiced support for measures that would prevent this automatic increase of interest rates.
With such broad support, in and of itself, there was not enough to reconcile differences between the two parties on how to pay for the bill or, ultimately, to bring the matter to a vote. With the issue of funding unresolved, as Congress approached the weekend (and its weeklong recess to commemorate the US’s Independence Day), the general consensus at the Capitol was that, come the new month, the interest rate on federally backed student loans would jump from 3.4% to 6.8%. While this measure only affects federal loans – and not private international student loans – this would indeed affect those students who plan to study abroad with federally-backed student loans.
In the end, though, what a difference a week makes. In a rare flurry of bipartisanship in the United States, an 11th hour compromise was reached. The leaders of the two major parties in the Senate found common ground on how to pay for the nearly $6 billion cost of the measure on Tuesday and it was this compromise measure that passed the House 373 to 52 Friday and, later the same day, the Senate itself 74 to 19. The US President, who actively called for the legislation, signed it into law on Friday. In so doing, the change is estimated to help more than 7 million students who currently receive Stafford loans by saving them an average of $1,000 each on their loans.
We work with leading providers of international student loan programs to provide students around the world with financial aid options to fund their education abroad.
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