You’ve always wanted to study abroad in the United States. Now, with several acceptance letters in hand, you have your chance. But then you look over the costs of your prospective schools and wonder how you will pay for it all. You start to read the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and think, “Can international students apply for FAFSA?“ 

Continue reading to learn how international students can apply for FAFSA and more.

Key Takeaways

• Most international students can’t apply for FAFSA unless they fall into specific categories like U.S. permanent residents (“green card” holders) or refugees.
• The FAFSA also requires a Social Security number (SSN) to create an FSA ID and complete the form.
• If you’re an eligible non-citizen, you can apply for FAFSA starting December 31. You must reapply each year you’re enrolled in a U.S. school and applying early may increase your chances of receiving aid.
• If you’re not eligible for the FAFSA, contact your school’s financial aid office. The state where your school is located or the school itself may offer financial aid for international students.
• Federal aid and school-based funding may not cover the full cost of attendance. Ascent offers private cosigned loans for international students to fill any gaps in college funding.

FAFSA Eligibility for International Students 

FAFSA is available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. According to the Federal Student Aid website, eligible non-citizens must fall under one of the following categories: 

1. You must:
   • Be a U.S. national (including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island) or
   • Be a U.S. permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a “green card”.
2. You have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) with one of the following:
   • “Refugee” 
   • “Asylum Granted” 
   • “Conditional Resident Alien”
   • “Cuban-Haitian Entrant” 
   • “Conditional Entrant” (if issued before April 1, 1980) 
   • “Parolee” (must be paroled for at least one year)
     • see more on parolee requirements and recent modifications here
3. You have a T-visa issued to victims of human trafficking, or a parent holds a T-1 nonimmigrant status. 
4. You are a “battered immigrant-qualified alien” and are a victim of abuse by your citizen or permanent resident spouse. This includes being the child of a person designated under the Violence Against Women Act.
5. You are a citizen of one of the following: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republican of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. In this situation, some financial aid options may be limited. 

To complete the FAFSA, students must create an FSA ID using their Social Security number (SSN). International students that don’t meet the above criteria and don’t have an SSN are not eligible to apply for the FAFSA. 

How to Fill Out the FAFSA as an International Student 

Here’s how you can fill out your FAFSA as an international student if you qualify as a non-citizen. 

1. Remember, the FAFSA opens on December 31, and the deadline to submit is June 30. 
2. It’s also important to note that you’ll get more aid the sooner you apply, and you’ll need to submit a new application every year you take classes in the U.S. 
3. Have your required pieces of documentation ready and complete the FAFSA form here. 

Other Financing Options Are Available to International Students 

If you aren’t eligible to apply for the FAFSA, additional funding opportunities may be available. 

Reach out to the financial aid office of your prospective school and ask how they can help you pay for your program abroad. Financial aid may be available from the state where your school is located or the school itself. Often, the school will ask you to complete a specific form from their office. 

Explore Private Loans for International Students 

Depending on what federal financial aid you’re eligible for and what your school offers, it might not cover the total cost of attendance. If that’s the case, consider private international student loans. Ascent offers private cosigned loan options for international students. 

FAQs

Can international students apply for FAFSA in the U.S.?

Most international students are not eligible for FAFSA. Only certain non-citizens—like U.S. permanent residents, refugees, or those with specific immigration statuses—with a Social Security number can complete the FAFSA form.

What types of financial aid are available for international students?

International students may access scholarships from their colleges, state financial aid (in limited cases), and private student loans. Some universities offer need- or merit-based assistance specifically for international students.

Are there alternatives to FAFSA for international students?

Yes. Many schools use their own financial aid forms to assess international students for institutional aid. Contact your school’s financial aid office for guidance.

Do green card holders or DACA recipients qualify for FAFSA?

Green card holders are eligible for FAFSA as U.S. permanent residents, but Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients are not. DACA students may qualify for state or institutional aid, or they can apply for private student loans to cover the cost of college.

How can international students pay for college without FAFSA?

International students can still pursue scholarships or funding directly from their schools or the state where the school is located. Additionally, they can apply for private student loans with a cosigner. Many colleges have dedicated support and resources for international student financial planning.