Apply Now
Planet with rings and stars
College Loans

International Student Loans

International students attending U.S. colleges and universities may be eligible for award-winning private student loans with Ascent. We’re here to help support your journey, no matter how far you’re coming from.

Get Started
Check your rate without impacting your credit score.

We’re proud to provide award-winning loans for lifelong learners.

nerdwallet best of awards 2024
forbes advisor best private student loans 2024
Best of Awards 2024
Editors Choice Award Ascent Badcredit.org
clipboard

Loan requirements for international students attending U.S. universities

You’re eligible for an international student loan with Ascent if:

  • You are not a U.S. citizen
  • You are not a U.S. permanent resident
  • You’re not Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA)
  • You have an eligible resident status
  • You have a creditworthy cosigner who lives in the U.S. and meets additional requirements (see below)

If you meet these requirements, a private international student loan with Ascent may be an option for you.

astronauts

Cosigner requirements for international student loans

In addition to the above requirements, international students attending U.S. universities are also required to have a creditworthy cosigner for Ascent student loans.

Your cosigner must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
  • Have a minimum credit score. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on your credit score.
  • Meet a minimum gross annual income of $30,000 for the current and previous year.
  • Be able to submit satisfactory proof-of-income.
astronaut with a flag

Parent student loan requirements for parents, grandparents, guardians, or sponsors 

  • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
  • Have a minimum credit score. The minimum score required is subject to change. 
  • Meet a minimum gross annual income of $40,000 with credit and income-based debt-to-income requirements. 
  • The student is enrolled less than half-time, half-time, or full-time status. 
profile-with-checkmark

Obtaining an I-20 to study?

An I-20 is one of the documents we will require to fund your education. If you do not have an I-20 yet or are planning on using Ascent as your proof of funding, we can help!

  • Apply for an Ascent loan with a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident cosigner
  • If conditionally approved, we'll issue you a conditional approval letter in your Ascent portal
  • Take that letter to to your visa appointment
  • Once you're approved for the I-20 documentation, upload the documentation in your Ascent portal
  • Proceed with your Ascent loan application
  • If approved and the loan is certified, we'll disburse the funds to your school

International student loan options

Ascent offers private student loans to international students in the U.S. for a variety of career paths. Explore your options below.
Astronauts

Undergraduate Cosigned

Credit-Based Loan

For international undergraduate students with a creditworthy cosigner

Variable* APR 5.50% - 14.56%
Fixed* APR 3.69% - 14.41%

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
  • Must be an international student who is a U.S. temporary resident or has a Temporary Protected status
  • Must have a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*:

  • Deferred Repayment
  • Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment
  • Immediate Repayment*
See repayment examples

TERMS*:

  • 5, 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

(No penalty for early repayment)

GRACE PERIOD:

  • Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 9-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status
MBA

MBA School Cosigned

Student Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their MBA with a cosigner.

Variable* APR 7.35% - 14.56%
Fixed* APR 4.69% - 14.41%

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
  • Must be an international student who is a U.S. temporary resident or has a Temporary Protected status
  • Must have a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

REWARDS:

REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*:

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment
  • Immediate Repayment*
See repayment examples

TERMS*:

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

(No penalty for early repayment)

GRACE PERIOD:

  • Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 9-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status

EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:

  • Maximum in-school period is 36 months
Medical

Medical School Cosigned

Student Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their MD, DO, DVM, VMD, or DPM with a cosigner.

Variable* APR 7.35% - 14.81%
Fixed* APR 4.69% - 14.41%

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
  • Must be an international student who is a U.S. temporary resident or has a Temporary Protected status
  • Must have a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

REWARDS:

REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*:

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 36 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment
  • Immediate Repayment*
See repayment examples

TERMS*:

  • 7, 10, 12, 15 or 20-Years

(No penalty for early repayment)

GRACE PERIOD:

  • Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 36-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status

EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:

  • Maximum in-school period is 48 months
Dental

Dental School Cosigned

Student Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their DMD or DDS with a cosigner.

Variable* APR 7.35% - 14.81%
Fixed* APR 4.69% - 14.41%

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
  • Must be an international student who is a U.S. temporary resident or has a Temporary Protected status
  • Must have a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

REWARDS:

REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*:

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 12 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment
  • Immediate Repayment*
See repayment examples

TERMS*:

  • 7, 10, 12, 15 or 20-Years

(No penalty for early repayment)

GRACE PERIOD:

  • Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 12-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status

EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:

  • Maximum in-school period is 48 months
Law

Law School Cosigned

Student Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their law degree with a cosigner.

Variable* APR 7.35% - 14.56%
Fixed* APR 4.69% - 14.41%

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
  • Must be an international student who is a U.S. temporary resident or has a Temporary Protected status
  • Must have a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

REWARDS:

REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*:

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment
  • Immediate Repayment*
See repayment examples

TERMS*:

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

(No penalty for early repayment)

GRACE PERIOD:

  • Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 9-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status

EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:

  • Maximum in-school period is 36 months
Graduate student

General Graduate School Cosigned

Student Loans

For international students seeking graduate loans for degree programs in allied health, nursing, pharmacy, PhD programs, and other advanced graduate degrees (MA, MS) with a cosigner.

Variable* APR 7.35% - 14.56%
Fixed* APR 4.69% - 14.41%

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
  • Must be an international student who is a U.S. temporary resident or has a Temporary Protected status
  • Must have a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

REWARDS:

REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*:

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment
  • Immediate Repayment*
See repayment examples

TERMS*:

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

(No penalty for early repayment)

GRACE PERIOD:

  • Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 9-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status

EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:

  • Maximum in-school period is 36 months
Astronaut with flag

Parent

Credit-Based Loan

For parents, grandparents, guardians, and sponsors with an international student attending an eligible school.

Variable* APR 5.55% - 15.76%
Fixed* APR 5.30% - 16.31%

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be a parent, grandparent, guardian, or sponsor with an eligible student who is enrolled less than half-time, half-time or full-time at a degree-granting, Title IV, Ascent eligible school
  • Meet the minimum credit score and income requirements

REPAYMENT OPTIONS

  • Interest-Only Repayment
  • Immediate Repayment
See repayment examples

TERMS*:

  • 5, 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

(No penalty for early repayment)

Additional requirements for international student loans

In addition to a creditworthy cosigner, international students attending a university in the U.S. must be able to verify your individual resident status and provide proof of identification:

clipboard

Temporary Resident Status

OPTION 1:

Valid Visa

A valid visa** must not expire within 6-months of the end of the enrollment period for which the loan is being requested. Acceptable forms are as follows:

  • G-1
  • H-1B
  • L-1
  • M-3
  • M-1
  • F-1
  • H-1C
  • H-3
  • T-1
  • F-3
  • H-2B
  • J-1
  • TN

AND

Social Security Card

OPTION 2:
(In lieu of unexpired VISA and Social Security Card):

I-20 Form

(pages 1 & 2 signed – if applicable)

AND

Unexpired Passport

from country of origin

Temporary Protected status students must upload the following documentation verifying your resident status:

  • Form I-797, Notice of Action
  • Unexpired Passport from country of origin
  • Social Security Card (if applicable)

See here for eligible Temporary Protected Status countries

**Note: We do not accept all visa types. Please see above for eligible visa types.

speedometer

Credit Score

Eligible international students with no credit score or eligible students that meet a minimum credit score must apply with a cosigner. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner.

How to get your private student loan for international students

You’ve already put a lot of work into preparing for college.

  • Satelite
    Step 1

    Submit your pre-qualification

    We ask you to provide important information such as your name, address, date of birth, the school you’re applying to, and employment information. If you’re applying with a cosigner, they’ll also enter their information.

  • Astronaut
    Step 2

    Customize your loan details

    Once your completed loan application is approved, you’ll be able to view your loan details and select the loan terms that work best for you.

  • Clipboard
    Step 3

    Complete any open loan tasks in your Ascent portal

    After you choose your loan terms, complete any loan application tasks in your Ascent portal.

  • Moneybag
    Step 4

    We pay the school

    When your portal tasks are complete, we send your loan for school certification. Once certified, we’ll disburse your loan directly to the school.

graduation cap with bag of money

More ways to pay for graduate school with Ascent

Ascent offers additional ways for you to earn money throughout the year, even if you don’t have a loan with us. Expand your possibilities with our benefits.

What are others saying about Ascent?

Being young I don’t have a strong credit history. Ascent made it possible for me to have my own loan without the help of others - I’m thankful I found them.

Nikara M. Western Washington University

It was the only decent loan provider that would except a non-cosigned loan. My loan manager helped a lot.

Robert C. Texas A&M University

Ascent gave me the option to take on a loan by myself and at a decent interest rate for what my circumstances were.

Tyler P. Keiser University

Frequently asked questions about private student loans for international students

From your first application to your final payment, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Our 100% U.S.-based Customer Service Team is here for you.

Ascent is an innovative private student loan program that provides access to higher education funding for an expanded population of undergraduate and graduate students, while encouraging the financial wellness of students and their families.

We advocate awareness of the potential financial outcomes of your higher education choices (school, major, years in school, financing your education), helping you visualize where your career could go and what it could be – encouraging better decisions today to open up greater future opportunities.

Ascent offers loan products to help international undergraduate and graduate students pay for college.

International undergraduate and graduate students have the option to apply for a Cosigned Credit-Based Loan. Ascent created customized grad school loans for:

  • Business School (MBA)
  • Dental School (DMD, DDS)
  • Law School (JD, LLM)
  • Medical School (MD, DO, DVM, VMD, DPM)
  • General Graduate School (Health Professionals, Nursing, Pharmacy, MA, MS, PhD, etc.)
College loans for international students studying in the U.S. can cover costs associated with undergraduate or graduate programs. Like all Ascent loans, your international student loan will be paid directly to your school to cover any tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other college costs.
No, international students in the USA must have a cosigner for student loans. Your cosigner has to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, among other requirements.
Yes, Ascent provides private student loans for international students attending U.S. universities. You’ll need a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, has a credit score that meets our requirements, and can provide proof of an income of at least $30,000 a year.

Don’t See Your Question? Check our FAQ page.

We know applying for student loans can be overwhelming, but the Ascent team is here to answer your questions. Explore our FAQ page for more commonly asked questions and answers. If you have a more personalized question you need to ask or don’t find your answer on our site, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Bubble with question mark

Contact us for help with international student loans

If you have questions or concerns about your international student loan application, don’t hesitate to contact Ascent. We’re available to assist you and provide clarification on the loan application process, as well as any additional information you need to help make your decision.

Fill out our contact form to reach the Ascent team.

1Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal

What type of loan are you looking for?

Checking your rate will not impact your credit score.

school

College Loan

For students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degree from a university or college.

Apply for College Loan
laptop

Bootcamp Loan

For students attending a coding bootcamp school pursuing a degree in technology, professional training, or licensure training.

Apply for Bootcamp Loan