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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.

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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 $24,000 for the current and previous year.
  • Be able to submit satisfactory proof-of-income.

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.

two astronauts

Undergraduate Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

For international undergraduate students with a creditworthy cosigner


6.15% – 16.08%


4.83% – 16.16%

View Details

  • 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

  • 5, 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

  • 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

  • Deferred Repayment
  • Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

graph and charts

MBA Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their MBA with a cosigner.


7.17% – 16.08%


5.83% – 16.16%

View Details

  • 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

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

  • 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

  • Deferred Repayment
  • Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

  • Maximum in-school period is 36-months
medical

Medical School Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

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


6.68% – 16.08%


5.61% – 16.16%

View Details

  • 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

  • 7, 10, 12, 15 or 20-Years

(20-year term only available with a variable rate loan)

  • Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 36-months after graduation, up to 9-months after leaving the program or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status

  • Deferred Repayment
  • Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

  • Maximum in-school period is 48-months
dental

Dental School Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

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


7.01% – 16.08%


5.83% – 16.16%

View Details

  • 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

  • 7, 10, 12, 15 or 20-Years

(20-year term only available with a variable rate loan)

  • Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 12-months after graduation, up to 9-months after leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status

  • Deferred Repayment
  • Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

  • Maximum in-school period is 48-months
law

Law School Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

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


7.17% – 16.08%


5.83% – 16.16%

View Details

  • 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

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

  • 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

  • Deferred Repayment
  • Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

  • Maximum in-school period is 36-months
graduate

General Graduate School Cosigned

Credit-Based 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.


7.17% – 16.08%


5.83% – 16.16%

View Details

  • 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

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

  • 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

  • Deferred Repayment
  • Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

  • Maximum in-school period is 36-months

*Rates displayed above are effective as of 11/01/2023 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% for credit-based loans and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions.The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information.

Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, and a cosigner, and are only available to our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores.

Check your rate without impacting your credit score.

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:

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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

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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.

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!

If you have a U.S citizen or U.S permanent resident cosigner and are conditionally approved, we will issue you a conditional approval letter, which you can take to your visa appointment. Once you’re approved for the I-20 documentation, you can upload your documentation in your Ascent portal and proceed with your loan application.

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

How to get your private student loan for international students

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

  1. 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.

  2. Astronaut
    Step 2

    Select your repayment plan

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

  3. Clipboard
    Step 3

    Complete your Ascent portal tasks

    After you choose your loan terms, your Ascent portal will be populated with tasks to complete. These tasks include a financial wellness quiz and providing us with any additional information we need to prepare your loan.

  4. Moneybag
    Step 4

    We pay your school

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

Ready to start your loan application?

See your rates today without impacting your credit score.

Apply Now
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More ways to pay for higher education 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.

Who is Ascent?
Ascent is the leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success.
What loans does Ascent offer to international students?
Ascent offers loans 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
  • International graduate students have the option to apply for a Cosigned Credit-Based Loan. Ascent created customized repayment terms 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.)

What can my international student loan be used for?
College loans for international students 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.
Can I get international student loans without a cosigner?
No. International students in the U.S. must have a cosigner in order to be eligible to apply for an Ascent loan. Your cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, among other requirements.

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.

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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.

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 See My Rates
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Bootcamp Loan

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

Apply for Bootcamp Loan