Having the necessary funds to pursue a university education is one of the most challenging parts when it comes to coming to study in the US. Universities there are expensive, especially if you’re from a tier 3 country. So do you have to relent without pursuing your dream? That’s not the end. You’ve alternatives to having your fees paid without you having issues with funds.
On this page, I’ll give you a detailed explanation of how to get funding and a grant/loan while studying in the USA. By this, you won’t have to bother yourself about your financial needs so much.
They’re different degrees to the funds you’ve while studying or before you begin your studies. For some funds, you’ll be enrolled by a sponsor who’ll pay the whole of your fees. Some are partly, and some are on a contract basis. Before you complete reading, you’ll know the various categories and how they work as well.
How To Get Funding And Grant/Loan While Studying In the USA
The following are the ways you can get a grant or a loan while studying in the United States;
Universities
The best place to have a grant while studying in the US is the university. Up to a quarter of international students attest that most of their findings come from their respective universities. If you’re an international student who’s going to study today, it is recommended that you check for the various funding issued by your university. You may have to forward your question to the university’s financial funding department. All universities have one or two funding offered to international students. Confirm if you’re eligible and you’re good to go.
They’re two types of funding offered by universities. The two are Scholarships and grants.
Scholarships
Statistics from the Fulbright commission state that more than 600 universities in the US offer scholarships to international students which is more than $20,000 more every year.
The scholarships vary from individual’s level or program, institutions and so many more. The funding can be full funding or partial funding. If you’ve decided to study in the US, there’s an abundance of scholarships for you to apply for and enjoy unless you’re not informed. The college board is out to help you find the best universities with good funding for your education. If you’re interested in studying in the US and you want funds, kindly use the college board.
Scholarships are difficult to award. However, the type of scholarship also matters. Generally speaking, scholarships are awarded based on merit. That means that you’ve to demonstrate strong academic performance before you can be considered for the award. Meanwhile, exemptions are for some scholarships that are granted based on needs. In this case, you must be willing to show your willingness and pass certain tests too. Whatever the case may be, it is recommended that you’ve good grades before you apply for scholarships.
There’s no specific metric for scholarship application in the US. If you found out that they’re several scholarships offered by your institution, you’ve to contact them directly. Conversely, you can also visit your university’s website. Often, most universities have a section on their page for scholarships and other financial grants. You can proceed to fill out the forms there and you’re good to go.
Grants
Another type of funding given to international students who are studying in the US is grants. Unlike scholarships, grants are not given based on strong academic performance. Grants are often given based on needs, but not strictly need-based. They’re some instances where grants are disbursed to students who show interest. Not all universities give grants in the US. We’ve universities that have a policy called ‘need blind’. Such universities won’t judge you unfairly if you need more funding for your studies. The Institute of International Education is the best place to find such universities. Kindly visit their Official website here.
Fundings from external bodies and organizations
Another way to get funding as an international student in the US is through organizations. This is however different from university funding because this type is granted by organizations down home or in the United States. This can also be divided into scholarships and grants too. However, most funding coming from external bodies is scholarships.
These scholarships are granted by large business bodies, large government bodies, and as well as charity organizations. Although these scholarships are free and funded, you’ve to match certain interests before you can be offered.
You do not need to bother much with the aspect of interest requirements. They’re many organizations out there in which you may be qualified for their scholarships. If you’re an aspiring student and you plan to secure funding to study in the US, start looking for such organizations now.
Family fundings
According to the Institute of International Education, 89.9% of the students own, or get their tuition fees and other payments from their relatives. What this means is that they’re good numbers of students who sponsor themselves or are sponsored by their families.
Even if you’re getting funds from organizations or your universities, you may have to get certain funds from your parents or other family relatives. Such as the case of partly funded scholarships or grants.
Jobs
One of the surest ways to achieve your dream of studying in the US is through employment. Do you know you can be enrolled in a US university and still work part-time? Yes, you can!
Although the government restriction on getting a job is tight, it won’t still be difficult to get a job. What may be difficult is managing the job and your academic activities. It becomes easier to get a part-time job if you’re on an F-1 visa. This visa will allow you to take a part-time job on campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic activities, and up to 40 hours during holidays.
The J-1 visa on the other hand has similar trends. You’ll be licensed to work for up to 20 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours during holidays. However, you’ll be required to apply and be granted permission. You can easily get this permission from your exchange visitor program sponsor. Holders of M-1 visas and students doing technical or vocational courses aren’t licensed to work in the US.
Loans
Loans are entirely different from all the aforementioned fundings. In this case, you will reach an agreement with your lender and you’ll have to pay back after your studies.
This is unlike scholarships, grants, and employment where you’re not required to pay back. In a loan, you’ll be required to pay back with interest depending on the agreement. They’re two types of loans out there for you. They are;
Student Loan
This loan is specifically designed for students. For this, the whole procedure is designed in such a way that it’ll be comfortable for students. These loans have a specific time frame for beneficiaries. You won’t be forced to pay as long as you’re not employed, or have a certain amount of money required before you start paying. The waiting years vary from country to country. However, whatever time you’ve chosen to pay, you’ll pay the interest.
Student loans are difficult for international students. It becomes easier if you’re a dual citizen of the US or if you’ve someone that’s a permanent resident in the US. Such a person will help to co-sign the loan for you.
Personal Loan
This loan is different from student loans. You’ve to make sure everything is in place before you apply for a personal loan as a student. The terms are entirely different, the interest rates are higher and the graceful period isn’t long. You won’t be allowed to use a student loan from your home country to fund your studies abroad. However, you can use personal loans from your home country.
As a student, you should make a loan as the last resolution. This is because you’ll pay back, and with interest. You may also be under pressure due to the time frame. Make sure you pay special attention to the repayment period given.
Summary
On this page, we’ve discussed how to get funding and grants/loans while studying in the USA. We’ve given detailed explanations on scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time jobs. If you’re an international student you may have to go through them and select the most suitable one. There’s loads of information out there to read about them. You can contact your institution or make more inquiries about them on Google.
