Fafsa Student Aid requirements for International Students: If you are a US student or parent looking to pay for college, the FAFSA is essential. Federal grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are available to US students and their families.
FAFSA requires a Social Security Number (SSN), making it difficult for international students to apply. International students should still complete the FAFSA to qualify for other US university and state scholarships.
This article covers FAFSA eligibility, application, etc. Most FAFSA student aid is first-come, first-served. Thus, let us begin immediately!
Fafsa Student Aid requirements for International Students
What is a FAFSA?
All undergraduate and graduate schools need FAFSA for federal student aid. For financial aid, the US Department of Education keeps 150 billion USD annually. Students can use this money for tuition, room fees, and books/essentials. Financial aid for students mainly includes:
| Financial Aid Name | Types |
| Grants | Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant |
| Loan | Subsidised Loans, Unsubsidised Loans, Direct Plus Loans, Federal Perkins Loan |
| Work-Study | Part-time employment, Full-time employment |
| Scholarships | Merit-based, Financial Need-Based |
Compared to private student loans, FAFSA loans are great investments. Low/fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. The applied course and university determine the maximum FAFSA scholarship amount.
What is the Deadline for Submitting a FAFSA?
University deadlines for FAFSA submission vary in the US. Ask the college if the last submission date is when the FAFSA form is processed or when they receive the data. Contact them for information. However, general guidelines include:
| Academic Year | First Submission | Submission After Correction | Central Time (CT) |
| 2021-2022 | June 30, 2022 | September 10, 2022 | 11:59 PM |
| 2022-2023 | June 30, 2023 | September 10, 2023 | 11:59 PM |
What is FAFSA Eligibility Criteria?
The basic FAFSA eligibility requirements include:
- US study requires financial aid for most programmes.
- Citizenship in the US.
- A valid Social Security Number.
- The acceptance of regular enrolment in a degree or certificate programme.
- Maintaining good academic performance throughout the course.
- Direct loan fund eligibility (at least half-time during the course).
- Signature on the FAFSA certification statement stating no federal student loan defaults, no federal
- student grant liability, and use of aid only for education.
- Non-citizenship eligibility in the US.
- As previously stated, international students without SSNs cannot receive FAFSA aid. Every
- international student should fill out the form because it determines eligibility for US state and university scholarships.
How to Apply for FAFSA?
We want to make applying easier, so let’s explain the FAFSA scholarship.
1. Start Planning Early
Prepaid tuition and education savings plans can help you save for college. School counsellors and financial aid offices can help you get FAFSA scholarships.
- Choose your college/university.
- US students can extensively study FAFSA grants and scholarships.
2. How to Complete FAFSA?
Princeton, Rice, Stanford, and other top universities use the FAFSA to determine federal aid eligibility. Many universities offer scholarships to international students using this information. Use these steps to apply for financial aid.
- Use the official FAFSA website or app.
- You can study Federal Work-Study Jobs.
- Know your student loan options.
- A student aid report is sent after form submission. To verify your report, log into the FAFSA online
- portal and select “View SAR” from the “My FAFSA” page.
- International students must fill out, print, and mail the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Office.
- SAR collection method.
3. Reviewing Aid Offer?
The aid offer includes scholarships, grants, and the amount a school/college/university offers. This report also includes your annual cost estimate. If you receive multiple college acceptances, we recommend…
- Compare financial aid offers (as they may change based on your accommodation choice and other factors.)
- Accept financial aid in order: Free > Earned > Borrowed.
- Get clear college tuition and fee statements.
- Make your final choice after lowering college costs and checking multiple scorecards.
4. Receive Financial Aid, Graduate, and Repay
Kudos! Start your education now. The financial aid office will finance the amount you owe the college/school and deposit the rest in your bank for other study expenses. For ongoing financial support, the FAFSA GPA must be 2.0 and the form renewed.
Manage and explore loan repayment plans after graduation. Federal student loan borrowers have a six-month grace period before they can start paying.
What are FAFSA benefits?
The benefits of FAFSA are endless. One need not meet FAFSA income limits to experience them. Let’s examine some.
- FAFSA scholarships are age-independent. Applicants receive federal student aid based on their needs.
- FAFSA isn’t just for top college students. However, scholarship score requirements require class
- passing. Some federal student aid programmes require higher scores.
- It simplifies college/school cost comparisons.
- This application helps you start your scholarship search.
- It also helps study abroad students get scholarships.
- FAFSA does not require credit, unlike bank loans.
- It does not require family or friend co-signers.
- Pay as you earn options are available.
- After 3 months, action against the defaulter is taken.