I am going to apply to universities which provide financial aid to international students. However, once I graduate and I apply for a graduate university which is need-blind, how am I going to finance my studies? Will I be able to get a student loan the way American citizens do?
It depends. I work at a state university, and many international students get a stipend and tuition remission, BUT they have to be careful about the visa process and also, it is only for PhD students.
If you are going for a PhD, you should shop around to find a good package that offers a stipend (to do a teaching or research assistantship) and tuition remission.
If you are going for a Master’s degree, good luck. Even Americans don’t get much help for that, many have to take private loans.
Thank you for the information!
Are private loans available to international students too?
Generally not. These private loans are co-signed by students’ parents, so the lender has a guarantee that they will be paid. There are no such guarantees with international students. They’re usually advised to seek loans in their own country.
Why don’t you seek help from organizations who specialize on such? Have you considered that?