<p>Hi, kind of a stupid question but is financial aid given by american universities a loan that must be paid back in full, or is it a bursary that does not have to be paid back.</p>
<p>In the states, the term “financial aid” can mean either grants (don’t have to pay back), loans (low interest), or (usually) a combination of both.</p>
<p>American Universities give aid in a number of different ways. They offer grants which do not have to be repaid, loans which DO need to be repaid, and work-study (a job…) where you earn money.</p>
<p>If you are an international student, you would not be eligible for federally funded work study or loans unless you are a permanent resident or hold a green card.</p>
<p>And most U.S. universities do not meet full need for international students. Some don’t award aid at all to international students. Some offer limited aid to international students.</p>