<p>Several of my prospective programs require a financial certification to be submitted WITH applications. Basically, the student visa-granting powers that be want you to prove that you can pay for the first year of your program. But what if you definitely don't have the financial means and are looking to depend on fellowships and assistantships? How are you supposed to certify the amount of your graduate stipend before you're even admitted?? </p>
<p>Combing through the FAQs and the forms themselves has yielded nothing useful. Anyone been in this situation? How did you handle it? Thanks!</p>