<p>Just recently got accepted to masters program in electrical engineering at Columbia. Does anyone know about the student loan options for international student? Currently there is no option for me in US as all the US banks require cosigner for student loan. Sadly I dont have any one who can do that for me. </p>
<p>There isnt also any option for me in my home country. I have to somehow find the loan here in US.
Please help!</p>
<p>American banks normally don’t give loans to international students without an American cosigner. Exceptions are sometimes made for foreigners with a positive credit history and demonstrated ties to the US. (Your lender wants to be reasonably sure that you are not going to leave the country and default on your loans after grad school.) </p>
<p>Some universities co-sign loans for their international students, or give loans directly to international students from institutional resources. However, it’s unlikely that such arrangements will be made for your Master’s degree since most Master degree programs are meant to generate revenue for the department or university.</p>
<p>^Above. You’re not eligible for federal student loans, and as you have observed US banks won’t loan to you unless you have a cosigner. Your only option is to ask the university you plan to attend if they have institutional loans for international students.</p>