How to fund your education in the USA: scholarships, loans, and work options for international students (2026 guide)
Funding at a glance
Paying for a degree in the USA is one of the biggest concerns for international students. Tuition fees and living expenses add up quickly, and many students wonder how they’ll cover the costs. The good news is there are several ways to fund your education. This 2926 guide explains scholarships, student loans, assistantships, and work opportunities, along with budgeting tips to help you plan ahead.
Key things to know about funding
Before diving into specific options, it helps to understand the basics of how funding works for international students in the USA.
- Tuition costs Tuition for postgraduate study averages US$20,000–$35,000 per year, depending on the program and university as per collegeboard.org. Over two years, that’s about US$40,000–$70,000.
- Living expenses. On top of tuition, plan for US$12,000–$20,000 per year for housing, food, transportation, and other needs.
- Scholarship competition. Scholarships are limited and competitive, so start researching early.
- Loan access. Unlike U.S. citizens, international students often need specialized lenders, such as MPOWER Financing, that don’t require a cosigner. Explore this loan search tool to see what lenders are available to you.
Scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants are the most sought-after type of funding since they don’t need to be repaid. They can come from universities, governments, or private organizations.
- University scholarships. Many universities in the USA offer merit-based or need-based awards for international students. Check your university’s financial aid office for details.
- Government programs. Scholarships like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program provide funding for graduate-level study (foreign.fulbrightonline.org).
- Private organizations. Nonprofit and professional groups sometimes fund students through international students scholarships in specific fields or from certain countries.
Tips for success: Before applying, know that scholarships are highly competitive, and each one has different criteria. Careful preparation can improve your chances.
- Apply early, as deadlines can be a year before your program starts
- Tailor applications to each scholarship, showing how you meet the criteria
- Keep copies of essays and recommendation letters to reuse when possible
Student loans
Loans help bridge the gap when scholarships or savings aren’t enough. While U.S. citizens can access federal loans, international students usually need private lenders.
- Lenders for international students. Companies like MPOWER Financing and Prodigy Finance specialize in loans for students without a cosigner or collateral.
- Loan terms. Look closely at interest rates, repayment terms, and whether payments are required while you study.
- Application process. Loan applications usually require proof of admission, identification documents, and financial details.
Tips for borrowing wisely: Loans can be helpful but also create long-term obligations. It’s best to borrow only what you need and understand repayment fully.
- Borrow only what you need to cover tuition and living costs
- Compare interest rates and repayment options before signing
- Check if your lender offers benefits like visa support or career services
Work and campus funding options
Some opportunities allow you to earn money or reduce tuition while studying, and others give you work experience during or after graduation. These can help with living costs and sometimes tuition.
Before and during your studies
- Teaching assistantships (TA). Help professors with classes or labs in exchange for tuition support.
- Research assistantships (RA). Work on faculty-led projects and gain funding plus research experience.
- Graduate fellowships. Fellowships for top students may include stipends and full or partial tuition coverage.
- On-campus jobs. With an F-1 visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full time during breaks.
Keep in mind:
- Assistantships are more common in science, engineering, and business fields.
- Competition is high; strong academics and faculty connections help.
- Many positions require strong English skills.
During or after your studies
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Gain work experience related to your field during your program.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT). Work up to 12 months after graduation, with a possible 24-month STEM extension.
Things to remember:
- Always confirm work eligibility with your international student office.
- Don’t rely on part-time work alone to cover tuition.
- Focus on roles that build your resume and career experience.
Budgeting and money management
Funding your studies isn’t just about finding money—it’s also about managing it well.
- Create a budget. List all sources of income (scholarships, loans, savings) and all expenses (tuition, rent, food, travel).
- Track spending. Use budgeting apps to avoid overspending.
- Plan for two years. For most postgraduate programs, calculate the full cost of study over two years to avoid surprises.
The big picture
Funding your education in the USA takes planning, but with scholarships, loans, assistantships, and part-time work, students can find ways to make it affordable. The key is to start early, research widely, and borrow carefully.
- Search and apply for scholarships at least a year before your program
- Explore specialized lenders if you need a loan without a cosigner
- Ask your university about assistantships or fellowships
- Use budgeting tools to stay on top of expenses
By combining these strategies, you’ll be better prepared to finance your studies and focus on achieving your academic goals in 2926.