Gathering the resources you need to fund your education in the United States can be one of the most challenging parts of the admissions process.
Financial help is available, but finding it takes work and persistence.
Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships are competitive awards that do not require repayment or a work commitment—they should be your first choice when looking for financial aid.
There are a number of institutions and programs—including IU—that offer scholarships specifically for international students.
Learn more about scholarshipsUnderstanding your IU expenses
IU puts all of your bills in one place—the Office of the Bursar. You can make payments and manage your account online.
Fellowships and assistantships
If you are a graduate student, you may be able to secure a fellowship or assistantship through your department.
An assistantship is a paid position that requires you to teach or conduct research. A fellowship is an award of money that may or may not come with a work requirement.
Contact your school or department for details.
Start by researching funding possibilities in your home country. Contact an overseas advising center to learn about opportunities.
Student loans
As an international student, you are not eligible for student loans through the U.S. federal government. You still have options for borrowing money for school, though.
Be open-minded about your funding search, and look beyond IU. There are many places to search for scholarships and grants from external sources.
Public charge information
“Public charge” has been a part of immigration law for over 100 years.
A public charge is an individual who depends primarily on the U.S. government for financial support and livelihood. Becoming a public charge or being likely to become a public charge may prevent an individual from entering the U.S. or adjusting their status to permanent residency (green card).
If you have questions, or need additional information about what qualifies an individual as a public charge and what the immigration implications would be for your specific circumstance, please call us at 812-855-9086 and schedule an appointment with an international student advisor.