A Simple Guide for International Students Applying for Financial Aid in the US
So, you’re dreaming of studying in the U.S., but there’s just one big question on your mind: How do I pay for it?
Let’s be real—college in the U.S. can be expensive. But the good news is that financial aid exists, and as an international student, you might qualify for some help! The tricky part? Figuring out which financial aid forms you need to fill out. You’ve probably heard of FAFSA, CSS Profile, and ISFAA, but what do they actually do? And which one do you need?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it all down in plain English, so you know exactly what to do!
1. FAFSA: The One That’s (Mostly) Not for You
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the main financial aid form for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. It helps students get federal loans, grants, and work-study jobs to pay for college.
Can International Students Apply?
For most international students, FAFSA is not an option. However, if you have:
✅ U.S. citizenship
✅ A Green Card (permanent resident status)
✅ Refugee or asylum status
Then you should definitely fill it out—it could get you free money for college!
💡Pro Tip: Some universities still ask international students to complete the FAFSA for institutional aid, so always check with the schools you’re applying to.
2. CSS Profile: The One You Probably Need
What is the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is a financial aid form used by hundreds of U.S. colleges (mostly private ones) to decide how much institutional aid (scholarships and grants) to give you. For schools that are not need-blind, information you submit through this form may be taken into account when schools are reviewing your application.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes! Most international students applying for financial aid will need to complete the CSS Profile.
How is it Different from FAFSA?
FAFSA is free; the CSS Profile costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school.
It asks for way more financial details than FAFSA (two years prior to the year you plan to attend college), and may ask you to provide additional documents, like tax returns, records of current income, assets, and bank statements, through the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC).
Most forms for additional documents require a handwritten signature, which means you will need to print, sign, scan, and upload those to IDOC in a timely manner.
It requires financial information from both parents and their spouses, and can report it in your home currency.
It’s used for institutional aid only—not federal aid.
💡Pro Tip: Not all colleges require the CSS Profile. Some schools only use the CSS Profile, but not in conjunction with IDOC. Check your school’s financial aid website before paying to submit it!
3. ISFAA: The Free Alternative
What is the ISFAA?
The ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application) is basically a free version of the CSS Profile used by some colleges. Instead of filling it out online, you download it, fill it out by hand, and send it to the school (usually by email).
Can International Students Apply?
Yes! But only if the school specifically asks for it instead of the CSS Profile.
How is it Different from the CSS Profile?
It’s free! Unlike the CSS Profile, which costs money.
You’re required to convert income and asset information into USD, and provide additional documents from one year prior to the year you plan to attend college with the application.
It’s not standardized. Each school may ask for different versions.
You submit it manually. No fancy online forms—just good old PDFs and emails.
💡Pro Tip: If a school accepts both the CSS Profile and ISFAA, ask if they have a preference—sometimes one form may lead to better aid offers.
Which Form Do You Need?
*While international students aren’t eligible to receive federal financial aid from the FAFSA, some schools may still ask international students to complete it to determine their eligibility for institutional aid.
Final Tips for Getting Financial Aid as an International Student
✔ Check what forms your schools require—some need the CSS Profile, some ask for the ISFAA, some have their own platform, and some don’t require anything at all.
✔ Meet the deadlines! Some financial aid deadlines can be earlier than the regular decision application deadline. Don’t miss out on free money because you were late.
✔ Gather your financial documents early. Have this conversation with your parents or guardians early on about finances. You’ll need tax forms, bank statements, and income details from them.
✔ Look for external scholarships, too. Websites like EducationUSA, CollegeRaptor, IEFA, and Internationalstudent.com can help you find extra funding.
✔ Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re confused, email the financial aid office—they’re there to help!
Figuring out financial aid as an international student can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Now that you know the differences between FAFSA, CSS Profile, and ISFAA, you’re one step closer to making your U.S. college dream a reality.
Still have questions? Contact us if you need personalized one-on-one support through this process. Our goal is to make you and your parent’s lives easier!