International Students

International Applicants

SCI-Arc values the diversity brought by our international applicants, Fellows who are neither US citizens nor permanent residents are not eligible for federal student loans. Therefore, international applicants have a more limited opportunity for financial assistance.

International Fellows are those who are not citizens of the United States and who do not have an Alien Registration Card and number issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security. In general, international Fellows are those who currently have or intend to obtain a visa for study in the United States.

First year international Fellows may obtain private educational loans if they have a creditworthy cosigner who is a US Citizen or permanent resident.

SCI-Arc encourages international students to research other scholarship and loan opportunities as well. To assist you in your search, we recommend the following websites to learn more about funding sources for international students. Most sites provide scholarship searches and/or information as well as general information about studying in the United States.

International Options

As International students are not eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid, there are 3 options available to you. You must be registered at SCI-Arc in order to receive the following options:
Work-study
Work-Study is not applied towards your Tuition.  You will be paid bi-weekly based on the actual hours you work, International Student Work-Study is only offered during the academic year and you qualify to receive up to $1,000 per semester and can work in one of our on-campus departments.
Sponsored Loans
US Co-Signer Required. International student loans require a US citizen or permanent resident (Green card holder) as a co-signer. The loans are credit-based, meaning the co-signer must have good credit history, good employment history (or other income history if the co-signer does not work), and must have lived in the US for the past two years. Although not everyone can find a family member, friend or other US citizen or permanent resident to co-sign for them, for those that do, they can access private student loans on the same basis as US students.For additional information regarding the Sponsored.
External Scholarships:
For students who are not eligible for need-based financial aid, or for those who do not want to take out loans because of the amount that you must pay back, outside scholarships are a good way to finance their college education.

International Scholarships

Scholarships

 
The International Scholarship Search is the premier financial aid, college scholarship and international scholarship resource for students wishing to study abroad. At this site, you will find the most comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad.

Fulbright Scholarships

Fulbright Fellowship

Please click on the link below for information on how to apply:
(http://www.foreign.fulbrightonline.org/applicants)
  • The Fulbright Program is administered by bi-national Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or US Embassies.
  • Has provided more than 255,000 participants--chosen for their leadership potential--with the opportunity to observe each others' political, economic and cultural institutions, exchange ideas, and embark on joint ventures of importance to the general welfare of the world's inhabitants.
  • Awards approximately 1,800 student grants to non-US nationals to study in the United States annually.
 
 

American Association of University Women International Fellowship

(aauw.org/fga/fellowships_grants/international.cfm)
  • You must complete an academic degree (either in the US or abroad) equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree by Sept 1.
  • You must intend to return to your home country to pursue a professional career.
  • Country of residence at the time of application (preference will be given to women who reside in their home country at the time of application).
  • Application available August 1 – December 1, 2010. Application due December 1, 2010. Fellowship year for funding is July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012.

SCI-Arc FinAid International Forms

SCI-Arc Continuing International Student Application

FinAid for Continuing International Students

International Education Financial Aid

( iefa.org )

  • Search engine for International students seeking financial aid, college scholarships or grant information.

EduPASS

(edupass.org/finaid/loans.phtml)
  • This site presents information about financial aid for international students.
  • Pay attention to: Canadian Higher Education Loan Program (CanHELP), Global Student Loan Corporation (GSLC), International Student Loan Program (ISLP), Study Abroad Loan Program (SALP), and The TERI Professional Education Plan (PEP) loan.
 

Fastweb

( fastweb.com )
  • International scholarship search engine.

Various Related Organizations

Global resources

This is a list of various organizations, associations and societies related to the architecutural field.  They may have a scholarship or competition to help students. 
 
Note:  This information is to help you find a scholarship.  Please make sure you read all rules and regulations of each scholarship carefully before you apply. 
(.docx, 62K)
Download Architectural Organizations around the world.docx

International Loans

Preferred Lender

 

 
This link will lead you to our Preferred Lender List. 
We have compiled a list of private loan lenders who have the best quality of products and services.
 

NOTE:   If you wish to use another lender who is not on our list, you have the right to do so.

Sponsored Private Loans

Sponsored Private loan: US Co-Signer Required. International student loans require a US citizen or permanent resident (Green card holder) as a co-signer. The loans are credit-based, meaning the co-signer must have good credit history, good employment history (or other income history if the co-signer does not work), and must have lived in the US for the past two years. Although not everyone can find a family member, friend or other US citizen or permanent resident to co-sign for them, for those that do, they can access private student loans on the same basis as US students.     
Online Application Process
You can apply right online, and receive initial approval in just a few short works. Then, you will need to sign the promissory note, and provide proof of enrollment and immigration status to receive your funds.
 
No Application Fees
There are no application fees to apply for an international student loan. There is an origination fee if you actually receive the loan, but that amount is rolled into the loan amount and does not have to be paid out of pocket.
 
Funds Paid Directly to the School
Private international student loans disperse funds directly to the school so that they can “certify” the loan. This means that the school’s financial aid off signs of on the amount distributed, ensuring that the student is given up to the total cost of their education minus any other financial aid received. Once this has been certified, the school will then disperse the funds directly to student. Pay your tuition, room and board, health insurance and books first - anything extra is a luxury!
 
Interest Rates
Interest rates are variable, based on the LIBOR or Prime - depending on your loan - plus a margin. Depending on the loan, the lender will clarify which index the loan uses and there will be an additional margin based on the borrower’s criteria, including the credit history of your co-signer and the repayment plan you select. The better your co-signer, the better your rate! LIBOR and Prime Rates are constantly fluctuating, up or down, so the interest rate will changed based on this index.
 
Repayment
Repayment of an international student loan will vary depending on the loan you select. The repayment period typically ranges from 10-25 years; the standard rule of thumb is the larger the loan, the longer the repayment period. Some loans allow you to defer payments until 6 months after graduation, others allow students to only pay interest while in school (and defer the principal), and other loans begin repayment of both the interest and principal immediately once the loan has been paid out. It is important to consider the options and your ability to pay back student loans when reviewing the lender terms and conditions. You are also eligible for hardship extensions if you run into unexpected circumstances that prevent you from being able to repay the loan for a short period of time.

Canadian Student Loans

CanLearn

In Canada, there are 2 main categories of government student loan programs.

1. The federal program, called the Canada Student Loans Program (for full-time and part-time students).

2. Provincial and territorial programs. In 5 provinces, provincial-federal loans programs are integrated. You apply to only 1 place (your definition of province of residence ). As well, your loan management and repayment will be through the National Student Loans Service Centre. The 5 provinces offering integrated student loans are:

All remaining provinces and territories, with the exception of Yukon, offer stand-alone loans programs. You apply to one place to receive your student financial assistance, but will receive and manage two separate loans. To learn more about the program(s) that you could apply for, go to the Web site of the Student Assistance Office of your province or territory of residence.

Search the following pages for more details about government student loans.

 
 
For additional Information regarding Canada student loan Programs please click on the website below:
hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/learning/canada_student_loan/index.shtml .