Student Loans for International Students in the U.S.

Finding a student loan as an international student can be challenging because most federal student aid is limited to U.S. citizens.

For international students who don’t qualify, several private lenders offer tailored options depending on your situation.

Table of Contents

1. Reviews of the best private student loans for international students
2. Who is considered an international student?
3. Why is it hard for international students to get student loans?
4. Additional financial aid options for international students
5. How to get a loan as an international student
6. Recap of the best private student loans for international students

Reviews of the best private student loans for international students

Adding a cosigner to a private student loan can improve your application and lead to lower rates. For this reason, we recommend international students try to add a cosigner to their loan to ensure the best terms.

Here are our picks for the best international student loans:

• Best for no cosigner: MPOWER
• Best for Texas students with a U.S. cosigner: Brazos
• Best for undergrads with a cosigner: College Ave
• Best for grad students with a cosigner: Earnest

MPOWER

Best for No-Cosigner International Students

4.6 _/5

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Why it’s the best private student loan for international students without a cosigner

MPOWER Financing is a private lender that offers fixed-rate student loans for international students attending college in the U.S. The company doesn’t require cosigners, credit history, or collateral on its loans. All degrees and majors are supported.

MPOWER considers factors such as the school you’ll be attending, your expected graduation date, your grades, and any internship or work experience in your field to determine eligibility. It also looks at future earnings to monitor whether you have too much debt.

Loans can be repaid online in any currency without prepayment penalties. MPOWER offers interest-only payments while in school and during the six-month grace period after graduation. On-time payments can help build U.S. credit history.

• Students don’t need a cosigner to be approved
• Available to all international and DACA students from 190+ countries
• Offers free visa support letters and career strategy services

Loan details

Fixed rates (APR)	13.98% – 17.08%
Rate discount	0.25% for automatic payments
Loan amount	$2,001 – $100,000 (lifetime limit)
Repayment plans	Interest-only
Repayment term	10 years
SSN required?	No

Brazos

Best for TX International Students w/ Cosigner

4.4 _/5

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Why we like Brazos for international students in Texas with a cosigner

Brazos offers competitive private student loans to borrowers who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-citizens with a work or student visa, as long as they apply with a qualifying U.S. cosigner. Based in Texas, Brazos is a nonprofit lender that may offer lower interest rates than national lenders, especially for borrowers with strong credit profiles.

Before applying, make sure you or your cosigner meets the state residency requirements and credit criteria.

• Available to noncitizens with a visa and eligible cosigner
• No application, origination, or prepayment fees
• Flexible repayment terms from 5 – 20 years

• Texas residency required for the borrower or cosigner

Loan details

Fixed rates (APR)	2.96% – 7.63%
Variable rates (APR)	Starting from 4.60%
Loan amounts	$1,000* – 100% of school-certified costs
Repayment plans	Immediate, interest-only, or deferred
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
SSN required?	Yes

College Ave

Best for Undergrads w/ Cosigner

5.0 _/5

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Why it’s good for international students with a cosigner

College Ave is a Wilmington, Delaware, lender that offers student loans to undergraduates, graduates, parents, and those seeking career training. International students with a U.S. Social Security number and a U.S. cosigner can get loans through College Ave.

You can use its student loans to pay for undergraduate or graduate studies, master’s degree programs, medical school, dental school, and law school. Loan terms range from five to 15 years and College Ave offers several repayment options, including interest-only, deferred, and flat payments.

Loans can cover up to 100% of the school-approved cost of attendance.

• You choose your repayment plan and term

• Must have a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must have a U.S. Social Security number as a borrower

Loan details

Fixed rates (APR)	3.49% – 12.99%
Variable rates (APR)	1.19% – 11.98%
Rate discount	0.25% for automatic payments
Loan amount	$1,000 – 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
Repayment plans	Full, interest-only, $25 fixed, or deferred
Repayment term	5, 8, 10, or 15 years
SSN required?	Yes

Earnest

Best for Grad Students w/ Cosigner

4.7 _/5

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Why it’s good for international graduate students with a cosigner

Earnest is a fintech company headquartered in San Francisco that offers student loans to eligible borrowers. International students can take out a student loan from Earnest for graduate school with or without a cosigner.

The platform is fee-friendly, with no origination fees or prepayment penalties. Earnest offers some of the lowest interest rates for private student loans for creditworthy borrowers who enroll in automatic payments.

Once you’ve made at least six consecutive, on-time payments toward your loans, you can apply for the skip-a-payment feature and skip one payment toward your loans every 12 months.

• No origination, application, prepayment, or late fees
• Check your rate without affecting your credit

• Must have a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Borrowers must have a U.S. Social Security number

Loan details

Fixed rates (APR)	3.24% – 12.78%
Variable rates (APR)	0.94% – 11.44%
Rate discount	0.25% for automatic payments
Loan amount	$1,000 – 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
Repayment plans	Full, interest-only, $25 fixed, or deferred
Repayment term	5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years
SSN required?	Yes

Who is considered an international student?

According to UNESCO, an international student is an individual enrolled in and attending school outside the borders of their home country. Colleges and universities may be more specific in their definitions. 

At UC Berkeley, for example, an international student is a non-immigrant visitor who comes to the U.S. temporarily to take classes. Under this definition, a non-immigrant is someone who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. These students typically have F-1 student visas, though schools may also accept students with other visa statuses, such as H4 or L2.

Why is it hard for international students to get student loans?

Status	Eligible for federal loans?
U.S. citizen	Yes
Permanent resident (green card)	Yes
Refugee or asylee	Yes
T visa holder (human trafficking victim)	Yes
Battered immigrant-qualified alien	Yes
Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau	Yes
DACA recipient	No
Undocumented student	No
F-1/J-1 visa holder or other temporary visas	No

U.S. citizens have the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) they can fill out to learn about their financial aid resources. International students don’t have that all-in-one approach because they typically aren’t eligible for federal assistance, which includes federal student loans.

International students generally can’t get federal student loans unless they’re eligible noncitizens, or they or their parents have T non-immigrant status. This status is granted to victims of human trafficking. Department of Education rules also disqualify students with Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) status from receiving federal aid.

Private student loans may be an option for international or DACA students, but there’s a catch. Unlike federal loans, qualification for private student loans often hinges on you or your cosigner’s credit score and income. International students who don’t have a U.S. credit history or a cosigner with a U.S. credit history may find it more difficult to get approved.

For those reasons, 73% of international students in the U.S. rely on resources outside the U.S. to finance their education, such as from family members, their home country’s government or universities, or their own personal funds, according to the Institute of International Education.

What does it mean to be an eligible noncitizen?

An eligible noncitizen is someone who is not a U.S. citizen but qualifies for certain federal financial aid programs, including student loans. To be considered an eligible noncitizen, you typically need to have one of the following:

• Permanent resident status (holding a Green Card)
• Refugee or asylum status
• T non-immigrant status (for victims of human trafficking)
• A valid visa or certain other noncitizen statuses, such as being a Cuban-Haitian entrant

Eligible noncitizens can fill out the FAFSA and may qualify for federal loans and grants, unlike most international students.

Additional financial aid options for international students

While international students are often not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You can still reduce the amount you borrow by exploring scholarships, institutional aid, and school discounts.

These alternatives can help pay for your education without taking on debt. Many scholarships and institutional aid packages don’t need to be repaid, making them an ideal first step before considering student loans.

Here’s a quick comparison of the most common financial aid options:

Aid Option	Who is it for?	Key benefits
Scholarships	Students with academic achievements, talents, or need	Does not need to be repaid
Institutional aid	International students with special talents or skills	Offered by select schools; may be merit-based
School discounts	Students meeting specific criteria, such as need-based	Tuition waivers, reduced housing, or fee discounts

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Scholarships for international students

The internet is a great resource for finding databases that provide lists of scholarships through private, corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations for international students.

We have many resources dedicated to scholarship offerings. Here is our scholarship guide.

Financial aid from educational institutions

Not many educational institutions provide direct aid to international students, but some will. Typically that aid will be based on academic accomplishments, special skills, talents, or abilities.

Colleges that want to attract top talent across the globe will give direct assistance to international students. Check out our study of which colleges give international students the most financial aid to see some of the best options.

When an international student has a particular college in mind, they should contact the school’s admissions department to see what financial aid options are available.

If an international student is already enrolled in a U.S. university, but they need more financial assistance, they should contact the international student advisor or the financial aid office.

School discounts for international students

International students may save money on education expenses by attending a school that offers tuition reductions or other discounts. These discounts can take the form of need-based tuition waivers or reduced housing rates for international students who are required to live on campus.

Reaching out to the school’s financial aid department can be the best way to find out what discounts, if any, might exist for international students. That’s also an opportunity to ask about any scholarships or grants available to incoming students from other countries. 

How to get a loan as an international student

Step 1: Estimate costs

International students planning to attend school in the U.S. should first understand the estimated costs. That includes researching education expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books, as well as daily living expenses for different schools and locations. 

Step 2: Weigh financial aid options

The next step is weighing different options for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and private student loans. Scholarships and grants don’t need to be repaid, so it’s important to explore those avenues first to minimize the amount borrowed. Many scholarships and grants have deadlines to apply. 

Step 3: If taking out student loans, compare lenders

If student loans are necessary to pay for school, take your time to compare lenders. Find out whether a cosigner is required, how much you can borrow, the interest rates, and what fees may apply. If a cosigner is required for an international student loan, it’s better to know that sooner so you have time to find a suitable candidate. 

Step 4: Apply

Once you’ve selected a lender, be prepared to gather the necessary documentation before applying. International student loans often require detailed proof of identity, income, and education. Here’s what you might need to provide during the application process:

• Proof of identity: A valid passport or visa to confirm your student status.
• Cosigner information: If a cosigner is needed, you’ll need their financial details and Social Security number (if applicable).
• Proof of enrollment: An official letter from your school confirming acceptance and attendance.
• Financial information: Bank statements, proof of funds, or other financial documentation to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.
• Academic history: Some lenders may request your transcripts or grades to confirm eligibility.

Once your application is submitted, lenders typically review your documents and may request additional information. Be prepared for this process to take a few weeks.

If approved, funds will be sent directly to your school to cover tuition and fees, with any remaining amounts available to cover living expenses.

How repayment works on an international student loan

Repaying an international student loan can be slightly different from repaying a traditional U.S. student loan, depending on the lender and your location. Here’s what to expect:

Repayment requirements

Most international student loans come with a grace period, typically six to nine months after graduation, during which you’re not required to make payments. This allows you time to find a job and establish financial stability before repayment begins. However, interest may still accrue during this period.

Repayment terms typically range from five to 20 years, and the amount of your monthly payments will depend on the loan balance, interest rate, and repayment plan you choose. Some lenders offer options like interest-only payments while you’re still in school, which can help reduce the overall cost of the loan.

Repayment if you move out of the country

If you move back to your home country or another location after completing your studies, you’re still required to repay your international student loan.

Some lenders allow payments in different currencies, while others require payments in U.S. dollars, so it’s important to clarify these details with your lender ahead of time. Be aware that currency fluctuations could impact the total cost of your loan if you’re repaying from abroad.

Default risks and credit

If you fail to make payments, your loan may go into default, which can have serious financial consequences. Even if you’re no longer living in the U.S., defaulting on an international student loan can damage your U.S. credit history, affect future visa applications, and limit your ability to borrow money in the future.

It’s essential to stay in communication with your lender if you anticipate any difficulties with repayment. Some lenders may offer hardship options or deferment, though these options vary.

Additional resources for international students

Securing financial aid as an international student is challenging, but it’s possible. It’s crucial not to wait until the last minute. Here are more specific student loan resources for international students:

• Student loans for H4 visa holders
• Student loans for immigrants
• Student loans for temporary residents
• DACA student loan options
• Student loans without a cosigner

FAQ

Can international students get student loans in the U.S.?

Yes, international students can get student loans, but typically not through the federal government. Most international borrowers will need to apply for private student loans, often with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a cosigner. A few lenders, such as MPOWER, offer no-cosigner loans.

Can international students apply for federal student loans?

Only certain non-U.S. citizens qualify for federal student loans. You may be eligible if you are a permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, or hold another eligible noncitizen status. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, check with your school’s financial aid office or refer to our guide to federal student loans for noncitizens.

Which lenders offer student loans to international students without a cosigner?

MPOWER Financing is one of the few lenders that does not require a cosigner, U.S. credit history, or collateral. It evaluates eligibility based on factors like school, degree program, and future earning potential.

Do private lenders allow international students to apply with a cosigner?

Yes, most private lenders—including College Ave, Earnest, and Brazos—allow international students to apply with a qualified cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Applying with a cosigner can help you qualify and get a lower interest rate.

What is the difference between international student loans and loans for immigrants?

International student loans are designed for non-U.S. citizens who come to the U.S. specifically to study, often on a student visa. Student loans for immigrants, on the other hand, may be available to those with permanent residency or other statuses that allow them to apply for federal aid. We cover this in more detail in our resource on student loans for immigrants.

Can DACA recipients get student loans?

DACA students are not eligible for federal financial aid but may qualify for private student loans with a cosigner. Some lenders, like MPOWER, work with DACA recipients. For more information, check out our full guide to student loans for DACA students.

What is the best student loan for international graduate students?

Earnest is one of the best lenders for international graduate students with a U.S. cosigner. It offers flexible terms, no fees, and allows you to skip a payment once per year. MPOWER is a strong option for graduate students without a cosigner.

Can international students get scholarships or grants instead of loans?

Yes, international students should explore scholarships, institutional aid, and school-based grants before turning to loans. These options don’t need to be repaid.

Recap of the best private student loans for international students