Guide on FAFSA Scholarships 2024 for International Students in US

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form you fill out to get financial help for college from the US government. It's managed by the US Department of Education and is the main way students can get money to help pay for their education. This help can come as grants, work-study programs, and loans that don't need to be paid back, or loans that do. It's free to apply, and you can get this aid if you're a US citizen or meet certain rules if you're not a citizen. This includes students from India who might be applying for citizenship, have parents working in the US, or have permission to work. 

What are the Types of Financial Aid Available Through FAFSA?

FAFSA facilitates access to diverse financial aid options for students attending college or career school:

• Federal grants: Non-repayable financial support, including Pell Grants for undergraduates with financial need, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) for those with exceptional need, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants for future teachers in high-need areas.
• Work-study: Offers part-time employment to students with financial need, promoting community service and relevant work experience.
• Federal student loans: Must be repaid with interest. Options include Direct Subsidized Loans for undergraduates with financial need, Direct Unsubsidized Loans available to all students, Direct PLUS Loans for graduate students or parents of undergrads, and Direct Consolidation Loans to combine federal loans into one.
• State aid: Various states provide grants, scholarships, and other aid, with eligibility often based on FAFSA results.
• Institutional aid: Many colleges use FAFSA data to distribute their own financial aid packages, including scholarships and grants.

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What is the Difference Between FAFSA Scholarships and Other Scholarships ?

Below is a table that outlines the differences between FAFSA-related aid (often referred to as "FAFSA scholarships" for simplicity) and other scholarships to study in US:
 

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What are the Benefits of FAFSA?

Federal student aid from the US Department of Education (ED) helps with costs like tuition, room and board, textbooks, commuting, and more. It can also cover additional needs like computer purchases and childcare. 

FAFSA offers numerous advantages for obtaining grants, scholarships, and awards.

• FAFSA scholarships are accessible to applicants of any age, mainly based on financial need rather than age.
• These scholarships are not exclusively for academically outstanding students; eligibility requires passing previous academic achievements. Nonetheless, certain institutions might demand a minimum GPA for consideration.
• Through FAFSA, candidates can explore a variety of scholarship opportunities.
• Scholarships are also available for students interested in study abroad programs.
• Applying for FAFSA loans does not necessitate a credit history.
• Loans through FAFSA don't require a co-signer from family or others.
• Loan repayment through FAFSA can begin once the student secures employment.

What is the Eligibility Requirement for the FAFSA?

The FAFSA eligibility criteria include:

• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• Social Security Number: Required for most applicants.
• Selective service: Males aged 18-25 must register with the Selective Service System.
• Education: Must have a high school diploma, GED, or completed homeschooling.
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled or accepted in an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Academic progress: Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Financial need: Determined by the FAFSA form for most programs.
• Loan status: Cannot be in default on federal student loans or owe a refund on a federal grant.
• Legal: No convictions for the sale or possession of illegal drugs while receiving federal aid.

Can International Students Apply for FAFSA?

International students have a different set of considerations when it comes to applying for financial aid in the US, as they are not eligible for federal student aid through the FAFSA unless they are eligible non-citizens (such as US permanent residents). Here are some key points:

• Institutional aid: Check with colleges for scholarships and aid.
• Private scholarships: Look for awards from organizations and foundations.
• Sponsorships: Explore funding from governments, companies, or organizations.
• On-Campus employment: F-1 visa students may work limited hours.
• Loans: Private loans may require a US co-signer.
• Exchange programs: Some programs offer financial support.

What are the Documents Required for a FAFSA Application?

To complete the FAFSA, you'll need to gather several documents and pieces of information to ensure accuracy in your application. Here's a comprehensive list:

• Your Social Security Number: Be sure it's entered correctly to avoid delays.
• Your parents' Social Security Numbers: If you are a dependent student.
• Your Driver’s License Number: If you have one.
• Your Alien Registration Number: If you are not a US citizen but are an eligible non-citizen.
• Federal Tax Information or Tax Returns: This includes IRS W-2 information for you (and your spouse, if you are married), and for your parents if you are a dependent student. You can use the IRS data retrieval tool within the FAFSA form to import this data directly. US IRS Form 1040 Foreign tax return, or Tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the US Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, or Palau, if applicable.
• US IRS Form 1040
• Foreign tax return, or
• Tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the US Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, or Palau, if applicable.
• Records of Untaxed Income: This can include child support received, interest income, and veterans non-education benefits, for you and your parents if you're a dependent.
• Information on cash, savings, and checking account balances; investments: This includes real estate (but not the home in which you live), and business and farm assets for you, and your parents if you're a dependent.
• List of the school(s): You plan to attend. You can list up to 10 schools on your FAFSA form.

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What is the Application Process for the FAFSA Scholarship?

Applying for financial aid through the FAFSA involves several key steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigating the FAFSA application process:

• Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID: Visit the Federal Student Aid website to create an FSA ID. This ID serves as your legal signature and provides access to FSA online systems.
• Visit the Federal Student Aid website to create an FSA ID. This ID serves as your legal signature and provides access to FSA online systems.
• Start Your FAFSA login form at fafsa.gov: Go to the FAFSA website and start a new FAFSA login form. You can also use the myStudentAid app.
• Go to the FAFSA website and start a new FAFSA login form. You can also use the myStudentAid app.
• Fill out student demographics: This section asks for your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and contact details.
• This section asks for your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and contact details.

• List schools to receive your information: Add the school codes for the colleges or universities you're interested in attending. You can list up to 10 schools.
• Add the school codes for the colleges or universities you're interested in attending. You can list up to 10 schools.
• Input parental information (if required): If you're a dependent student, you'll need to provide detailed information about your parents.
• If you're a dependent student, you'll need to provide detailed information about your parents.
• Provide financial information: Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool for ease and accuracy to transfer tax return information directly into your FAFSA form.
• Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool for ease and accuracy to transfer tax return information directly into your FAFSA form.
• Sign and submit your FAFSA: Use your FSA ID to sign the FAFSA electronically. If you're a dependent student, a parent will also need to sign with their FSA ID.
• Use your FSA ID to sign the FAFSA electronically. If you're a dependent student, a parent will also need to sign with their FSA ID.
• Review your Student Aid Report (SAR): After submission, you'll receive a SAR summarizing the information you provided on the FAFSA. Review it carefully for any inaccuracies.
• After submission, you'll receive a SAR summarizing the information you provided on the FAFSA. Review it carefully for any inaccuracies.
• Correct or update your FAFSA if necessary: If you need to make corrections or update your application, you can do so by logging back into your FAFSA form.
• If you need to make corrections or update your application, you can do so by logging back into your FAFSA form.
• Review and compare financial aid offers: Once accepted into a college or university, you'll receive a financial aid offer. Compare these offers to understand how much aid you're eligible for from each institution.
• Once accepted into a college or university, you'll receive a financial aid offer. Compare these offers to understand how much aid you're eligible for from each institution.
• Accept your financial aid: Follow the instructions from your chosen institution to accept the financial aid offered.
• Follow the instructions from your chosen institution to accept the financial aid offered.

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What are the Deadlines to Apply for a FAFSA Scholarship?

The FAFSA application opens on October 1st each year for the following academic year. There are multiple deadlines you need to be aware of:

• Federal deadline: For the 2023-2024 academic year, the FAFSA can be submitted until 11:59 p.m. Central Time (CT) on June 30, 2024. Corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 14, 2024.
• State deadline: Each state has its own deadline for applying for state financial aid, which can be earlier than the federal deadline. 
• College deadlines: Colleges may have their own deadlines for submitting the FAFSA to be considered for institutional financial aid. These deadlines can be earlier than both the federal and state deadlines. 

In summary, navigating the complexities of financing education in the US as an international student is made simpler with the insights provided in our guide to FAFSA scholarships for 2024. Understanding and utilizing the FAFSA can unlock numerous financial aid opportunities, easing the journey towards achieving your academic aspirations. Remember, early and meticulous application is crucial in maximizing your chances for aid. Let this guide be the first step in securing your educational future in the US. Embrace the possibilities that FAFSA scholarships offer and move confidently toward your academic goals.

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