International Students
Preparing to attend BYU-Idaho as an international student
U.S. immigration law requires that international students provide proof of their ability to pay for college before BYU-Idaho can issue an I-20 form (students will need an I-20 to apply for a non-immigrant student visa and enter the United States). Students are responsible for documenting their own funding - this can be completed by filling out the BYU-Idaho Admissions application - Part 8.
For additional resources and information about attending BYU-Idaho as an international student, contact the International Services Office (Kimball 120).
Financial Resources
International students are often faced with financial challenges while attending school; however, with some advanced planning and hard work, most students should be able to provide for most if not all of their school expenses. We have listed some potential sources of support below.
Employment
Consider part-time employment as a possible resource to pay for college education. Employment opportunities are available on and off campus. BYU-Idaho endeavors to equally consider and fairly employ international students. Visit the Human Resource office Student Employment page for employment opprotunities.
Practical Training
Another option available to international students, after they have finished their first school year, is practical training. This comes in two types: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). To be considered for either option, students will need to apply through the International Services Office (Kimball 120).
- CPT allows students to find jobs off campus that are related to their major to gain practical experience. This is often used to authorize students for an internship or other academic program, but it also allows students to work off-campus and earn money while gaining experience in their major field of study.
- OPT is mainly used after a student's graduation, but can be used before you complete your program of study
Financial Aid Options
There are limited financial aid options available to international students at BYU-Idaho. The two primary sources of available financial assistance are University Aid and Outside Aid. The available options for University Aid and Outside Aid are available through the Scholarship pages for the respective classification of the students.
New Freshmen Transfer Students Continuing Students
Yount International Student Loan Program
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints offers the Yount International Student Loan Program to those qualifying international students who need additional assistance. This student loan program is offerred to international students attending US accredited colleges and universities. The Yount International Student Loan Program (formerly the Wilkinson Fund) is a student financial assistance program. It is a subsidiary program of the Perpetual Education Fund by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. The fund provides loans to non-US and non-Canadian citizens who are pursuing an education at a US university or college. The eligibility requirements include the following:
- Worthy member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Served an honorable LDS mission (male applicants only)
- Citizen of a country other than US and Canada
- Visa status: F-1
- Enrolled in an accredited US college or university
- 60 credits or less remaining to complete degree (typically junior or senior)
- Minimum cumulative university/college grade point average: 3.
- Age range: 18-30 at initial application
- Preference given to students of LDS Church–sponsored universities and colleges
More information is available regarding applying for this program on the Perpetual Education Fund site. Direct all questions or inquiries regarding this program to the Perpetual Education Fund. BYU-Idaho does not control or facilitate this fund.
