Financial Aid for International Students

 

 

Before you arrive

As required by U.S. immigration law, you are required to provide proof of your ability to pay for college before BYU-Idaho can issue you an I-20 (you will need an I-20 to apply for a nonimmigrant student visa and enter the United States).  You are responsible for documenting your own funding - this is done by using Part 8 of the admissions application (see link below):

 

 http://www.byui.edu/Admissions/pdf/part_8.pdf

 

 

After Arrival

International students are often faced with financial challenges while attending school, but 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.

 

 

On Campus Employment - International students are allowed to work on campus 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during their off-track and semester breaks.  If you worked 15 hours while in school and 30 hours per week during your off-track and semester breaks, you could earn over $8000.00 annually.   See the chart below for potential earning at various levels of work. 

 

Potential Earnings for Given Hours Worked
	Earnings 10/20	Earnings 15/30	Earnings 20/40
Annual income (on-track off-track)	$         5,510.00	$         8,265.00	$       11,020.00
Income per semester (14 weeks)	$         1,015.00	$         1,522.50	$         2,030.00
Income per on-track(2 semesters or 28 weeks)	$         2,030.00	$         3,045.00	$         4,060.00
Income for off-track (24 weeks total)	$         3,480.00	$         5,220.00	$         6,960.00
Hours per week while in school	10	15	20
Hours per week while off-track	20	30	40
Minimum hourly wage	7.25	7.25	7.25

 

 

Practical Training - Another option available to students after they have finished their first year is practical training which comes in two types:  Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).  To be considered for either option, you will need to apply through the International Student Services Office.

 

• 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 you to work off-campus and earn money while gaining experience in your major field of study.

 

• OPT is mainly used after you graduate, but can be used before you complete your program of study

 

 

University Financial Aid - For more information regarding available funds through BYU-Idaho, please follow the link below .

 

• PLEASE NOTE: These funds are limited and are not intended to relieve the student, their parents or sponsor of the responsibility of paying for educational expenses.

 

 http://www.byui.edu/financialaid/scholarships/apply.htm

 

 

Wilkinson Fund - In addition to on-campus employment, scholarships and the use of practical training, junior and senior level students have access to the Wilkinson Fund.  This program provides access to low-cost student loans to help international students complete the final two years of a bachelor program or two years of a master program.  Click here for a PowerPoint file that provides basic information for the Wilkinson Fund.

 

 

Conclusion

There are a number of financial resources available to international students.  However, these options are not meant to take the place of your own funds or the funds of your sponsor.  These resources can help make it possible for you to complete your education, but it is up to you make them work for you.