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It is a myth that international students can easily get the
money they need for study after they have been admitted to
a college or university in the United States. In fact, such
an assumption can lead to hardship and disappointment. Most
institutions have committed all their scholarship and loan
funds long before the academic year begins. Also, as part
of the application for a student visa, you must be able to
show proof to both the graduate school admissions office and
to your local U.S. embassy or consulate that you have sufficient
funds to meet the total annual expenses. If you plan to bring
a spouse and/or children with you to the United States, you
will also need to prove in advance that you have funds to
support your family.
The best time to arrange U.S.-based financial assistance
is before you leave home. Deadlines for scholarship and grant
programs can be as early as one-and-a-half years before departure.
Universities often require students to complete a financial
statement, specifying how they intend to cover their expenses,
as part of the application process.
Planning ahead will give you time to research independent
scholarships and to identify university programs that have
funding available. If possible, also try to make personal
contact with professors in your department of interest at
U.S. universities, since professors play an important role
in identifying grant and funding recipients in their departments.
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