Embedded Files
FIU Coronavirus Advisory – Visit our Panthers Protecting Panthers website for updates
Scholarships
Scholarships
American higher education is quite expensive compared to that of other countries. This is a fact that you should be aware of as an international student.
International students are required to submit proof of sufficient funds to cover educational expenses in the U.S. in order to obtain a SEVS I-20. Having obtained an I-20, signing it and either entering the U.S. or filing a change of status to F-1 you agree to have funds available for the duration of your studies. It is important, therefore, that you responsibly plan and manage your finances.
Scholarships and grants are some of the ways that you can help to cover your costs. However, these opportunities will not simply find you. You will have to find them!
Recommended Links to Scholarships, Grants or Alternate Funding Sources
Recommended Links to Scholarships, Grants or Alternate Funding Sources
FIU Library - You can find guides or handbooks on financial assistance, scholarships, or grants in the library’s Reference section. These guides would list different international organizations, American institutions, or even multinational corporations that may offer some form of financial assistance to international students.
Your Academic Department - Some scholarships, grants or assistantships may be available through your academic departments. Meet with your academic advisor to find out if there’s any in your major field. Scholarships may also be available from the professional industry however, such information may not always be publicized and information could be available through professors in the specific fields. Let your professors know that you’re looking for possible scholarships.
External Organizations and Resources
Is a non-profit organization that has a listing of grants for which some individuals may qualify.
Institute of International Education (I.I.E.)
May be able to provide information on scholarships, grants or programs for eligible international students.
Organization of American States (OAS)
If you are from Central or South America, OAS offers an interest free loan grant to eligible international students through the Leo Rowe Loan Fund. For more information on eligibility and application process, please contact RoweFund@oas.org.
Is a free online financial source for scholarships, grants, and loans for college-bound students, including international students wishing to study in the United States.
International Education Financial Aid
Is a free online scholarship resource for non-US citizens with disabilities.
Is a free online searchable database of scholarships for international students.
Requires a US citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder) as a co-signer.
Is a comprehensive Internet guide to financial aid. It contains sections pertaining to foreign students coming to the United States and U.S. students going abroad.
Is a Tuition Assistance Resource for Florida International University’s International Students.
International Students Organization in America
Maintains a useful financial aid web page.
Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund – World Bank Volunteer Services
The World Bank, 1818 “H” St., NW, Room G-1000, Washington, DC 20433, Telephone: 202-473-8751, Fax: 202-676-0419
Eligibility: Women only
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Maintains a useful financial aid web page.
Online Directory of Scholarships and Grants
Has useful financial aid information.
Organization of American States
Department of Fellowship and Training Program, Washington, DC 20006, Telephone: (202) 458-3900, Email: scholarships@oas.org .
Publishes a variety of books and directories.
The National Association of Financial Aid Administrators
Maintains a web page that lists financial resources for international students.
The National Science Foundation
Publishes a selected list of fellowships and other support opportunities for Advanced Education for United States Citizens and Foreign Nationals, 1993 edition (National Science Foundation). NSF 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA22230, Telephone: 703-306-1234.
Fellowships Section, Office of Technical Cooperation of Development, United Nations, New York, 10017.
Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship Program
Xerox Corporation, Corporate Employment and College Relations, Xerox Square-026, Rochester, NW 14644
Tax Responsibilities
Tax Responsibilities
January 1 through April 15 is “Tax Season” in the United States. During this period, U.S. citizens, permanent residents and many non-immigrants must file income tax returns and other tax forms.
All international students, scholars and their dependents (F-1, F-2, J-1 and J-2 who have been in the United States the previous calendar year) who are non-residents for tax purposes MUST file tax Form 8843 regardless of whether they worked or not.
For more information, visit the Tax Responsibilities section on the ISSS Website.
Disclaimer
Remember! G1Y advisors are NOT experts in income taxes and thus, cannot advise or assist you in filing your returns. The information on this webpage is provided as a service to enrolled international students in G1Y. The information does not constitute tax advice and G1Y staff cannot assist with the preparation or completion of individual tax return forms.
U.S. Bank Accounts
U.S. Bank Accounts
Within the first few days of your arrival, you may want to open a checking account with a bank on or near campus. FIU has partnered with Wells Fargo to offer you the ability to link your bank account from them to your FIU One Card.
You may directly deposit traveler’s checks for free in most cases, or arrange for a wire transfer from your home bank for a fee of about $35. Typically, you may make an unlimited number of additional deposits or withdrawals thereafter. Be sure to always have sufficient funds in your account to cover all outstanding checks; if you "overdraw," the bank may impose expensive fees. Also be aware that there is usually a waiting period of a few days before you may withdraw the money you deposit, as a way for the bank to protect itself from fraud.
To open a bank account, you will be asked for a number of supporting documents for your application. These might include:
Current Passport
Proof of address- a piece of mail will usually suffice
A letter of enrollment from your college
A personal identification number
Social security number*
Student ID number
Passport number
An international ID number with photo identification
Individual taxpayer identification number
* Note: As a non-US citizen, you will not automatically be given a social security number. In order to receive one, you must have been in the US for at least 10 days and be offered an on-campus position.
For more helpful information, click here.
Refunds
Refunds
Students who cancel their FIU G1Y course prior to arrival on FIU’s campus may request a full refund of deposit, tuition, and fees. To be eligible for a refund of your deposit, within 60 days after your program’s start date you must submit a written refund request together with documentation showing your visa application was denied before your move-in date. Otherwise, we do not refund deposits.
After the start of the G1Y program orientation, students may be eligible for the following partial refunds: 90% refund during the 1st week of class, 50% refund during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks of classes. No refunds are available after the 4th week of classes for the remainder of the program duration without exceptional circumstances.
If you are eligible for any refunds from Global First Year after the 4th week of classes, it is important to note that the refund policy states that refunds will not be processed until a student completes the G1Y Program to ensure that there are no additional pending charges due to unforeseen circumstances like housing fees, extension terms and so on.
Once a student completes their program in G1Y, they will be contacted to complete a refund form. This form will allow the student to designate where they would like their funds to be deposited. All refunds will be issued in U.S. Dollars, minus bank transfer and processing fees, according to the exchange rate in place at the time of the refund. Once this form is submitted, the refund will be processed within 45-60 business days.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse