Financial Aid for International Students

As an international student, you are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid—including the FAFSA, which is reserved for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. However, there are meaningful ways to help fund your Emerson education.

Merit Scholarships

All admitted students—including international students—are automatically considered for Emerson merit scholarships. No separate application is required. Scholarship decisions are included in your admission offer.

For details on available merit scholarships, visit the relevant page for your program:

• Undergraduate Admission Financial Aid
• Graduate Admission Financial Aid

Private Scholarships

Many organizations, foundations, and governments offer scholarships specifically available to international students. These are gift aid, which means they don’t need to be repaid. Start your search early and cast a wide net to take advantage of this valuable funding source.

Visit our Private Scholarships page or FastWeb to launch your search.

Never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship. If an application requires payment, research the organization carefully before proceeding.

Your home or host country may also offer financial support for students studying abroad. Check with your country’s ministry of education or a local educational advising center.

Private Loans

If additional funding is needed beyond scholarships, private loans are an option. International students can apply directly through private lenders, many of which are searchable through ElmSelect.

A U.S. co-signer is typically required. Most private lenders require a creditworthy co-signer who is a U.S. citizen—a spouse, relative, friend, or other qualifying individual. Co-signing is a significant financial commitment; your co-signer should fully understand the repayment obligations before agreeing.

Borrow only what you need. Unlike scholarships, loans must be repaid. Before applying, make sure you understand the full terms, including interest rates, repayment timeline, and any fees. You don’t want any surprises after graduation.

Planning Ahead

Beyond tuition and fees billed directly by Emerson, international students often face additional costs: off-campus housing, textbooks, living expenses, and international travel. We encourage you to map out your full expected cost of attendance and explore every available funding source—scholarships, family savings, payment plans, and loans—before relying solely on borrowing.