Financial Aid Requirements:
Requirements for financial aid applications are different for every institution.
Every Institution has its own
- Types of Documents required
- ISFAA
- CSS Profile
- Demonstration and Certification of Finances
- Institutional Financial aid forms
- Deadlines for submission of financial aid documents
- Submit with all the other admission materials
- Submit at a different date from the other materials
- Timeline for submission
- Some colleges expect families to proves they can pay after acceptance
- others expect families to proves they can pay during the application process
Pay very close attention to all financial aid deadlines, as funding is often limited and students who miss these deadlines may possibly not be considered for financial aid.
Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)*
U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible non-citizens, fill out the FASFA to apply for financial aid from US federal and state governments.
The form is used by schools to determine need-based awards for US Citizens
*This form is NOT for international students, but you will see it mentioned in the application and on financial aid websites.
International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA)
- CollegeBoard form that is accessed through the individual college websites.
- Free of Charge
- Paper Only. This form is not filled out electronically. You will need to print the documents, fill it out with a pen, and scan it.
- Requires Information about
- Income
- Savings
- Expenses
- Budget
- Expected support
- Enter $$ amounts in USD
- Return form to the individual colleges
Search for “International Student Financial Aid Application” to find the PDF of this document on college websites. Some colleges may have their own form requiring similar information.
College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile)
The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, is an online application created and maintained by the CollegeBoard. Used by some institutions to gather information about family income, assets, and expenses, this form allows US residents and international students to apply for nonfederal financial aid.
Review this slide presentation created by the CollegeBoard to learn how to complete the application as an international student.
CSS Profile
- CollegeBoard form that can be accessed through your CollegeBoard account online.
- Fee for the initial CSS Profile application, which includes one college or program report. There is a separate fee for each additional report. Check the Collegeboard for the current cost.
- Requires information about
- Income
- Savings
- Investments
- Expenses
- Budget
- Expected Support
- Enter $$ amounts in your home currency (automatically converted to USD).
- Submit the application online through the CollegeBoard website.
Certification of Finances (COF)
*The name of this form varies depending on schools, may also be damed Declaration of Finances (DOF) or Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF)
One of these forms may be required as part of the international student application or after acceptance. Check the guidelines for each school very carefully to meet all the requirements and deadlines.
The DOF, COF, and DCF are used to obtain complete and accurate information about the funds available to international applicants who want to study in the United States.
This financial verification must be made before the institution can issue a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019) needed for the student visa. US consuls examine this statement of financial resources, given by nonimmigrant visa applicants, in order to process the visa quickly
These forms are generally available in the international student section of the institution’s website.
Supporting Documents for the Declaration and Certification of Finances
Documents required may include
- Current bank/savings statement (and/or band official signature)
- Parent salary confirmation letters of pay slips
- Tax forms
- Sponsor/outside scholarship letter or confirmation
Save everything for presentation to US consular officer at your visa interview.
