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International Student Scholarship Opportunities

All below-mentioned information does not apply to pathway students.

International Student Estimate of Expenses

International students are asked to present proof of one year of finances as per the International Student Estimate of Expenses, but they are legally expected to have sufficient financial means for the duration of their academic program, so please plan accordingly. Please note that international students are not legally permitted to take any on-campus work study employment jobs. Off-campus work authorization is also limited and only permitted with work authorization from both USCIS and the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) through the issuance of a new visa document (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019).

Feel free to check out the On-Campus Employment section of our website.

Graduate students may also find the Costs & Aid for Graduate Programs webpage helpful.

We hope the following scholarship information is helpful.

Merit Based Scholarships

  • For Undergraduate students, scholarship offerings are listed on our website. The majority of our funding is in the form of new student merit based scholarships. Your eligibility for these scholarships is determined at the time you are accepted for admission into matriculated status. There is no separate application. If you are eligible, you will receive a letter notifying you of your eligibility for a merit-based scholarship along with your acceptance. If you have questions about applying for an undergraduate program, you may email: admissions@uml.edu.
  • For Graduate programs, there are a few fellowship/assistantship opportunities available for accepted graduate students. Please contact your graduate coordinator directly to determine if there is funding available. If you have questions about applying to a graduate program, you may contact Graduate Admissions by email at: Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu.

“Endowed” Scholarships for Current International Students

UMass Lowell has a limited number of endowed scholarships offered to current students, most of which are for undergraduate students. Criteria for receiving endowed scholarships vary, but most funds require a demonstration of academic achievement and/or financial need. The majority of scholarships require UMass Lowell coursework with a solid G.P.A. Approximately half the endowments are awarded by the individual academic departments based on the student’s merit in their major. You may review these scholarships on the Riverhawk Scholar Portal. The annual application deadline for endowed scholarships is February 1.

In addition, the UMass Lowell Office of Financial Aid is contacted by private outside agencies regarding their available scholarships which they post on Twitter, @UMLScholarships.

  • Private Loans - All international students may consider a private loan option if they have a U.S. Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen co-signer
  • UMass Lowell Payment Plan – applies to current, matriculated students

Explore Loan Programs in your Home Country

Don’t overlook resources in your home country. Begin exploring these opportunities as soon as possible as it may be easier to apply before you leave for the United States.

For example, the Bank of Beijing has a loan program specifically for Chinese nationals studying abroad.

Students from Germany who are looking for loan options should look at The BVA or Auslandsbafög.