Financial Need Verification Process for International Students

International students are eligible to receive need-based scholarships. To determine an international student's financial need, institutions typically calculate the difference between the "cost of attendance" at the school and the "expected family contribution" (EFC), which is based on the student's family income, assets, and other factors, thereby assessing how much financial aid the student might require to cover their education costs.

For domestic students, financial need is verified by the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships (OSFAS) based on the FAFSA. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid and therefore, do not submit a FAFSA application. In lieu of the FAFSA, international students submit a Statement of Financial Need to International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) when applying for departmental scholarships.

Important Considerations:

No Federal Aid: International students are generally not eligible for federal financial aid in the United States. 

Institutional Aid: Universities may offer their own scholarships and grants specifically for international students based on merit and financial need. 

Proof of Funds: International students often need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their entire cost of attendance when applying for a student visa. 

Financial Need Verification Process

  1. The student follows the instructions for submitting the departmental scholarship application.
  2. The student completes a Statement of Financial Need 
  3. The student emails the Statement of Financial Need to ISSS at intl@uoregon.edu
  4. Office of Student Financial Aid receives notification from the department that the student has applied for a scholarship.
  5. Office of Student Financial Aid contacts ISSS for verification of student’s financial need.

NOTE: Only one Statement of Financial Need is required for the academic year for which scholarships are being applied.