How to Get Student Loans as an International Student

The United States is a popular college destination for students all over the world.However, paying for college in the United States can feel like a daunting task if you’re not a U.S.citizen.It’s still possible to find international student loans if you’re not from the U.S., but it can be a little more challenging.

Below, we’ll walk you through the reasons why, and the types of financial aid, including private student loans, you can get toward a degree program in the United States.Why student loans for international students can be challenging Getting international student loans can be challenging due to how the financial aid program is set up in the U.S.Here’s why.Most international students aren’t eligible for federal loans U.S.

citizens can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and access federal student loans without the need for a cosigner.Nearly everyone qualifies.However, as a non-U.S.citizen on a student visa, you likely don’t qualify for federal student aid.

DACA recipients also don’t qualify for federal aid in most cases.Although there are exceptions for eligible noncitizens, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to use federal aid to cover your total cost of attendance.You might need a U.S.cosigner If you don’t have a U.S.

credit score, you might not be eligible for a private student loan program unless you can find a creditworthy cosigner in the U.S.They can be a permanent resident who has lived in the U.S.for a while and has a credit history, or they can be a U.S.citizen.

However, because a cosigner takes on responsibility for your debt if you don’t make your monthly payments, you might have a hard time finding someone willing to perform this role for you.Some private lenders offer cosigner release, which can make it easier.It’s also possible to find lenders that don’t require cosigners for international student loans.Look around carefully for programs that fit your needs.

International students pose a risk of leaving the U.S.Private lenders know that, even with a cosigned loan, an international student might be more likely to leave the U.S.permanently.They might have a temporary or student visa, or some other issue might arise.

As a result, some loan options might be limited for international students.When looking for loans, whether as an undergraduate or graduate student, look for a private loan that fits your needs.You’ll need to indicate that you plan on remaining in the U.S.and fulfilling your loan obligation before returning to your home country.

4 lenders that offer student loans for international students Even though it can be challenging to get international student loans, some lenders offer them.Here are a few loan products aimed at international students — some of which require no cosigner.Ascent Based in San Deigo, Ascent offers private student loans to international students and DACA recipients.Below is an overview of their loan option.

Ascent Fixed interest rates: Starting at 2.69% APRVariable interest rates: Starting at 3.65% APRTerms: 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 or 20 yearsLoan amounts: Up to the full cost of attendanceAutopay discount: Yes Ascent's undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC.Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions.Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent's Terms and Conditions please visit AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. See disclosures.You need a U.S.

cosigner with good credit to qualify, but Ascent allows a cosigner release after 24 on-time payments.The caveat to cosigner release is that you must have permanent resident status.MPOWER With MPOWER financing, all international students are eligible.Eligibility factors include attending an eligible school, maintaining academic performance and securing internship opportunities.

MPOWER student loans for international studentsLoan amounts$2,001 to $100,000Loan terms10 yearsRepayment termsImmediate repayment, interest-only paymentsInterest rate typeFixed-rate loansAutopay discount0.25% (there are also additional discounts for making on-time payments and reporting graduation and employment) A big benefit with MPOWER is that it doesn’t require a cosigner.The application process also includes ongoing monitoring to ensure that borrowing too much debt isn’t part of the equation.Prodigy Finance With Prodigy Finance, getting a student loan as an international student with no cosigner and without collateral is possible.Prodigy Finance student loans for international studentsLoan amountsUp to $220,000Loan termsUp to 15 yearsRepayment termsGrace period of six monthsInterest rate typeVariable-rate loansAutopay discountNot disclosed You’ll need to live in a state where Prodigy lends and attend an eligible school before funds are disbursed.

Sallie Mae If you have a cosigner, Sallie Mae might be a good choice.The lender offers private loans to DACA recipients and others.However, your cosigner needs to have good credit.Sallie Mae Fixed interest rates: 2.89% APR – 17.64% APR1Variable interest rates: 3.62% APR – 16.51% APR1Terms: 10 to 15 yearsLoan amounts: Borrow from $1,000 up to the full cost of attendanceAutopay discount: Yes Sallie Mae Disclosures 1 Lowest rates shown include the auto debit discount.

Advertised rates are for the Smart Option Student Loan for undergraduate students and are valid as of 05/26/2026.Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans.Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent.Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan.

Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school.With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period.To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae.The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month.

It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.Additionally, if you achieve permanent resident status, establish good credit and make 12 on-time payments, you can be eligible for cosigner release.Tips to get approved for student loans as an international student If you’re hoping to get approved for international student loans, here are a few things you can do: Get a US cosigner.Ideally, this person should have strong credit if you want to increase your chances of getting approved for a loan.

Find flexible eligibility requirements.Look for lenders with requirements that don’t heavily rely on good credit.Keep your visa current.Check your visa’s expiration date to make sure it won’t expire soon so that you don’t end up having to leave the country.

Check your credit score (if applicable). You can also work to establish a good credit history to continue to receive financing.Your next steps Compare different private lenders to determine whether you can get an international student loan.If you already have student loans, consider refinancing your international student loans to a lower rate to save money and pay off your debt faster.