Financial Resources for International Students

Barry University Scholarships

Barry offers donor-funded scholarships each year through the Barry Scholarship System. One application matches you to the scholarships you qualify for.

  • You must have a Barry GPA to apply (generally after completing your first semester).

  • Awards vary by donor requirements, academic criteria, major, and financial need.

  • Institutional scholarships open in application windows each fall and spring. Check the Barry Scholarship System for current dates and apply early.

Outside Scholarships and Grants

Many organizations offer scholarships to international students. They may be merit-based, need-based, field-specific, or country-specific. These search platforms are a good place to start:

InternationalScholarships.com

Best for
Global directory of scholarships for international study

ScholarshipPortal.com

Best for
Searching by home country, field of study, and destination

Fastweb.com

Best for
Mostly U.S. students, but some awards are open to international students

Scholly

Best for
Profile-based scholarship matching; eligibility varies

Tips:

  • Start searching 6 to 12 months before you need the funds. Many deadlines fall before the semester begins.

  • Scholarships open to both U.S. and international students are competitive. Apply to several and keep searching throughout the year.

Funding from Your Home Country

Some students qualify for support from their home country. Possible sources include:

  • Ministries or departments of education

  • Government-sponsored scholarship or loan programs

  • Regional or national study-abroad initiatives

  • Corporate or foundation sponsorships

  • Embassy or consulate scholarships, cultural grants, or educational support

Availability varies widely by country and can change from year to year, and not all embassies offer funding. Barry University does not administer these programs. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and requirements directly with your home-country government, scholarship agency, or your embassy's official website.

Private Student Loans for International Students

Some private (non-federal) lenders offer education loans to international students. Terms vary by lender, academic level, and visa status. Start with ELMSelect, Barry's loan comparison tool, to compare lenders side by side. Examples include:

ELMSelect (Barry's loan comparison tool)

Who it serves
Free, lender-neutral tool that the Barry Financial Aid Office uses to compare private loans; filter for lenders that accept international students

Co-signer needed?
Varies by lender; many require a credit-worthy U.S. co-signer

MPOWER Financing

Who it serves
Many undergraduate and graduate students

Co-signer needed?
No; no collateral or U.S. credit history required

Prodigy Finance

Who it serves
Mainly graduate programs (e.g., MBA, STEM, business); based on future earning potential

Co-signer needed?
No

Stilt

Who it serves
Immigrants and international students; availability may vary by state

Co-signer needed?
Verify with lender

Before you borrow:

  • Compare interest rates, origination fees, repayment terms, prepayment penalties, grace periods, and co-signer release options.

  • Loan approval is not guaranteed. Do not count on a loan as your main proof of funding for F-1 status.

  • Most lenders require the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form. See Private Education Loans on the Financial Aid site and contact the Financial Aid Office before applying.

  • Lender offerings change. Confirm current terms directly with the lender. Barry University does not endorse or recommend any private lender.

Working While You Study

F-1 students may work only in limited ways, and most work needs approval before you start. See the Employment section of the Current International Students page for on-campus and off-campus rules, and the CPT and OPT pages for internships and practical training.

Important: Do not rely on unauthorized work to pay tuition or living expenses. All employment, on or off campus, must be authorized in advance by the International Student Services Office (ISS) before any employment/experiential learning can begin. Unauthorized work can lead to termination of your SEVIS record. Always talk to ISS before accepting any job.

Financial Emergencies: Severe Economic Hardship and Special Student Relief

If an unexpected financial problem arises after you begin your program, you may be able to request off-campus work authorization from USCIS. There are two options, and both start with a meeting with ISS.

Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)

SEH is an individual off-campus work authorization for any F-1 student facing financial difficulty that was unforeseen and beyond their control, such as loss of a sponsor, currency devaluation, or medical bills.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Have been in valid F-1 status for at least one full academic year and are in good academic standing

  • Can document that the hardship was unforeseen and beyond your control

  • Do not have enough on-campus work available to meet your needs

How it works:

  • Meet with an ISS advisor (DSO) to review eligibility. If you qualify, the DSO recommends off-campus employment in SEVIS and issues an updated Form I-20.

  • File Form I-765 with USCIS, with supporting evidence. Do not start work until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

  • If approved, SEH is granted for up to one year at a time, and not beyond your program end date. You may work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, and must stay enrolled full-time.

SEH vs. Special Student Relief (SSR)

Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)

Special Student Relief (SSR)

Who it's for

Any F-1 student who documents an unforeseen personal hardship

F-1 students from specific countries or regions named in a Federal Register notice from DHS

What triggers it

Individual circumstances (sponsor loss, currency devaluation, medical bills)

Emergencies in the home country (war, natural disaster, financial crisis)

How to start

Meet with an ISS advisor (DSO)

Meet with an ISS advisor (DSO)

How long it lasts

Up to one year at a time

Length set by the DHS notice

Work benefits

Off-campus work, up to 20 hours per week while school is in session

On- or off-campus work above 20 hours per week while school is in session, and a reduced course load while working

Tips before you apply

  • Start with ISS: Email isservices@barry.edu before filing anything with USCIS. A Form I-765 filed before your DSO recommends employment in SEVIS will be denied.

  • Wait for your EAD: Do not start off-campus work until your EAD card arrives and the start date listed on the EAD has arrived.

  • Keep records: Save bank letters, sponsor letters, medical bills, currency-exchange records, or other proof of the change in your finances.

  • Check the fee: USCIS filing fees change. Confirm the current Form I-765 fee on the USCIS website before applying and ask whether you qualify for a fee waiver.

Budgeting and Financial Literacy

Many new students underestimate U.S. living costs, especially housing, food, transportation, and school supplies. Make a budget in your first semester. These free or low-cost tools can help:

Avoiding Scholarship and Loan Scams

Before you apply for funding or share personal information:

  • Never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship.

  • Confirm the organization has an official website, a physical address, and real contact information.

  • Check reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.

  • Be cautious of "guaranteed" scholarships and unsolicited funding offers.

  • Don't share your passport, bank details, Social Security number, ITIN, or financial documents unless a verified program requires them.

Not sure if an offer is legitimate? ISS can help you review it.

Stay in Status While Funding Your Education

  • Do not work without authorization. CPT, OPT, and SEH must be approved before you start.

  • Maintain a full course load unless ISS has authorized a Reduced Course Load (RCL), if eligible.

  • Review the full list of requirements under Maintaining Status.

Questions? Contact ISS

ISS can help with financial planning questions, work authorization questions, and immigration compliance.

Email: isservices@barry.edu
Phone: 305-899-3030

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