The University of Massachusetts Amherst

This aerial view of the University of Massachusetts shows the center of campus in the foreground, with the dorms of Southwest visible in the distance
Financial Aid

International Students

International students are not eligible for financial aid. You can apply for an alternative loan if you are able to obtain a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner.

Alternative Loans for International Students 2025-2026

Lender Name/Website
Minimum Loan Amount
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Required
Minimum Enrollment
Sallie Mae Student Loans$1,000NoAll enrollments & Certificate Programs
Citizens Bank$1,000NoHalf-time
College Avenue Student Loans$1,000YesAll enrollments & Certificate Programs
AAA Advantage Loan$1,000NoHalf-time
Sofi$1,000NoHalf-time 
Earnest$1,000NoHalf-time
Granite Edvance$2,001NoHalf-time & Certificate Programs
Nelnet$1,000NoHalf-time
Abe Student Loans (Monogram)$1,000NoAll enrollments & Certificate Programs

Financial aid is available to eligible non-citizens. Generally, you are an eligible non-citizen if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • U.S. permanent resident with an Alien Registration card (I-551)
  • Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
  • Other eligible non-citizen with an Arrival - Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: "Refugee," "Asylum Granted," "Parole" (I-94 confirms paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired), or "Cuban - Haitian Entrant."

If you are in the U.S. on an F1 or F2 student visa, a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa you are not eligible for federal student aid.

You may visit the Office of Global Affairs for information on scholarship opportunities.

You may visit EduPass.org for information on other sources of aid available to International Students.