Student Funding

This webpage provides general information for international students at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor to find information related to funding resources.

International students who hold F-1 and J-1 visas are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid but may be eligible for funding offered by U-M departments, depending on departmental policies.

It is important to understand that federal regulations require F-1 and J-1 visa holders to show evidence of sufficient financial support (i.e., bank statement, assistantship letter, etc.) for educational costs (i.e. tuition, student fees, health insurance, living expenses, etc.) while being in the F-1 or J-1 status in the U.S.

Incoming Student Resources

Information regarding the requirements for financial proof for incoming students can be found through the academic department’s admission offices.

If you have been admitted to the University of Michigan, you should contact your School/College directly to seek financial requirements and possible funding resources. The International Center does not offer grants or scholarships for prospective or incoming international students.

Current Student Resources

For financial requirements to extend your current F-1/J-1 status, please visit the Extension of Status webpage.

General departmental resources:

Some departments have emergency funds, merit-based scholarships, or other grants available. It is recommended to contact your Schools/Colleges directly to seek available funding. In addition, the general resources are below.

• UM Office of the Provost: Student Emergency Funds
• Office of Financial Aid Tools & Resources
• Office of Financial Aid Short-term Loans
• Office of Financial Aid International Student webpage
• FASTChoice International Private Educations Loans
• U-M Library Funding for Students webpage

Campus/community resources for food and necessities insecurity:

• Maize and Blue Cupboard
• Free & Lower Cost Necessities Guide

On-campus employment opportunities:

• Student Employment Office website

Important notes: International students may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session during the academic year (fall and winter semesters) and may work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) on-campus during official university holidays, breaks, and vacation periods (spring and summer semesters for most students).

For information regarding off-campus employment, its requirements, and procedures, please refer to the Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Academic Training (AT), or Optional Practical Training (OPT) webpages.

If you have any questions, please contact the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team.

International Center resources:

The International Center offers emergency funding and donor-funded retention scholarships for current students. More information regarding each funding source can be found on the webpages below.

If you need any support in navigating campus resources, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].