Assistance Based on Achievement, Potential, and Need
Washington University provides financial assistance for freshman and transfer international students. Financial assistance for qualified students is considered on a case-by-case basis. Although we do our best to provide competitive financial assistance packages, funding limitations prevent the University from providing financial support for all applicants who deserve it, nor is it always possible to meet every recipient’s requirements. Financial assistance is renewable for each year of undergraduate study, as long as the student is making normal progress toward the degree and maintaining a good academic record.
Finally, United States Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations severely restrict the employment of international students. Student should not, therefore, count on funds from any possible employment to defray the costs of tuition and living expenses.
International students may submit either the CSS-PROFILE or the Washington University Family Financial Profile for International Applicants (International FFP-EZ). You may complete the International FFP-EZ online at ffpez.wustl.edu. The CSS-PROFILE is available on the Internet from the College Board at www.collegeboard.com.
You may want to consult an advising center in your country operated directly by, or in close cooperation with, the United States Information Service. These centers have books and files on sources of financial assistance for studying in the United States. Ask the United States Embassy or Consulate for the location of the nearest advising center. You may also click here for a list of other resources.
Click here for information about Academic Scholarship & Fellowship Programs at Washington University.
Proof of Financial Support
In compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations, Washington University requires all admitted international students to submit detailed financial information statements before a Form I-20 can be processed. These statements should include the amounts and sources of funds available for their educational expenses in the United States. Admitted students will receive the Declaration and Certification of Finances.
Admitted students must submit (or have submitted for them) notarized letters from parents or sponsors and certified bank statements in English verifying that they have sufficient funds available to finance their first year’s tuition and living expenses and that a comparable amount of money will be available for every subsequent year of study. Financial assistance awards may be deducted from the amount to be certified. Students planning to enroll in summer courses are advised to budget an additional amount of money to cover their summer tuition expenses.
Because some embassy officials verify students’ financial certification, students should obtain two original copies (with original signatures) of both the sponsor’s letter and the bank letter. One copy can be sent to the University, while the student retains the other copy for obtaining the visa.
The cost estimate for living expenses covers only minimal essential expenditures. Expenses for clothing, recreation, and incidentals are variable, and the cost of travel outside St. Louis is not included. Since students admitted to the United States on student visas are not permitted to work off-campus during the first academic year (thereafter only under limited circumstances), employment should not be considered as a means of support.
It is very important that international students who wish to study at Washington University come prepared to financially support the cost of their education during the entire time that they expect to remain in the United States.