Alternative Funding Sources
External AwardsBecause it is not possible to offer full grant and fellowship support to all graduate students and because of the prestige inherent in holding an award through open competition, applicants are encouraged to consider major national and international fellowship opportunities. It is important that prospective graduate students explore every available source of funding for graduate study.
In researching outside funding you may look to faculty advisers,
career services offices, deans of students, and offices of financial
aid where frequently you may find resource materials, books, and grant
applications for a wide variety of funding sources. You must notify
both your academic department at The Fu Foundation School of
Engineering and Applied Science and the Office of Financial Aid and
Educational Financing of any outside awards that you will be receiving.
To secure a visa, international students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funding to complete the degree. Many international students obtain support for their educational expenses from their government, a foundation, or a private agency.
International students who apply by the December 15 deadline and are admitted to a graduate program in The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science are automatically considered for departmental funding (institutional grants, fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, readerships, and preceptorships) upon completion of the required financial aid forms referred to on page 41 of The Bulletin. Spring admissions applicants will not be considered for departmental funding. Continuing international students must preregister for classes during the preregistration period and complete an Supplementary Application for Federal Aid and Private Loans to be considered for departmental funding.
Most loan programs are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, international students may apply for these domestic loan programs with a cosigner who is a citizen or permanent resident in the United States. Depending on the loan program, you may need a valid U.S. Social Security number. Also depending on your country of origin, you may qualify for a private loan without need for a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Contact the financial aid office for more details on this loan program.
Students who study at The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science on temporary visas should fully understand the regulations concerning possible employment under those visas. Before making plans for employment in the United States, international students should consult with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), located at 524 Riverside Drive, Suite 200; 212-854-3587. Their Web site is www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/isso.html.