Student Loans for International Students: 2026 Guide

International student reviewing a student loan offer and budget on a laptop with a passport and admission letter on the desk

Last reviewed: October 1, 2026

Short answer: Yes, international students can get student loans, but usually not from the host government. In the United States, federal student aid is limited to US citizens and "eligible noncitizens"; students on F-1, J-1 and similar visas are not eligible. That leaves four realistic routes: a private US loan with a creditworthy US co-signer, a no-co-signer loan priced on your school, program and future earnings, an education loan or government scheme from your home country, and help from the university itself (institutional loans, emergency loans and payment plans).

Borrow last, not first. Use scholarships, assistantships, family funds and permitted on-campus work before any loan. Then compare offers by APR, fees, rate type, what happens to interest while you study, and co-signer terms. A loan approval can support your visa paperwork, but it never guarantees a visa. Never pay an upfront fee to "secure" a loan, a scholarship or visa funds.

This guide explains how student loans for international students work in 2026, with a focus on the United States and shorter notes on the UK, Canada and Australia. It draws on Federal Student Aid, the US Department of State, DHS Study in the States, USCIS, the CFPB, the FTC, the IRS, EducationUSA, GOV.UK, the Government of Canada and the Australian Government. We do not name, rank or recommend any lender, and we do not quote real interest rates.

This article is general information, not financial, legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules, figures and lender policies change; confirm details with your school and the official sources listed at the end.

In this guide

Can international students get student loans?
The four main loan routes compared
Borrow last: scholarships, assistantships and campus work
How lenders price a loan
Worked example: deferring interest vs paying it during study
Co-signers: liability, credit impact and release
No-co-signer loans and income share agreements
Home-country loans and government schemes
Currency risk when you repay from home
Loans and your visa: I-20, DS-2019 and the interview
How much to borrow
How to apply, step by step
Repayment, hardship options and default
Working to repay: campus jobs, OPT and STEM OPT
Taxes in brief
UK, Canada and Australia notes
Scams and red flags
Common mistakes
Borrower's checklist
FAQ
Bottom line
Sources

Can international students get student loans?

Yes, but the loan almost always comes from a private lender, your home country or your university, not from the host country's government. Government student loan programs are generally built for citizens and long-term residents.

US federal student aid: who qualifies

Federal Student Aid, the office of the US Department of Education that runs federal grants and loans, limits aid to US citizens and "eligible noncitizens." Its eligibility material says you are generally an eligible noncitizen if you are a US permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card, a conditional permanent resident, or the holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) showing certain statuses, such as refugee or asylum granted.

The same material is direct about student visas. If you are in the US on an F-1 or F-2 student visa, an M-1 visa, a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa, you are not an eligible noncitizen and you will not be eligible for federal student aid. The same applies to people granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

So on an F-1 or J-1 visa, federal Direct Loans and grants are off the table. If you are a permanent resident or a refugee, check the Federal Student Aid eligibility page first.

What that leaves

The CFPB describes private student loans as loans offered by private lenders to pay for educational expenses. It notes that the interest rates and fees on a private loan are based primarily on your credit history or credit score, and that private loans lack many of the flexible repayment options and protections of federal loans.

That credit requirement is the core problem for a newly arrived student. You usually have no US credit history, no US income and no Social Security number. Lenders solve this in one of two ways: they rely on a co-signer who does have US credit, or they use a different model that looks at your school, program and expected earnings. The other routes are a loan from home or support from the university.

If you are still planning how to fund the whole degree, read our broader guide on how to pay for studying abroad first. This article focuses only on borrowing.

The four main loan routes compared

There are four realistic ways for an international student to borrow for a US degree, and each one shifts cost and risk in a different direction.

Route	Typical requirements	Main advantages	Main drawbacks
Private US loan with a US co-signer	A creditworthy co-signer, usually a US citizen or permanent resident with good credit and income; proof of enrollment at an approved school; passport and visa documents	Pricing reflects the co-signer's credit, so it can be the cheapest private option; wide choice of banks, credit unions and specialist lenders	The co-signer is fully liable; hard to find one; co-signer release is not guaranteed
No-co-signer loan based on future earnings	Admission to a school and program on the lender's approved list; often limited to graduate students or students close to graduation; home-country and visa documents	No co-signer or US credit history needed; decision based on your academic and career profile	Often more expensive; limited list of schools, programs and countries; may be variable rate; fewer lenders to compare
Home-country bank loan or government scheme	Citizenship or residence in the home country; often a family co-applicant, collateral or a guarantor; admission letter	Familiar legal system and language; may match your future income currency; some government schemes are subsidized	Collateral at risk; disbursement in foreign currency adds transfer cost; limits may not cover full US costs
University loans, emergency loans and payment plans	Enrollment; application to the financial aid or bursar's office; some institutional loans still ask for a co-signer	Deals directly with the school; payment plans spread a bill over the term; emergency loans can bridge a short gap	Small amounts; not available everywhere; payment plans do not reduce the total bill

If you have a willing, creditworthy US co-signer, price that route first. If not, compare no-co-signer lenders with home-country options; neither is automatically cheaper. For a small or temporary gap, ask the university about a payment plan before taking a multi-year loan. We describe lender categories only, because offers change often.

Borrow last: scholarships, assistantships and campus work

Every dollar you do not borrow is a dollar you never pay interest on, so loans should fill the gap that remains after free and earned money. The CFPB gives the same advice to all students: reduce what you need to borrow by cutting costs, applying for grants and scholarships, and considering part-time work.

EducationUSA, the US Department of State's network of advising centers, tells prospective students to start financial planning as early as possible. It notes that competition for financial aid is high and that requests for financial assistance are usually submitted with the admission application, not after it.

Work through these sources before you sign a loan:

University scholarships and tuition discounts. Ask the admissions and financial aid offices what is open to international students and what the deadlines are.
Assistantships and fellowships. Graduate students may be offered teaching or research assistantships that pay a stipend and reduce or waive tuition. These are awarded by departments, so ask the program directly.
Home-country scholarships and sponsors. Governments, employers and foundations fund study abroad. An EducationUSA advising center in your country can point you to legitimate ones.
On-campus work. F-1 students may work on campus within set limits, covered in the section on working to repay. Treat this as pocket money for living costs, not as a way to pay tuition.

How lenders price a loan

The cost of a student loan depends on five things: the interest rate and whether it is fixed or variable, the fees, what happens to interest while you study, the length of repayment, and how much you borrow. The APR is the best single number for comparing offers, but only between loans with the same rate type and term.

Fixed vs variable rates

A fixed rate stays the same for the life of the loan. A variable rate moves with a benchmark rate plus a margin set by the lender. The CFPB warns that private student loans may have variable rates that can reset as often as every month or quarter, which changes your payment. A variable rate may start lower, but you carry the risk that it rises during repayment.

The CFPB also cautions that some private lenders advertise very low rates that only borrowers with the best credit qualify for, and that your actual rate could be much higher. Compare the rate you are actually offered, not the lowest advertised one.

APR and fees

The annual percentage rate (APR) expresses the yearly cost of the loan including certain fees, not just interest. Some loans charge an origination fee, taken as a percentage of the amount borrowed, either deducted from the money sent to the school or added to the balance. Others charge late fees or returned-payment fees. Two loans with the same interest rate can have different APRs because of fees.

Interest during study and capitalization

Most private student loans start charging interest as soon as the money is disbursed. The CFPB explains that interest accrued while you are in school can be "capitalized," meaning it is added to your unpaid principal balance, and that when this happens you are charged interest on interest. For private loans, it notes that capitalization can occur when the grace period ends.

Lenders usually offer a choice of in-school repayment options. The names vary, but the common ones are below.

In-school option	What you pay while studying	Effect on total cost
Full deferment	Nothing until after the grace period	Highest; all accrued interest is added to the balance
Fixed small payment	A small flat amount each month	Slightly lower; some interest still capitalizes
Interest-only	The interest that accrues each month	Lower; balance stays at the amount borrowed
Immediate full repayment	Principal and interest from the start	Lowest, but rarely realistic for a full-time student

Grace period and term

A grace period is the time after you leave school before full payments begin; interest normally keeps accruing during it. A longer repayment term lowers the monthly payment and raises the total interest.

Ask every lender the same questions: the rate type and how a variable rate can move, the APR for your exact amount and term, each fee, when interest is capitalized, the grace period, the co-signer release criteria, the hardship options written into the contract, and how you pay from outside the US.

The CFPB suggests doing your comparison shopping within a short window, about two weeks, to limit the effect of credit inquiries on the co-signer's (or your) credit score. For background on how scores work, see what a credit score is and how it is calculated.

Worked example: deferring interest vs paying it during study

Paying the interest while you study keeps the balance from growing and can save thousands over the life of a loan. The example below is fictional and for illustration only. The rate is invented to make the arithmetic easy to follow; it is not a current market rate or a quote from any lender.

Assumptions (illustrative): a student borrows USD 40,000 in a single disbursement at a fixed 9% annual rate with no origination fee. The program lasts 24 months, followed by a 6-month grace period, so 30 months pass before full repayment starts. Interest accrues as simple interest during those 30 months. Repayment then runs for 10 years (120 monthly payments).

Interest during study and grace: USD 40,000 x 9% = USD 3,600 a year, or USD 300 a month. Over 30 months that is USD 9,000.
Option A, full deferment: the USD 9,000 is capitalized, so repayment starts on a balance of USD 49,000.
Option B, interest-only: the student pays USD 300 a month for 30 months (USD 9,000 in total), so repayment starts on the original USD 40,000.

Illustrative result	Option A: full deferment	Option B: interest-only during study
Paid during the first 30 months	USD 0	USD 9,000 (USD 300 a month)
Balance when repayment starts	USD 49,000	USD 40,000
Monthly payment for 120 months	USD 620.71	USD 506.70
Total of the 120 payments	USD 74,485.20	USD 60,804.00
Total paid overall	USD 74,485.20	USD 69,804.00
Total interest	USD 34,485.20	USD 29,804.00

In this fictional case, paying interest during study saves USD 4,681.20 overall and cuts the later monthly payment by about USD 114. The saving comes entirely from avoiding interest on the capitalized USD 9,000.

Two caveats. Only choose an in-school payment you can truly sustain on limited work hours. And an origination fee would change the picture: a 4% fee on USD 40,000 is USD 1,600, so either the school receives only USD 38,400 or you owe more from day one. Ask the lender for its own repayment illustration.

Co-signers: liability, credit impact and release

A co-signer is not a reference; a co-signer is a second borrower. The CFPB defines a co-signer as a person who agrees to repay a loan along with the primary borrower and says co-signers are equally responsible for and legally obligated to repay the loan.

Why lenders ask for one

The CFPB notes that most private lenders require a co-signer unless the student has a positive credit history, and that a co-signer with good credit can help secure a lower rate. For international students, lenders generally want the co-signer to be a US citizen or permanent resident with established credit and steady income. Exact rules differ by lender.

What the co-signer is taking on

Share these CFPB points with anyone you ask to co-sign:

The co-signer has an equal financial responsibility and legal obligation to make sure the loan is repaid.
Missed payments can hurt the co-signer's credit, whether or not the co-signer knows the payments were missed.
If the loan defaults, the default goes on the co-signer's credit report as well as the borrower's.
The lender can sue both the borrower and the co-signer to collect the debt, and private lenders often hire collection agencies.
The loan appears as a debt on the co-signer's credit record, which can affect the co-signer's own applications for credit.

The CFPB cites a 2019 survey finding that about a quarter of co-signers ended up making at least one payment because the primary borrower did not. If you return home after graduation and stop paying, the lender's most practical target is the co-signer in the United States.

Co-signer release

Co-signer release means the lender removes the co-signer from the loan, leaving only you responsible. The CFPB says that in some instances a co-signer may be released from a private student loan, that some loans allow release after the borrower makes payments for a certain length of time, and that the lender's specific criteria are found in the loan terms and on the lender's website. Typically the borrower must make a set number of on-time payments and pass a credit check alone.

Do not treat release as a promise. In an earlier review of the market, the CFPB reported that the lenders and servicers it surveyed granted very few releases and that 90 percent of borrowers who applied were rejected. It also found that some contracts allowed a loan to be placed in default when a co-signer died or filed for bankruptcy. The CFPB also warns that your servicer might not tell you when you become eligible.

For an international graduate, release is harder still, because you must qualify alone with US credit and income. Before signing, get the release criteria in writing and ask whether a borrower on a work-authorized visa can meet them.

No-co-signer loans and income share agreements

Some specialist lenders lend to international students without a co-signer, collateral or US credit history. Instead of scoring your past, they estimate your future: the school you attend, your degree and field, how close you are to graduating, and the typical earnings of graduates like you.

How these loans usually work

They are offered only for schools and programs on the lender's approved list, and sometimes only to citizens of certain countries.
They often focus on graduate students, or undergraduates within a year or two of graduating.
Because the lender takes more risk, the cost is often higher than a loan backed by a strong co-signer.
Loan limits may be lower than your full cost of attendance.
Some report your payments to US credit bureaus, which can help you build a US credit history. Ask.

Income share agreements

An income share agreement (ISA) is a different product. The CFPB describes it as an arrangement in which you generally promise to make payments based on a percentage of your income. It advises using federal loans if available, scholarships and grants before entering into an ISA or taking out a traditional private student loan.

If you are offered an ISA, ask for the percentage, the number of payments and the maximum total you could pay, and compare that maximum with the total cost of an ordinary loan.

Home-country loans and government schemes

An education loan from a bank or a government program in your home country is often the most accessible option for students without a US co-signer. Your family's credit history, income and assets are visible to lenders at home in a way they are not to a US lender.

Terms vary by country, so we describe them only in general. Commonly:

A parent or relative is a co-applicant or guarantor. The same warnings apply as for a US co-signer: they are liable if you do not pay.
Larger loans may require collateral, such as property or deposits. Understand exactly what the lender can take and when.
Some governments subsidize interest or offer their own schemes for study abroad, sometimes tied to conditions such as returning home to work.
The loan may be in your home currency or in a foreign currency. This matters a great deal; see the next section.

Ask the lender for a sanction or approval letter that states the amount, the currency, the disbursement schedule and any conditions. You will need it for the school's financial evidence and possibly for the visa interview.

Check that the lender is licensed by your country's banking regulator or central bank. Moving the money also has a cost. Our guide on how to send money internationally for less covers transfer fees and exchange-rate margins, and the student bank account abroad guide covers where the living-cost portion will land.

Currency risk when you repay from home

If your loan is in US dollars and your income is in another currency, your payment can rise even when the interest rate does not change. This is currency risk, and it applies to any graduate who returns home, or to a family repaying from home on the student's behalf.

Here is a small fictional example. The currency and exchange rates are invented for illustration.

Illustrative scenario	Exchange rate (home currency units per USD 1)	Cost of a USD 500 monthly payment
When the loan was taken	80	40,000 units
After the home currency weakens	92	46,000 units

The payment in dollars is still USD 500, but it now costs 6,000 more units each month, a 15% increase, with no change in the loan itself. If your salary at home did not rise by the same amount, the loan has become harder to afford. The reverse can also happen, and you cannot know in advance.

Ways to reduce the risk

Match the loan currency to your likely income. If you expect to work in the US for some years, a USD loan matches a USD salary. If you are sure you will return home, a home-currency loan removes exchange-rate risk from repayment, although it moves the risk to the moment you pay tuition.
Borrow less. A smaller balance means a smaller exposure.
Repay faster while you earn dollars. If you work in the US after graduation, extra payments in that period cut the balance you might later repay from a weaker currency. Check that there is no prepayment penalty.

Loans and your visa: I-20, DS-2019 and the interview

A loan can be part of the financial evidence you show to your school and to a consular officer, but it does not guarantee a visa. Financial ability is one requirement among several, and the decision belongs to the consular officer.

Financial evidence for the Form I-20

DHS's Study in the States site explains that prospective F-1 and M-1 students must provide evidence of financial ability to pay for school costs, such as tuition and books, plus living expenses. A designated school official (DSO) records this in the SEVIS system in order to issue the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." If the DSO does not collect proper financial information, the school cannot issue the form.

Study in the States says evidence of financial support includes, but is not limited to, family bank statements, documentation from a sponsor, financial aid letters and scholarship letters. It also says the finances shown should be enough for up to one year or the length of the program, whichever is shorter.

That list is not exhaustive, and each school sets its own document requirements. If you plan to rely on a loan, ask the international student office exactly what it needs.

J-1 exchange visitors and the DS-2019

For J-1 exchange visitors, the equivalent document is the Form DS-2019, issued by the program sponsor. Under the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, sponsors must verify, before issuing the form, that the exchange visitor has adequate financial resources to take part in and complete the program and to support any accompanying spouse and dependents. The form itself sets out the estimated financial support for the program.

At the visa interview

The US Department of State's student visa page says a consular officer will interview you to determine whether you qualify, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:

your academic preparation, such as transcripts, diplomas and test scores;
your intent to depart the United States when your course of study is complete; and
how you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.

In practical terms, bring the same financial documents you gave the school, plus the loan approval letter if you have one, and be ready to explain your funding plan simply and truthfully: how much comes from family, scholarships and the loan, and how the loan will be repaid.

Show only genuine funds. Presenting false or misleading financial evidence can lead to a visa refusal and lasting immigration consequences; see the scams section for the schemes to avoid.

How much to borrow

Borrow the gap between your real cost of attendance and your non-loan funding, and no more. The target is the smallest loan that lets you finish the degree, not the largest loan you can get approved.

Start from the cost of attendance

US schools publish an estimated cost of attendance that covers tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, health insurance, transport and personal expenses. The same estimate is typically the basis for the amount shown on your I-20, and private lenders generally cap a loan at the school-certified cost of attendance minus other aid.

Build your own version for the whole program:

List each year's tuition and mandatory fees, allowing for annual increases.
Add realistic living costs for your city, health insurance, flights home and visa-related fees.
Subtract scholarships, assistantships, family support and savings that are certain, not hoped for.
The remainder is your funding gap. Add a small buffer for emergencies and exchange-rate movement.

Test the repayment before you borrow

Ask each lender for the estimated monthly payment after graduation. Then compare it with a cautious estimate of your starting salary, in the country where you will most likely work. If you may return home, convert the payment into your home currency and compare it with local salaries in your field. If the payment would take an uncomfortable share of that income, the loan is too large.

How to apply, step by step

The application itself is usually online and quick; the preparation is what takes time. Start several months before your tuition deadline and visa appointment.

Confirm your admission and costs. Get the admission letter and the school's cost of attendance.
Ask the school which lenders its students have used. Many financial aid or international offices keep a list of lenders that work with international students. A list is not an endorsement, and you are free to choose a lender that is not on it.
Collect and compare written offers. Gather quotes within a short period and use the questions in the pricing section. Compare APRs for the same term and in-school option.
Submit the full application. You, and the co-signer if any, complete the application and consent to credit checks.
Read the final disclosure. Check the rate, fees, capitalization, grace period and co-signer release terms before you accept.
School certification. The lender normally asks the school to confirm your enrollment and the amount you may borrow.
Get the approval letter. Request a letter stating the approved amount for use with the I-20 and visa interview.
Disbursement. Funds are usually sent directly to the school, often term by term. Any amount above the bill is refunded to you for living costs.

Documents commonly requested

From the student	From a US co-signer (if any)
Passport	Government-issued ID and Social Security number
Admission letter or proof of enrollment	Proof of citizenship or permanent residence
Visa and I-20 or DS-2019, if already issued	Proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns
Academic transcripts and test scores (for no-co-signer loans)	Consent to a credit check
Home and US addresses, and a US bank account for refunds	Address and employment details
Details of other funding (scholarships, family support)	Contact details for account notices

Requirements differ by lender. Send documents only through the lender's official website or secure portal, never by replying to an unsolicited email or message.

Repayment, hardship options and default

Private student loans are less flexible than government loans, so know your repayment terms before you need them. The CFPB states that private loans are generally more expensive than federal loans and offer little flexibility if you have trouble making payments later on.

Deferment and forbearance

Some private lenders let you pause or reduce payments for a limited time, for example during further study or financial hardship. These options are set by each lender, are often discretionary and limited in total length, and interest normally continues to accrue and may be capitalized. Ask what the contract guarantees and what is only "available on request."

If you are struggling to pay

The CFPB's advice is to contact your lender or servicer as soon as possible if you are worried you cannot pay. You may be able to negotiate a new repayment plan. Tell your co-signer at the same time. Silence is the worst option, because missed payments damage both credit records.

Refinancing later

Refinancing means taking a new loan, ideally at a lower rate, to pay off the old one. It can also be a route to removing a co-signer, because the new loan is in your name alone. Refinance lenders generally want US credit history and stable income, and some set visa or residency conditions, so not every international graduate will qualify. Our guide on how to refinance a loan explains the trade-offs.

If you leave the United States

The debt does not end when you leave. The contract continues, interest keeps accruing, and any co-signer remains fully liable. Before you move:

give the servicer your new address, email and phone number;
ask how to pay from abroad and what each method costs;
keep a US bank account open for payments if that is practical; and
tell your co-signer your plan.

What default means

According to the CFPB, if you default on a private student loan the lender may report the default to the credit reporting agencies, try to collect directly or through a collection agency, and take you to court within the statute of limitations. Default terms are set by the loan contract.

For you, default can damage your US credit record, which matters if you ever return to work, rent a home or borrow in the US. For your co-signer, the CFPB lists the consequences plainly: the default appears on the co-signer's credit report, and the lender can sue the co-signer, with collection that can include garnishment of wages. For a home-country loan, the lender can pursue the guarantor and any collateral under local law.

Working to repay: campus jobs, OPT and STEM OPT

Work rules for F-1 students are strict, so earnings during study can support living costs but rarely pay down a loan. The larger earning opportunity, for those who get it, is practical training after graduation.

Type of work	Key rule from official sources
On-campus employment	F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
Off-campus employment, first year	F-1 students may not work off campus during the first academic year.
Off-campus, severe economic hardship	Authorization may be available only after at least one full academic year in F-1 status, in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, and is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)	After finishing a course of study, USCIS may authorize up to 12 months of OPT related to the field of study.
STEM OPT extension	Students with a qualifying science, technology, engineering or mathematics degree from an accredited, SEVP-certified school may apply for a 24-month extension of OPT.

These authorizations are not automatic. They require applications, approvals and, in some cases, a job with a qualifying employer. Always speak to your DSO before accepting any work, because unauthorized employment can end your status.

For a loan, the lesson is to treat campus wages as living money, to use any OPT period to pay down principal while you earn in dollars, and never to size the loan around long-term US employment, which is not guaranteed.

Taxes in brief

Tax rules for international students are specialized, and only a few points bear directly on a student loan. Treat this as orientation and use IRS guidance or a qualified adviser for your own case.

Filing. The IRS says there is no minimum dollar amount of income that triggers a filing requirement for a nonresident alien, including a foreign student. It also says F and J status holders who exclude days of presence in the US must file Form 8843, and may need to file Form 1040-NR.
Student loan interest deduction. The IRS allows a deduction of the lesser of USD 2,500 or the interest actually paid in the year on a qualified student loan, subject to conditions: you must be legally obligated to pay the interest, your filing status cannot be married filing separately, your income must be under an annual limit, and you cannot be claimed as a dependent. The IRS directs taxpayers filing Form 1040-NR to a specific worksheet in Publication 970. Whether you can use the deduction depends on your tax status and the loan, so check Publication 970 or ask a tax professional.

UK, Canada and Australia notes

The pattern is the same in all three countries: government student finance is for citizens and settled residents, international students must show funds for their visa, and an education loan can form part of that evidence if it meets the rules. The figures below were those published on official pages when this guide was reviewed; they change, so check the linked sources before you apply.

United Kingdom

GOV.UK states that for student finance in England, UK nationals, Irish citizens and people with settled status must normally have been living in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for three years before the first day of the first academic year of the course. People in other categories are directed to the official student finance checker. In practice, someone who arrives on a Student visa to study should not expect a UK government loan.

For the Student visa, GOV.UK says you need enough money to pay for your course and to support yourself: £1,529 per month for up to 9 months for courses in London, or £1,171 per month for up to 9 months outside London. You must have held the money for at least 28 days in a row, and the end of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply. Some applicants are exempt; GOV.UK lists who.

Loans can count, but not every loan does. UKCISA, the UK Council for International Student Affairs, explains that the Student route accepts only particular kinds of student loan, such as government or government-backed loans, and that the loan must be available before the course begins. Check the current GOV.UK financial evidence guidance, or ask your university's international student adviser, before relying on a private bank loan.

Canada

The Government of Canada says that to qualify for a Canada Student Grant or Loan you must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a designated protected person, among other conditions. Study permit holders are therefore outside the federal program.

For a study permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requires proof that you can support yourself. For a single student outside Quebec, the published minimum was CAD 22,895 for applications received up to August 31, 2026, and CAD 23,448 for applications on or after September 1, 2026. That is for living expenses for a year and does not include tuition or travel. Quebec sets its own amounts.

Canada's list of accepted proof includes proof of a student or education loan from a bank, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution, bank statements and proof of a scholarship.

Australia

The Australian Government's Study Assist site lists who is eligible for HECS-HELP: Australian citizens, certain New Zealand Special Category Visa holders who meet long-term residency requirements, permanent humanitarian visa holders and Pacific engagement visa holders. International students on a Student visa are not in those groups.

For the Student visa (subclass 500), the Australian Government requires evidence of financial capacity. From May 10, 2024, the amount for a student's living costs was set at AUD 29,710 for 12 months, on top of course fees and travel costs. The Department of Home Affairs says evidence can include a money deposit or loan with a financial institution, a government loan, or a scholarship or sponsorship.

Home Affairs also looks at "genuine access" to the funds. For an education loan, it asks for evidence of the terms of the loan and the full amount to be disbursed, and states that the best evidence of genuine access for a loan is full disbursement.

Scams and red flags

International students are frequent targets for loan and scholarship fraud because they are far from home, short of time and under pressure to show funds. The safest rule is simple: no legitimate lender or scholarship guarantees approval in exchange for an upfront payment.

Advance-fee loans

The FTC describes advance-fee loan scams as offers that promise a loan regardless of your credit and then demand a payment before any money is released, often described as "insurance," "processing" or "paperwork." It notes that real lenders may charge an application or appraisal fee before considering an application, but that nobody legitimate will tell you that paying a fee guarantees you a loan. Scammers often ask for payment by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency.

Fake scholarships and "guaranteed" aid

The FTC lists phrases that should make you stop: "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back," "You can't get this information anywhere else," "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship," "We'll do all the work. You just pay a processing fee," and being told you are a finalist in a contest you never entered. Its advice is never to pay to apply for a scholarship.

Visa-fund and "show money" schemes

Some agents offer to place money in your account temporarily, or to produce bank statements or loan letters, for a fee, so that you can show funds for a visa. Avoid these completely. You may lose the fee, and using funds you do not genuinely have, or documents that are not genuine, can result in a refused visa and serious immigration consequences.

Other warning signs

"Guaranteed approval" for international students with no documents or checks.
Pressure to decide today, or a rate that "expires in one hour."
Requests for your online banking password, one-time codes or university login.
Someone demanding immediate payment of a "visa fee," "tax" or "loan release fee" by gift card or cryptocurrency.

How to check and report

The FTC recommends checking that a lender is registered with the state attorney general or banking regulator, and searching the company's name online with words like "complaint" and "scam." Ask your university's financial aid or international office whether it knows the lender. In the US, report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you paid a scammer, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. Our guide on how to avoid loan scams and fake offers goes into more detail.

Common mistakes

Most problems with international student loans come from borrowing too much, too fast, on terms that were never read. Avoid these.

Borrowing before applying for scholarships. Aid deadlines often fall with or before admission deadlines.
Ignoring interest during study. Full deferment is convenient and expensive, as the worked example shows.
Assuming co-signer release will happen. Get the criteria in writing and assume it may be refused.
Borrowing for the first year only. Make a plan for the whole program. Running out of funding in year two can end both your studies and your status.
Counting on US work after graduation. Work authorization is never certain.
Ignoring currency risk. Test the payment at a weaker exchange rate.
Paying an "agent" to arrange a loan or visa funds. Deal with licensed lenders directly.

Borrower's checklist

Use this list before you accept any loan.

I have applied for the scholarships, assistantships and school aid open to me.
I know my full cost of attendance for the whole program and my real funding gap.
I have compared at least a few written offers for the same amount, term and in-school option.
I know whether the rate is fixed or variable and how a variable rate can change.
I know the APR, every fee, and when unpaid interest is capitalized.
I know the grace period and the estimated monthly payment after graduation.
I have tested that payment against a cautious salary, including a salary at home at a weaker exchange rate.
My co-signer or guarantor understands they are equally liable, and we have the release criteria in writing.
I know what hardship options the contract actually guarantees.
I have an approval letter that my school accepts as financial evidence, and I can explain my funding plan honestly at a visa interview.
I have verified the lender through official channels and paid no upfront fee for a promise of approval.

FAQ

Can international students get student loans in the USA?

Yes, but generally only private or non-US loans. Federal student aid is limited to US citizens and eligible noncitizens, and Federal Student Aid states that F-1, J-1 and similar visa holders are not eligible. The realistic options are a private loan with a US co-signer, a no-co-signer loan from a specialist lender, a home-country loan or university support.

Can I get a student loan without a co-signer as an international student?

Sometimes. Certain specialist lenders offer loans without a co-signer for specific schools and programs, usually based on your academic profile and expected earnings. Availability depends on your school, degree level and nationality, and these loans often cost more than a loan backed by a strong co-signer. A home-country education loan is the other main route, although it usually involves a family guarantor or collateral.

Can F-1 students fill out the FAFSA or get federal loans?

F-1 students are not eligible for federal student aid, including federal Direct Loans. Some schools use their own forms, or other applications, to assess international students for institutional aid. Ask your school's financial aid office which form it wants from international applicants.

Does a student loan count as proof of funds for a US student visa?

It can form part of your evidence. The school must collect evidence of financial ability before issuing the I-20, and the consular officer may ask how you will pay all educational, living and travel costs. Ask your school what loan documentation it accepts, bring the approval letter to the interview, and be ready to explain the full funding plan. No document guarantees a visa.

How much can an international student borrow?

Private lenders generally limit a loan to the school's certified cost of attendance minus other aid, and each lender has its own annual and total limits. No-co-signer loans may have lower limits. The better question is how much you can repay.

Do I have to make payments while I am studying?

It depends on the in-school option you choose. Many loans allow full deferment until after a grace period, but interest usually accrues from disbursement and is then capitalized. Paying at least the interest during study keeps the balance from growing, as the fictional worked example in this guide shows.

What happens to my loan if I leave the US after graduation?

You still owe it. The contract continues, interest keeps accruing, and your co-signer remains fully liable. Arrange how you will pay from abroad, keep your contact details current with the servicer, and factor in exchange rates and transfer costs.

Can my co-signer be removed from the loan later?

Possibly. Some lenders offer co-signer release after a period of on-time payments and a credit check on the borrower alone, with criteria set in the loan terms. The CFPB has reported that most release applications in the market it reviewed were rejected, so do not rely on it. Refinancing in your own name is the other way to free a co-signer, if you qualify.

Can I work in the US to pay off my loan?

Only within your visa rules. F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and may not work off campus in the first academic year. After completing a program, USCIS may authorize up to 12 months of OPT, with a 24-month extension available for qualifying STEM degrees. None of this is guaranteed, so do not size your loan around it.

Can international students get government student loans in the UK, Canada or Australia?

Generally no. UK student finance requires settled status and residence or another qualifying category; Canada Student Grants and Loans are for citizens, permanent residents and protected persons; and Australia's HECS-HELP is for citizens and specific visa groups. International students in these countries rely on home-country loans, private loans, scholarships and family funds.

Is the interest on my student loan tax deductible?

In the US, the IRS allows a deduction of up to USD 2,500 of interest paid on a qualified student loan if you meet all the conditions, and it gives separate worksheet instructions for people filing Form 1040-NR. Whether you qualify depends on your tax status, income and the loan, so check IRS Publication 970 or a tax professional.

How do I know a lender offering loans to international students is real?

Check that it is licensed or registered with the relevant regulator, ask your university whether it knows the lender, search for complaints, and apply only through the official website. Walk away from anyone who guarantees approval, contacts you first through social media, or asks for an upfront fee, gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Bottom line

International students can borrow for a degree abroad, but not from the host government in most cases. In the US, that means choosing between a co-signed private loan, a no-co-signer loan priced on your future, a home-country loan or scheme, and whatever your university can offer.

Shrink the gap first with scholarships, assistantships and family funds. Then compare written offers by APR, fees, rate type and capitalization, and pay interest during study if you can. Be honest with your co-signer about the risk, plan for currency swings and for the possibility of returning home, and show only genuine funds for your visa.

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