What Are the Different Types of International Financial Aid?

International financial aid can be difficult to locate and secure. Most of it comes in the form of private scholarships and loans. There are some international organizations that offer aid through grants and scholarships, but they tend to be highly selective. A few local jurisdictions offer international financial aid to citizens of certain countries who wish to pursue higher education at a public university.

An individual's home country may have sources of international financial aid in the form of government grants or private scholarships. There are many private organizations that offer aid to undergraduate and graduate students who meet certain eligibility requirements. Some of those requirements are related to specific areas of academic study, background or personal interests. Other organizations offer general scholarships and contests related to writing skills.

International organizations such as the United Nations and the League of Red Cross Societies sponsor some funding that is dedicated to providing international financial aid. Researching and contacting the organizations is the best way to determine what types of funding are available. The US State Department sponsors the Fullbright scholarship program that extends aid to graduate students and the awards are based on standardized test scores.

Some national governments do not open all of their financial aid options to international students. Citizens from specific countries may be eligible for limited aid from national governments. In addition, some non-citizens are eligible for certain types of national student aid.

While work-study programs are not usually available as a form of international financial aid, students are able to obtain hourly employment on college campuses with the appropriate documentation. Working part-time jobs that are not paid out of work study funds can be a way to reduce tuition costs. Each university or campus usually provides listings and opportunities related to hourly employment.

Private loans are another type of international financial aid. These may require a co-signer who is a resident of the host country. Private loans typically come from a financial institution or other private organization and require repayment.

There are some local jurisdictions that offer financial aid to international students from certain countries. As long as the student is able to provide documentation establishing citizenship and residency, he may be eligible. Financial need usually needs to be demonstrated and the student needs to attend certain public universities that receive government funding. The financial aid may come in the form of a reduced tuition rate rather than an actual scholarship or grant fund.