Applying for financial support, information for international students

The following requirements are for non-U.S. and non-Canadians only wishing to apply for financial support in your university or college:

• International Student Financial Aid Application
• Certification of Finances

The International Student Financial Aid Application and Certification of Finances are available from the web site of your chosen university. Applicants should send the completed, signed forms to their respective university financial aid office.

International students who receive scholarship support in excess of tuition and fees may be required to pay U.S. and state income taxes on that portion of their award. If you are subject to this taxation (international students may be required or may not be subject to this, depending on tax treaties with various countries), your university is required to submit the estimated amount of tax directly to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on your behalf.

This federal tax liability appears as a charge on your university bill. We encourage you to file a U.S. income tax return as soon as you receive your U.S. tax statement 1042-S for taxable scholarships and your W-2 forms for wages earned. You may or may not be eligible for a tax refund. The university does not withhold state taxes on your behalf. You are expected to file a California state tax return.

A U.S. Social Security number is required for all international students to receive scholarship funds. You will be given instructions on applying for a Social Security number when you arrive on campus for fall quarter.

Please note that if you are an international student admitted without financial aid, you are expected to fully fund your studies. Financial aid will not be available to you in later years. Your chosen university/college cannot assume financial responsibility for international economic factors such as currency fluctuations in determining financial aid.