Non-US Citizens
Information for Non-US Citizens
Undocumented Students
Many students that are undocumented question whether they can attend college at all. There are no federal laws that prohibit the admission of undocumented immigrants from U.S. colleges/universities, either public or private. Federal laws do not require students to prove US citizenship in order to enter U.S. institutions of higher education. However, policies in individual states and at individual institutions vary widely. In many states, including Georgia, some public institutions will accept undocumented students, but will consider them as out-of-state students, and therefore prevent those students from benefiting from in-state tuition rates or state financial aid. Many private colleges are more receptive to undocumented students, and will allow them to apply for financial aid.
The following websites provide information for undocumented individuals on a variety of topics, as well as providing resources for options and services.
National Immigration Law Center
The Best Schools - Guide for Undocumented Students
Higher Education Immigration Portal - Georgia
Higher Ed Immigration Portal - Undocumented Students
Searching for and Applying to Colleges
In the state of Georgia, undocumented students are ineligible for attendance at Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, and Georgia College and State University. Undocumented students may be accepted at other public schools, but will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate. Some private schools in the state of Georgia, such as Emory University, Oglethorpe University, Young Harris College, and Agnes Scott are receptive to undocumented students and may provide assistance with financial aid.
The following websites/links may help you search for and find information about colleges.
Appily Colleges for Undocumented Students
Informed Immigrant - Options for Undocumented Students
Resources for Applying to College as an Undocumented Student
Hispanic Association of College and Universities
Once you are ready to apply to college, you can utilize our college application toolkit to guide you through the process.
College Application Toolkit in English
College Applications Toolkit in Spanish
Paying for College
Undocumented students are not eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or receive federal student aid. DACA students that have a social security number (SSN) can complete the FAFSA. Documented students that have an SSN can complete the FAFSA, even if their parents are undocumented and do not have an SSN. However, their parents cannot qualify for a Direct Plus Loan. In the state of Georgia, undocumented students are not eligible for the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship, or other state aid programs. Many private universities utilize the CSS profile, or their own financial aid forms, to help determine a student's financial need and to distribute institutional funds. Undocumented students are able to complete the CSS profile. Contact the financial aid office at the colleges you are applying to in order to determine what financial aid forms they need, and whether they will assist undocumented students with institutional aid.
Non-citizen eligibility for the FAFSA
Colleges that meet 100% of Demonstrated Need for US students regardless of status
In addition to federal or institutional aid, there are a variety of scholarships to help students pay for college. Many scholarships do require proof of U.S. citizenship in order to apply, but many of them do not. The following links have many resources available for scholarships that do not require proof of U.S. citizenship.
Immigrants Rising Scholarships
My Undocumented Life Scholarship page
Appily Scholarships for Undocumented Students
Understanding FAFSA - Scholarships and Grants
International Students
Students that are in the U.S. on a visa or non-permanent status may be considered as international applicants when applying for college. This varies depending on the state you live in, the type of visa you have, as well as the institution you are applying to. It is recommended that you contact the colleges/universities you are applying to and discuss your specific situation with them and apply according to their recommendations. Additional application requirements and admission criteria may apply to international students.
University System of Georgia Residency Classifications
General information about studying in the US as an international student.
Financial Aid for International Students
Students that are classified as international students are not allowed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or to receive federal student aid. In addition, most states, including Georgia, do not allow international students to receive state aid programs such as HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship. At most public institutions, international students are charged an out-of-state or international rate for attendance, which is significantly more expensive than the in-state tuition rates. However, some institutions will provide financial aid to international students, and may have specific scholarships that international students can apply for. Check with each school you are applying to for their costs and fees for international students, as well as institutional financial aid that is available to international students.
See the resources below for information on affordable schools for international students, as well as eligibility for the FAFSA:
FAFSA Eligibility for Non-US Citizens
15 More Affordable Schools for International Students
North Carolina Promise Schools
Cheapest Schools for International Students
Scholarships for Non-US Citizens
Many institutions offer their own scholarships specifically to international applicants. Check the website of each school you are applying to for scholarship information regarding international applicants. In addition, explore the following resources for information regarding scholarships that do not require proof of US citizenship.
International Student Scholarships