Guides and Tools

  • Female international student wearing a hoodie, smiling and holding a piece of paper.
    30 January 2024

    Health insurance for international students in the U.S.

    Many international students get confused about shopping for health insurance abroad. Don’t worry! We’re here to help. The American health care system differs from other countries around the world. Let’s break down the basics…

  • international student wearing a hoodie, smiling and sitting in front of a laptop with a blur of people behind him.

    International study programs: Computer science and information technology

    New data technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, are spurring demand for tech-savvy professionals in the workplace. For this reason, it’s no surprise computer science and information technology – two separate and related…

  • Female international student smiling and holding a Canadian flag

    5 things international students need to know about the Canadian health care system

    Making the move to Canada for school is a major step – especially if you’re an international student. Aside from your school and studying, you’ll need to learn about this new country, including its…

  • A smiling college student wearing a backpack stands in a crowded hall with people blurred in the background.
    25 January 2024

    What to do when your Canadian student visa is delayed

    Going to school in Canada as an international student means you’ll need to first complete an application for a Canadian visa with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Even now, Canada’s immigration system is…

  • 27 December 2023

    Medical school loans for international students

    If you’re an international student planning to apply to medical school in the United States, you may find the costs daunting. Besides using savings and scholarships to cover expenses, you can also apply for…

  • International student success story: Financing dental school in the U.S.

    Several years ago, Nathalia was an international student from Brazil, pursuing a dental residency at the University of Michigan. All was going well in her studies until she realized she needed additional funds to…

  • 26 December 2023

    Demystifying the Payoff Statement

    If you’re contemplating refinancing your international education loan for more favorable terms, your current loan servicer will require a “payoff statement” – also referred to as a “payoff quote,” “payoff letter,” “settlement letter” as…

  • International study programs: Business management

    Business management is a popular international study program, offering graduates a long-term return on investment. If you’re considering which course of study to pursue as an international student, here’s what you should know about…

  • What is an international student loan?

    An international student loan is a private loan for students studying in a country other than their own. These loans cover tuition and fees and can also be used toward living expenses, like housing,…

  • Understanding student visa regulations: A step-by-step guide

    To study in a foreign country, international students need a visa. This  allows them to not only enter the country but to  stay for a specific period of time to study. That’s why it’s…

  • 27 November 2023

    International student success story: Financing an MBA in the U.S.

    For international students pursuing higher education in the United States, the dream of acquiring a world-class education can often come with a host of financial barriers. Neha Purohit, an international student from India, found…

  • 24 November 2023

    What is the difference between CPT and OPT?

    As an international student in the United States, you have the option of gaining practical work experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Both CPT and OPT allow international students…

  • Where can international students find last-minute funds to study in the U.S.?

    Paying for college in the U.S. can be challenging due to high tuition rates and costs of living. If your financial situation has changed unexpectedly, you may be looking for last-minute funds to study…

  • Financial planning for international study programs: Navigating university acceptance

    Before you embark on your academic journey abroad, remember that financial planning is key, especially if you’re exploring ways to pay for college in the U.S. In this article, we’ll share costs, tools and…

  • 23 November 2023

    Student loans for international students from Nigeria

    An increasing number of Nigerian students travel to the U.S. to earn their undergraduate or graduate degrees, and they’re looking for funding to pay for college.  According to the Nov. 14 Open Doors Report…

  • 31 October 2023

    How international students in the U.S. can find scholarships

    College scholarships can help international students cover the high costs of attending school in the United States, but the process of finding scholarships can be overwhelming.   There’s good news, in that, according to the…

  • Finding a trusted lender as an international student

    An international student loan can go a long way in financing your education and covering living expenses in the United States, but finding a reputable lender can be challenging.  If you need help with…

  • 28 September 2023

    5 Ways to Pay for Medical School in the United States

    Getting into medical school in the U.S. is a big accomplishment, but acceptance is only the first hurdle – you’ll also need to figure out how to cover costs. According to the Association of…

  • Do All International Student Loans Require Collateral?

    Before you can take out a study abroad education loan, you’ll need to meet a lender’s borrowing requirements. Some lenders ask international students to put up collateral (something of value as a form of…

  • 25 September 2023

    Scholarships for International Students from Africa

    The number of African students studying in the U.S. has increased over the past couple of decades, meaning more students from Africa are searching for funding sources, including scholarships, to pay for college.  According…

  • 5 September 2023

    Studying in the US: 4 Things to Consider

    Universities in the United States are known for their cutting-edge laboratories and facilities, sprawling campuses and academic excellence. As a result, studying in the U.S. is a common goal for many international students. In…

  • Can International Students Refinance a Loan?

    Paying back student loans can be overwhelming, especially if you’re an international student having to send payments to a lender overseas. Along with your student loan payments, you may be dealing with international banking…

  • 23 August 2023

    Can an International Student Work in the US?

    The cost of attending college in the U.S. is especially high for international students, ranging anywhere from US$32,000 to US$60,000 per year. Since international students don’t qualify for in-state tuition rates or federal financial…

  • What Does Refinancing a Student Loan Mean for International Students?

    You may have heard that refinancing your college loan as an international student might be a good idea, but you may not know what refinancing a student loan means and whether it’s right for…

  • How to Find a Cosigner for an International Student Loan_2048x759
    22 August 2023

    How to Find a Cosigner for an International Student Loan

    One of the ways you can finance your education in the United States as an international student is to apply for a student loan. While federal financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education…

  • How Student Loan Refinancing Works and What to Know

    How Student Loan Refinancing Works and What to Know

    Are you interested in reducing your monthly student loan payments? Refinancing your student loan might be a good option for you, depending on your repayment goals, but it’s important to do thorough research.  How…

  • 25 July 2023

    3 Benefits of a Fixed-rate Loan for International Students

    As an international student preparing for study abroad in the U.S. or another country, you may have to get a loan to fund your college education.  When shopping for student loans, you’ll have the…

  • Four young college students are huddled together, smiling and looking down at papers.
    24 July 2023

    6 Tips to Prepare for Studying Abroad in Canada

    Canada is a top choice for international students looking to study abroad, and foreign enrollment in the country has skyrocketed. If you’re thinking of studying in Canada, making a list of what you have…

  • Three young female scientists in white lab coats, safety glasses and white head coverings smile at the camera

    7 Science Scholarships for Women

    Women have long been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. To combat this inequity, a variety of organizations now offer STEM scholarships for women who want to study and launch their…

  • Five young college students wearing backpacks smile and look at the camera.

    5 Tips for Preparing to Study Abroad in the United States

    Whether you’re coming to the United States for a single semester or the entirety of your college program, studying in the USA can be an incredible experience. Having a plan for what to do…

  • 21 July 2023

    International Student Loan Refinancing: Your Questions Answered

    For international students, repaying their student loans is an inevitable step in their educational journey. One repayment option that might lessen the financial burden is refinancing.  Refinancing a student loan may provide students access…

  • 28 June 2023

    Why Refinance Your Private Student Loan

    After you’ve graduated with your college degree, you might be looking for a way to make student loan repayment easier and save money on your loans. Refinancing your student loans can make your debt…

  • 26 June 2023

    Listing Your Funding: Why It’s Important When Applying for an International Student Loan

    Studying in the United States can be an exciting and enriching experience. Before you can start taking classes, you’ll need to come up with a financial plan. Many students use a variety of funding…

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Getting a U.S. Student Visa

    Before you can start your education in the United States, you’ll need to obtain a U.S. student visa. Your visa allows you to live and study in the U.S. throughout the duration of your…

  • 20 June 2023

    U.S. and Canada Student Visa and Immigration Basics: 2023

    Before beginning study in the U.S. or Canada, you must complete a few immigration-related tasks as an international student. Each host country has its own immigration process, and the steps you must follow might…

  • 14 June 2023

    Tips for getting an F-1 Visa

    An F-1 student visa lets you study in the U.S., but getting an F-1 visa can be a long, competitive process. U.S. Department of State data revealed that in 2022 it received 631,807 F-1…

  • 29 May 2023

    Can I Refinance my Student Loan Without a Cosigner?

    Refinancing student loans has a number of appealing benefits, including lowering your interest rate and reducing the amount of interest you pay on your education debt. However, it can be difficult to qualify for…

  • Five Things to Consider When Refinancing a Student Loan

    If you borrowed student loans to attend college in the United States, you might be stuck with expensive interest rates and high monthly payments. Fortunately, there is a way to reduce your rates and…

  • Seven Helpful Scholarships for Women in Engineering

    Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to be underrepresented, even in the 21st century. In an effort to address this problem, there are a number of organizations offering scholarships for…

  • Scholarships and Grants for DACA Students

    If you’re an undocumented or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) student, you might be trying to figure out how to cover the costs of college. While educational costs can be daunting, you may…

  • MBA Loans for International Students

    Although earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA) can lead to lucrative career opportunities, you’ll first need to figure out a way to pay for your degree. The average cost of an MBA program…

  • 17 April 2023

    What is an I-20?

    International students in the U.S. will need an I-20 to begin the immigration process. Find out what it is and how to get one.

  • Working in Canada as an International Student

    As an international student in Canada, you may be eligible to work for up to 20 hours per week on- or off-campus. In fact, a recent law allows international students who are already in…

  • Costs to Consider When Studying in Canada

    Canada is an increasingly popular destination for international students looking to continue their studies. In fact, Canada received nearly 450,000 new study permits in 2021, breaking the previous record.  That figure is no surprise…

  • Funding in Canada for International Students

    Canada is an appealing country for international students looking to study abroad. It has many prestigious schools, including the University of Toronto, which was in the top 20 in U.S. News’ ranking of the…

  • 4 April 2023

    How do international students financially survive in the USA?

    Leaving your home country to study in the U.S. is a massive commitment. On top of adjusting to a new culture and surroundings as an international student, you must also ensure that you can…

  • Can an International Student Apply for Federal Financial Aid?

    You’ve likely heard that filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial first step to qualifying for financial aid, but what if you’re an international student? Federal aid, including…

  • 28 March 2023

    How do student loans and financial aid differ?

    Paying for a U.S. education can be expensive. This is why many domestic and international students seek financial help for their higher education costs.  This kind of help is called financial aid. As you…

  • 15 March 2023

    Education Loan Guidelines for International Students

    Studying at a U.S. college or university can be an amazing and fulfilling experience. However, it can also be a costly one. One common source of funding that international students rely on is an…

  • 14 March 2023

    How to Open a Bank Account When Studying in the U.S.

    Nearly 82% of households have bank accounts in the U.S., according to the FDIC. If you’re planning to study in the U.S. as an international student, it’s a good idea to look into opening…

  • Getting an Education Loan in the USA as an Indian Student

    As an Indian student looking to earn your degree in the United States, you might be wondering if you have enough money to fund your education abroad. Maybe you have some of your own…

  • What Are STEM Scholarship Programs?

    Majoring in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) could make you a competitive candidate for high-paying jobs after graduation. It might also make you eligible for a STEM scholarship.   So, what is…

  • 13 March 2023

    How to Succeed On-The-Job at an American Firm

    This is the final piece in a 4-part series about how Indians can better position themselves to interview and secure employment at an American firm. To read about how to interview at an American…

  • How to Interview at an American Firm

    This is the third piece in a 4-part series about how Indians can better position themselves to interview and secure employment at an American firm. To read about how to format your resume for…

  • How to Write a Resume for an American Firm

    This is the second piece in a 4-part series about how Indians can better position themselves to earn an interview and secure employment at an American firm. To read about why Indians love working…

  • Why Indians Love Working for American Firms

    This is the first piece in a 4-part series about how Indians can better position themselves to earn an interview and secure employment at an American firm American firms are increasingly hiring in India….

  • 1 March 2023

    What Type of Student Loans Are Available to International Students?

    Each year, more than a million international students come to the U.S. to pursue a college education. According to SEVP, in 2021 international students in the U.S. came from 225 countries and pursued over…

  • Completing an International Student Loan Application: Five Tips for Success

    Students from all over the world come to the United States to study. In fact, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education reported that…

  • What to do when your student visa approval is delayed

    A visa will be needed to begin your studies abroad, but what happens when you face an approval delay? We have some information to help you out.

  • 10 February 2023

    When to Apply for an International Student Loan

    Applying for college in the United States involves a lot of moving parts. Not only do you have to keep track of enrollment and visa deadlines, but you may also need to take out…

  • 31 January 2023

    Top Loan Terms Every Parent Should Know

    If your child is planning on studying in the U.S. (or in Canada), they might be searching for international student loans to cover their cost of attendance. Navigating the borrowing process can be confusing,…

  • 28 December 2022

    Can I afford to study in the United States?

    The cost of college can be expensive. But factors like public versus private schools, student loans, scholarships, and grants make it more accessible.

  • 27 December 2022

    How do international students get funding?

    American colleges are not just for American students. Like students from the U.S. who study abroad, students from all across the world come to the United States for an education. And the cost isn’t…

  • 5 Reasons to Open a U.S. Bank Account When Studying in America

    From safety and flexibility to building credit, learn more about why opening a U.S. bank account while you’re studying abroad is beneficial for international students.

  • How Partial Scholarships to Study in the U.S. Help in a Big Way

    Finding full scholarships to study in the U.S. might seem like the easiest way to fund your way through school, but these are highly competitive, so you should explore partial scholarships as well. There…

  • Can International Students Apply for a Loan?

    Pursuing higher education in the U.S. can be a rewarding experience, but it may come with hefty tuition costs. To cover the costs of your education, you might consider an international student loan. You…

  • How Do International Students Get a Student Loan?

    Earning your degree in the United States can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure, but first you’ll need to figure out how to pay for it. If you’re in need of funding, consider borrowing…

  • 28 November 2022

    Things to Know About Your Lender

    Whether you plan to study in the U.S. for a single semester or intend to complete your degree in the U.S., be prepared for high tuition fees. The average cost of tuition and fees…

  • Can International Students Get a Loan Without a Cosigner?

    If you’re one of the million international students studying in the USA, you might be worried about how to finance the rest of your education. Schools in the USA can be expensive, and international…

  • 31 October 2022

    How Student Loans Work: Tips for First-Time International Borrowers

    Taking out a student loan to attend college or graduate school in the U.S. is a big financial decision. You’ll be paying back your loans for years to come, so it’s important to compare…

  • 28 October 2022

    International Student Loan FAQ: Your Questions About Student Loans, Answered

    Navigating the complex world of student loans as an international student can be confusing, especially if you’re the first person in your family to study in the U.S. Chances are, you have a lot…

  • 25 October 2022

    How to Get a Student Loan for Upcoming Semesters in the U.S.

    While a college education in the U.S. can open the door to new opportunities, it often comes with a hefty price tag. During the 2021 to 2022 school year, the average annual cost of…

  • 6 September 2022

    Student Resources from our Partners at InternationalStudent.com

    Preparing for international study isn’t just about financing and applications. You also need to make sure you’re ready for life in a whole new country (or continent!). Everyone knows the importance of studying and…

  • 14 June 2022

    What Does Your Loan Offer Mean? Get Answers!

    If you received your MPOWER loan offer, also known as a Private Education Loan Approval Disclosure, don’t let it sit without a response. Your loan can’t be funded without you accepting the offer and…

  • 31 May 2022

    5 Reasons to Refinance Your International Student Loans

    Paying back student loans is challenging, especially if you’re living in the United States and making payments to a bank in another country. By refinancing your international student loans with a U.S.-based lender, you…

  • 7 Ways to Pay Back Your Student Loans Faster as an International Student

    While student loans can be a useful tool for paying for college in the United States, they can become a major financial burden after you graduate. If you’re ready to get that monthly student…

  • Student loans for indian students
    26 November 2021

    International Student Loans for Indian Students

    Approximately 200,000 students from India pursue higher educational opportunities in the United States. Unfortunately, the high price of American degrees can often be cost-prohibitive to many international students. However, this doesn’t mean that your…

  • 27 October 2021

    Maintaining your student visa as a Current Student

    Keeping your visa status while you’re studying in the U.S. isn’t always as simple as it seems. Here’s what you need to do to keep your visa in good standing.

  • Referral program
    26 October 2021

    A referral program that works!

    Introducing the MPOWER Referral Program. Whether you want to introduce your friends to our education loan or you’re here to make some extra cash, the MPOWER referral program lets you achieve both. The best…

  • The Best Bet
    5 July 2021

    A guide to education loans in the USA for Indian students

    Our lives would be so much simpler if we could snap our fingers and propel ourselves down a dream career path. By getting a higher education, though, we’re halfway there. But for hundreds of…

  • MPW_FAQ
    15 March 2021

    MPOWER Financing’s Top FAQs

    Applying for a loan can be complicated–but MPOWER is here to make the process as seamless as possible. We’ve recently received a few questions about our no-cosigner, no-collateral student loans. In addition to our…

  • 12+ Resume Dos and Dont's
    8 December 2020

    12+ Resume Dos and Dont’s | Resume Tips

    Your resume is the most important document in your job search process! Here’s how to make it stand out and help you secure an interview.

  • How to Apply to U.S. Universities

    How to Apply to U.S. Universities

    As an international student, you are likely to have questions about how to apply to study abroad in the U.S. It can be confusing to follow the procedures if you’re not familiar with them….

  • US & Canada Student Visa and Immigration Updates: Sep 2020
    30 September 2020

    US & Canada Student Visa and Immigration Updates: Sep 2020

    US & Canada Student Visa and Immigration Updates: September 2020 This month’s resources are all about immigration! If you missed our September newsletter, check out the resources below for all you need to know…

  • Guide to Applying to University in Canada
    13 October 2020

    Applying to Canadian Universities? Things To Know

    How to Apply to Canadian Universities Choosing to study abroad is an important life decision that can change your future. Studying in Canada could be the right choice for many international students. Canada has…

  • 8 April 2022

    Events

    Live Events: Join Us for Our Next Q&A Knowledge is power. We’ll get you set up for success!   MPOWER’s live Q&A webinars are your chance to ask us anything. Join us on Zoom to…

  • Webinars for International Students in the U.S. & Canada
    5 August 2020

    Webinars for International Students in the U.S. & Canada

    Want to know more about our loans or have any specific questions about your application? Our team regularly hosts information sessions to connect with you and answer queries.  Check out the list below for…

  • International-Student’s-Guide-to-the-US-Healthcare-System
    15 June 2020

    International Student’s Guide to the US Healthcare System

    The United States has a unique healthcare system that is unlike any other around the world. There is no nationalized or universal healthcare that many international students are used to back home. Instead, the United States relies on individuals to have their own private health insurance plan – otherwise, they will be responsible for paying their medical expenses out of pocket.

  • Fixed- or Variable-Interest Rate
    8 October 2019

    Fixed- or Variable-Interest Rate Student Loan: Which One Should You Choose?

    We know financial topics can be confusing, with terms and consequences you may not understand. Whether you’re a student or parent, looking for a loan to cover costs now or in a few months, we’re here to help you by clarifying the differences between fixed-rate and variable-rate loans. But we’ll let you decide which option is the best for you!

  • networking
    24 May 2019

    The True Goal of Networking

    Networking is a great way to find potential jobs and build your professional community in the U.S. Read our top tips for successful networking.

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