International Student Loans for 2025
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International students going to school in America have fewer student loan options than most U.S. borrowers. Unless you’re an eligible noncitizen who can qualify for federal student loans, you may need to borrow from a private lender.
You'll find international student loan lenders below, as well as guidance on who can qualify for federal student loans as an eligible noncitizen.
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 35+ student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and student loans.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 43 categories and 40+ data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
International Student Loans
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 Best Student Loan for International Students 4.0 /5 | None | 12.99-15.99% | N/A | Check rate on MPOWER's website | |
5.0 /5 | Low-Mid 600s | 3.39-13.76% | 5.01-14.02% | Check rate on Ascent's website | |
4.5 /5 | 660 | N/A | 9.99-16.51% | ||
4.5 /5 | Mid-600's | 3.49-15.99% | 4.54-14.71% | Check rate on Sallie Mae's website | |
5.0 /5 | Mid-600s | 3.47-17.99% | 4.44-17.99% | Check rate on College Ave's website |
Our pick for
International student loans without co-signer
MPOWER Private Student Loan
None
12.99-15.99%
N/A
- Key facts
Best for international students and students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, status.
Pros- Offers a hard-to-find option: non-co-signed student loans for international and DACA students.
- Borrowers are assigned a dedicated student loan advisor.
- Borrowers can request forbearance of up to 24 months, which is longer than many lenders offer.
Cons- Payment required while in school.
- Offers only one repayment term: 10 years.
Qualifications- MPOWER considers future income potential but does not factor in credit scores.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $2,001. Maximum loan is $100,000, limited to $50,000 per academic period.
Available Term Lengths10 yearsDisclaimerNote: Our loan does not support Canadian citizens studying in Canada. Canadian Permanent Residents and U.S. citizens are considered “international” when studying in Canada. International students, U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and DACA recipients in the U.S. or Canada. ‘International’ means you are a non-U.S. citizen or U.S. non-permanent resident studying at a university in the U.S., or you are a non-Canadian citizen or Canadian non-permanent resident studying at a university in Canada. ‘DACA’ means the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals Program initiated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2012. In order to qualify as a DACA Student, you must have applied for, and been granted, DACA status by USCIS. As a graduate student, you can borrow with a fixed interest rate of 12.99% (13.98% APR¹). This is the maximum rate and will not increase. However, MPOWER offers borrowers a way to qualify for a discount; a 0.25% rate discount is possible by making your loan payments through automatic withdrawal from your bank account. If you qualify for this discount, your rate will be 12.74% (13.72% APR²). ¹[International graduate student with regular interest rate] The APR is calculated using the following assumptions: A loan is approved in the amount of US$10,000 with a 5% origination fee of US$500. The student will start making payments 45 days after loan disbursement. Payments will be interest only until graduation, plus an additional 6-month grace period. The remaining months of repayment are calculated using a 120-month amortization schedule. All payments are made on-time, a forbearance is never utilized, and there is no pre-payment of any principal. At an APR of 13.98%, the monthly payment amount is US$113.66 for the first 30 months. For the next 120 months, the monthly payment amount is about $156.71. ²[International graduate student with discounted interest rate] The APRs with discounts are calculated using the following assumptions: A loan is approved in the amount of $10,000 with a 5% origination fee of US$500. The student will start making payments 45 days after loan disbursement. The borrower signs up for automatic debit immediately after the loan is disbursed and remains on it for the life of the loan, which reduces the rate by 0.25%. At an APR of 13.72%, the monthly payment is US$111.47 for the first 30 months. For the last 120 payments, the monthly amount is US$155.17. Undergraduate Students in the U.S. or Canada As an undergraduate student, you can borrow with a fixed interest rate of 13.99% (15.01% APR³). This is the maximum rate and will never increase. However, MPOWER offers borrowers a way to qualify for a discount; a 0.25% rate discount is possible by making your loan payments through automatic withdrawal from your bank account. If you qualify for this discount, your rate will be 13.74% (14.75% APR⁴). ³[International undergraduate student with regular interest rate] The APR is calculated using the following assumptions: A loan is approved in the amount of $10,000 with a 5% origination fee of $500. The student will start making payments 45 days after loan disbursement. Payments will be interest only until graduation plus an additional 6-month grace period. The remaining months of repayment are calculated using a 120-month amortization schedule. All payments are made on-time, a forbearance is never utilized, and there is no pre-payment of any principal. At an APR of 15.01%, the monthly payment amount is $122.41 for the first 30 months. For the next 120 months, the monthly payment amount is $162.97. ⁴[International undergraduate student with discounted interest rate] The APRs with discounts are calculated using the following assumptions: A loan is approved in the amount of US$10,000 with a 5% origination fee of US$500. The student will start making payments 45 days after loan disbursement. The borrower signs up for automatic debit immediately after the loan is disbursed and remains on it for the life of the loan, which reduces the rate by 0.25%. A forbearance is never utilized and there is no prepayment of any principal. At an APR of 14.75%, the monthly payment is US$120.22 for the first 30 payments. For the last 120 payments, the monthly amount is US$161.39.
Our pick for
DACA student loans without co-signer
Ascent Credit-based Student Loan
Low-Mid 600s
3.39-13.76%
5.01-14.02%
- Key facts
Requirements: All borrowers, including international students, must have a qualified co-signer.
Pros- Among the best for payment flexibility.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Stands out for features that enable faster loan repayment.
Cons- Students enrolled less than half-time are not eligible.
- Co-signer release not available to international students.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Minimum income: $0 for primary borrower. $24,000 for current and previous year for co-signer.
- Loan amounts: $2,001 to $200,000 per year with an aggregate loan limit of $200,000.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 12 or 15 yearsDisclaimerAscent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent's Terms and Conditions please visit: AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 4/1/2025 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% for credit-based college student loans and 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. The Full P&I (Immediate) Repayment option is only available for college loans (except for outcomes-based loans) originated on or after June 3, 2024. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. The AscentUP platform is only available to eligible Ascent borrowers and subject to terms and conditions.
Our pick for
Graduate DACA student loans without co-signer
Earnest International Graduate Loan
660
N/A
9.99-16.51%
- Key factsAn option for international graduate school students who want flexible repayment.Pros
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- No late fees.
- Nine-month grace period is longer than most lenders offer.
Cons- Limited to international graduate students from Canada, India, Mexico or South Korea.
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 758.
- Minimum income: $35,000.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to your total cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 12 or 15 yearsDisclaimerEarnest Private Student Loans are made by One American Bank, Member FDIC, or FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Finwise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770) One American Bank, FinWise Bank, and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America. © 2025 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
Our pick for
International student loans with co-signer
The lenders below accept applications for eligible noncitizens who have a U.S. co-signer.
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan
Mid-600's
3.49-15.99%
4.54-14.71%
- Key facts
Requirements: Non-U.S. citizens must have a creditworthy co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Pros- One of the few lenders to provide loans to part-time students.
- Non-U.S. citizens, including DACA students, who live in the U.S. and attend school in the U.S. can apply with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Cons- You can't see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified expenses.
Available Term Lengths10 to 15 yearsDisclaimerLowest rates shown include the auto debit. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Advertised APRs are valid as of 4/17/2025. Loan amounts: For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time. Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
College Ave Private Student Loan
Mid-600s
3.47-17.99%
4.44-17.99%
- Key factsBest for students who want to make payments while they're still in school.Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- More flexible repayment options than other lenders.
- Six-month grace period extension is available.
Cons- You must be at least halfway through your repayment term before you can request a co-signer release.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $35,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths5, 8, 10 or 15 yearsDisclaimerCollege Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1)All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. (3)This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 3/3/2025. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Brazos Private Student Loan
680
2.71-7.38%
4.36-5.60%
- Key factsBrazos private student loans are best for borrowers from Texas and students attending school in Texas who are from qualifying states.Pros
- May offer lower rates for graduate students than what are available through the federal government.
- Applies extra payments to the loan principal by default.
- Offers five loan terms, which is more than most lenders.
Cons- Not available to borrowers enrolled in two year programs at community colleges.
- Biweekly payments via autopay is not available.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Our pick for
DACA student loans with a co-signer
Custom Choice Loan
600
4.24-14.04%
4.44-14.08%
- Key factsCustom Choice student loans are best for upperclassmen who are confident they can take advantage of the 2% Grad Reward and returning borrowers who want to take advantage of a pre-filled application and income verification waiver.Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- No late fees.
- Principal reduction of 2% if you graduate.
- Stands out for features that enable faster loan repayment.
Cons- Doesn't apply extra payments to the principal balance by default.
- Co-signer release of 36 months is longer than what many lenders offer.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 700 for a non-cosigned loan and 733 for co-signed loans.
- Minimum income: No minimum, but borrowers must demonstrate positive income.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to $99,999.
Available Term Lengths7, 10 or 15 yearsDisclaimerBefore applying for a private student loan, Citizens and Monogram recommend exhausting all financial aid alternatives including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans. The Custom Choice Loan® is made by Citizens (“Lender”). All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to Lender’s underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions and other terms and conditions apply. LENDER AND MONOGRAM LLC EACH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. TERMS, CONDITIONS AND RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. Interest rates and APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) depend upon (1) the student’s and cosigner’s (if applicable) credit histories, (2) the repayment option and repayment term selected, (3) the expected number of years in deferment, (4) the requested loan amount and (5) other information provided on the online loan application. If approved, applicants will be notified of the rate applicable to your loan. Rates and terms are effective as of 4/1/2025 The variable interest rate for each calendar month is calculated by adding the 30-Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, or a replacement index if the SOFR index is no longer available, plus a fixed margin assigned to each loan. The SOFR index is published on the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The current SOFR index is 4.33% as of 4/1/2025. The variable interest rate will increase or decrease if the SOFR index changes or if a new index is chosen. The applicable index or margin for variable rate loans may change over time and result in a different APR than shown. The fixed rate assigned to a loan will never change except as required by law or if you request and qualify for the auto pay discount. APRs assume a $10,000 loan with one disbursement. The high fixed rate APR assumes a 7-year term with the Flat Payment Repayment option, a 1 month deferment period, and a six month grace period before entering repayment. The high variable rate APR assumes a 7-year term with the Fully Deferred Repayment option, a deferment period greater than 30 months, and a six-month grace period before entering repayment. The low APRs assume a 7-year term, and the Immediate Repayment option with payments beginning 30-60 days after the disbursement via auto pay. Auto pay yields a 0.25% interest rate reduction which is applied after the Servicer validates your bank account information. Automatic payments and the associated discount will be temporarily discontinued (1) if you elect to stop automatic deduction of payments and (2) during periods when you are not required to make payments. The discount will be permanently discontinued in the event three automatic deductions are returned by the financial institution for any reason. The auto pay discount is not available when reduced payments are being made or when the loan is in a deferment. Custom Choice Loan® is a registered trademark of Monogram LLC. Monogram LLC (NMLS #2542102) NMLS Consumer Access: https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/
Our pick for
International student loans with a residency card
The lenders below accept applications for eligible noncitizens who have a residency card.
Advantage Education Private Student Loan
Does not disclose
5.29-8.04%
N/A
- Key factsBest for nontraditional or part-time students.Pros
- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- Loans are available if you’re enrolled less than half time.
Cons- Fewer repayment terms than other lenders offer.
- Borrowers are not able to defer loans if they return to school after their grace period ends.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $1,000. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
Available Term Lengths10 years
SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan
Mid-600s
3.54-15.99%
4.64-15.99%
- Key factsBest for flexible repayment options and no fees.Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Multiple in-school repayment options available, including interest-only and flat-fee, and deferred for undergrad and grad students.
Cons- Does not offer bi-weekly payments via autopay.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 700+.
- Minimum income: No minimum.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 minimum.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10 or 15 years
Want to compare more options? Here are our other top picks:
Private student loans for international students
Some banks, credit unions and online lenders offer private student loans for international students, but they often require you to have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Your co-signer will likely need good credit (a credit score of at least 690) for approval and to get the lowest rates.
You may be able to find a private lender that doesn't require a co-signer, but you'll likely pay higher interest rates as a result.
How to find a co-signer for international student loans
Since many international students do not have a credit history in the U.S., they likely need a qualified co-signer.
Co-signers typically must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, with proof of consistent income, good credit and the ability to pay back the loan if the borrower cannot.
International students commonly have a family member permanently residing in the U.S. co-sign their student loans. However, co-signers can be people outside your family as well, like professors, mentors or religious leaders. A co-signer should be someone you know well and trust.
How to get an international student loan without a co-signer
If you're unable to get a co-signer but still want a private loan, some lenders consider your program of study, academic performance and future career prospects when evaluating potential borrowers. International student loans without a co-signer may carry higher interest rates than loans with co-signers. Be sure to review the terms and conditions before choosing a loan.
Are international students eligible for federal loans?
International students may be eligible to receive federal student loans if they meet the following criteria:
U.S. nationals, including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island.
Individuals who have a “green card" as a U.S. permanent resident.
Those who have an Arrival-Departure Record from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showing the following statuses: refugee; asylum granted; Cuban-Haitian Entrant; Conditional Entrant issued before April 1, 1980; or parolee.
Those who hold a T-nonimmigrant status, or those whose parents do.
Those who are “battered immigrant-qualified aliens,” or children of someone designated as such.
Citizens of Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands or the Republic of Palau. These individuals are only eligible for some types of federal aid, including Federal Pell Grants and Federal Work Study.
Do international students fill out FAFSA?
Most states and colleges use information collected on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess aid eligibility. Even if you do not meet the eligible noncitizen criteria for federal aid, you can still complete the FAFSA to apply for state or school aid.
To access the FAFSA form, you will need a Social Security number to create a StudentAid.gov account. Note that a parent or spouse does not need a Social Security number to complete their portion of the applicant’s FAFSA. A parent or spouse’s citizenship status will also not impact the student’s ability to complete the FAFSA.
Can DACA students get loans?
Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not typically eligible for federal student loans. However, undocumented DACA students may be able to receive other types of student financial aid, such as those funded by their state, school or private lenders. DACA students should consult their school’s financial aid office to see what types of financial aid may be available to them.
Financial aid for international students
Whether you’re an eligible noncitizen for federal student loans, an undocumented student or an international student seeking private loans, there are other financial aid options to explore before borrowing money.
Start by researching funding opportunities from your country’s embassy or governmental educational office to see if there are applicable scholarships. You can also use the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search engine to identify scholarships, fellowships, grants and financial aid awards. This website can also be used to research career and job prospects for your chosen field of study.
Check with the college you’ll be attending to see if they offer international students financial aid, and consider finding an advising center to help navigate the financial aid process. Education USA, for example, advises international students on topics like how to finance college in the U.S., the student visa process and standardized testing requirements.
STUDENT LOAN RATINGS METHODOLOGY
Our survey of more than 26 banks, credit unions and online lenders offering student loans and student loan refinancing includes the top 10 lenders by market share and top 10 lenders by online search volume, as well as lenders that serve specialty or nontraditional markets.
We consider 40 features and data points for each financial institution. Depending on the category, these include the availability of biweekly payments through autopay, minimum credit score and income requirement disclosures, availability to borrowers in all states, extended grace periods and in-house customer service.
The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
Read more about our ratings methodologies for student loans and our editorial guidelines.
Last updated on January 10, 2025
NerdWallet's International Student Loans for 2025
- MPOWER Private Student Loan: Best for International student loans without co-signer
- Ascent Credit-based Student Loan: Best for DACA student loans without co-signer
- Earnest International Graduate Loan: Best for Graduate DACA student loans without co-signer
- Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan: Best for International student loans with co-signer
- College Ave Private Student Loan: Best for International student loans with co-signer
- Brazos Private Student Loan: Best for International student loans with co-signer
- EDvestinU Private Student Loan: Best for International student loans with co-signer
- Custom Choice Loan: Best for DACA student loans with a co-signer
- Advantage Education Private Student Loan: Best for International student loans with a residency card
- SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan: Best for International student loans with a residency card
