Financial Crisis and Scholarship Resources
Scholarship Information for International Students
Rams Scholarship Hub: A resource database of scholarship opportunities at VCU. Sort and filter for scholarship opportunities by keyword, criteria, or department.
Institute of International Education Scholarships: IIE manages more than 200 programs with participants from more than 180 countries and offers Emergency Funding for students from countries experiencing economic or political turmoil. Often this funding requires a nomination through the Global Education Office and GEO would notify eligible students through email. Email global@vcu.edu with any questions about IIE funding.
The Dean of Students Office has an application process for emergency funding; students should check to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
OAS Financial Aid for Latin American and Caribbean International Students in the United States:
Eligible Latin American or Caribbean students holding F/J visas can apply for interest free loans up to $15,000 or supplementary scholarships of $2,000.
Additional funding may be available through your sponsoring embassy or organizations promoting study in the US. For more information, reach out to your sponsoring embassy or consulate.
Students should reach out to their academic advisors for more information regarding scholarship opportunities based on their program of study. Some academic departments additionally have emergency funding for students who are in a financial crisis.
Student Employment
F-1 and J-1 visa-holding students must check in with GEO Immigration Services (GEOIS) regarding their eligibility for employment before applying for any open positions. We also encourage current students to attend GEOIS’ VISA Series workshops to discuss their eligibility.
Student Jobs on Campus: Including Graduate Assistantships (GAs), Recreational Sports positions, University Student Commons, and Residence Live open positions.
VCU Career Services: Supports students and recent alumni to explore interests and gain experience to reach their career goals. Make an appointment to meet with a Career Services Advisor through Handshake!
Handshake: A digital platform through which to search for job opportunities, make advising appointments, and review job information specific to VCU.
Additional On-Campus Job Search Locations:
VCU Part-Time and Seasonal Jobs
Careers @ Aramark (Dining Services)
The VCU Ram Pantry works to ensure food security, human dignity, and well-being on campus by providing in-need VCU students with food.
The Free Store is an on-campus resource for students, faculty and staff of VCU and VCU Health that promotes equitable access to everyday items such as school and art supplies, housewares, electronics, and more, while keeping usable goods out of our landfills.
The VCU Office of Student Advocacy: The Office of Student Advocacy was created to serve as a one-stop shop for students at VCU with the primary aim to be a guide and gateway to all services and resources offered at the university. Students with emergency needs can reach out to this office: advocacy@vcu.edu or Global Education Office at global@vcu.edu for assistance.
International Student Loans
Several private companies offer educational loans to international students studying in the United States. Some examples of these loan companies include:
- Student Financial Services
- Power Financing
- International Student Loans (MPower Financing)
- Prodigy Finance
These examples are not listed in order of preference and VCU cannot make recommendations about the loan process. Loans may also be available through your bank or financial institution. VCU may not become a co-signer or legal party to your loan agreement if you choose to enter into one with any of these private companies.
Please note that these private loans may require a demonstration of creditworthiness or collateral to issue loan funds. Students have a responsibility to fully understand the terms and conditions of any loan agreement that they enter into, including the interest rate associated with the loan and the terms for repayment.
For any additional questions or concerns, please reach out directly to global@vcu.edu.