Financing education abroad is a significant challenge for international students.
In addition to tuition fees, students also require funds for living expenses, books, and unforeseen costs.
Cash loans designed for international students can help bridge the financial gap.
This article outlines the 9 best cash loan providers for international students, their benefits, and specific terms to help you make informed decisions.
Best Cash Loan for International Students
Loan Provider | Loan Amount | Co-signer Requirement | Interest Rates | Loan Terms | Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. MPOWER Financing | Up to $100,000 | No | 11.99% (fixed) | 10 years | Enrolled in eligible U.S. or Canadian schools |
2. Prodigy Finance | Up to 80% of COA | No | 8.20% – 12.20% (variable) | 7 to 20 years | Graduate programs at supported institutions |
3. Discover Student Loans | Up to 100% of COA | Yes | 5.49% – 14.99% | 15 years | U.S.-based co-signer required |
4. Sallie Mae | Up to 100% of COA | Yes | 5.37% – 14.45% | 15 years | U.S.-based co-signer required |
5. Ascent | Up to $200,000 | Optional | 9.78% – 15.67% | 10 to 15 years | U.S. study programs |
6. College Ave Student Loans | Up to $200,000 | Yes | 5.99% – 13.74% | 5 to 15 years | U.S.-based co-signer required |
7. Empowerment Funding | Varies | No | 9.00% – 14.00% | Flexible terms | Enrollment in approved institutions |
8. Lendwise | Up to $100,000 | No | 9.00% – 12.00% | 10 to 15 years | Graduate and postgraduate programs only |
9. Wells Fargo | Up to $120,000 | Yes | 5.50% – 13.99% | Up to 15 years | U.S.-based co-signer required |
1. MPOWER Financing
MPOWER Financing is an excellent option for international students without a co-signer.
- Loan Amount: Up to $100,000 for tuition and living expenses.
- Interest Rates: Fixed at 11.99%.
- Loan Terms: Up to 10 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in eligible U.S. or Canadian institutions.
- Unique Benefits: Offers up to a 1.50% interest rate discount for automatic payments and career-building incentives.
2. Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance specializes in loans for graduate students at supported universities worldwide.
- Loan Amount: Up to 80% of COA.
- Interest Rates: Variable rates between 8.20% and 12.20%.
- Loan Terms: Ranges from 7 to 20 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Graduate programs at Prodigy-approved institutions are required.
- Unique Benefits: No collateral or co-signer is required. Loans are tailored to individual earning potential.
3. Discover Student Loans
Discover Student Loans is a great option for students with a qualified co-signer.
- Loan Amount: Covers 100% of COA, including tuition and living expenses.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rates between 5.49% and 14.99%.
- Loan Terms: Up to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: A U.S.-based co-signer is required.
- Unique Benefits: Offers a 1% cash reward for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
4. Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae offers flexible loans for international students with a U.S.-based co-signer.
- Loan Amount: Covers 100% of COA, including books and other education-related costs.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rates between 5.37% and 14.45%.
- Loan Terms: 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer.
- Unique Benefits: Offers in-school deferment options and multiple repayment plans.
5. Ascent
Ascent provides loans for international students, with or without a co-signer, depending on the program.
- Loan Amount: Up to $200,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rates range from 9.78% to 15.67%.
- Loan Terms: 10 to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Enrolled in a U.S. institution.
- Unique Benefits: Non-co-signed loans are available for qualifying students.
6. College Ave Student Loans
College Ave offers flexible loan options with competitive rates for international students.
- Loan Amount: Up to $200,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rates between 5.99% and 13.74%.
- Loan Terms: Flexible repayment terms of 5 to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer.
- Unique Benefits: Allows borrowers to choose between interest-only, deferred, or full repayment plans.
7. Empowerment Funding
Empowerment Funding is tailored for international students seeking no-cosigner loans.
- Loan Amount: Varies based on institution and program.
- Interest Rates: Ranges from 9.00% to 14.00%.
- Loan Terms: Flexible based on needs.
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in an approved program.
- Unique Benefits: Offers additional resources for career development and financial literacy.
8. Lendwise
Lendwise is a UK-based lender offering education loans for postgraduate students.
- Loan Amount: Up to $100,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rates range between 9.00% and 12.00%.
- Loan Terms: Repayment periods range from 10 to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be pursuing graduate or postgraduate programs.
- Unique Benefits: Personalized loan terms and support for international students.
9. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo provides loans for international students with a co-signer.
- Loan Amount: Up to $120,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rates between 5.50% and 13.99%.
- Loan Terms: Up to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer.
- Unique Benefits: Includes no origination or prepayment fees.
Quick One: We have other useful loan articles here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cash loan without a co-signer as an international student?
Yes, lenders like MPOWER Financing, Prodigy Finance, and Lendwise provide loans for international students without requiring a co-signer or collateral.
What factors should I consider when selecting a cash loan provider?
Consider loan amounts, interest rates, repayment terms, co-signer requirements, and eligibility criteria. Choose a lender that best fits your financial needs and education goals.
Are interest rates higher for international students?
Interest rates for international students can be higher due to the perceived risk of lending. However, many lenders offer competitive rates and discounts for on-time payments or autopay.
Conclusion
Selecting the right cash loan provider is critical for international students seeking financial stability during their academic journey.
From MPOWER Financing’s co-signer-free loans to Discover Student Loans’ GPA rewards, each option offers unique advantages.
Evaluate your needs and eligibility to choose a lender that aligns with your education and financial goals.