International Students

Students applying for financial aid must submit the CSS Profile with their application for admission. International students not applying for financial aid should submit the Certification of Finances Form (www.wpi.edu/+cof) documenting their ability to pay the full cost of attendance.

Please visit the Office of Financial Aid page about financing your education as an international student.

Returning International Students do not need to reapply for financial aid each year. For additional questions, please contact intl_admissions@wpi.edu.

WPI offers competitive academic merit-based scholarships to first-year and transfer applicants based on academic performance, leadership experiences, extracurricular involvement, and community service.

IB diploma graduates with a diploma score of 40 or greater admitted to WPI as a first-year student are guaranteed an academic merit-based scholarship worth a minimum of $25,000. 

All applicants for admission are automatically considered for merit scholarships. No additional applications are required. Additional information is available on WPI’s merit-based scholarships.

In addition to merit-based scholarships, WPI offers a limited number of need-based grants to international students. Because WPI has limited funds available, only a portion of the admitted international students are awarded an International Grant each year. The awards vary in amount but typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. These awards are renewed each year provided the student remains in good academic standing. WPI does not guarantee to meet applicants' full financial need.  

International grants are based upon financial need, the student's academic profile, and any special talents or experiences that the student will bring to WPI.  

Because funding is limited, families who have the financial resources to fund the entire cost of attendance should not apply for financial aid. WPI maintains a need-aware admissions process for international (non-immigrant) applicants.

It is possible to receive an award that is a combination of a merit-based scholarship and an international grant; however, WPI offers very few combined awards.  

In order to apply for an International Grant, students must complete the CSS Profile at the time of application.

WPI allows international students to work part-time on campus. Positions are available in a variety of offices and services. The application process for many positions in competitive, and new students are encouraged to apply directly upon arrival at WPI. New positions are listed through our Student Employment website throughout the year.  While these positions can help students with their expenses, it is important to note that international students are limited in the hours per week that they can work. Student employees will typically earn $1,500 to $2,500 in an academic year.

Students and their families have an opportunity to utilize a monthly payment plan through our Bursar’s Office. There are no charges or interest beyond the application fee. Visit our Bursar's Office website for more information. 

WPI offers a cooperative education program (co-op) for students, including non-citizens, in good academic standing. Co-op provides students with experience and career direction. The program makes students more aware of the day-to-day operations of industry and exposes students to professional standards and methods used to accomplish objectives in a business environment. The professional skills and networks students develop are one reason co-op often leads to permanent employment after graduation. On average, WPI students earn an average between $21,000 - $26,000, depending on the co-op assignment.

Students have the option of completing one or two co-op assignments between the end of their sophomore year and beginning of their senior year. The assignment periods are January through August or May through December. The program has been designed for maximum flexibility so it can be responsive to each student's academic and financial needs.

A position is not guaranteed, but every effort is made to identify as many opportunities as possible so that all interested students can participate in the program. We currently place approximately 95% of interested students. For more information please visit the Career Development Center website.

WPI's Summer Internship Program serves the students of WPI as they explore career options, gain world-of-work experience, earn income and contribute to society during the summer months. Students typically find positions in and around the Worcester/Boston area. Salaries can vary greatly. For more information please visit the Career Development Center website.

Private Loans - WPI uses ELM SELECT as a tool to provide students and parents with information about alternative/private loans our students have used in the past. ELM SELECT allows you to compare several items such as loan rates, length of repayment, monthly payment amounts, etc. (The WPI Office of Financial Aid does not endorse or recommend a particular program.)

Below is a list of resources and programs that may aid you in learning about additional grants, scholarships and loans.

1. NAFSA provides a comprehensive overview of International Student Financial Aid options
2. Canadian Student Loan Program serves Canadian citizens studying in the United States.
3. FinAid, sponsored by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) is a comprehensive guide to financial aid
4. eduPASS! The SmartStudent - Guide to Studying in the USA for international students.
5. National Science Foundation Grants
6. The College Board's Financial Aid Services
7. Educators for Fair Choice maintains listings of scholarships available to undergraduate non-citizens, including undocumented students
8. Macarthur Foundation
9. Fellowship Office of the National Research Council allows you to search for the fellowships that are open to international students
10. The Rotary Foundation provides academic year, multi-year and Cultural Scholarships to study abroad.
11. The Organization of American States, an international organization based in Washington, DC offers, through the Rowe Fund program, interest-free loans to competent students from Latin American and Caribbean countries to help them finance their final two years of undergraduate studies.