Financial Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: As an international student, what type of expenses am I required to cover?

A: An international student should be able to finance his or her tuition, books, accommodations, miscellaneous school expenses, and travel to and from the United States.

The state of Minnesota also requires by law that all international students carry a very specific form of health insurance.  For your convenience, the University of St. Thomas has put together an insurance package that complies with this state law.  Students are automatically charged for this insurance each semester for which they are enrolled. 

Before obtaining a visa and leaving your home country, students must have the funds required to support their expenses.  Please see our Financial Requirements page for a specific breakdown of expenses for your program.

Q: Do you give out scholarships and how much do they cover?

A: Scholarship funding is limited to a few awards each year, based on merit and need. A scholarship generally covers only a portion of the tuition. The student is responsible for the balance of the costs.

Q: Are there resources available to look into the possibility of obtaining a private loan?

A: Please check with a bank in the United States regarding lending options. We cannot endorse any lending agencies.

Q: Is there an opportunity for me to work on campus, as an international student?

A: International students may apply for work on campus. Many jobs are in campus offices or the food service department. Some provide opportunities to develop professional skills. For example, students have worked as tutors, assistants to faculty, photographers and assistants in the Multimedia Center. However, students should not completely rely on these opportunities to cover their expenses. The University does not offer research or teaching assistant positions.

Q: What kind of documentation do I need to obtain my immigration papers?

A: All applicants who are citizens of another country must carefully document all sources of financial support available to them before being issued a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20AB) to enter or remain in the United States for the purpose of study. This information is required by St. Thomas in compliance with regulations set forth by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and is considered an integral part of the admission process.