International Student Financial Aid

First year U.S. citizens living internationally should apply for financial aid as a first-year student.

First year Canadian citizens should apply for financial aid here.

Applying for financial aid for international citizens

Each family's situation will be individually assessed through a careful and confidential review of the International Student Application for Financial Aid (or download pdf) or the International Student Full Pay Agreement (or download pdf). Each student is also required to contribute a significant portion of their college costs through their own resources, sponsors or outside scholarships.

Financial aid deadline: April 1

All forms required for international admission to Calvin are due and will be reviewed as follows:

Academic admission:

• Once your file is complete, it is assessed to determine whether you are academically admissible to Calvin.
• If you are admissible, you will be notified by email within four weeks from the date that your file is complete. 
• If you are eligible for an academic scholarship, you will be informed of the scholarship amount within your admission notification. 

Formal admission:

• Your admission to Calvin is not formalized until your financial ability to cover Calvin's costs has been determined.
• Financial aid forms and supporting documents will be reviewed to determine your total award. If you are eligible, you may receive need-based grant funds to partially cover your educational costs.
• Your award will be sent to you by e-mail. 
• Your family must accept your award before your admission will be formalized.
• An official letter of admission and financial aid award will be sent to you upon formal admission. 

Grants & scholarships

Calvin provides generous grants and scholarships to qualified international students, but college assistance will cover only a portion of the educational and personal costs.

Finding an on-campus job

International students may work on campus while at Calvin. These wages can potentially go towards your educational costs—more than likely, the cost of textbooks and personal expenses rather than tuition. 

• You can earn approximately $2,500 working on campus for 10-15 hours per week during the school year. You may also work up to 40 hours per week on campus during the summer for additional earnings.
• Students granted an F-1 Visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school year and 40 hours per week during vacation periods.

The financial aid package is subject to change if subsequent information is received that changes your need eligibility, your housing or enrollment status changes, or you receive additional aid resources that were not known at the time of initial awarding.