Financial Assistance 
Scholarships for International Students
Financial assistance is available for international students! With a little effort and some research international students have successfully secured financial assistance.
Sources of Financial Assistance:
- SDSU scholarships
International graduates and undergraduates may apply for any university scholarship for which they are eligible. Check eligibility requirements on the scholarship page. - Departmental scholarships: Most academic departments offer departmental scholarships which are competitive and based on scholastic performance at SDSU. Ask your department for more information.
- International students should note that they are not eligible for federal or state financial aid programs; however there are numerous scholarship opportunities.
Exchange Students
Exchange students do not pay SDSU tuition and therefore are not eligible for SDSU sponsored financial assistance with food& housing, books, health insurance and personal expenses. Any funding if available should come from your home institution.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Intercultural Ambassador's Program
This annual scholarship program, a collaborative effort of the SDSU International Student Center and the International Studies Education Project of San Diego (ISTEP), is a combined student leadership development/community outreach initiative designed to promote greater intercultural awareness and international goodwill in the San Diego public schools. Click here to read more.
InterNational Partner's Program
The InterNational Partners Program is a collaborative effort of the SDSU International Student Center and an assortment of community service organizations engaged in the promotion of international understanding and goodwill. The program is designed to provide the organizations with diverse perspectives and resources contributed by international students, and provide the students with an internship experience in community services with an international focus. Click here to read more.
Departmental Assistantships
Masters and PhD students are strongly encouraged to contact their department advisors to inquire about Graduate Assistantship (GA) and Teaching Assistantship (TA) positions. TAs may perform a number of duties for a professor, but typically they teach a discussion session and/or grade papers. GAs often conduct research with faculty or work with faculty on other projects. Both TA and GA positions are paid positions that international students are eligible for. Note: In some departments you can also apply to be a TA or GA in other departments where you have an expertise.
Tuition Waivers
Along with a GA or TA position, many departments give out tuition waivers as well to selected students. This is an excellent source of financial support that is offered to top students. Talk to your graduate advisor before you come to campus to inquire about tuition waivers.
Please click here to download the graduate advisors’ list.