Search: This Site | People | Departments | Penn State

International Students

• Prospective Students
  • How to Apply to Penn State
  • Attending Penn State in Other Visa Status
  • Coming to Penn State from Another U.S. Institution
  • Pre–Arrival Guide for New International Students
  • Prospective Student Advising
• Orientation/Housing
  • New International Student Orientation
  • Housing Information
• Current Students
  • Maintaining Immigration Status
  • Employment Information
  • Social Security Information
  • Travel
  • Tax Information
  • PA Driver's License/State I.D.
  • Dependents/Family Members
  • Address Updates
  • Current Student Advising
• How to Request I-20/DS-2019
• Obtaining Student Visa
• Financial Information
• Forms
• IECP Forms
• Student Workshops/Training Sessions
• Student Resources at Penn State
• International Student Programming & Activities
• Programs Supporting International Students
• Contacts at Non-University Park Campuses
• FAQs
• Other Important Links:
• Global Connections
• International Scholar Advising
• Office of Post Doctoral Affairs
• International Student Advising Home

 

Financial Guarantee Requirements

To be issued a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status (I-20) or a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019), you must be admitted into a full-time program and provide a financial guarantee for educational expenses. The U.S. government requires that schools determine that individuals can meet their expenses without resorting to unlawful employment or public funds.

Please refer to the appropriate financial guarantee requirements below. When you are applying for admission to a particular semester or are changing your degree level, please use the figures for that particular academic year.

Requirements for Fall 2013 - Spring 2014:

• Students at Penn State University Park, Great Valley Graduate Center, Hershey Medical School, and the Dickinson School of Law
• Students at Penn State Altoona, Berks, Erie or Penn State Harrisburg
• Students at Penn State Abington, Lehigh Valley, Penn State Schuylkill or Commonwealth College

In order to be issued an I-20-DS-2019, you must:

1. Provide a financial guarantee for the first year (ex. a copy of your financial sponsor's current bank statement);
2. Provide information/documentation for how your educational expenses will be supported in all succeeding years at Penn State (ex. a letter of support from your financial sponsor).

You may use proof of personal funds, family funds (this proof must be accompanied by an affidavit of support, which states the amount of financial support provided and the period of time the support will be provided), sponsorship from an agency (this proof must include official notification of your award), or financial support from Penn State or a combination of these as proof of financial support. See What is acceptable as a financial guarantee from our FAQ page for more information.

DISA uses figures established by Penn State's Office of Student Aid- the same figures used for financial aid for students who are U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. DISA uses living expenses based on twelve (12) months and tuition on rates for non-Pennsylvania residents (more information). In addition, the University has a mandate that all international students have health insurance coverage (information on health insurance requirements).