International Graduate Applicants
As a public university, WCSU offers an affordable education making it a valuable choice. Financial aid resources for international students are limited as international students are not eligible for federal funding.
International Resources
Payment Plan Options are available to students. Western Connecticut State University realizes that managing the cost of education is a challenge for many families. To help you meet your educational expenses, WCSU has partnered with TouchNet to offer you a low-cost payment option. The cost to enroll in the TouchNet online payment plan is $45 per semester and there are no interest or finance charges. It is easy to enroll in the plan each semester and once you set up your plan, payments are made automatically. You must enroll in the payment plan for every semester that you want to use the payment plan to pay your semester charges. For more information, please visit https://wcsu.edu/cashiers/payment-plan-options .
Private Educational Loans for International Students
Attending college in the U.S. entails additional expenses, aside from tuition and fees; these may include housing, food, textbooks, supplies, and personal expenses. As an international student, you may consider applying for international private student loans to help cover college expenses. Most private lenders require that you apply with a co-signer who is a credit-worthy U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
A private loan may be a suitable option for you. You can review some lenders who offer loans to international students on www.elmselect.com . It is important to note that no lender is endorsed by the university.
Campus Employment
Student employment is an integral part of the university. Student labor benefits the school in almost every academic and administrative department on campus. The student’s employment can be related to his/her major and/or interests and work schedules can be arranged around the student’s academic schedule.
Western Connecticut State University employs approximately 800 students during the academic year. The types of jobs available are as diverse as the students themselves. There is a complete list of jobs and their descriptions available for students to examine on the Student Employment website at https://wcsu.edu/finaid .
Students are paid biweekly with an hourly rate of pay contingent on the difficulty of the position and the experience of the student. The first paycheck is held back for two weeks, as required by the state.
International students only qualify for institutional payroll employment opportunities. International students on F-1 visas are permitted to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Students must obtain a social security number prior to employment.
The Institutional Payroll is not based on a student’s financial need. Students are employed under this program based on the needs of the department, the availability of funds, and the student’s experience in specific areas.
All student employees must be matriculated full-time to remain eligible to work on campus during the regular academic year (fall/spring).
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships provide on-campus, hands-on learning experiences and stipends to graduate students. Assistantships are not scholarships and are not campus job appointments.
Graduate Assistant positions are available to qualified, matriculated graduate students in institutional activities that are academically relevant to the student’s program of study. Students must be matriculated in a graduate program, enrolled for current semester, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and not be employed in any other area of the university. Student cannot exceed 20 hours of work per week. Full-time graduate students (nine credits or more) are eligible for additional fee waivers.
Students interested in a Graduate Assistantship should contact their Graduate Program Coordinator.
Kathwari Graduate Fellowship
The Kathwari Graduate Fellowship, generously funded by the Irfan Kathwari Foundation, is designed to support WestConn graduate students’ academic and professional growth, providing them opportunities to reach their full potential. The Fellowship is open exclusively to alums who completed their undergraduate studies at WestConn and provides financial support and professional development opportunities to enhance their educational experience.
The Kathwari Graduate Fellowship is a merit-based award, not dependent on financial need, and is contingent upon the following criteria:
- The Fellowship recipient completed their baccalaureate program at WestConn.
- The recipient is enrolled in or accepted to a graduate degree program at WestConn.
- The recipient does not hold other university-supported positions (e.g., graduate student worker, graduate assistant and teaching assistant assignments with more than 10 hours per week, resident advisor, graduate intern, or adjunct faculty) while holding the award.
The application deadline for Fall 2025 is May 26, 2025.
To Apply visit: https://www.wcsu.edu/sgics/kathwari-graduate-fellowship/form/
Helpful Outside Resources for International Students
International Student Resource Center
International Student Guide for Applying to Study in the US – Sallie Mae
International Student Scholarship Search & International Financial Aid
International Scholarships