International Tuition - Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Tuition?
International Tuition is a rate of tuition that includes a supplemental increase charged to cover the cost of providing services unique to international students in areas such as admissions, governmental compliance, financial transactions, advising, communication skill-building, instruction, English language placement, and research. The supplemental increase is charged in lieu of Federal and State of Iowa government support received from taxes paid by the families of domestic students to fund instruction and research at Iowa State University.
Who is assessed International Tuition?
International tuition is charged to all new and continuing nonimmigrant international undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree students registered for on-campus classes at Iowa State University.
How much is the International Tuition supplemental increase?
$250 per semester for 2016/2017
$500 per semester for 2017/2018
$750 per semester for 2018/2019 and years thereafter
When does International Tuition take effect?
Summer 2016. Students enrolling for Summer 2016 classes will be assessed the international tuition rate based on the number of credits for which they register.
Are there exemptions from International Tuition?
Yes, the International Tuition supplement is not charged for any semester in which a student is:
- A U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee
- A Veterinary Medicine professional student
- A graduate student with a qualifying assistantship (A qualifying assistantship is an academic semester appointment of at least 25% lasting for at least three months, or a Summer appointment of at least 25% lasting at least six weeks.)
- Studying in the Intensive English and Orientation Program (IEOP)
*U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations require international students on F-1 and J-1 status to enroll full time each semester as a condition of legal presence in the United States. Full time registration is 12 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students not on assistantship.
How will revenue from International Tuition be used?
The President’s Office, as part of the university’s annual budget planning process, will review proposals from Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, University Services, and Finance to use the supplemental tuition revenue for the direct benefit of international students. University administration will consider student input as they prioritize and implement these proposals.
Will there be financial assistance to help continuing international students?
Yes. Effective Fall Semester 2016, Iowa State University will allocate a portion of the supplemental tuition revenue for international student scholarships. Iowa State University will expand its existing scholarships for both new and continuing international students. Full-time students assessed international tuition who have been registered at Iowa State University for at least two academic semesters are eligible to apply for scholarship assistance and will receive an e-mail when applications become available at the end of August.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please direct questions about International Tuition to the Tuition and Fees section of the Registrar’s Office at: registrar@iastate.edu