Financial Requirements for International Admissions

Purpose of the Requirements

Educational institutions in the United States are required by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) to have documentary proof of adequate financial support before admitting an international student.  Failure to fully and properly follow the instructions on this information sheet should result in non-issuance of the U.S. government form (I-20 or IAP-66) which is required (1) to obtain a visa and enter the U.S or (2) to transfer from another U.S school to The University of Alabama.

Special Financial Requirements

This information sheet describes regular financial requirements.  However, the University reserves the right to require additional or different financial documentation, including an advance deposit (currently $6,880).  You will be notified if you must fulfill any special financial requirements.

Government Funding, Scholarships, Grants, and Loan

A letter of award confirming a scholarship or loan must be submitted in place of an Affidavit of Support and a bank letter.  The award letter must meet the following requirements:
          (1) must be an original document or certified true copy;
          (2) must be on official letterhead stationery of the scholarship or loan organization;
          (3) must be addressed to The University of Alabama;
          (4) must be dated within twelve months of the intended date of enrollment;
          (5) must specify the amount, terms and duration of the award or loan, including specific beginning and ending dates; and
          (6) must contain billing instructions specifying how the scholarship or loan organization intends to pay your tuition and fee bills.

Privately Sponsored Students

Proper completion and submission of (1) the enclosed Affidavit of Support and (2) a supporting bank letter are required (see "Instructions for Supporting Bank Letter").

Self-Sponsored Students

An original bank letter must be submitted indicating sufficient funds in an account in your name (see "Instructions for Supporting Bank Letter").  The Affidavit of Support is not necessary.

Instructions for Supporting Bank Letter

1. An original letter on official stationery, or a certified true copy of such  letter, must be submitted from a bank or other financial institution where the prospective student or sponsor has savings deposits, certificates of deposit, money market certificates or other types of accounts containing readily available funds.
2. If deposits are  more than one financial institution, a separate letter must be submitted from each bank.
3. The letter(s) must provide a specific amount of funds.
4. The specific amount of funds verified must total at least US$ 25,912.00 (plus US$ 3,500.00 per dependent) for the 2004/2005 academic year (revised 07/2004).  These figures are subject to change without prior notice. Click here to see the details of cost of attendance.
5. The letter(s) must be signed and dated within less than one year from when the student plans to enroll.
6. No changes, alterations or modifications may be made to any information appearing on the letter(s).
7. Income tax statements or returns, and proof of property ownership, and letters stating that the student or the sponsor possess "sufficient financial resources" are not acceptable as evidence of readily available funds.
8. The letter must be in English; otherwise, attach an official translation into English.

U.S. Employment and Financial Aid

Graduate Assistantships.  Awards are based upon merit, not need.  Graduate assistantships and other awards may not cover all estimated expenses.  In this case, the student will be responsible for providing proof of funds for the remaining amount.  The student must, therefore, comply with the financial requirements which apply to sponsored students (see requirements above).

Athletic Scholarships.  Scholarships may not cover all estimated expenses.  In this case, you must also comply with the requirements which apply to sponsored students (see requirements above).

Capstone International Program Center (CIPC) Grants.  Exchange students generally receive grants from the CIPC.  However, grants may not cover all estimated expenses.  In this case, the student must also comply with the requirements which apply to sponsored students (see requirements above).

On-Campus Employment.  On-campus jobs are few in number and difficult to obtain.  Therefore, do not plan on supplementing your financial support with on-campus employment.

Off-Campus Employment.  It is a violation of Immigration regulations for international students to be employed off the university campus without first obtaining written work authorization.  This permission is not easily obtained.  Therefore, do not expect to supplement your financial support by working off campus.

SEE ALSO: COST OF ATTENDANCE AT UA