Bates College Financial Aid (for International Students)

Critères d'éligibilité

An international student at Bates is defined as a non-U.S. citizen whose immigration status requires a visa to be in the United States. International students seeking assistance from Bates must indicate their intent to apply for need-based financial aid on the admission application prior to being admitted to Bates.

Présentation du programme

# Bates College Financial Aid for International Students Brief ## Overview Bates College actively welcomes international students, recognizing the valuable contributions they bring to its diverse global community. With students from over 70 countries, Bates emphasizes that prospective international applicants should familiarize themselves with the U.S. college application process, which differs significantly from many other countries. Resources like EduPass are recommended for understanding terminology and procedures, including cultural differences and English proficiency exams. An international student at Bates is defined as a non-U.S. citizen requiring a visa to study in the United States. While U.S. citizens living abroad are considered international for application review purposes if they attend school outside the U.S., they are classified as domestic for financial aid. Bates provides a helpful PDF overview for international students, containing quick facts, student profiles, and timelines for admission and financial aid. ## Benefits Bates College offers a highly advantageous financial aid program for admitted international students who demonstrate need. The college commits to meeting 100% of the calculated financial need for all admitted students, irrespective of their citizenship status. This financial assistance is provided for up to eight semesters and typically includes a grant, which does not require repayment, and opportunities for on-campus employment, allowing students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Critically, Bates does not include loans in the aid packages for non-U.S. citizens, thereby reducing the financial burden on students. Additionally, Bates is a proud partner in prominent international scholarship programs such as the Davis United World College Scholars Program and the Swaniker Scholars program. Admitted UWC students automatically receive their Davis Scholarship as part of their financial aid package (U.S. $25,000 per year towards need-based aid), and Swaniker Scholars also have their scholarships seamlessly integrated into their awards. ## Eligibility To be eligible for Bates College financial aid as an international student, applicants must be non-U.S. citizens whose immigration status necessitates a visa to study in the United States. A crucial eligibility requirement is that international students *must* declare their intent to apply for need-based financial aid on their admission application *before* being admitted to Bates. Requests for financial aid after admission will not be considered, without exception. Bates College is "need-aware" for international applicants, meaning that a student's financial need might influence their admission decision, despite the college offering one of the most generous financial aid programs. While there are no merit-based scholarships for international students, the aid is exclusively need-based. Canadian citizens applying for need-based aid have slightly different documentation requirements, needing to submit the CSS Profile and other supporting documents. Dual citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. are considered domestic for financial aid purposes and must submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile. ## Required Documents International students applying for need-based financial aid are required to submit the Bates International Student Application for Financial Aid (BISAFA) form. This form is accessible through the applicant's Bates application portal and must be uploaded there after applying for admission. The BISAFA form is used to assess financial need for all four years at Bates, and generally, subsequent annual submissions are not needed unless there's a significant change in financial circumstances. For non-U.S. citizens *not* applying for need-based financial aid, a different set of documents is required: the International Student Financial Certification Document and a supporting bank letter. These must also be uploaded to the Bates application portal. For Canadian citizens seeking need-based aid, the CSS Profile and additional supporting documents are required. For all applicants from non-native English-speaking backgrounds or those whose secondary education was not primarily in English, official results from an English proficiency test are mandatory. Accepted tests include TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test; self-reported scores are not accepted. Bates accepts the best score for these English proficiency tests. ## How to Apply Applying for admission and financial aid at Bates College involves several steps tailored for international students. First, prospective students should familiarize themselves with the distinct U.S. college application process, utilizing resources like EduPass. The application for admission to Bates is free for all students. For English proficiency, if English is not your native language or the primary language of your secondary education, you must submit official results from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Bates accepts all versions of these tests and considers the best score. Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are optional for all applicants, including international students, (a policy in place since 1984), and applicants can self-report these scores or have them sent officially. While not mandatory, submitting recorded interviews through InitialView or Vericant is encouraged and can make an applicant more competitive; list Bates as a recipient for these interviews. Critically, international students seeking need-based financial aid *must* indicate their intent to apply for aid on their admission application before receiving an admission decision. After applying for admission, the Bates International Student Application for Financial Aid (BISAFA) form must be completed and uploaded to the Bates application portal. For those not seeking aid, the International Student Financial Certification Document and a bank letter must be uploaded instead. Questions can be directed to Joe Spir Rechani, Associate Dean of Admission and Director for International Enrollment. ## Key Dates The source material does not provide specific deadlines or key dates for application or financial aid submission. Applicants are advised to consult the official Bates College admission and financial aid timelines, which are typically included in the "Bates at a Glance for International Prospective Students" PDF, available for download from the Bates website. However, a crucial procedural deadline mentioned is that international students *must* indicate their intent to apply for financial aid on their admission application *prior to being admitted to Bates*. Failure to do so will result in financial aid requests not being considered after an admission decision has been released. ## Selection Criteria Bates College employs a "need-aware" admission policy for international students. This means that while Bates is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, an applicant's financial need may, on occasion, affect their admission decision. The college possesses a generous pool of need-based financial aid for non-U.S. citizens, but financial need is a factor considered during the selection process. Therefore, applicants should be transparent and accurate when providing financial information on the BISAFA form to ensure their aid award accurately reflects their needs. While standardized tests (SAT/ACT) are optional and an application will receive full consideration regardless of submission, interviews through InitialView or Vericant are encouraged and can enhance an applicant's competitiveness. English proficiency test scores are mandatory if English is not the applicant's native language or primary language of instruction, and students are encouraged to achieve their best possible scores. ## Tips * **Familiarize Yourself with U.S. Application Process:** The U.S. college application process can be different from other countries. Utilize resources like EduPass to understand terminology, basic procedures, and cultural nuances. * **Declare Financial Aid Intent Early:** If you intend to apply for need-based financial aid, it is *imperative* that you indicate this on your admission application *before* you are admitted. No exceptions are made for late requests. * **Be Transparent with Financial Information:** When completing the Bates International Student Application for Financial Aid (BISAFA) form, provide transparent and accurate information to ensure your financial aid award appropriately meets your needs. * **Consider Optional Interviews:** While not required, submitting recorded interviews through InitialView or Vericant can significantly strengthen your application and make you a more competitive candidate for admission. * **Ace English Proficiency Tests:** If required, dedicate effort to preparing for and performing well on English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test), as official scores are mandatory, and Bates accepts your best score. * **Consult the International Student PDF:** Download the "Bates at a Glance for International Prospective Students" PDF for a comprehensive overview of dates, facts, and timelines relevant to international applicants. * **Direct Questions to Admissions:** For any questions regarding admission or financial aid for international students, contact Joe Spir Rechani, Associate Dean of Admission and Director for International Enrollment, via email at jspir@bates.edu. ## Official Source For the most up-to-date and complete information regarding Bates College Financial Aid for International Students, please refer to the official website: [https://www.bates.edu/admission/financial-aid/international-students/](https://www.bates.edu/admission/financial-aid/international-students/)

Le descriptif détaillé du bailleur reste en anglais, car c'est la langue du dossier de candidature.

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