Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, but financing that education can be a major challenge. Most U.S. lenders require a cosigner—usually a U.S. citizen or permanent resident—to back student loans. Unfortunately, not every student has access to someone who can fill this role. The good news is that it is possible to secure student loans without a U.S. cosigner if you know where to look and how to apply.
In this article, we’ll cover top strategies international students can use to secure loans without a cosigner, along with tips to increase your chances of approval.
Common Challenges Without a U.S. Cosigner
Before exploring solutions, it’s important to understand why lenders often ask for cosigners:
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Credit history – Most international students don’t have U.S. credit, making them high-risk in lenders’ eyes.
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Residency status – Many banks prefer borrowers who have permanent ties to the U.S.
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Repayment assurance – A cosigner provides financial security in case the student defaults.
Despite these challenges, several financing options exist for students willing to do some research.
Top Tips for Securing Student Loans Without a U.S. Cosigner
1. Explore International Student Loan Providers
Some specialized lenders focus on international students and don’t require a U.S. cosigner. Examples include:
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Prodigy Finance – Offers loans based on future earning potential.
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MPower Financing – Provides loans to students from 200+ countries without requiring collateral or cosigners.
These companies assess risk differently, focusing on your academic program and career prospects rather than U.S. credit.
2. Apply for University-Specific Loan Programs
Some U.S. universities partner with lenders to offer no-cosigner student loans for international students. For example, certain graduate schools (especially MBA, STEM, and law programs) have established funding programs through third-party lenders.
Tip: Check your school’s financial aid office or international student services to see if such options exist.
3. Look into Scholarships and Grants First
While not loans, scholarships and grants reduce the amount you’ll need to borrow. Many organizations provide financial support to international students, including:
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Fulbright Program
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Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
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School-specific merit awards
Every dollar in scholarships lowers your reliance on loans.
4. Consider Loans from Your Home Country
Some banks in your home country may offer study abroad loans. These often come with favorable terms and do not require a U.S. cosigner. However, be mindful of:
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Exchange rate fluctuations
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Interest rates in local currency
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Repayment terms if you stay in the U.S. after graduation
5. Build Your U.S. Credit Profile Over Time
If you’re planning to stay in the U.S. for multiple years, take steps to establish credit:
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Open a secured credit card
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Pay utility and phone bills on time
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Keep a checking/savings account with a U.S. bank
While this won’t help immediately, a credit history makes future borrowing easier—especially for refinancing loans.
6. Explore Income-Share Agreements (ISAs)
Some universities and private organizations offer ISAs, where you commit to paying a percentage of your income after graduation instead of taking on traditional loan debt. This removes the need for cosigners and aligns repayment with your career success.
Solutions & Actionable Advice
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Research lenders like Prodigy Finance and MPower Financing early.
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Combine scholarships with loans to minimize debt.
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Compare multiple offers—check interest rates, grace periods, and repayment options before signing.
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Stay proactive by contacting your school’s financial aid office for guidance.
Securing a student loan in the U.S. without a cosigner may seem daunting, but it’s not impossible. By exploring international student loan providers, leveraging university partnerships, applying for scholarships, and considering home-country financing, you can create a solid plan to fund your education. With the right approach, studying in the U.S. without a cosigner-backed loan is within reach.