Each year, in cooperation with the Office of Undergraduate Admission, the Office of Financial Aid will award a limited amount of need-based financial aid to qualified citizens of foreign countries who are applying for admission to Northwestern as freshman under Regular Decision, and who indicate that they wish to be considered for this limited assistance program. These awards will not be available to those applying for admission under Early Decision or as transfer students. International students currently attending Northwestern who did not apply to the University as part of this program are not eligible for this financial assistance. Only those who are selected to receive these need-based awards as entering freshmen will be eligible to apply for financial assistance in subsequent years.

Citizens of countries outside the United States who are applying for undergraduate admission to Northwestern for 2009-10 and who would like to be considered for this limited financial aid should consult the Office of Undergraduate Admission for complete application procedures and deadlines. Prospective international students will be required to complete and submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). In addition, students must submit a copy of their parents' 2008 national tax return or relevant documents verifying income and assets. These documents must be officially translated into English. Some students may also be asked to provide additional information regarding their family's financial circumstances. Applicants whose families earn income in the U.S. or Canada should submit the CSS Financial Aid Profile in addition to the other materials.

When completing the required forms, make sure to answer all applicable questions, convert all currency figures to U.S. dollars, and indicate the currency conversion rate. Once completed, all forms and tax documents should be returned by February 15^th directly to the Coordinator for Entering Students (see Contact Information - Office of Financial Aid) for inclusion with the student's admission application.

Financial aid decisions for international students will be similar to those for U.S. citizens in that the student and his/her family will be expected to contribute towards educational expenses to the extent that they are able, and awards may be comprised of scholarship and/or loan. Northwestern University cannot assume responsibility for economic changes such as currency fluctuation, nor can it replace lost support that a student may have expected to receive from friends, relatives, or government and corporate grants. Financial assistance will only be available for the pursuit of an undergraduate degree.

International students who are currently attending Northwestern and were awarded need-based financial aid as part of this program when they were admitted to the University will be eligible to reapply for assistance for each year of their undergraduate study. Reapplication instructions for 2009-10 will be sent via e-mail to those students during the month of February. Returning students should not complete the ISFAA unless asked to do so.

More information on financial assistance can be found at Frequently Asked Questions - International Students. For complete detailed instructions regarding admission and financial aid application procedures and deadlines for prospective international students, please refer to the website for the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

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