The International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) is used by some U.S. colleges to collect financial information from international applicants. Each college sets its own rules. Some colleges accept the ISFAA instead of the CSS Profile, some may request the CSS Profile later, and some do not accept the ISFAA at all. Check each college’s official financial aid instructions before submitting a form.
In this article, we will explain the information you need to know about the International Student Financial Aid Application.
How Do I Fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application?
Do not rely on an old PDF found through a search engine. Obtain the current ISFAA or college-specific alternative directly from the college’s official financial aid page, applicant portal, or financial aid office.
Unlike the CSS Profile, which is completed online, ISFAA submission methods vary by college. A college may provide a PDF to upload through an applicant portal or request email submission. Follow the college’s instructions.
For more information about how to send financial documents to colleges, please visit this article.
What Kind of Information Does ISFAA Require?
The questions vary by college and form version. A typical ISFAA may ask for information about the student and parents, household income, assets, debts, expenses, exchange rates, and expected support for educational expenses. The CSS Profile also collects information about family income, assets, and expenses. Complete the version for the academic year requested by the college.
Use the tax year and financial records requested on the current form. Some forms use financial information from two years before the academic year. For example, a 2026–27 ISFAA may request 2024 household income and expense figures.
Follow the currency instructions on the form. Some PDF versions require amounts to be converted to U.S. dollars, while the CSS Profile allows international applicants to enter amounts in their home currency.
Are there Any Other Financial Documents that I Need to Fill out?
Possibly. Depending on the college, you may need to complete the CSS Profile, an International Student Certification of Finances, and supporting documents such as tax records or income documentation. Check each college’s official requirements.
Do You Need to Pay for an Application Fee When Filing the International Student Financial Aid Application?
Usually, no. Colleges such as Tufts University and Johns Hopkins University describe their ISFAA alternatives as free. However, check the college’s instructions. The CSS Profile is separate: College Board currently charges $25 for the initial application to one institution and $16 for each additional institution, although some students qualify for fee waivers.
We hope that this article on ISFAA was helpful. Make sure to check out valuable articles in our Guide to Studying in the USA! If you are interested, you can also search Available Programs for International Students !
