UMass Boston

Loans

As an international student, you may explore financial support options through private loans available from private lenders and other financial institutions. These alternative loans can be costly and are intended to supplement other financing sources, such as family or sponsor funding. These loans require a creditworthy U.S. Citizen or permanent resident as a cosigner.

Students may use ELM Select to compare many different lenders and their terms and conditions. For added convenience, students can apply for these loan options directly from Elmselect.com. Select ‘International’ for the program. 

Students have the right and ability to select the education loan provider of their choice. Students are not required to use any of the lenders listed. Each lender is an independent entity and UMass Boston adheres to a strict Vendor Code of Conduct of no partiality.

Employment

Assistantships:

International students enrolled for at least nine credits/ semester may apply for assistantships.  Assistantships are not awarded by Financial Aid Services. Assistantships are formal service contracts between the student and their Graduate school department. The benefits from an assistantship may include:  

• a tuition credit
• a waiver of fees
• a stipend

The number of graduate assistantships are limited based on budget. Contact your Graduate Students and Assistantships for more information.

Student Employment

International students do not qualify for Federal Work-Study. International students studying at UMass Boston on a J1 or F1 visa are eligible for on-campus employment only through the Institutional Student Employment (Non-Work Study) Program. International students may not work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session or 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Please review Eligibility and Conditions of Employment at Student Employment Services.

Job listings are listed online through the Handshake website. If you have not signed up to see the listings, follow the steps below.  If you have any questions in creating your online account, please contact the Office of Career Services at 617-287-5519 or careers@umb.edu.

How to Create a Handshake Account

1. Go to Handshake
2. Sign in using your UMB email username
3. Select “Student/Alumni”
4. Follow the instructions to fill in your information, create a password and confirm your registration.

(You may not receive immediate full access with a new account request. Career Services may need time to review your information after submission. Please follow up with Career Services if you cannot log in.)

To search for Campus Jobs on Handshake:

• Click on the “Jobs” tab on the top of the page
• Select “On-Campus”
• Click on “Filter” to select position categories
  • Scroll to the bottom on the page to “Labeled by Your School” to select “On-campus non-work-study”

 (Remember International Students are not eligible for on-campus work-study and off-campus work-study jobs.)

• Application instructions are listed within each job description. Follow the instructions to apply directly to the employers. 

IMPORTANT: After you accept a job offer, visit Student Employment Services on the 4^th floor of the Campus Center to obtain information on applying for a social security number and fill out pre-employment paperwork. You are not authorized to work until your pre-employment paperwork is completed. Any hours performed prior to the completion of your pre-employment paperwork will not be paid. Employment eligibility may be revoked for violation of this policy.