International Students

At Rice University, we believe cost should not be a barrier to attending one of the finest universities in the country. We admit students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and fund many students who might not otherwise be able to afford a Rice education. International students who receive need-based aid will have 100 percent of demonstrated need met with institutional grant aid. 

Rice University offers need-based financial aid to a limited number of international undergraduate applicants entering in the fall semester. Rice University uses the CSS Profile for international students applying for aid.

Students register for the PROFILE service online on the College Board website and indicate the colleges to which they will apply. Students can also visit EducationUSA Advising Centers, which are located around the world, to learn more about scholarship aid and register online. Based on registration information and college choices, each student receives a personalized PROFILE application online. 

Freshman and Transfers

Candidates who live outside the U.S. and those living in the U.S. with a valid visa are required to submit the International Student Financial Statement as a part of their application for admission. International applicants who are not requesting financial aid must show official documentation (appropriate affidavits and/or scholarship awards) of resources sufficient to cover the costs of the first year of study before their files can be reviewed for admission. For additional information on how to apply, please visit the Office of Admission Apply page.

Rice’s international need-based aid policy for both admission and financial aid is need aware. This means that students who are not U.S. citizens, nor permanent residents of the U.S., nor in refugee status are considered international, and their need will be considered for both admissions and financial aid. When the Committee for Admission evaluates such applications, the amount of financial aid a family might need is taken into consideration. Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must indicate their intention to apply for aid on the Admission application. International students admitted without a request for financial aid cannot apply for aid in subsequent years.