International Students - Financing Your U.S. Education

The Rowan International Center is your primary resource for questions related to your status and admissions requirements. Approximately one to two business days after activating your Rowan NetID, you will receive a link in your Rowan University email inbox inviting you to log into Terra Dotta, the international student portal. You will submit all documents for your I-20 application through Terra Dotta.

International students applying for admission must present evidence to the Rowan International Center of sufficient funds to cover all tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for their study at Rowan-Virtua SOM.

When planning how to finance your education, consider the total cost for the entire duration of your program. Many credit-based loans are approved on an annual basis, and approval is not guaranteed from year to year because lender eligibility requirements and policies may change. We strongly encourage international students to develop a financial plan that accounts for potential changes in funding availability.

The resources below can help you explore options for financing your education.

Scholarships

Rowan-Virtua SOM Merit Scholarships for Incoming DO Students

The Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions Committee may consider awarding merit scholarships to incoming students during the admissions cycle.

Individual award amounts are determined at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Scholarships may be awarded based on a variety of criteria, including financial need and academic excellence.

Students selected for consideration will be notified by the Admissions Office.

Rowan-Virtua SOM Foundation Scholarships

Incoming Students

The application cycle for incoming students will open in mid-December 2026. Students must have paid their admissions deposit and have an active Rowan University NetID and Rowan University email address to submit an application.

Continuing Students

The application cycle for continuing students will open in Spring 2027. Instructions for submitting applications will be emailed to all eligible students prior to the start of each application cycle.

Private Scholarships

Some private scholarship organizations offer awards to international students. Because these opportunities are offered independently of Rowan-Virtua SOM, you will need to research and apply for scholarships directly. Visit our Scholarships page for resources and guidance on finding private scholarships. 

Institutional Work-Study

The Student Financial Aid Office does not coordinate on-campus employment opportunities for international students. If you are interested in working on campus, you should first review the Rowan International Center’s On-Campus Employment webpage for important information and guidance.

After reviewing the available resources, you may contact Rowan-Virtua SOM departments and offices directly to inquire about available positions. If a department identifies an opportunity for you, the department will work with Rowan-Virtua SOM Human Resources to establish the appropriate employment position. 

Private Education Loans

International students may have several options for financing their education in the U.S. Start by checking whether your home country offers government-sponsored or private education loans for study in the U.S.

Some U.S. lenders offer education loans to international students with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-borrower. Having a qualified co-borrower may provide access to more lenders and more favorable loan terms. 

If you do not have a U.S. co-borrower your options may be more limited, but some lenders offer loans specifically for international students without a co-borrower. Compare interest rates, fees, eligibility requirements, and repayment terms before selecting a loan. 

Use ELM Select to explore private education loan options from participating lenders. ELM Select allows you to compare lenders and review information about available private education loan products to help you identify options that may meet your needs.

Tip: We recommend applying to two or three lenders within the same time frame so you can compare your options. Applying within a short period may also help you evaluate offers based on similar timing and circumstances.

You are not required to borrow from any lender listed here, elsewhere on our website, or in other University materials. You may choose to borrow from any lender without penalty. We urge you to compare credit-based loan information and terms carefully to determine the best fit for your particular circumstances. 

Financial Aid Information for Canadian Students

The Government of Canada offers grant and loan programs to help eligible Canadian students finance their post-secondary education, including studies in the United States. 

Students applying for a loan to study in the U.S. may be required to have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer. Eligible students may be able to borrow up to the cost of attendance each academic year.