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MANAGEMENT
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Global Programs and Services (GPS)

Financial Aid

Although international students are not eligible for most forms of financial aid, the US Department of State has provided an excellent list of funding sources that may assist students with their efforts to efforts to fund their education.

In addition, the CSU system allows for a limited number of tuition waivers to international students.  At CSU San Marcos, international students are eligible to apply for these tuition waivers after their first year of residence.  Generally, these tuition waivers are partial, which means that only a portion of the tuition fee is waived.  Applications are due in May and with waivers being granted for fall semester, with a possibility of renewal.

International Student Tuition Fee Waiver Procedures

General Principles

The primary purpose of the tuition waiver is to recognize international students enrolled at CSU San Marcos who display exceptional scholastic ability and prior scholastic achievement.

Normally, tuition waivers will be partial, and awarded for three or more credit units per semester. These waivers are the equivalent of scholarships with no work assignments involved.

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate international students must:
    • Hold an F-1 visa
    • Be in good academic standing, with a minimum gpa of 2.7
    • Have been in residence for at least one semester and be enrolled at the time of application
    • Be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit units.
  • Graduate international students must conform to all of the requirements for undergraduate students, except be enrolled in a minimum of 10 credit units or if enrolled for fewer than 10 units, be employed by the University less than full time, but at least twenty hours per week.
  • Students who have already received a CSUSM fee waiver are eligible to reapply.

Criteria for Selection

  • The overall academic record of the student will be evaluated, especially work done at CSUSM.
  • In addition to academic performance, service to the campus community will be taken into consideration.

Selection Process

  • A Selection Committee, composed of no fewer than three members of the University Global Affairs Committee, will make recommendations to the President who will decide to whom and the number (if any) of tuition waivers that will be granted.
  • Among the criteria that will be considered in addition to the student's scholastic record will be diversity among students selected, including geographical distribution, when possible. Economic need will not have to be demonstrated.
  • Awards will be made in the spring of each year for the following academic year.
  • An application notice will be mailed to all currently enrolled international students at least three weeks prior to the submission deadline of March 31. Applications are mailed to current students from the Office of Global Education.
  • Applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation from a CSUSM faculty member that assesses academic performance. Letters from other faculty/staff addressing service and other contributions may be submitted.
  • After reviewing all applications the committee will select finalists who may be interviewed by the committee members. Students recommended for a fee waiver shall come from the group of finalists.