Best Student Loans for International Students in 2026 (No Cosigner Options)
A complete guide to the best student loan options for international students studying in the US and Canada. Includes no-cosigner options, comparison chart, and application tips.
Let's be honest — funding is the biggest obstacle for most international students. Universities in the US and Canada are expensive, and most traditional loan providers either don't serve international students or require a US/Canadian cosigner.
I've helped hundreds of students figure out their funding. Here's my complete breakdown of the best student loan options in 2026.
The Cosigner Problem#
Most US and Canadian banks require a cosigner — someone with US/Canadian credit history who agrees to repay the loan if you can't. For most international students, finding a cosigner is impossible.
The good news? There are now providers that specifically serve international students without requiring a cosigner.
My #1 Pick: MPOWER Financing#
MPOWER is my top recommendation and the provider I refer the most students to. Here's why:
- No cosigner required — they evaluate your future earning potential
- No collateral required — you don't need to put up assets
- 400+ partner schools in the US and Canada
- Undergraduate and graduate students eligible
- Career support included — resume reviews, interview prep, job search help
- Fast processing — decision in days, not weeks
- Fixed interest rates — no surprises
MPOWER works with students from 150+ countries and has funded thousands of international students. Their model is built around the idea that international students at good schools are excellent investments — and the data proves them right.
Who MPOWER Is Best For#
- International students at accredited US/Canadian universities
- Students who don't have a US/Canadian cosigner
- Students who want career support alongside their loan
- Both undergraduate and graduate students
Check your eligibility for MPOWER
Why MPOWER Is the Best Option for Most International Students#
Most other student loan providers either require a US/Canadian cosigner or only serve a narrow set of schools. For the vast majority of international students, MPOWER is the only realistic option that checks all the boxes:
| Feature | MPOWER Financing |
|---|---|
| Cosigner Required | No |
| Collateral Required | No |
| Schools Covered | 400+ in US & Canada |
| Undergraduate & Graduate | Both |
| Career Support Included | Yes |
| Fixed Interest Rates | Yes |
| Processing Time | Days, not weeks |
If your school is on their list (and with 400+ schools, it very likely is), MPOWER should be your first call.
Check your eligibility for MPOWER
Before You Borrow: Reduce Your Costs First#
Student loans should be your last resort, not your first option. Before borrowing, try:
1. Scholarships#
Apply to everything. University scholarships, government scholarships, private foundations. I've written a full guide on the top scholarships for international students in 2026 with deadlines and amounts for each one.
2. Choose an Affordable School#
Not all schools cost $60,000/year. Consider:
- University of the People — tuition-free online American university. Apply here
- Community colleges ($8,000–$15,000/year) then transfer
- Schools in affordable states or Canadian provinces
3. Work Part-Time#
International students in the US can work up to 20 hours/week on campus. In Canada, you can work 20 hours/week off-campus during the semester.
4. Assistantships and Fellowships#
Graduate students should always apply for teaching or research assistantships. Many include tuition waivers plus a stipend. See my guides on full scholarship Master's degrees and full scholarship PhDs for more on funded graduate programs.
How to Apply for an International Student Loan#
Step 1: Confirm Your School Is Eligible#
Check the lender's website to make sure your school is on their list. For MPOWER, they cover 400+ schools.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents#
You'll typically need:
- Admission letter or enrollment proof
- Passport and visa documents
- Academic transcripts
- Basic financial information
Step 3: Apply Online#
Most international student loan applications are fully online. MPOWER's application takes about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Accept Your Offer#
Review the terms carefully — interest rate, repayment timeline, fees. Make sure you understand what you're agreeing to.
Step 5: Receive Funds#
Funds are typically sent directly to your university.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Can international students get student loans in the US?#
Yes, but options are limited compared to US citizens. Providers like MPOWER Financing specifically serve international students without requiring a cosigner.
Do international student loans affect my visa?#
Having a loan can actually help your visa application by showing you have funding secured for your education.
What interest rates can I expect?#
Rates vary by provider, program, and school. MPOWER offers fixed rates that are competitive with federal loan rates. Always compare multiple offers.
When do I start repaying?#
Most international student loans have a grace period of 6 months after graduation before repayment begins.
Can I refinance later?#
Yes, once you're working in the US or Canada and building credit, you can potentially refinance at a lower rate.
My Bottom Line#
If you're an international student without a cosigner, MPOWER Financing is the best option available in 2026. They were built for students like us, and they back it up with career support that actually helps.
But always borrow responsibly. Exhaust scholarships and affordable school options first, then borrow only what you need.
More Guides#
- How to Study for Free in the USA -- the complete strategy to avoid loans entirely
- 60 Universities Offering Full Scholarships to International Students -- schools that cover everything
- Complete Guide to Studying in America -- from visa to campus life
- MPOWER Financing Review -- my full in-depth review of MPOWER
Get More Help#
Join my free community -- thousands of international students figuring it out together.
Book a 1-on-1 Call With Me -- 60 minutes of focused guidance on your specific situation.
Need more help?
I share advice like this every day in my free community. Join thousands of international students who are figuring it out together.