International Office
Financial Assistance
Thank you for your interest in studying at California State University, Fresno. As you know, U.S. higher education can be expensive and sources of financial aid can be difficult for international students to identify. However, below you’ll find information on different financial assistance opportunities.
Financial literacy and becoming an effective manager of your money are valuable skills that aid your college success. There are resources available for students here at Fresno State that assist you with educational expenses: these resources are available to all students, regardless of sex, race, color, or national origin.
Dean's Scholarship Tuition Waiver (DSTW): The Dean’s Scholarship Tuition Waiver is for international students and residents of other U.S. states. It is offered once a year and is intended to help reduce the required Fresno State non-resident tuition for eligible students. Individual DSTW awards range from approximately $1,250 to $3,750 per student. Last year, more than 70 international students at Fresno State earned a Dean’s Scholarship Tuition Waiver. Please contact international@mail.fresnostate.edu for more information.
Scholarships: Students are eligible to apply for other Fresno State scholarships, which generally range in amounts from $50 to $1,000. The online application can be filled out directly with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Muhareb Family Grant: Established in honor of Ken Muhareb, a Palestinian immigrant from Jerusalem who studied at Fresno State, the Muhareb Family Grant is intended to open doors to newly admitted international students. Awards range from $1,000 to $1,500 per student. Please contact international@mail.fresnostate.edu for more information.
Hans L. Beck and Anna Beck Scholarship: is awarded to deserving undergraduate students who have demonstrated an interest in the countries of Denmark or Ecuador.
Graduate Assistantships & Scholarships: Graduate students may be eligible for a number of teaching and graduate assistantships at Fresno State. It is recommended that students contact their specific graduate program coordinator for more information. General information can be found online at the Division of Graduate Studies.
Nursing Scholarships for International Students (THIS SITE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH
FRESNO STATE)
Visit: https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarships-for-international-students/
On-Campus Jobs: You are eligible to apply for on-campus jobs during your first semester of study here at Fresno State, approval from the International Student Services and Programs office. All on-campus student positions are posted through the Career Development Center, via a website called HireFresnoState. At that site, you will find helpful information about how to create an account and apply for on-campus positions. More information about career services for students is available here.
- International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semester, and up to 40 hours during winter and summer breaks. The minimum wage for part-time, on-campus jobs in California is US $16.50 per hour (increasing to $16.90 in 2026). Please note that student demand for on-campus jobs is significant, and the university cannot guarantee employment.
- See here for a list of recent on-campus employers of California State University, Fresno’s international students.
Curricular Practical Training
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment option available to F-1 Visa-holding students before their program completion, at a job where the employment is considered to be an integral part of the curriculum or academic program.
- See here for a list of recent CPT employers of California State University, Fresno’s international students.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an opportunity for students to work 12 months in their field, after graduation from Fresno State. Students who graduate from designated STEM programs are eligible to extend this work authorization another 24 months, for a total of 36 months.
- See here for a list of recent OPT employers of California State University, Fresno’s international students.
Professional Clothing Closet: The Career Development Center on Fresno State's campus also has a clothing closet that provides students with the proper and professional clothing attire needed for interviews, career fairs, and first jobs. All for free! Students are allowed 3 free pieces of professional clothing per semester. For more information please visit the Career Development Center Clothing Closet website.
Food Security Project: The Fresno State Food Security Project is a multi-initiative program to support students who may be experiencing food insecurity or other challenges that might inhibit their academic success at Fresno State. More information about the Fresno State Student Cupboard, The Catered Cupboard, and other food resources, visit the Food Security Project website.
On-Campus ATM: There is an ATM on Fresno State’s campus located on the west side of the University Student Union (USU).
Other helpful financial resources about studying in the United States: