Office of International Student & Scholar Services

Financial Resources

Students who may need to supplement their finances should look through the checklist of Financial Opportunities below.  Go through the checklist to find many opportunities for financing your education and assistance with other financial needs.

Wellness

Financial Wellness

Contact the financial wellness counselor with questions or to schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss your financial plans.
 
Mollee Williamson
Financial Wellness Counselor
419.530.6265

Rocket Fuel Food Pantry

The University of Toledo Food Pantry is a resource available to students, staff, and faculty who are in need of temporary food assistance. The pantry aims to create a sustainable food source on campus and to provide students accessing the pantry with additional resources to help them succeed. By involving community partners and additional resources, the pantry aims to assure its sustainability and continue to provide much-needed aid to those in need. The goal of the UToledo Food Pantry is to ensure that no student, staff, or faculty member has to go hungry while attending the university, so they can focus on their studies and achieve their goals.

For more info please visit Rocket Fuel--Student Food Pantry.

 

Financial Aid

International Student Financial Aid Resources

Estimate your costs, apply for financial aid, review and maintain your aid, and your summer to-do list at International Student Financial Aid How-To Guide

Rocket Solution Central

Visit Rocket Solution Central to talk to someone for financial aid help.  

Rocket Aid

The University of Toledo offers emergency financial assistance for current students  experiencing financial hardship or other education-related emergencies through the Rocket Aid application process.  A student only needs to fill out one Rocket Aid application and the UToledo team will work with each student individually to identify all options available to assist them. This includes funding available through federal relief programs and donors.
For more information visit Rocket Aid's website.

*Only degree-seeking students are eligible to apply for Rocket Aid.

 

Scholarships

Reach out to your college

It is important for students to reach out to their college, dean, professor, or advisor for scholarship opportunities. These individuals may have information about scholarships that are specific to the college or department and may also be able to provide guidance on the scholarship application process. Additionally, professors and advisors may be able to provide letters of recommendation, which can be a valuable asset in the scholarship application process. Therefore, students should take advantage of the resources available to them and actively seek out scholarship opportunities. 

College-Specific Scholarships

Ohio International Consortium Outstanding International Student Award

The Outstanding International Student Awards have been developed by the Ohio International Consortium (OIC) as a way to recognize international students who have become assets to the State of Ohio. These awards uniquely symbolize the spirit of Ohio's New Americans initiative by rewarding students who have succeeded academically and successfully integrated into the fabric of their campuses and surrounding communities. 

Two awards will be given annually, one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students. The awards, sponsored by the Ohio International Consortium, carry a cash value of $1,500.  Find out more at OIC's Award Guidelines.

Chinese Alumni Outstanding Chinese Student Award

The Chinese Alumni Outstanding Chinese Student Award is given to two Chinese students every year, based on the student’s academic standings and contributions to The University of Toledo and the Chinese community. It aims to reward Chinese students with excellent comprehensive performances and encourage those talents to further contribute to the society.
The awards, sponsored by Chinese Alumni donors, carry a cash value of $1,000.  For more information, please email CISP@UToledo.edu.

James A. Brunner Chinese/Asian Student Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to Chinese students enrolled in the College of Business and Innovation.

  • Deadline: January 3 for new UToledo students and February 1 for continuing students

Please contact: Dr. Terribeth Gordon at Terribeth.Gordon@UToledo.edu

International Alumni Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to nonimmigrant, international students at UToledo. Applicants must demonstrate through their involvement in the University community that they promote cross-cultural understanding.

  • College: Campus-wide
  • Grade Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • GPA: 3.5+

Contact Assistant Director, Center for International Studies, at Xinren.Yu@UToledo.edu

Toledo Family Pharmacy Scholarship

Scholarship awarded to full-time students in the PharmD program. Preference will be given to international students and those who are of an underrepresented ethnic background.  Preference will also be given to those who provide a demonstrated interest in Independent Pharmacy and students enrolled in at least one student organization.

  • College: Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Grade level: Graduate
  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Deadline: January 3 for new UToledo students and February 7 for continuing students

Contact: PharmacyDean@UToledo.edu

Professional Staff Association Scholarship

The University of Toledo Professional Staff Association Scholarship fund is sponsored by the Professional Staff Association (PSA), a group comprised of classified-exempt and unclassified For more information, visit PSA's Scholarship page.

Buenavides Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students in the College of Law. First preference is given to applicants who are international students. Second preference given to applicants who have dependent children. Third preference given to students considered nontraditional as determined by the College of Law.

  • College: Law
  • Grade Level: Graduate
  • GPA: 2.0+

Contact: lawfinaid@utoledo.edu

Sammy Spann Scholarship Fund

The Sammy Spann Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate or a graduate student who has a grade point average of at least a 2.0 and is involved on campus.  The scholarship aims to help students that are involved on campus and help them if they are facing any financial hardship.

Contact:  Erin.Hafner@UToledo.edu

International Student Scholarships

For more resources, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid’s International Student Scholarship page.

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS)

The International Peace Scholarship Fund was established in 1949 to provide scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. For more information please visit the scholarship website.

 

Employment Opportunities

On-campus Work Opportunities

Handshake is the best place to apply for on campus jobs.  Handshake is a platform that allows students to apply for jobs on campus. It is an easy and efficient way to search for job opportunities and submit applications. Students should take advantage of this resource when searching for part-time jobs or internships related to their field of study. Make sure you register for classes BEFORE you log into Handshake. See job postings on UToledo's Handshake page.

Requirements to Work On-Campus

  • You must be enrolled full time during the fall and winter semesters.
  • You may work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
  • You may work 28 hours during designated University breaks (winter break, spring break)
  • You must maintain valid F-1 status.
  • You may not engage in on-campus employment after the program end date listed on your I-20.

Learn more at Career Services.  

*ALI students are not eligible for on campus employment, but eligible to work for third party vendors that are on campus, which includes Dining Services, ParkUToledo, B&N bookstore, Phoenicia's, and the other bookstore on bancroft street.

ParkUToledo

  • Positions: Driving Ambassador, Gameday Ambassador, Maintenance Ambassador
  • Starting @ $13/Hour
  • Apply on UToledo's Handshake page.

Phoenicia Cuisine

  • Tipped employees start @$5.05/Hour
  • Non-tipped employees start @ $10.10/Hour
  • Apply on UToledo's Handshake page.

On-Campus Dining Services (Rocket Dining)

Looking to gain valuable work experience in the heart of campus? Rocket dining is the number one hiring spot for international students.

  • Typical Pay Range: 11.40/hr
  •  Places where students can work as a part of Rocket Dining.
    • Chick-fil-A
    • Starbucks
    • Subway
    • True Burger
    • Student Union Dining
    • Market Place
    • Frog Town
    • Freshens
    • Tu Taco
    • Ottawa East Dining
  • How to apply:  Text using the number 75000 saying Toledo and you will receive a step-by-step guide on how to be a part of the Rocket dining team.

Recreation Center 

  • Intramural Sport Managers start @ $14.00/Hour
  • Lifeguards start @ $15.00/Hour
  • Safety Education Instructors start @ $16.70 /Hour
  • Apply on UToledo's Handshake page.

University Libraries

  • Writing Consultants start @ $10.00/Hour
  • Student Assistants start @ $11.00/Hour
  • Apply on UToledo's Handshake page.

Desk Jobs

  • IT technicians (for different buildings) start @ $9.50/Hour
  • Building Supervisors start @ $15.00/Hour
  • Apply on UToledo's Handshake page.

 

More Resources

Economic Hardship Employment Authorization Document

Apply for the economic hardship Employment Authorization Document (EAD).  Students from countries on the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) list may be eligible to apply for an Economic Hardship Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in order to work off-campus and support their education financially. To apply for an EAD, TPS students must demonstrate that they are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of certain circumstances such as natural disasters, civil unrest or war in their home country. They also must provide evidence that they are unable to obtain employment in their country of origin and that working off-campus is necessary to support their education. The application process involves submitting Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization, along with the required fee, proof of TPS status, and documentation of the economic hardship to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It's important to note that students should consult with an immigration lawyer or a DSO before applying for an EAD and to keep in mind that this process can take several months. For more information, visit USCIS TPS page.

Gap Year

Take a semester off to obtain necessary funding.  If students are still unable to support themselves using campus resources, it may be best for them to take a semester off, return to their home country, and gather additional funding before reapplying to the university and resuming their classes. This option allows students to take the time they need to secure the necessary funding to continue their education without falling behind in their coursework. Additionally, returning home can give students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and develop professional connections that may be beneficial for their future career. It is important to note that students should consult their academic advisor and the university's international student office to ensure they understand the process of taking a semester off and returning to the university.

Renter’s Assistance

The renter’s assistance program helps applicants with utility assistance and home relief. These two programs are organized by Pathway, Inc., for students and Lucas County residents.

Utility Assistance Plus:  The Homeowners Utility Assistance Program offers eligible homeowners assistance with utilities, homeowner association dues, taxes, and insurance.

ARPA Home Relief:  The Pathway, Inc., Emergency Rental Assistance Program will assist eligible Lucas County households with up to 15 months of assistance for current and future rent, past due rent, late fees, new renter fees, security deposits, utility deposits, and utility payments. Grants are awarded based on priorities established U.S. Department of Treasury.

For more information visit Pathway's Case Management And Rental Assistance page.

online iconback to top

Last Updated: 3/27/24