We have answered the most common questions about the application below. For technical issues, you can find some troubleshooting tips here.
Loan Application Walkthrough Video
School Information
Why does my school disappear after I type it?
The school is not eligible.
Which academic period should I select?
Select all academic periods that need funding. Note that funds can only be sent to your school during the academic period you select.
My major is not listed.
Choose the closest option. All schools have their own name for each major, so we try our best to list the most common names.
How do I know if my program is a STEM program?
Your school determines which programs are considered STEM programs. Please review the school website or contact the school if you are not sure.
What if I don't have a GPA?
This field can be left blank if it does not apply to you.
What does enrollment status mean?
Please select the year of your program you will be in when you want to begin receiving funds.
Are entrance or language exams required?
No - If you were not required to take an entrance exam or language exam, check either "not required" or "waived" on the application. If you did take the exams, enter your scores. Please note that you may be required to demonstrate english language proficiency in order to obtain a student visa or study permit.
Financial Information
Should I include expenses that have already been paid?
Only unpaid expenses (such as tuition cost, cost of living, and other expenses) should be entered in the application. Past expenses should not be included.
How do I know how much annual tuition will be?
To find your annual tuition, you can obtain your quarter/semester tuition costs directly from your school and then complete the application by multiplying the cost by the number of academic terms in a year. This information can often be found on the school website.
Most U.S. and Canadian programs follow an academic calendar of 2 semesters per year. If your school is on the quarter system, please use the following guidelines:
- 4 quarters = 2 semesters = 1 year
- 8 quarters = 4 semesters = 2 years
What if I don't have housing costs?
If you do not have to pay for housing, you do not need to include it in your cost of living.
What should I include in additional expenses?
Consider all expenses, such as utilities, parking, food, health insurance, textbooks, etc.
What if I don't have additional expenses?
You can enter "0" for any financial fields that do not apply to you.
If I include funds from a family member or friend, are they responsible for the repayment of my loan?
No. Only the borrower is responsible for loan repayment. Family members or friends listed as references or financial sponsors are not in any way responsible for repaying your MPOWER loan.
I have funds that I do not intend to use for school. Should I include this on the application?
You should list all funds that are AVAILABLE to use for your education, even if you don't intend to use them. Having extra funds will not negatively impact your application, but we do need to understand your full financial situation to make a loan decision.
Can I include funding sources that I will have in the future?
Any funding listed must be currently available or confirmed for the future. For example, personal funds must be liquid and verifiable. Future scholarships or job offers must be confirmed via award notice or offer letter.
Why can't I change the additional funding required?
This number is based on the information you have already entered for annual tuition and semesters remaining.
Why is there an auto-completed number in the “MPOWER loan requested” box?
If your funding requirement is less than $50,000, your loan request defaults to that number. However, you can edit this amount.
Citizenship Information
How do I change the immigration status appearing on my application?
If you selected the wrong immigration status, please begin a new application.
How do I indicate that I need a Financial Support Letter to get or renew a Visa?
Select "No" for "I already have a Visa for United States/Canada" if you will need a Financial Support Letter.
What if I do not have a Social Security Number or Social Insurance Number?
This is not a problem. Be sure to select the correct immigration status and indicate you do not have a SSN or SIN.
Contact/Personal Information
What should I list as my permanent address?
The permanent address should be an address in your home country. Many students use their parents' address if they have already moved to the U.S. or Canada.
What do I enter for Zip Code/Postal Code?
If your country does not use Zip Codes/Postal Codes, you can leave this field blank.