International Students

Bates meets the full demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship status, for all four years. Although Bates is not need-blind for non-U.S. citizens, the college offers one of the most generous and inclusive financial aid programs in the United States.

The intent to apply for need-based financial aid for the first year must be indicated prior to the release of your admission decision from Bates. Requests for need-based financial aid after admission notifications will not be considered. Students reapply for need-based financial aid yearly at Bates so enrolling students, regardless of financial aid eligibility during the first year, can apply by the financial aid deadline in future years.

Students who qualify can receive financial aid for up to eight semesters, in the form of a grant (that does not need to be repaid) and on-campus employment (up to 20 hours per week during the academic year). Bates does not include loans in the aid awards for non-U.S. citizens.

Bates uses an institutional formula to determine the parent contribution and considers factors such as parent income, parent assets, number of dependents in the household, and number of dependent children attending undergraduate institutions in the United States. 


Requirements for First Year Applicants
  • 2024-25 CSS Profile – Complete the 2024-25 CSS Profile and submit it to the College Board, being sure to designate Bates College as a recipient (our CSS Profile code is 3076.) Please use your local currency to report your family’s financial information. If your parents are divorced or separated, each parent will complete their own CSS Profile, using different login credentials. If the CSS Profile application fee will create a financial hardship to you and your family, you may complete the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) and upload it to your application status page. Applying for financial aid using the ISAFA will not change your financial aid eligibility – both forms are considered equally. 
  • Income/Wage DocumentationDuring the review of your financial aid application, Student Financial Services may request employer-provided documentation of your family’s income and taxes paid. Do not submit income documentation until you receive instructions from Bates. 

Requirements for Canadian Citizens
  • 2024-25 CSS Profile — The CSS Profile must be completed by your parents (custodial and noncustodial) if you are requesting institutional financial aid from Bates. Our Profile school code is 3076. The 2024-25 Profile will be available on October 1, 2023.
  • 2022 Canadian Income Tax Returns and T4 Forms — You and your parents (custodial and noncustodial) must submit copies of 2022 tax returns with all schedules, attachments, and T4 forms to the College Board’s Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). If you or your parents did not file a 2022 income tax return, please complete a Non-Tax Filer Statement available on IDOC.

Requirements for Currently Enrolled Students
  • 2024-25 International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA)
  • Copy of parents’ most recently filed government income tax return (translated into English, if applicable) for your country of residence
  • Statement from your parents’ employer(s) indicating current annual gross wages, bonuses, and benefits (automobile, housing and education allowances), along with taxes paid.

Applications for currently enrolled students should be emailed to sfs@bates.edu and are due on May 1.


Resources for International Students

Bates encourages students to seek assistance through sponsors and outside sources. In many countries, it is often possible to find information at U.S. Information Service (USIS) posts or at educational advising centers designated by the U.S. Embassy.