Frequently asked questions

Straight answers about scholarships, internships and transfers for non-citizens and international students in the U.S.

Can undocumented students get scholarships in the U.S.?

Yes. Many private scholarships and some state programs do not require citizenship or a Social Security number. Federal aid (FAFSA) is closed to undocumented students, but programs such as TheDream.US, the NYS DREAM Act in New York and many foundation scholarships are open. NYC Starter lists only opportunities whose official page states that non-citizens can apply, and shows the exact wording.

Can international students on an F-1 visa do paid internships?

Usually yes, with work authorization from the college: CPT (Curricular Practical Training) while enrolled, or OPT (Optional Practical Training) around graduation. Each listing on NYC Starter says whether the organizer explicitly welcomes F-1 students; when a page only says "must be authorized to work in the U.S.", we tell F-1 students to ask their international office about CPT before applying.

What does "status rule not stated" mean on a listing?

It means the official page lists no citizenship or immigration requirement at all. Nothing on that page excludes you, but we could not confirm you are eligible either. Email the organizer before you spend time on the application.

Does NYC Starter ask for documents or proof of status?

Never. Browsing is anonymous. The immigration filter and the match questions are choices you control, not records about you, and they are never verified. Signing up for reminders needs only a name and an email.

How are the listings verified?

Every listing is checked on the organizer's own website: the eligibility wording, the citizenship or status rule (from the FAQ or rules page when needed) and the current deadline. We record the date it was verified and link only to the official page, never to aggregators. Listings are re-checked at least every three weeks, and closed ones disappear after 45 days.

Is NYC Starter free?

Yes, for students and for colleges. There are no fees, no ads and no data brokers. Listings with an entry fee to compete or win money are not published.

What is the NYS DREAM Act?

A New York State law that lets undocumented students and some other non-citizens who attended a New York high school apply for state financial aid such as TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, through a separate application on the HESC website. NYC Starter lists it with the official link.

How does "Find my match" work?

You answer five questions: immigration situation, school level, GPA, what you are looking for and when you can apply. The site keeps only listings whose official rules fit those answers, ranks them, and shows why each one is on the list. It uses the listing fields only, no artificial intelligence guesses, and it does not predict who wins.

How can a college or organization add an opportunity?

Email the official page of the program to hello@nycstarter.com. We verify it on that page and publish it, usually within a week, with the eligibility by immigration status written in plain words.