Scholarships

International Peace Scholarship

The International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund, established in 1949, is a program which provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada. Members of Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding. An applicant must be qualified for admission to full-time graduate study and working toward a graduate degree in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.

Learn more About the Scholarship

Graduate Studies Scholarships

All graduate level applicants are automatically considered for Graduate Studies scholarships and are at the discretion of the academic departments in conjunction with the Office of Graduate Studies. These are academic competitive scholarships of $1,000 per year. Students who receive any type of scholarship amounting to $1,000 or more per year are eligible for in-state tuition rates. If awarded, yearly scholarships will be applied directly to the student’s tuition and fees account in two equal payments at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.

Undergraduate Student Scholarships

All undergraduate applicants may apply for university-wide scholarships which are awarded by the Scholarship Committee based on academic merit (GPA, standardized test scores, etc). Students who wish to apply must fill out the scholarship form and submit by February 1st for the following academic year.

Academic Department Scholarships

Students are encouraged to apply with their academic department for subject-specific scholarships. Additionally, Teaching or Research assistantships may be available with your department. These are paid in the form of a monthly stipend in an amount determined by the department.

Good Neighbor Scholarship Program

The Good Neighbor program provides an exemption of tuition for students from other nations of the Western hemisphere. International students who have been unconditionally admitted to a public institution in Texas are eligible to apply provided they are not applying for U.S. residency. Applicants must have been born in and be a current resident of a nation of the western hemisphere other than Cuba or the United States. The scholarship award covers one year of tuition (fall, spring, and summer). Across Texas, 235 awards are made each year to up to 10 students per eligible country. For more information visit Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) at http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=437 or email grantinfo@thecb.state.tx.us.  

Program Purpose
Provides an exemption of tuition for students from other nations of the Western hemisphere (other than Cuba).

Who can apply?
An individual must:

• Be a nonresident from an eligible country;
• Be a native-born citizen and current resident of a nation of the Western Hemisphere other than Cuba or the United States;
• Intend to return to the eligible country upon completion of his/her program of study;
• Be admitted unconditionally at an eligible public institution in Texas; and
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

External Scholarships

Some students find funding sources from outside the university by checking with their local government, civic organizations, and U.S. government organizations. Here are a couple of good sites to get you started:

Fulbright Association

Education USA

Rotary International

International students are not eligible for federal financial assistance.

Paying Tuition/Fees

Tuition Rates and Living Expenses for each Academic Year

Students are considered out of state unless they are a resident of the state of Texas or have been awarded a scholarship and out of state tuition waiver.

Lamar University’s standard budget for 12 months of living expenses includes lodging (residence hall or off-campus living), food, supplies, expenses for clothing, local travel, recreation, toiletries, and telephone. The figure for insurance and books includes the University student insurance plan, books, and course supplies. You should also plan to incur other expenses not related to your studies.

Note: All the tuition fees are subject to change. Check updated information.

Banking

Why do we need a Bank?

• Making transactions easier both domestic and internationally
• They provide a return (pay interest) on our saving
• Safety of principal and interest
• Convenience of being able to write checks and use debit cards

How and where to open a bank account?
There are several banks to choose from in Beaumont. Each bank offers different services, so it is important that you compare these services. Most international students prefer to handle their needs through the Beaumont Area Educators Federal Credit Union. All students, faculty, and staff of Lamar University are eligible to join the Credit Union.

• Two pieces of identification (Lamar University ID/Texas State driver's license/passport).
• Students do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account.
• Students need only to provide proof that they are accepted as students of Lamar.
• Deposit $25.00 in a savings account in order to qualify for checking and other services.
• The main branch of the Credit Union, often referred to as the "Teachers' Credit Union," is conveniently located across from the University at 4695 Rolfe Christopher Drive.

Why Do We Need a Savings Account?
A savings account enables students to save money and accumulate interest on their savings. Interest is paid either monthly or quarterly. Although students can withdraw money from their savings account, this service limits, the number of monthly withdrawals permitted without penalty.

Why Do We Need Checking Account?
Banks offer different types of checking accounts designed to fit individual needs. The cost of having a checking account varies from bank to bank. Some banks charge per transaction, some have a basic monthly fee, and others offer free services for those who maintain a certain minimum balance in their account at all times. A list of all the account activity will be sent in a monthly statement. Students should carefully record every check they write, every withdrawal and deposit, and any transaction fees in order to avoid having checks returned and incurring additional charges. "Bouncing" a check (writing a check for more money than is actually in the account) can cause a major expense and a great deal of trouble. Some banks provide overdraft protection.

What Is An Interest Bearing Checking Account?
Regular checking accounts do not earn interest. However, an interest-bearing checking account combines the features of both a checking account and a savings account. This means that students may write checks and also collect interest on the money in their account. This type of account usually requires a high minimum balance at all times.

How To Cash Checks?
To cash a check two pieces of identification are needed. The primary piece of ID must be a driver's license or a State of Texas ID card. The second piece of ID is usually a major credit card.

Some stores will cash a check for students who shop there regularly and have a proper ID. Some stores may not accept the temporary checks that most banks issue to new account holders. In fact, most stores require that checks have a name and addresses professionally printed on them.

State of Texas picture ID card?
Non-drivers can be issued a State of Texas picture ID card at the Texas Department of Transportation, This ID is available to individuals who do not have a driver's license. A valid passport is required for verification of person and date of birth. The State of Texas ID card is an accepted form of identification throughout Texas and is valid for four years. It can be used for identification when cashing a check or when opening a bank account.

The function of A Bank Card?
Many banks issue cards that make deposit and withdrawal services available 24 hours a day by use of an automatic teller machine (ATM). These machines, frequently located outside the bank, are very convenient and allow access to cash after the bank closes or in an emergency. However, there is often a service charge of approximately $1-$2 for using ATM's from another bank.

• A note of caution: To prevent assault, users of ATM's should be cautious when withdrawing funds after dark.
• Credit Cards
  Credit cards are convenient, especially to cover unexpected major expenses. Medical fees, airplane tickets, and car repairs can be paid for by with any major credit card. But credit cards are seductive. It is very easy to get deeply into debt. Be sure to understand all of the terms of a credit card before signing anything. Most credit companies charge an annual fee of $20 to $40. Some waive this fee while others do so with a minimum number of annual transactions. The company will send a monthly statement. By paying the full balance, additional finance charges (usually 18%) may be avoided. The credit card company will then assess a finance charge on unpaid balances. That charge will appear on the next month's statement.
• A note of caution: The issuing company should be notified about lost credit card A new card with a new account number will be sent. Also, call the police department so that it may have the information needed in case of any illegal activity any old account.

Tax Filing Workshop
The Office of International Student Program and Services organizes tax filing workshops for international students annually.  Please stop by our office for more information.

International Students can refer the link below to claim the benefits from your countries’ Tax Treaties with the U.S. government.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p519/ar02.html

International Short Term Loan

International Students can apply for a short-term loan if you have a temporary financial crisis. The loan needs to be returned beginning of next semester. Otherwise, registration will be held.