Defining a Domestic Student: An Overview

The definition of a "domestic student" varies across educational institutions and countries. Understanding this definition is crucial for determining application fees, admission requirements, financial aid eligibility, and tuition costs. This article explores the nuances of defining a domestic student, drawing from the policies of universities in the United States and New Zealand.

Domestic vs. International: Key Differentiators

The primary distinction between domestic and international students lies in their citizenship or residency status. Generally, domestic applicants are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States, or have been granted Asylee, Refugee or Paroled in the Public Interest status by the United States government. International applicants are citizens or permanent residents of a country to which they intend to return other than the United States.

United States Perspective

In the United States, the definition of a domestic student usually encompasses:

Citizens of the United States: Individuals holding U.S. citizenship are considered domestic applicants.
Lawful Permanent Residents: Those with a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) are also classified as domestic students. They are typically required to upload a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) directly to the online application.
Individuals with Specific Legal Statuses: Those with asylee, refugee or parolee status are also required to upload documentation of this status in the online application.

Conversely, international applicants include:

Citizens of Other Countries: Individuals who are citizens or permanent residents of a country to which they intend to return other than the United States are considered international applicants. These applicants may be in the United States on an educational, worker or visitor visa, or be residing in their home country.

It’s important to note that international applicants who have filed an application for United States Permanent Residency, but have not yet been granted approval, are considered international applicants and are required to submit the international application fee and a copy of their Application Receipt Notice from USCIS to the online application.

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New Zealand Perspective

In New Zealand, the distinction is primarily based on visa status. To study at tertiary level (University, IPT, PTE) as a domestic student you need a residence-class visa. This will allow you to pay domestic fees, which are half to a third of international fees. Dependent children of temporary visa holders at early childhood level (before 5) can go to kindergarten on a dependent child visitor visa.

Implications of Domestic Student Status

The classification of a student as domestic has several implications:

Application Fees

Domestic applicants are required to submit the domestic application fee. International applicants are required to submit the international application fee.

Admission Requirements

While academic standards are generally consistent, some institutions may have specific requirements related to English proficiency for international students. The Graduate College sets minimum requirements for full status graduate admission to the University of Illinois. An admission grade point average (GPA)* of 3.0 (A=4.0), or a comparable GPA for an international applicant, is a minimum requirement for admission. Applicants enrolled in the final year of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the United States or a or comparable degree program from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad, and who meet the GPA requirements stated above, will be admitted conditionally pending receipt of final academic credentials showing the undergraduate degree as conferred.International applicants must meet minimum requirements based on their country of origin. Proof of English proficiency is not required for admission for domestic applicants. Some domestic applicants may be required to demonstrate proof of spoken English if applying for a teaching assistantship. All international degree-seeking applicants are required to submit the results of an accepted test as evidence of English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.

Minimum Requirement Exceptions:

A student who does not meet one or more of the minimum admission requirements:

may qualify for limited status admission with support from the academic program and approval from the Graduate College.
may qualify for full status admission based on a master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college in the United States or a comparable graduate degree from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant.
may qualify for full status admission after completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours as a non-degree or graduate certificate student at the graduate level within the proposed academic major at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received a cumulative GPA that meets the department minimum for good standing.
may qualify for full status admission with support from the academic program and approval from the Graduate College if they have completed 10+ years of professional work experience in the field corresponding to the proposed academic major.

Financial Aid

Domestic students typically have greater access to financial aid options, including loans and certain scholarships. For information about student loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid. Note that self-supporting and cost recovery programs may not offer these financial aid options. Loans are available for Domestic Applicants only. In New Zealand, Fees Free is a fund designed for first-time tertiary learners in New Zealand. It may cover fees for one year of study or two years of work-based training, up to a certain amount. The fund is paid directly to your tertiary education organization, which could be a university, Te Pūkenga, a private training establishment, or a wānanga.

Tuition Fees

Domestic students generally pay lower tuition fees compared to their international counterparts. In New Zealand, holding a residence-class visa allows students to pay domestic fees, which are significantly lower than international fees.

Special Cases and Considerations

Several scenarios require careful consideration:

Undocumented Students

In the United States, undocumented students and those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status may be considered domestic applicants at some institutions, particularly regarding financial aid eligibility.

Permanent Residency Applications

International applicants who have filed for U.S. permanent residency but haven't received approval are generally still considered international students.

Online Programs

International students admitted to online programs may not be eligible for I-20 visas. They may only enroll in online programs at the University of Illinois if they maintain a non-student visa status that allows for study, or if the student plans to remain in his/her home country for the duration of the online program.

Duplicate Degrees Policy

An individual should not receive another degree for work that is substantially similar to the work used to complete a previous degree. Therefore, the Graduate College will generally not allow the awarding of a second graduate degree in an area in which a graduate degree at an equivalent level (master’s or doctoral) has already been earned. This rule applies to cases where the previous degree is from this university or from another institution. Requests for exceptions may be allowed in cases where it is clear that the student’s degree programs differ significantly. These decisions are made during the process of admission to the Graduate College or when a change of curriculum is requested.

Applying to Multiple Programs

Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to multiple programs of study should submit a separate application, application fee, and appropriate supporting materials for each graduate program. You will only need to create one online application account and can add multiple applications to this account. Please note that your application may be considered for multiple programs if your application is not selected for admission by your original proposed program. However, many departments require an additional application to be submitted before reviewing for additional programs.

Joint Programs of Study

If applying to a joint degree program for admission, you will be required to submit two online graduate applications. Each application has program-specific application questions and upload requirements, so an individual application for each program is required. In the online application, you will be able to select a Primary Program and a Secondary Program. You'll need to submit one application with Program A as your Primary Program, and another application Program B as your Primary Program. You application will be viewed by both academic programs, and you only need to pay one application fee. Regardless, a bachelor's degree is required.

Non-Degree Applicants

Requirements for non-degree applicants applying to a graduate program vary depending on the proposed program of study chosen. International non-degree enrollment is restricted and is generally only approved for students coming on a valid international exchange program that has been previously approved by the Graduate College. International non-degree exchange students will be required to request a Certificate of Eligibility Form DS-2019 to obtain a J-1 visa. International exchange students will be allowed to register upon arrival and check-in at the University, and must be enrolled in a full course of study. In most instances, F-1 visa holders are not permitted to enroll as a non-degree student. However, individuals on certain dependent or non-student visas, including J-1 Scholars, may enroll as a non-degree student.

Institutional Policies: A Closer Look

Different universities may have specific interpretations and policies regarding domestic student status. For instance, Stanford welcomes applicants from all around the world. International students are an integral part of our student body and contribute to a dynamic environment in which to learn and live. Members of our admission staff specialize in evaluating educational systems from countries around the world and will consider your application within the context of the resources available to you. We recognize the educational procedures within your school and country as well as cultural and regional differences. Regardless of citizenship, applicants are reviewed in the context and country where they attend high school.

Stanford considers permanent residents, and undocumented/DACA students as domestic applicants in our application process. For international citizens who indicate on their application that they will be applying for financial aid, that request will be a factor in our admission evaluation, making the process more selective.

Stanford is committed to meeting demonstrated financial need for all admitted students (regardless of citizenship) who have requested financial aid during the application process.

While there are no courses or minimum scores required to secure admission to Stanford, we recommend completing the necessary coursework to apply to a university program for a bachelor's degree in your home country or in the country you are currently studying in. You must also be in possession of a secondary school diploma (or your country’s equivalent) by the time you enroll in the fall.

Yes, transcripts and teacher recommendations must be translated into English. Original copies must also be submitted when applicable. Applicants cannot translate the documents themselves. We do not have a preference for a specific curriculum (A-Level, IB, AP, National, etc.). You should complete the necessary coursework to apply to a university program for a bachelor’s degree in your home country or in the country you are currently studying in.

Yes, the ACT or SAT is required. No, we do not require any English proficiency exams. If you would like to send us one, you are welcome to self-report your scores from any English proficiency exam. Generally, we receive English proficiency exam results from applicants whose native language is not English and/or the primary language of instruction at their secondary school is not English.

Bechtel International Center is Stanford's hub for international students and families. We do not have any exchange programs for undergraduates.

Prospective graduate applicants, including Law and MBA, will need to contact the specific department or program in which they are interested in to learn more about their specific application requirements.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission does not partner or work with paid agents or credentialing services.

Key Considerations for Applicants

Carefully review the specific definitions: Always consult the specific definitions provided by the institution to which you are applying.
Provide necessary documentation: Ensure you provide all required documentation to support your claim of domestic or international status.
Understand financial aid implications: Be aware of how your status affects your eligibility for financial aid and scholarships.
Clarify any uncertainties: If you are unsure about your status, contact the admissions office for clarification.

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