Citibank requires all international students to have a loan co-signer under the CitiAssist Loan program. No exceptions are permitted.

The co-signer must be a U.S. permanent resident or citizen who will accept responsibility for the loan in event of default. The co-signer can be a relative or any other person who has an acceptable credit record in the U.S.

You can apply for the CitiAssist Loan after you have received acceptance to your academic program. The University’s admissions office will provide you with information on how to apply for the CitiAssist Loan.

Citibank can normally finalize CitiAssist Loans within a few days of receiving the loan application and co-signer information.

Important Note:

When applying for your student visa, you are not permitted to use the CitiAssist Loan (even if it is approved in advance) as evidence that you or your sponsor can pay the initial amount due upon your arrival at the University. You must provide evidence that either you or a sponsor is able to pay this amount without the CitiAssist Loan. The U.S. immigration office does not recognize the loan as payment of your expenses until the funds are actually secured after registration.

Therefore you or your sponsor must (a) sign a sponsor's affidavit of support, and (b) provide a bank statement showing that you or the sponsor can pay the amount due upon your arrival at the University.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CitiAssist Loan:

How can I get a CitiAssist Loan without a co-signer?
Citibank makes no exceptions to their policy that requires a co-signer for all CitiAssist Loans to international students.

Can the co-signer be a person in my home country or someone in the U.S. who is not a permanent resident or citizen?
No. Citibank requires the co-signer to be a U.S. permanent resident or citizen.

When do I need to begin making monthly payments on the loan?
With the CitiAssist Loan program, you can begin making loan payments 6 months after you stop attending. Interest will accrue from the time the loan is issued.

Can I have a repayment term of less than 20 years?
Yes, you can a specify a shorter term at the time of taking out the loan, or change it to a shorter term later.

When can I apply for the CitiAssist Loan?
You can apply after you have been accepted to your academic program.

How do I apply for the CitiAssist Loan?
The University’s International Admissions office will provide you with information on how to apply for the CitiAssist Loan.

For more information about financial aid, please write to finaid@mum.edu or call (641) 472-1156.