University Life

Resources and Information for Students with Complex Immigration Statuses

Bentley University is committed to providing institutional support and resources to maintain an equitable and inclusive campus community. We understand that students with complex citizenship status often face challenges while navigating campus resources and financial support. To navigate these barriers, this resource page serves to support undocumented, refugee, DACA and other mixed-immigration status students.

Admission and Financial Aid

Bentley welcomes applicants regardless of citizenship status to its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Bentley offers academic scholarships to qualified students of all citizenship statuses. For more information on the application process, please visit our admission sites. 

Undergraduate Admission 

Graduate Admission 

International and undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, are not eligible for need-based institutional or federal student aid such as Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Direct Loans. However, students that hold certain other non-citizen statuses may be eligible for federal aid. For more information, visit Federal Financial Aid for Non-US Citizens. 

In January 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education launched the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). This form provides a way for certain students in Massachusetts—who are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to their immigration status—to apply for need-based state financial aid. Learn more about Massachusetts need-based aid through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.

External Scholarship Resources

College Scholarships.org: Use this financial aid database to search awards from corporations and nonprofit agencies.

Fastweb.com: Enter your strengths, interests and skills, and Fastweb will match you with scholarships that align with your profile.

Scholarships for Development: Find up-to-date listings of international scholarships open to students from developing countries.

Practical Resources

Driver’s Licenses: Eligible Massachusetts residents can apply to obtain a standard driver's license regardless of immigration status.

To make an appointment for a permit exam or a driver’s test, schedule it online at Mass.Gov/myRMV.  Proof of identity, proof of date of birth, and documents proving Massachusetts residency must be presented.  Proof of immigration status is not required. For the expanded list of acceptable documents, see Mass.Gov/WFMA.

Social Security Number: A Social Security number is required to work and receive compensation in the United States. Some noncitizens, such as DACA students, can be authorized to work in the United States by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and can get a Social Security number. Other non-US citizen students are ineligible for a Social Security number but are eligible to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if you need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but you are not eligible for a Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is U.S. citizenship required for admission to Bentley University?
    • No, Bentley admits students based on academic qualifications regardless of their immigration status.
  • If I discuss my undocumented status with a counselor in the financial aid office at my school, is the counselor required to report me to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?
    • No, financial aid counselors are not required to report undocumented students to ICE or USCIS.
  • Am I eligible for need-based financial aid?
    • Undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, are not eligible for need-based institutional or federal student aid such as Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Direct Loans. However, students that hold certain other non-citizen statuses may be eligible for federal aid. For more information visit Federal Financial Aid for Non-US Citizens.
    • Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid: In January 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education launched the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). This form provides a way for certain students in Massachusetts—who are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to their immigration status—to apply for need-based state financial aid. Learn more about Massachusetts need-based aid through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.
  • Do undocumented students with DACA status need to submit a FAFSA?
    • No, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required for undocumented students with DACA status.
  • What is Bentley’s policy regarding law enforcement on campus?
    • Bentley is committed to following federal and state laws while protecting the privacy rights of our students, faculty, and staff. For more information, please visit the University Police website.
  • Are undocumented or DACA students allowed to work on campus?
    • Any student who provides valid work authorization documents can work on campus.
  • What rights do undocumented or DACA students have?
    • Everyone has guaranteed rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. We encourage you to visit the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) website to learn more about your rights.