The redesign also includes an international student and study abroad loan comparison tool as well as a blog which allows students and advisors to post their comments and questions with immediate feedback from experts.

“IEFA.org has helped countless students pursue an international education over the past 14 years,” said Keith Clausen, president of the site’s owner and operator Envisage International Corporation. “We wanted to ensure that it remains the most comprehensive, useful and targeted resource for international education financial aid and funding. With the redesign of the site and the addition of the loan comparison tool and blog, we think we have accomplished that objective.”

Envisage International says it has been promoted by NAFSA (the company is a global partner) and many schools are featuring it on their own sites since introducing the new look 11 April. The core of the site remains the listing of scholarships and grants to study for out-bound US students or for students interested in studying at US institutions.

Now was the perfect time for the redesign as both interest in study abroad and international education costs are on the rise

The site also features a loan comparison tool, designed specifically for international students, allows users to compare basic lender terms and apply right online.

The IIE 2011 Open Doors Report showed that international student enrolment increased 5.7% and US students studying abroad increased 3.9% over the previous year. Envisage International said now was the perfect time for the redesign as both interest in study abroad and international education costs are on the rise.

“Access to financial aid and other sources of funding remains the biggest obstacle to the continued growth of international education – both for international students coming to the US, and for US students going abroad,” said Clausen. “We feel a strong commitment to keep this important resource up to date, relevant and free for the next generation of international students.”