<p>If you re-read the top portion, it’s pretty clear.</p>
<p>In other words, they don’t offer any money to non US residents and so you (in order to be considered for admission) must show/prove that you or someone else has the money to pay for the education. Having the money means, assets, loans, savings, cash. You must show proof of that with bank statements, letters from people who hold your money in trust (banks, brokers, parents…)</p>
<p>It means they want to know who is going to pay for your education and expenses. A letter of support is a statement by your parents or guardians guaranteeing you will have the money to go to Rice.</p>
<p>It is not from your parents -anyone could lie and say they had $50,000/yr. It must be from a bank official. The PP was right in saying that its needed to get a student visa.</p>