Financing Graduate Studies

OVERVIEW

There is generally more financial aid for students in the graduate level than in the undergraduate. Though the competition is very keen, financial aid is available for graduate study and research. Financial aid may come from either public or private institutions or private foundations and organizations. At a graduate level, students should apply for admission and financial aid directly to the department and department decides who will be accepted and awarded financial assistance. 

AID FROM US UNIVERSITIES
Although availability of financial assistance from university departments varies directly with the field, many foreign graduate students finance their U.S. education through assistantships. To locate likely sources of aid, first consult the Funding for United States Study guide avai9lable at your nearest EducationUSA advising center or online at www.fundingusstudy.org. General information about the program that you are interested in also includes information on the financial aid awarded by the department. Loans of work/study programs are not available to foreign students. Choose several institutions that offer assistantships and consult other references for further information.

FELLOWSHIPS
As a rule they are based on academic merit and generally have no teaching or research obligations. The department normally awards fellowships after the first year of study. Graduate fellowships may be modest, covering only tuition and fees, and monthly cash payments for maintenance. Fellowships do not usually cover the total cost of living and studying.

SCHOLARSHIPS
As a rule they are based on academic merit, generally require no repayment obligation and usually cover full or partial tuition.

ASSISTANTSHIPS
This is the most common form of financial aid at the graduate level. Assistantships are cash awards which require the performance of services related to the field of study, usually about 20 hours per week. Sometimes an assistantship carries with it a waiver or reduction of tuition. Awards may range from as little as $500 to as much as $17,000 (or effectively higher, if high tuition costs are waived) for an academic year. U.S. income tax must be paid on all forms of graduate financial assistance including assistantships. Competition for all types of assistantships is intense, since only limited numbers are available at any one institution.

Foreign applicants’ financial need is taken into consideration; the most important factor in selection is academic achievement and promise in the field of study. Practically all awards for graduate study are made one year at a time. Renewal is not automatic and depends on our performance and the availability of funds. There are several types of assistantships:

Teaching Assistantships

  • Based on academic qualifications, and preference is given to advanced students. In university departments with large numbers of undergraduates in introductory courses, teaching assistantships may be available, even for the first year of graduate study.
  • Teaching assistants work about 20 hours per week. They may supervise undergraduate laboratory classes, lead discussion groups or teach small classes. Students are usually paid a salary or stipend.
  • Increasingly, universities require that teaching assistants pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) before receiving a teaching assistantship. Often universities require teaching fellows to complete seminars which prepare them to teach in the US educational milieu. If you are interested in applying for teaching fellowship, mention any previous teaching experience you may have.

Research Assistantship

  • Based on academic qualifications and research interests are rarely given to first year students. A Research Assistant position involves performance of research services, about 20 hours per week, related to the field of study. The student is usually paid a salary or stipend.
  • Look for institutions that have grants in your field, and match your interests. Professors who are the principal researcher for grants in your area will often single out your application for funding, especially if you have proven research experience.

Administrative Assistantships

  • Based on need and academic qualifications. Some administrative offices of the university, such as the Foreign Student Advising Office, may offer administrative assistantships requiring work of 10-20 hours per week.
  • Apply for these through the Graduate Admissions Office rather than the department.

 

STRATEGIES FOR APPLICATION:

  • Start early - 18 months to two years is not too soon!
  • Use references to find institutions that closely match your specialty and grant programs or research grants that apply specifically to your field. Do not apply to programs just because they exist but because they match your interests and expertise.
  • Try to take standardized examinations as early as possible. TOEFL and GRE or GMAT is essential.
  • If you have published research, documented music performances, an art portfolio or other evidence of achievement, find a way to submit them as part of your application.
  • Ask your educational adviser to offer suggestions about your application and the documents that should accompany it.
  • Try to do everything that the university requests in its application procedure. If you cannot comply with a request, explain why and suggest alternatives.
  • Emphasize your academic and research achievements, your plans for your academic and research work, and your plans for the future. At the graduate level, the primary reason for awarding financial aid is merit, not need. Be honest and accurate about the level of your need, but place emphasis on your academic promise rather than your need for total funding.

Emphasize your academic and research achievements, your plans for your academic and research work, and your plans for the future. At the graduate level, the primary reason for awarding financial aid is merit, not need. Be honest and accurate about the level of your need, but place emphasis on your academic promise rather than your need for total funding.

The appearance of your application is important. Try to type or print neatly all information requested. Never send copies of letters, but send originals addressed to the appropriate person in the academic department or graduate admissions office.

 

AID FROM PRIVATE U.S. SOURCES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

  • Private U.S. agencies, foundations, business corporations and professional associations may award financial aid in the interest of furthering international exchange. International organizations such as United Nations, the Organization of American Studied and the Institute of International Education are other possible sources of financial aid. Since these institutions are large and complex, writing to eligible, and address the office indicated. Many foundation awards and grants are directed toward a particular group (e.g. women, irrigation engineers, children of journalists); you must read carefully to see whether you fit into any of the categories.
  • Greater foundation support is usually available for students in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Apply only for awards for which you match the specifications. For applied scientists and engineering, there are more opportunities for funding through research grants to university departments or to primary investigation based in universities than through foundation.
  • If an application requires a research or project proposal, pay particular attention to this step. If possible, have the proposal checked by a professional in your field who has worked in the United States.
  • Qualifying for an Award or Grant: To receive funds for research or study in the United States, you must often submit a carefully designed plan for your proposed research. As a rule, your proposal will be competing with those of other excellent scholars. It is not enough to state your qualifications by simply citing your diploma, your position or your experience.

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