International Students: Master's Application Process Explained

International students can apply for master's programs, and many universities around the world welcome them. The application process for international students varies depending on the university and the country. For example, in the US, universities require international students to submit an online application, application fee, transcripts, English proficiency test scores, and letters of recommendation. In Germany, international students need to obtain a student visa and valid health insurance. International students can also apply for master's programs in France, but they must first complete a year of studies in the country as part of an initial training program. The requirements for applying to a master's program as an international student can be complex and vary significantly among countries and programs, so it is important to research the specific requirements for your desired university and country.

Application requirements

International students applying for a master's program will need to meet a set of requirements, which can vary across universities and countries. Here is a general overview of the typical application requirements for international students:

• Online Application Form: Most universities in the US and France allow international students to apply for master's programs online through their official websites.
• Application Fee: Many universities charge a fee for processing applications, which can range from 75 to 100 USD in the US. Some universities may offer fee waivers or assistance in specific circumstances.
• Transcripts and Credentials: You will need to submit transcripts or copies of academic records from all previously attended institutions of higher education. Some universities may require credential evaluation to determine if you meet their academic requirements.
• Standardized Test Scores: Many universities require scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). These tests assess your critical thinking, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning skills.
• English Proficiency Test Scores: If English is not your first language, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
• Letters of Recommendation: Some universities may require letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Research Statement: If you are applying for a professional master's program, you may be asked to submit a research statement expressing your academic interests and motivations.
• Interview: Interviews may be conducted for highly competitive courses or as part of the admissions process to assess your suitability for the program.
• Immigration and Visa Documents: If you are planning to study in a country that requires a student visa, such as the US, ensure you gather all the necessary immigration information and documents. You will typically need an acceptance letter from the university to apply for your student visa.
• Additional Documents: Some universities may request additional documents, such as writing samples, portfolios, or lists of patents, depending on the specific program requirements.

It is important to carefully review the requirements of each university and country you are applying to, as they can vary significantly. Starting your preparations early and creating a checklist will help ensure that you meet all the necessary application requirements.

Funding and scholarships

Funding your master's degree as an international student can be challenging, but there are many scholarship opportunities available to help you achieve your dream. Here is some information on funding and scholarships for international master's students:

Scholarships for International Master's Students:

• Chevening Scholarship: This scholarship is open to international students pursuing a master's degree in any subject in the UK. It covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare to the UK, and additional grants for essential expenses.
• Muhammad Bin Zaid University Scholarship (MBZUAI): The MBZUAI scholarship is available for master's and doctoral students and includes a 100% tuition fee waiver, a monthly stipend, accommodation, and other benefits.
• Hungary Government Scholarship: The Hungary Government offers scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, or PhD degrees at Hungarian universities.
• Yale University Scholarship: Yale offers a range of need-based scholarships for international students, with awards ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year. The average need-based scholarship at Yale is over $50,000.
• Turkey Government Scholarship: This scholarship is available for international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, or PhD studies. It includes a monthly stipend of up to 1600 TL, tuition fees, a return flight ticket, health insurance, and accommodation.
• Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship: The Government of Brunei Darussalam provides a monthly allowance of BND$ 650, accommodation, and tuition fee exemption for international students pursuing undergraduate and master's degrees.
• ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for master's students and offers a grant of CHF 11,000 per semester, as well as a tuition fee waiver.
• Ton Duc Thang University Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are fully funded and available for international master's and doctoral students. They cover full tuition and accommodation fees.
• Bangkok Government Scholarships: The Bangkok Government Scholarships are for international students pursuing master's or PhD degrees. They cover 100% of tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend of 16,000 Baht, which includes accommodation.
• University of Minnesota Fellowship: This scholarship is designed for international master's students and covers full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
• AAUW Fellowship Program: Offered by The American Association of University Women, this fellowship is open to international graduate and postgraduate students in any subject. It provides $18,000 to $30,000 per year, based on academic performance.
• ACI Foundation Scholarship: The ACI Foundation offers scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, PhD, or postdoctoral studies. The scholarship provides a $10,000–$15,000 educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials.
• Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program: This scholarship is for undergraduate and master's students and covers full tuition, a living allowance, travel, and health insurance. It is offered by top universities such as Stanford University, The University of Chicago, Harvard University, and The University of Pennsylvania.
• Rotary Peace Fellowships: These scholarships are available for international master's and PhD students and cover full tuition and living expenses.
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright Program is a prestigious scholarship opportunity that covers full tuition, a living stipend, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance for international master's and PhD students.
• Stanford University Scholarship: Stanford University offers a fully funded scholarship for international master's and PhD students, covering full tuition fees, travel allowance, living allowance, and academic expenses.
• USA: USA universities often provide a large number of scholarships for international students. Top universities in the USA offering scholarships include Yale University, Harvard University, Clark University, Boise State University, Berea College, and many more.
• UK: In addition to scholarships, the UK government provides financial assistance and funding schemes for international students.

Student visas

To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The most common student visas are:

• F-1 visas: For full-time international students pursuing academic studies.
• M-1 visas: For full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.
• J-1 visas: For foreign nationals who have been approved to take part in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.

To obtain a student visa, you must first apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the United States. If accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will then issue you a Form I-20, which you will need to present during your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.

It is important to note that your spouse and/or children who will live with you in the United States during your studies must also enrol in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and apply for visas (without paying the SEVIS fee).

Additionally, if you are an international student with an F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa, you may be eligible to work in the US. However, your work may be limited to on-campus jobs or positions related to your studies.

Standardized tests

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

The GRE is intended for students pursuing graduate studies in liberal arts-related fields, such as philosophy, sociology, literature, or psychology. The exam covers analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning, encompassing a range of skills, including English proficiency, writing, evaluation, analysis, and mathematics.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The GMAT is typically required for students applying to graduate business programs, such as a Master's in Accounting, Management, or International Business. The test assesses your data interpretation skills, verbal reasoning, and quantitative abilities. It measures your ability to analyze and interpret data, apply it to business scenarios, and showcases your digital and data literacy skills.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

If you are considering law school or a legal career, the LSAT is usually a prerequisite. The LSAT can be taken at test centers worldwide, with up to five dates available annually. It assesses your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The TOEFL exam is commonly required by US colleges and universities to ensure that international students possess adequate English proficiency to succeed in their academic programs. It evaluates your listening comprehension, structure and written expression, reading comprehension, and written English skills.

Other Standardized Tests

Depending on the specific program and institution, additional admissions tests may be required. These could include subject-specific exams, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for medical schools or the Dental Admission Testing Program (DAT) for dental schools. Some schools may also have their own locally developed tests or placement tests to determine the appropriate level of classes for incoming students.

It is important to note that standardized test requirements may be waived by some universities or colleges under certain circumstances. For example, if you graduated from a school where English was the primary language of instruction, you may be exempt from English proficiency tests. Work experience may also be considered in lieu of test scores by some institutions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with admissions officers at your universities of choice to understand their specific requirements and determine if any testing waivers may apply to your situation.

Application fees

Firstly, it is common for universities to charge a non-refundable application fee, typically paid by credit card or electronic check. For instance, the application fee for graduate programmes at the University of Texas is $65, payable via the MyStatus platform. This fee is applicable to both US citizens and international students. However, it is important to note that some universities, such as Yale, offer fee waiver opportunities for eligible applicants, regardless of citizenship status. These waivers are typically granted based on financial need, and applicants must provide relevant documentation to support their request.

In addition to the standard application fee, international students may also be required to submit proof of English language proficiency, which often entails taking standardised tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These exams usually incur registration or enrolment fees, which applicants should factor into their overall application costs. Furthermore, certain master's programmes may require additional standardised test scores, such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), particularly for fields like liberal arts, business, or accounting. While some universities may offer waivers for these tests under specific circumstances, they typically carry a fee that applicants should be prepared to cover.

The application process may also involve gathering and submitting various documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and personal statements. While these documents themselves may not incur fees, obtaining official transcripts or certified translations could entail additional costs. Additionally, some universities may request supplementary materials specific to the chosen field of study. For example, the MA in Communications and Digital Media at Pace University requires applicants to submit a portfolio of prior work.

Lastly, it is important for international students to consider the costs associated with visa applications and immigration procedures. Depending on the country of study, there may be significant visa fees, and students should familiarise themselves with the financial requirements and processes involved in obtaining the necessary visas to commence their studies. Overall, the application fees for international students applying to master's programmes can vary, and it is advisable to review the specific requirements and associated costs for each institution and programme of interest.

Frequently asked questions