Savanna Hoffman
Funding your graduate education as an international student can be challenging. International students are often not eligible for federal loans or work-study programs and may not qualify for in-state tuition. However, there are several options available to help fund your graduate education. These include scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, on-campus employment, and personal or family funds. International students can also explore funding opportunities offered by their home countries or seek support from private organizations and institutions. Additionally, some countries offer graduate programs with low or no tuition fees. It is important to research the costs and funding opportunities available at your desired institutions and plan accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Personal funds | 60.7% of international graduate students in the U.S. in 2022-2023 used personal or family funds |
| Foreign government or university funds | 1.6% of international grad students in the U.S. in 2022-2023 relied on these |
| Foreign private sponsors | 0.5% of international grad students in the U.S. in 2022-2023 relied on these |
| On-campus employment | F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week and full time during breaks |
| Assistantships | May cover part of tuition and include a stipend for personal expenses |
| Fellowships | May be awarded by grad schools, specific academic programs, or outside organizations |
| Loans | Available from private organizations or institutions, but research rates and terms |
| Scholarships | Offered by governments, universities, private corporations, and foundations |
| Grants | Available from foundations, private companies, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations |
| Country-specific opportunities | e.g. EU residents get free tuition in other EU countries |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, grants, and loans
Scholarships and Grants:
Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, financial need, or both, and they can cover tuition, housing, and other expenses. International students can explore the following options:
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other means of financial support. It is a 50% grant and 50% loan.
- The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing graduate degrees in the USA, prioritizing those committed to advancing women and girls.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change.
- The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries applying for development-related Master's programs.
- The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers scholarships for doctoral international students committed to peace and conflict resolution.
- The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women pursuing graduate degrees in the USA.
- MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students through its Global Citizen Scholarship Program.
- Foreign Fulbright Student Program: Scholarships for graduate students worldwide to study in the USA.
Additionally, some universities, such as Harvard and Yale, offer need-based financial aid for international students. Graduate students can also apply for assistantships, which may cover part of their tuition and include stipends for personal expenses.
Loans:
International students may also consider taking out loans from private organizations or institutions to fund their graduate education. It is essential to thoroughly research and compare interest rates, repayment terms, loan maximums, and fees offered by various lenders to secure the best loan option. The Organization of American States, for example, offers interest-free loans to students from Latin American and Caribbean countries to finance their graduate studies in the United States.
Other Opportunities:
In addition to scholarships, grants, and loans, international students can explore on-campus employment opportunities, such as tutoring or resident assistant positions, to earn extra money for school. F-1 visa holders in the United States, for instance, can work up to 20 hours per week alongside their classes.
Scholarship Search Platforms:
Finding the right scholarship can be challenging, but several platforms provide comprehensive listings of scholarships, grants, and loans for international students:
- IEFA: A comprehensive database of scholarships and grants for international students.
- InternationalStudent.com: Features schools actively seeking international students and provides state-by-state guides for studying in the USA.
- International Scholarships: Lists grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other funding information for studying abroad.
- EduPASS: Offers a searchable database of grants, scholarships, and loan programs, along with a glossary of terms related to student financial aid.
- Fastweb: Provides access to 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion, allowing students to create profiles and track their applications.
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Assistantships and on-campus jobs
Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are salaried student employment opportunities for graduate students. Graduate assistants work a set number of hours per week and, in return, receive a tuition waiver and, often, a monthly living stipend. Assistantships are professional positions that allow students to build skills that employers seek. They also give students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in their respective fields, build their CVs, and network with experts in their fields.
There are three types of graduate assistantships:
- Research assistantships: Graduate research assistants help professors or faculty members with teaching, class preparation, and research.
- Teaching assistantships: Teaching assistants are assistants to professors, helping them with work outside of conducting classes, such as teaching classes when the professor is not present.
- Administrative assistantships: Administrative assistants work in an administrative capacity with a member of the faculty or school coach.
To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, you must be admitted to one of the graduate programs at the university and be proficient in the English language. Research experience and knowledge of the field are also desirable. You can apply for a graduate assistantship when you apply for your university, but you will only get the job once you finish your first semester.
On-campus jobs
On-campus jobs are another way for international students to fund their graduate education. Students on F-1 visas are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week on campus and can work full time during school holiday breaks. On-campus jobs can include tutoring, resident assistant positions, or other employment opportunities advertised by the university.
To find on-campus work opportunities, students can contact prospective programs to inquire about available positions. It's important to note that each institution has unique policies and procedures regarding on-campus employment for international students.
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Fellowships and stipends
University Fellowships and Stipends
Some universities provide a list of fellowships that international students can apply for. For example, the Graduate Studies Office at the California Institute of Technology offers external fellowships for international students.
The University of Texas at Austin offers 10 dissertation fellowships and up to 50 postdoctoral fellowships for projects that require substantial on-site use of its collections. The fellowships cover research in all areas of the humanities, including literature, photography, film, art, music, and cultural history. They also offer 1-3 month fellowships for independent scholars, travel stipends, and dissertation fellowships.
The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, in partnership with the Obama Foundation, offers the Obama Foundation Scholars Program. This program provides a full scholarship that covers tuition, expenses, a living stipend, funding for books and course materials, medical insurance, housing, and unique out-of-the-classroom experiences.
External Fellowships and Stipends
External fellowships and grants are offered by foundations, private companies, governmental entities, and nonprofit organisations. For example, the Whitaker International Program supports grantees in their projects and encourages them to engage in policy work and propose industry projects.
The Fulbright Program brings citizens of other countries to the United States for Master's or Ph.D. study. Foreign students can apply for Fulbright Fellowships through the Fulbright Commission/Foundation or the U.S. Embassy in their home countries.
The Qualcomm Innovation Fellowships in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are open to teams of two students from a variety of top US-based and international schools. Students submit a proposal on an innovative idea of their choice, and finalists present their proposals to a panel of executive judges.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Scholarships provide financial support to scholars in doctoral programs in the natural sciences or engineering.
The DeKarman Fellowships are open to students in any discipline, including international students, who are currently enrolled in a university or college in the United States.
The American Association for University Women – International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. The fellowships support both graduate and postgraduate studies.
Other Sources of Funding
In addition to fellowships and stipends, international students can also consider the following options to fund their graduate education:
- Foreign government or foreign university funds: In the 2022-2023 academic year, 1.6% of international graduate students relied on this source of funding.
- Foreign private sponsors: 0.5% of international graduate students relied on this in the 2022-2023 academic year.
- On-campus employment: F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full time during school breaks.
- Personal or family funds: This was the primary source of funding for 60.7% of international graduate students in the US in 2022-2023.
- Student loans: The Organization of American States offers interest-free loans to students from Latin American and Caribbean countries.
- Assistantships: Graduate students may have the opportunity to teach or do part-time research with university faculty, which can cover part of their tuition and provide a stipend.
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Home-country assistance
International students can face challenges when trying to fund their graduate education, especially as they cannot receive federal student aid. However, home-country assistance can be a great way to help pay for grad school.
Funding by your home country's government or other organizations is an option for covering the costs of graduate education. For example, the Organization of American States, an international organization based in Washington, DC, offers interest-free loans to students from Latin American and Caribbean countries through the Rowe Fund program. However, such funding may come with a condition to return to your home country to work after graduation.
International students can also receive funding from their home country's universities. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 1.6% of international graduate students in the US relied on foreign university funds.
Additionally, scholarships, grants, and loans from private organizations or institutions in your home country can provide financial assistance. These may be targeted at students from specific regions or countries who meet certain criteria. It is important to thoroughly research and compare the rates and terms offered by various loan providers to secure the best loan for your needs.
Finally, your home country's government or universities may provide information and resources to help international students find funding opportunities. For example, International Scholarships provides a list of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other information for students studying abroad.
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Budgeting and cost-saving measures
Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities:
Firstly, explore scholarship opportunities offered by your home country or government. Many countries provide scholarships for their citizens wishing to study abroad. For instance, the Malaysian government and private corporations offer scholarships for students who secure offers from foreign universities. These scholarships are typically fully funded but may require recipients to work for the sponsoring entity after graduation. Additionally, look out for scholarships offered by global institutions and international foundations. These scholarships can be highly competitive and may be tied to specific programs or fields of study.
University-Specific Scholarships and Assistantships:
Universities often provide scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships for international graduate students. These opportunities can be merit-based, need-based, or both. Some universities, like the California Institute of Technology, provide lists of fellowships that international students can apply for. Assistantships typically involve working with university faculty in research or teaching and can cover part of your tuition and provide a stipend for personal expenses.
External Fellowships and Grants:
External fellowships and grants offered by foundations, private companies, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations are another great way to fund your graduate education. For example, the Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students worldwide to study in the USA. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage for students from developing countries pursuing development-related Master's programs.
On-Campus Employment:
On-campus employment can be a valuable source of income during your graduate studies. F-1 visa holders in the US, for instance, can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during school breaks. On-campus jobs can include tutoring, resident assistant positions, or working with professors.
Personal and Family Funds:
According to the Institute of International Education, in the 2022-2023 academic year, 60.7% of international graduate students in the US relied primarily on personal and family funds. While this option may not be feasible for everyone, it is worth considering the financial support you or your family can contribute before taking on loans.
Student Loans:
When considering student loans, thorough research is essential. Compare interest rates, repayment terms, loan maximums, and fees offered by various lenders, including private organizations and institutions in your home country. Seek advice from a financial advisor to ensure you make an informed decision.
Remember, budgeting and cost-saving measures will depend on your personal circumstances and the country in which you plan to pursue your graduate education. It is crucial to start planning early and explore a combination of these options to fund your graduate studies successfully.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to fund your graduate education as an international student in the US:
- Scholarships: Check for scholarships offered by your home country or government for students studying abroad. Alternatively, look for scholarships offered by the US university or program you're applying to.
- Assistantships: Graduate students may be able to teach or do part-time research with university faculty, which can sometimes come with a stipend.
- Work on campus: F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during school breaks.
- Loans: Consider taking out a loan from a private organization or institution, but be sure to research and compare interest rates and terms.
Here are some options for funding your graduate education outside the US:
- Consider studying in a country with low or no tuition fees, such as Norway.
- Research universities that offer scholarships for international students.
- Look into external fellowships and grants offered by foundations, private companies, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations.
- Check with your local Ministry of Education, educational loan centers, or the embassy of the country you plan to study in for any scholarship opportunities.
Some online resources that can help international students find funding for graduate education include:
- International Scholarships: A listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other funding information.
- EduPASS: A student guide for international students studying in the US with a glossary of financial aid terms.
- Fastweb: Provides access to 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion. Students can create a profile and track their applications.
