Check out the New Terrific Education USA website ~~ http://educationusa.state.gov

Submit a Question:

E-mail:

Ask question in another language:

Connect with EducationUSA
Become a Fan on Facebook • Follow us on Twitter • View our videos on YouTube

Find your advising center • Free download • Send this Link to a Friend

Question Archive: Financial Aid for Graduates

Total: 25. Pages: 1 2 3

Question: I am international student, would like to get admission in Masters in Computer Science. I want to know the Graduate unversity which has the high chances of providing funding to international students.

Answer: It will take some research on your part to find the right university for you as many offer scholarships to international students.

You may look at the following:

Murry State University

Special 12 Countries Graduate Student Scholarships

Murry, Kentucky

email: michael.basile@murrystate.edu

Web: www.murrystate.edu/iis/students/scholarships.htm

You can look at the websites listed in the "Graduate Funding" section under "Links on this website.

Question: I am a student in the final year of Dental school in Cairo University and i would like to continue my postgraduate studies and work in the united states for life. What are the requirements for continuing my education and can I work as a Dentist in the states with the egyption license for Dental career.

Answer: Every university has a different set of requirements for admission so I would suggest that you do a search for the universities that offer the program you are looking for and then find out what they require.

Attached is useful information for international applicants into graduate dental studies in the US with a short FAQ below from USIEF (India).

1. Can an international student transfer credits and get admission to a dental school in the US. If so, are there any exams must be taken? What are the other requirements?

There are a few U.S. Dental schools that accept international dental graduates into their programs for advanced standing. The advanced standing process allows individuals to be admitted into the dental curriculum and receive credit for previous educational experiences. Many U.S. dental schools accept international dental graduates for advanced standing by admitting them into the second or third year of the program. The DDS/DMD course is of a different duration in different schools. More often than not, students are placed in a separate class/ or are merged with the regular 4year DMD students. So eventually the program duration is between 2-3 years; depending on whether the student is placed in the second or third year (advanced standing)

The requirements vary from school to school. No one process exists to qualify internationally trained dentists seeking to study in the United States. One common requirement is that applicants must pass one or both parts of the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE). NBDE can be taken in the United States. To apply and for details visit: www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/natboard/index.asp . Attached is the list of Accredited Dental Education Programs That Offer Advanced Standing (available on the weblink: http://www.ada.org/prof/prac/licensure/us.asp )

In addition to the national board certification, State licensure may also be required in some cases.

2. Can an international student apply for a dental residency or its relevant equivalent once they have qualified? If so, any guide lines?

Yes, the student will be able to apply for residency/licensure once qualified, which is after completion of her BDS. Attached is a step-by step guideline for international applicants. This document is also available on the ADA website.

Also, one needs to be aware that: It is not essential to do a DDS to do a Post Graduate program. There are a few states, which allow international graduates with at least a 2 year ADA accredited specialty (PG) to practice in that state. However the practice is restricted to that state and that specific field only. If the student decides to move to a different state after a few years, he/she will need to have a DDS/ DMD to practice there. Note that, some specialty areas, such as oral surgery and Periodontics, require that dentists complete at least the last two years of professional study at a U.S. university and earn a first professional degree at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association.

Secondly, it is difficult to get into Post Graduate study directly for international students, though people do get in undoubtedly. The student either has to be phenomenal in academics or have some clinical experience. For details on licensure for international students you can check the link http://www.ada.org/prof/prac/licensure/us.asp

A vast majority of states require either graduation from, or at least two years of study at, an accredited pre-doctoral dental education program to enable graduates of dental schools in other countries to satisfy the educational requirements for licensure. Some states will accept completion of an advanced education program. For further information see the Summary of State Educational Requirements for International at: http://www.ada.org/prof/prac/licensure/licensure_state_requirements_intl.pdf

The advanced education programs available, are beyond the Pre-doctoral education level and are intended to provide proficiency in general dentistry (general practice residency (GPR), advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) and in the nine ADA-recognized dental specialties: dental public health, Endodontics, Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Attached is the list of schools that was available on the ADA website.

Please read the section on obtaining a visa in the "Useful Information" section on this website. You must indicate that you will return to your home country in most cases to obtain a student visa for the U.S.

Step-By-Step To U.S. Licensure For International Dental Graduates

Each state has its own requirements and application process. State licensure requirements are subject to change. It is very important to know the requirements in the state where you wish to become licensed prior to applying to an educational program to make sure it will meet the educational requirement. Likewise, it is important to verify which clinical licensing examinations are accepted by the state board before taking an exam. Contact the state boards of dentistry directly for this information. For contact information for the state boards of dentistry go to www.aadexam.org. Select “State Boards” and then “Administrators.” Some state board websites have online licensure applications.

Following is a brief summary of the steps involved for internationally-trained dentists to become licensed.

1. Determine the state(s) where you wish to obtain a license and contact the state board(s) of dentistry to obtain specific licensure requirements and a sample application.

2. Take the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) Part I administered by the ADA Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). The National Board Part I examination is a requirement for licensure, but it is also required for acceptance into an advanced standing/supplemental program. Some programs may also require Part II. As part of the application process for the NBDE, you will be required to have your credentials evaluated by the Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) to determine your eligibility for the examinations. Contact the ECE (1-414-289-3400; www.ece.org) or the ADA (www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/index.asp; 1-800-232-1694) for more information.

3. Apply to an accredited dental education program with advanced standing to earn a DDS or DMD degree, or to a supplemental or qualifying program that grants a certificate. Some schools offer an International Dentist Program (IDP), which is a separate program and different than advanced standing. Most IDPs also grant a DDS or DMD, but a few offer a certificate of completion, which may not be recognized by all licensing jurisdictions for the purposes of licensure.

4. Following the completion of the educational program, take the National Board Dental Examination Part II.

5. Take the appropriate clinical licensing examination administered by a state or regional clinical testing agency. Or, in New York licensure applicants must also complete a CODA-accredited postgraduate program that is at least one year in length; New York does not have a clinical examination requirement.

6. Request an application from the state board of dentistry where you wish to become licensed. Carefully review the application and identify and complete any additional requirements, such as completion of a course or test on local jurisprudence.

7. Apply for a license.

Question: I am a student in ILUNO program in U.S. now studying English but my major in my home country is Biotechnology. I would like a scholarship for studying a Master degree.

Answer: Please research the following:

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI Graduate Science and Engineering Programs

Graduate Studies and Enrollment Office

100 Institute Road

Worcester, Massachusetts 01609

Web: www.grad.wpi.edu

Email: gse@wpi.edu

There are many universities in the U.S. that offer funding for graduate study but it will take some research on your part.

Question: I will finish my study in business school in Egypt next June and would like to complete my study in the states, doing master degree or MBA ..but i need at least partial financial aid.. what can i do??

Answer: The following is not an MBA program but may be of some interest to you:

The Hubert H. Humphrey Program brings outstanding mid-career professionals from the developing world and societies in transition to the United States for one year. Fellows participate in a non-degree program of academic study and gain professional experience. Websites: http://exchanges.state.gov/globalexchanges/humphrey-fellowship.html and http://www.humphreyfellowship.org/

Institute of International Education (IIE)

Humphrey Fellowship Program

1400 K Street, NW, Suite 650

Washington, DC 20005

Email: ashimko@iie.org

Web: www.iie.org/hhh

Contact the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country regarding the application process

To find out about all phases of MBA program and to search for MBA programs please go to: www.mba.com.

There is funding available for Graduate students but you will have to do some research for the schools that may offer these funds. Following are some websites that may help you:

WEBSITES FOR GRADUATE FUNDING:

http://www.collegaboard.org/fundfinder/html

http://www.srnexpress.com

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com

http://www.studentservices.com

http://www.grantsnet.org

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.fdncenter.org

http://www.ssrc.org.fellowship.html

http://www.iaf.gov

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

RESEARCH GRANTS

http://www.iie.org.cies

http://www.national-academies.org

Question: I hold a Honours Degree in Management With Finance and have five years experience. I do know how to get a sholarship to study MBA in USA. Can you help me.

Answer: The following is not an MBA program but may be of some interest to you:

Grants for Professionals

Institute of International Education (IIE)

Humphrey Fellowship Program

1400 K Stret, NW, Suite 650

Washington, DC 20005

Email: ashimko@iie.org

Web: www.iie.org/hhh

Contact the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country regarding the application process

To find out about all phases of MBA program and to search for MBA programs please go to: www.mba.com.

There is funding available for Graduate students but you will have to do some research for the schools that may offer these funds.

Question: Hi,

What are the financing options available for International students?

Answer: How will have the greater chance forfunding?

OVERVIEW

Financial aid for foreign students studying in the USA is extremely limited. 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. Remember, that many schools want to internationalize their campuses. If a school has no students from your country, they may be willing to fund such a student to increase diversity.

Students will have a greater chance of obtaining financial assistance if they:

•Show evidence of high level of academic achievement;

•Have high standardized test scores (TOEFL, GRE, GMAT);

•Demonstrate financial need and/or have private funding to cover some of the cost. Financial need is not crucial for some awards at the graduate level;

•A field of study or teaching experience in a subject offered at the undergraduate level (opportunities for teaching assistantships);

•A field of specialization or research interest which parallels those of university's department and faculty or the private funding source (opportunities for research assistantships and grants).

2006-09-07 [09:25:00]. Edit | Delete

Aid from US universities: Fellowships, Scholarships, Assistantships

Although availability of financial assistance from university departments varies directly with the field-many foreign graduate students finance US education through assistantships. To locate likely sources of aid, first consult the Peterson 's Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs, available in the advising center. General information about the program that you are interested in also includes information on financial aid awarded by the department. Loans or 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. US 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 your performance and the availability of funds. There are several types of assistantships: Teaching, Research and Administrative.

The following was taken from our "Useful Information" section:

Financial Aid: Undergraduate Students

In searching for financial aid as an undergraduate, consider that the chances of gaining financial assistance are much better at the graduate level.

EXCHANGES

Most students from Eastern Europe and Eurasia who go to the United States to study as undergraduates still do so as exchange students usually for a single academic year or less. These exchanges are usually arranged between institutions for groups of students and it is difficult for individual students to arrange an exchange experience.

AID FROM US COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Most of the limited financial aid for undergraduates from US sources comes from colleges and universities themselves. In some cases students from abroad compete with American students for limited financial aid. The following types of financial aid are available at American colleges:

o MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIP is based on academic qualifications irrespective of need. The student has no work or repayment obligations.

o NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIP is based on financial need but usually in conjunction with academic achievement. The student has no work or repayment obligations.

o ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP is generally based on the athletic ability of the applicant but is not completely irrespective of academic performance.

o PART-TIME CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT -- the student is able to earn money by working on campus for a certain number of hours per week. Some schools require all students to take on-campus jobs, thereby reducing the overall cost of education at that university.

o COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS - allow students to alternate periods of full-time study with full-time work. When a period of employment is required for the degree, foreign students (except M-1 visa holders) can work legally to defray part of their expenses by participating in such a program. The work generally begins at the end of the sophomore year and adds one year to a 4-year degree. Cooperative programs that incorporate several short periods of employment alternating with periods of study usually do not admit foreign students; look for programs with one or two extended periods of employment. Whether or not cooperative work assignments actually pay a significant part of study cost varies from program to program.

o UNIVERSITY LOANS - Students receive loans, which must be repaid after graduation. Foreign students are not usually eligible for loans.

o ADVANCED STANDING If a student qualifies, s/he can apply for advanced placement at the institutions s/he wants to study at. This does not constitute financial aid in the true sense of the word but is a means of cutting down on costs of the program by reducing its duration (i.e.: a student needs to make up fewer credits to graduate).

o PART - TIME EMPLOYMENT ON CAMPUS After the first year of study, sometimes the International

Student Office can help foreign students find jobs on campus consisting of up to 20 hours per week. The position must not displace a US citizen or permanent resident. These jobs, however, do not pay high wages.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

o Students who have a greater chance of obtaining financial assistance usually:

o Show evidence of high academic achievement;

o Have high-standardized test scores (SAT, TOEFL);

o Demonstrate financial need, but have enough private funding to at least cover part of the cost. Only the most exceptional students could expect to get full financial support

o Have a unique talent or skill, or a record of meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities

o Obtain individualized letters of recommendation enumerating the students’ abilities

o Applying as a transfer student to finish your last 2 years may increase your chances for partial support. Some schools, however, do not provide any aid to international transfer students.

QUESTIONS to locate colleges and universities that may be able to give you at least partial financial support:

1. Are you an exceptionally good student? If you can document an excellent academic record and class ranking in your secondary school work, if you have a TOEFL score of above 600 in paper version or 250 in computer-based version and have a high SAT score, you may be able to qualify for admission to a college or university with very high admissions standards, that will offer funding to students who meet their admission requirements but are unable to pay the total cost of their education. If you think you can qualify for admission to one of these universities, read about applying for admission to highly competitive colleges in books at the advising center. The technique may require some special tactics to make your application stand out from all the other excellent students who apply. These are the institutions most likely to be able to stretch their financial aid programs to provide more than just partial support.

2. Are you an exceptionally good athlete or do you excel at other special skills? To take advantage of this strategy, you first need to know which universities or colleges have varsity teams in your sport and you need to consult references to see which universities actually give athletic scholarships. This may also apply to other special skills you may have, such as dancing or art. Options differ about how you should demonstrate your skill. If you send a video, be sure it is professionally made and of high quality. For art or music, you should be able to send examples of your work (portfolio).

3. Do you know a college or university that hopes to internationalize its campus but has a low representation from your part of the world? Usually colleges and universities that offer any financial aid to international students do so because they want superior students who will provide international breadth to the campus. Find such universities by consulting with students and professionals who have studied recently in the U. S. and by discussing this with your educational advisor. These are usually small liberal arts colleges or colleges with religious affiliations. Apply to the college or university that may be a good prospect and request financial aid with the application. Your academic record, however, must be excellent for this to be successful. No financial aid is available for English as a second language study: so you must have excellent English skills TOEFL 550-600 (paper) or 213-250 (computer) to be considered. But be sure to find out whether the college has your field of study and why they are interested in supporting students from other countries.

4. What institutions have given at least partial aid to first year foreign students in the past? You can answer this question by looking through reference books especially the College Board’s International Student Handbook. If an institution says “No” to the question about financial aid, however, don’t apply for financial aid. That means that the institution really has none to offer.

5. If you have partial funding of your own, are you willing to study at a community college for the first two years in order to establish your aptitude and reduce your costs, or are you willing to study at a less expensive university or college? Choosing an institution whose total cost is less than $12,000 per year rather than one that costs $24,000 represents an effective $12,000 scholarship. In general, you can stretch available funds much farther if you plan to spend at least the first two years at a less expensive institution, but be sure your credit hours will transfer.

6. Can you reduce the number of courses you need to take by taking Advanced Placement examinations or transferring courses from a home country institution? If previous education enables you to get US college credit for advanced placement examinations, you can reduce the time you spend in the United States.

Although US colleges and universities represent only a possible source or last resort for financial aid, you should not hesitate to apply for aid. Application for aid will not prejudice your chances of admission to a chosen program of study. On the other hand, since almost all scholarships cover only a part of the tuition, state the amount you do have available for study, if any, rather than asking for a full scholarship. It will greatly increase your chances of support.

Do not, however, understate the amount of funds needed in the expectation of later obtaining additional aid. If you do need a full scholarship, be sure to say so and to specify what types of expenses you will need to have covered. Opportunities for financial aid (including employment) are severely limited once you are already in the United States.

Once you figure out which schools you are interested in attending, search their websites to find what funding they may offer to international students.

Since you did not indicate whether you were a graduate or undergraduate student I am listing websites you can search for funding/scholarship information:

UNDERGRADUATE FUNDING

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com

http://www.srnexpress.com

http://www.collegeboard.com http://www.studentservices.com/search/major-search.cgi. http://www.bibl.u-szeged.hu/oseas/aid/html

WEBSITES FOR GRADUATE FUNDING:

http://www.collegaboard.org/fundfinder/html/ssrchtop.html

http://www.srnexpress.com

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com

http://www.studentservices.com/search/major-search.cgi

http://www.grantsnet.org

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.fulbright.com

http://www.fdncenter.org

http://www.ssrc.org.fellowsh.htm

http://www.iaf.gov

http://www.rotary.org

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

RESEARCH GRANTS

http://www.iie.org.cies

http://www.national-academies.org

I would encourage you to find an EducationUSA Educational Advisor in your area for further advice. To find an advisor please see the third paragraph above or go to the link from our home page.

Question: Please I want to find out the scholarship and grants available for Chemistry graduates?

Answer: Please research the following for Graduate programs:

Ball State University

www.bsu.edu/internationaladmit

Bard College

www.bard.edu/campus/international/applying

Idaho State University

www.isu.edu/iso/

Loyola University Chicago

www.luc.edu/finaid/graduate.shtml

Northeastern Illinois University

www.neiu.edu

Northern Illinois University

www.niu.edu/admissions.shtml

Please research the following for Post Doctorate programs:

Electrochemical Society

Oronzio de Nora Industrial Electrochemistry Fellowship

www.electrochem.org/awards

Human Frontier Science Program

www.hfsp.org

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

www.wpi.edu

Question: What financial aid is available for graduates - especially graduates intending to do a non-degree programme? I have already received a Fulbright Award but require extra funds to top it up to the required amount.

Answer: Hi,

Thank you for your question. I would suggest contacting the university you plan to attend to see if they have any further funds available.

Also you can contact the Fulbright center to see if they can help you further.

Fulbright House

62 Doughty Street

London

UNITED KINGDOM WC1N 2JZ

tel: 0901 488 0162

e-mail: education@fulbright.co.uk

website: www.fulbright.co.uk

Below are some websites you can search for funding:

WEBSITES FOR GRADUATE FUNDING:

http://www.collegeboard.org

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com

http://www.studentservices.com/search/major-search.cgi

http://www.grantsnet.org

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.fdncenter.org

http://www.ssrc.org

http://www.iaf.gov

http://www.rotary.org

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

RESEARCH GRANTS

http://www.iie.org.cies

http://www.national-academies.org

All the best to you.

Question: I would like to know the main steps to obtain Scholarships or Government Grants in the USA.

Answer: The following was taken from our "Useful Information" section:

Financial Aid: Undergraduate Students

In searching for financial aid as an undergraduate, consider that the chances of gaining financial assistance are much better at the graduate level.

EXCHANGES

AID FROM US COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

o MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIP is based on academic qualifications irrespective of need. The student has no work or repayment obligations.

o NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIP is based on financial need but usually in conjunction with academic achievement. The student has no work or repayment obligations.

o ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP is generally based on the athletic ability of the applicant but is not completely irrespective of academic performance.

o UNIVERSITY LOANS - Students receive loans, which must be repaid after graduation. Foreign students are not usually eligible for loans.

o PART - TIME EMPLOYMENT ON CAMPUS After the first year of study, sometimes the International

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

o Students who have a greater chance of obtaining financial assistance usually:

o Show evidence of high academic achievement;

o Have high-standardized test scores (SAT, TOEFL);

o Demonstrate financial need, but have enough private funding to at least cover part of the cost. Only the most exceptional students could expect to get full financial support

o Have a unique talent or skill, or a record of meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities

o Obtain individualized letters of recommendation enumerating the students’ abilities

o Applying as a transfer student to finish your last 2 years may increase your chances for partial support. Some schools, however, do not provide any aid to international transfer students.

QUESTIONS to locate colleges and universities that may be able to give you at least partial financial support:

Once you figure out which schools you are interested in attending, search their websites to find what funding they may offer to international students.

Since you did not indicate whether you were a graduate or undergraduate student I am listing websites you can search for funding/scholarship information:

WEBSITES FOR GRADUATE FUNDING:

http://www.collegaboard.org

http://www.srnexpress.com

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com

http://www.studentservices.com

http://www.grantsnet.org

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.fdncenter.org

http://www.ssrc.org.fellowship.htm

http://www.iaf.gov

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

RESEARCH GRANTS

http://www.iie.org.cies

http://www.national-academies.org

Question: Hi,

I am a Graduate in IT discipline from India. I would like to pursue my Masters degree in U.S.

Are there programs funded by Government of US/India for students for this purpose?

Answer: Hi,

Thank you for your question. We will do our best to help you in your search for information on studying in the U.S.A.

Please take the time to look under the "Useful Information" area of this websie under the "Graduate Funding" section to find information on government funded programs. Look for the entry on Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs which lists many programs. This information as you will see was taken from the following website: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/students/programs/connections/

Also please search the Fulbright website: http://www.iie.org/fulbright

All the best to you.