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Question Archive: Financial Aid for Graduates

Total: 24. Pages: 1 2 3

2012-01-08 [08:43:43]
Question: hello, my name is madonna i just graduated from the faculty of science ain shams university Egypt, (microbiology/chemistry department ) with grade very good 82.3 % and i would like to know if there is any available and free scholarship in Europe or the USA for me, in the microbiology or chemistry field, i do speak french too. thanks and best regards

Answer: Hi,

Thank you for your question. We can only give you information on study in the U.S.

There are definite funding opportunities for international students at the Graduate level. Each university is different in their requirements and cost and it will take some research on your part to find the right one for you. Search to see what the universities you are interested in offer as well as looking for outside sources. See search engines below.

How to apply to US Graduate Schools

U.S. Graduate Schools are all independent, and each sets its own requirements for admission. Within each school individual programs may often have different requirements. These guidelines are written to assist you in your search for graduate education. It is advisable to start this process approximately one to one-and-a-half year(s) before you hope to begin studies.

In the U.S.; the American academic year begins late August or early September, and students should generally request admission for this (autumn or fall) term.

Obtain information about institutions that offer the program you want to pursue. Use reference guides, such as Peterson's Guide and the Directory of Graduate Programs, to locate specific institutions that offer the program at the degree level (Master's or Doctorate) you are seeking.

Write directly to the Graduate Admissions Offices of the institutions to obtain information and applications. Indicate the major academic area of interest to you.

Write to the academic department of the university. Carefully print your name and address on all such inquiries. Stress field of specialization, professional background, reasons for choosing particular faculty and ask for information on financial aid possibilities. You do not need the name of the department chairman or a professor to obtain an application. Advise each office that you have contacted the other.

Read thoroughly all materials received to determine whether the program you want is offered; whether you appear to meet the minimum academic requirement; if you require financial assistance, whether it is available for your proposed programs; and whether you can meet the application deadlines.

Apply to more than one institution. U.S. institutions receive many applications and often cannot accommodate all qualified applicants. You may decide which institution to attend after you have received your admission offers.

Complete the admission application carefully and legibly. Always give your name in exactly the same way on the application and in all correspondence. If some of your records are under a different name, be sure you indicate that on the application. Complete all items on the application and submit all items requested. If an application fee is required, submit the appropriate amount in U.S. currency with your application. Most institutions will not process your application without the fee.

You would next request official academic records both in the native language and in English translation. Official documents must bear the seal of the school and authorized signature. Photocopies are not usually acceptable unless they are officially attested as exact copies of the original. Records should be submitted for all post-secondary schools attended and should provide a list of courses taken, yearly examination results, and conferral of degrees.

If your native language is not English, register as early as possible for an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL or IELTS and request that testing service forward your scores to the institutions to which you are applying.

Register for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or other tests if required by the program/institution to which you are applying.

Then request letters of recommendation as required by the program/institution that should generally be written by professors with whom you have studied.

Submit verification of scholarship or other financial support.

Note the deadlines for application given in the institutional information you receive. Different institutions/programs have different deadlines. Allow time for mail delays, application consideration, and for obtaining passport and visa when you are admitted. Apply early. Stated application deadlines are generally the final date for receipt of applications and all supporting credentials. Additional time is required to process applications from international students.

Allow 6-8 weeks after your application is submitted to an institution to receive their admission decision. Many schools and departments, however, send admission offers only in March and April. It is courteous to notify an institution if you will not be accepting their offer of admission.

Send all requests, applications, and credentials airmail.

Remember: A Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) cannot be issued until you have been admitted, your level of English proficiency has been determined (and additional training arranged if necessary) and your funding has been established as a sufficient amount to meet the institution's expenses. A Certificate of Eligibility is valid only for study in the institution that issued it - and only for the dates of the course of study.

If you have questions about a program of study or your application status, do not hesitate to write for more information.

UNIVERSITY SEARCH

http://colleges.fastweb.com/

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/

http://www.embark.com/

http://www.collegeboard.com

http://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx

http://www.usnews.com/education

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/

http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/

http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/app

http://www.collegesource.org/home.asp

http://www.allschoolsandlearning.com/

http://www.gradschools.com/

http://www.cgsnet.org

http://www.mba.com/

Community Colleges

http://www.utexas.edu/world/comcol/state/

FUNDING SEARCH

http://www.embark.com/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/tp2/cnc/login.do

http://www.internationalscholarships.com/

http://www.edupass.org/finaid/databases.phtml

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com/mach25/app

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/finance/index.htm

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/Fellowships/PGA_046300

http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/funding

http://www.iaf.gov/Home.aspx

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.iie.org/cies

Aid from US Universities: Fellowships, Scholarships,

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

Availability of financial assistance from university departments varies directly with the field. Many foreign graduate students finance US education through 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.

To locate likely sources of aid, first consult the Peterson 's Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs: http://www.petersons.com. General information about the program that you are interested in also includes information on financial aid awarded by the department. Choose several institutions that offer assistantships and consult other references for further information.

We suggest you search our Education USA website which contains abundant information regarding study in the U.S. including search engines. http://educationusa.info. Please go to the "For International Students" section on the EducationUSA website and click "Finance Your Studies".

You may wish to contact an EducationUSA advising center in your country. To find an educational advising center in your area please search the following website: http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php

All the best to you.

2011-12-10 [05:37:16]
Question: I have a close contact to LCI center and they will give me University of Colorado Colorado springs admission after I take English trainings there. but to apply to LCI training, I shall find sponsor to attend my class at UCCS, Can I get any funding to my course?

Answer: Hello!

Thank you for your question. We recommend that you visit the EducationUSA website at www.educationusa.info which includes detailed information about financing your education in the U.S. Please go to the "For International Students" section on the EducationUSA website and click "Finance Your Studies." You will find the answers to your questions there and also some excellent search engines that may help you locate scholarship/financial aid opportunities.

Many universities offer scholarships to international students so ask the LCI center if they offer any funding.

We suggest you contact an EducationUSA advising center. They may have information on scholarship opportunities and will be able to give you detailed information about studying in the U.S. and financial aid for international students. To find an EducationUSA advising center on the above website click "Find an EducationUSA Advising Center" go to: http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php

All the best!

2011-12-10 [05:34:29]
Question: Is it possible for an international Ph.D applicant to be offered multiple Financial Aids including RAs, from different US universities, while the student has already accepted an offer from other University?

If No, is it the only solution, to cancel acceptance of the former offer?

Answer: Hi,

You may receive many offers but the one you choose is a personal decision entirely up to you, we cannot advise you on which one to accept.

We recommend that you visit the EducationUSA website at www.educationusa.info which includes detailed information about financing your education in the U.S. Please go to the "For International Students" section on the EducationUSA website and click "Finance Your Studies." You will find the answers to your questions there and also some excellent search engines that may help you locate scholarship/financial aid opportunities.

Many universities offer scholarships to international students and the opportunities may be greater on the graduate level.

You can also check with an EducationUSA advising center. They will be able to give you detailed information about studying in the U.S. and financial aid for international students. To find your local advising center on the above website click "Find an EducationUSA Advising Center" go to: http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php

All the best!

2011-12-10 [05:30:26]
Question: I am currently 5th year bachelor degree in information technology from Mekelle institutes of technology,Ethiopia. I want

to earn master degree in one of US universities but i don't know on how to write a request waiver letter or

letter for asking a financial aid. please send me

sample on that.

Answer: Hi,

Thank you for your question. There are definite funding opportunities for international students at the Graduate level. We suggest you contact the nearest EducationUSA Advising center for help with your request. To find an educational advising center in your area please search the following website: http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php

We also suggest you search our Education USA website which contains abundant information regarding study in the U.S. including search engines. http://educationusa.info. Please go to the "For International Students" section on the EducationUSA website and click "Finance Your Studies".

Each university is different in their requirements and cost and it will take some research on your part to find the right one for you. Search to see what the universities you are interested in offer as well as looking for outside sources. See search engines below.

How to apply to US Graduate Schools

U.S. Graduate Schools are all independent, and each sets its own requirements for admission. Within each school individual programs may often have different requirements. These guidelines are written to assist you in your search for graduate education. It is advisable to start this process approximately one to one-and-a-half year(s) before you hope to begin studies.

In the U.S.; the American academic year begins late August or early September, and students should generally request admission for this (autumn or fall) term.

Obtain information about institutions that offer the program you want to pursue. Use reference guides, such as Peterson's Guide and the Directory of Graduate Programs, to locate specific institutions that offer the program at the degree level (Master's or Doctorate) you are seeking.

Write directly to the Graduate Admissions Offices of the institutions to obtain information and applications. Indicate the major academic area of interest to you.

Write to the academic department of the university. Carefully print your name and address on all such inquiries. Stress field of specialization, professional background, reasons for choosing particular faculty and ask for information on financial aid possibilities. You do not need the name of the department chairman or a professor to obtain an application. Advise each office that you have contacted the other.

Read thoroughly all materials received to determine whether the program you want is offered; whether you appear to meet the minimum academic requirement; if you require financial assistance, whether it is available for your proposed programs; and whether you can meet the application deadlines.

Apply to more than one institution. U.S. institutions receive many applications and often cannot accommodate all qualified applicants. You may decide which institution to attend after you have received your admission offers.

Complete the admission application carefully and legibly. Always give your name in exactly the same way on the application and in all correspondence. If some of your records are under a different name, be sure you indicate that on the application. Complete all items on the application and submit all items requested. If an application fee is required, submit the appropriate amount in U.S. currency with your application. Most institutions will not process your application without the fee.

You would next request official academic records both in the native language and in English translation. Official documents must bear the seal of the school and authorized signature. Photocopies are not usually acceptable unless they are officially attested as exact copies of the original. Records should be submitted for all post-secondary schools attended and should provide a list of courses taken, yearly examination results, and conferral of degrees.

If your native language is not English, register as early as possible for an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL or IELTS and request that testing service forward your scores to the institutions to which you are applying.

Register for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or other tests if required by the program/institution to which you are applying.

Then request letters of recommendation as required by the program/institution that should generally be written by professors with whom you have studied.

Submit verification of scholarship or other financial support.

Note the deadlines for application given in the institutional information you receive. Different institutions/programs have different deadlines. Allow time for mail delays, application consideration, and for obtaining passport and visa when you are admitted. Apply early. Stated application deadlines are generally the final date for receipt of applications and all supporting credentials. Additional time is required to process applications from international students.

Allow 6-8 weeks after your application is submitted to an institution to receive their admission decision. Many schools and departments, however, send admission offers only in March and April. It is courteous to notify an institution if you will not be accepting their offer of admission.

Send all requests, applications, and credentials airmail.

Remember: A Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) cannot be issued until you have been admitted, your level of English proficiency has been determined (and additional training arranged if necessary) and your funding has been established as a sufficient amount to meet the institution's expenses. A Certificate of Eligibility is valid only for study in the institution that issued it - and only for the dates of the course of study.

If you have questions about a program of study or your application status, do not hesitate to write for more information.

UNIVERSITY SEARCH

http://colleges.fastweb.com/

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/

http://www.embark.com/

http://www.collegeboard.com

http://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx

http://www.usnews.com/education

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/

http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/

http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/app

http://www.collegesource.org/home.asp

http://www.allschoolsandlearning.com/

http://www.gradschools.com/

http://www.cgsnet.org

http://www.mba.com/

Community Colleges

http://www.utexas.edu/world/comcol/state/

FUNDING SEARCH

http://www.embark.com/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/tp2/cnc/login.do

http://www.internationalscholarships.com/

http://www.edupass.org/finaid/databases.phtml

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com/mach25/app

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/finance/index.htm

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/Fellowships/PGA_046300

http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/funding

http://www.iaf.gov/Home.aspx

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.iie.org/cies

Aid from US Universities: Fellowships, Scholarships,

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

Availability of financial assistance from university departments varies directly with the field. Many foreign graduate students finance US education through 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.

To locate likely sources of aid, first consult the Peterson 's Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs: http://www.petersons.com. General information about the program that you are interested in also includes information on financial aid awarded by the department. Choose several institutions that offer assistantships and consult other references for further information.

All the best to you.

2011-11-17 [08:03:03]
Question: I'm studying Bacholar of Accounting in VANDA INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTING.I would like to study MA when I finish Bacholar in Cambodia.what should I do if I'd like got scholarship.My English writing,speaking and listening is not good.

Answer: Hi,

Thank you for your question. You must be proficient in the English language to study in the U.S. All classes are taught in English and it would be difficult to keep up if you are having trouble understanding the language. Below is some information on English language programs:

Following are some free websites where you can study English on your own.

Learning English the Web Way: free website from the U.S. Department of Education

http://theboard.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/learning-english-the-web-way/

USA Learns is a free website from the U.S. Department of Education that helps people learn to speak and write English.

The Web site, launched this month at www.usalearns.org, is not a perfect substitute for an abundance of amply funded, not-overcrowded English as a Second Language (E.S.L.) classes. But it's a good start: www.usalearns.org

www.teacherjoe.us/index.html

This website is a popular, free resource for English grammar,

speaking, reading, and writing; it also contains links to other helpful websites.

ETS LAUNCHES TOEFL(R) TV CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE(R)

Heard about the new resource for students learning English? Check out TOEFL(R) TV - the new official TOEFL channel just launched in March on YouTube(R).

TOEFL TV provides tips from teachers and other students on improving English-language skills; video testimonials from universities and other TOEFL-accepting institutions on why they use the TOEFL(R) test;and student videos sharing test preparation tips.

TOEFL TV can be found at www.youtube.com/TOEFLtv.

YouTube users can add videos to the TOEFL TV channel, following review and approval by ETS.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE WEBSITES

Check out these websites featuring English

as a Second Language:

http://esl.about.com/library

This site contains resources and practical help and exercises for learning and practicing English.

www.esl.cafe.com

This site is one of the first ESL websites, and one of the best. Check this site for exercises, chat groups, exercises, links for jobs, etc.The discussion forums include members from all over the world, and everyone is practicing English. Take part and make some new friends!

http://englishclub.com/index.htm

On this website you will find many resources and a lot of interesting information that can help you learn and practice English.

www.englishtest.com

Here you can find short practice tests for nearly every English skill.Although many of the resources are free, many require payment, so select what you want to practice carefully.

If you wish to see if there are any universities that offer funding for English Language programs search for a university that offers the course you would like to study and check to see if they offer scholarships.

English Language Program websites:

http://www.aaiep.org/

http://www.uciep.org

Once your English is better you can consider the following:

There are definite funding opportunities for international students at the Graduate level. Each university is different in their requirements and cost and it will take some research on your part to find the right one for you. Search to see what the universities you are interested in offer as well as looking for outside sources. See search engines below.

How to apply to US Graduate Schools

U.S. Graduate Schools are all independent, and each sets its own requirements for admission. Within each school individual programs may often have different requirements. These guidelines are written to assist you in your search for graduate education. It is advisable to start this process approximately one to one-and-a-half year(s) before you hope to begin studies.

In the U.S.; the American academic year begins late August or early September, and students should generally request admission for this (autumn or fall) term.

Obtain information about institutions that offer the program you want to pursue. Use reference guides, such as Peterson's Guide and the Directory of Graduate Programs, to locate specific institutions that offer the program at the degree level (Master's or Doctorate) you are seeking.

Write directly to the Graduate Admissions Offices of the institutions to obtain information and applications. Indicate the major academic area of interest to you.

Write to the academic department of the university. Carefully print your name and address on all such inquiries. Stress field of specialization, professional background, reasons for choosing particular faculty and ask for information on financial aid possibilities. You do not need the name of the department chairman or a professor to obtain an application. Advise each office that you have contacted the other.

Read thoroughly all materials received to determine whether the program you want is offered; whether you appear to meet the minimum academic requirement; if you require financial assistance, whether it is available for your proposed programs; and whether you can meet the application deadlines.

Apply to more than one institution. U.S. institutions receive many applications and often cannot accommodate all qualified applicants. You may decide which institution to attend after you have received your admission offers.

Complete the admission application carefully and legibly. Always give your name in exactly the same way on the application and in all correspondence. If some of your records are under a different name, be sure you indicate that on the application. Complete all items on the application and submit all items requested. If an application fee is required, submit the appropriate amount in U.S. currency with your application. Most institutions will not process your application without the fee.

You would next request official academic records both in the native language and in English translation. Official documents must bear the seal of the school and authorized signature. Photocopies are not usually acceptable unless they are officially attested as exact copies of the original. Records should be submitted for all post-secondary schools attended and should provide a list of courses taken, yearly examination results, and conferral of degrees.

If your native language is not English, register as early as possible for an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL or IELTS and request that testing service forward your scores to the institutions to which you are applying.

Register for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or other tests if required by the program/institution to which you are applying.

Then request letters of recommendation as required by the program/institution that should generally be written by professors with whom you have studied.

Submit verification of scholarship or other financial support.

Note the deadlines for application given in the institutional information you receive. Different institutions/programs have different deadlines. Allow time for mail delays, application consideration, and for obtaining passport and visa when you are admitted. Apply early. Stated application deadlines are generally the final date for receipt of applications and all supporting credentials. Additional time is required to process applications from international students.

Allow 6-8 weeks after your application is submitted to an institution to receive their admission decision. Many schools and departments, however, send admission offers only in March and April. It is courteous to notify an institution if you will not be accepting their offer of admission.

Send all requests, applications, and credentials airmail.

Remember: A Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) cannot be issued until you have been admitted, your level of English proficiency has been determined (and additional training arranged if necessary) and your funding has been established as a sufficient amount to meet the institution's expenses. A Certificate of Eligibility is valid only for study in the institution that issued it - and only for the dates of the course of study.

If you have questions about a program of study or your application status, do not hesitate to write for more information.

UNIVERSITY SEARCH

http://colleges.fastweb.com/

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/

http://www.embark.com/

http://www.collegeboard.com

http://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx

http://www.usnews.com/education

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/

http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/

http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/app

http://www.collegesource.org/home.asp

http://www.allschoolsandlearning.com/

http://www.gradschools.com/

http://www.cgsnet.org

http://www.mba.com/

Community Colleges

http://www.utexas.edu/world/comcol/state/

FUNDING SEARCH

http://www.embark.com/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/tp2/cnc/login.do

http://www.internationalscholarships.com/

http://www.edupass.org/finaid/databases.phtml

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com/mach25/app

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/finance/index.htm

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/Fellowships/PGA_046300

http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/funding

http://www.iaf.gov/Home.aspx

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.iie.org/cies

Aid from US Universities: Fellowships, Scholarships,

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

Availability of financial assistance from university departments varies directly with the field. Many foreign graduate students finance US education through 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.

To locate likely sources of aid, first consult the Peterson 's Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs: http://www.petersons.com. General information about the program that you are interested in also includes information on financial aid awarded by the department. Choose several institutions that offer assistantships and consult other references for further information.

We suggest you search our Education USA website which contains abundant information regarding study in the U.S. including search engines. http://educationusa.info. Please go to the "For International Students" section on the EducationUSA website and click "Finance Your Studies".

You may wish to contact an EducationUSA advising center in your country. To find an educational advising center in your area please search the following website: http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php

All the best to you.

2011-11-01 [14:16:48]
Question: Hello,

I want to do a PhD in economics in the U.S. I am a European national and my partner is an american citizen. We are currently living in Spain and we will move to the U.S. next year. I wanted to know if a non-U.S. citizen holding a permanent residence permit can obtain federal student loans or something similar. What are the eligibility requirements for such loans? Do I need an excellent credit score? Or just to be a student?

Thank you

Answer: Hi,

Thank you for your question and I apologise for the delay in answering.

Citizens, permanent residents, refugees and asylees are eligible for FAFSA (Federal Student Loans). We do not have information on the eligibility requirements or credit scores.

There are definite funding opportunities at the Graduate level. Each university is different in their requirements and cost and it will take some research on your part to find the right one for you. Search to see what the universities you are interested in offer as well as looking for outside sources. See search engines below.

How to apply to US Graduate Schools

U.S. Graduate Schools are all independent, and each sets its own requirements for admission. Within each school individual programs may often have different requirements. These guidelines are written to assist you in your search for graduate education. It is advisable to start this process approximately one to one-and-a-half year(s) before you hope to begin studies.

In the U.S.; the American academic year begins late August or early September, and students should generally request admission for this (autumn or fall) term.

Obtain information about institutions that offer the program you want to pursue. Use reference guides, such as Peterson's Guide and the Directory of Graduate Programs, to locate specific institutions that offer the program at the degree level (Master's or Doctorate) you are seeking.

Write directly to the Graduate Admissions Offices of the institutions to obtain information and applications. Indicate the major academic area of interest to you.

Write to the academic department of the university. Carefully print your name and address on all such inquiries. Stress field of specialization, professional background, reasons for choosing particular faculty and ask for information on financial aid possibilities. You do not need the name of the department chairman or a professor to obtain an application. Advise each office that you have contacted the other.

Read thoroughly all materials received to determine whether the program you want is offered; whether you appear to meet the minimum academic requirement; if you require financial assistance, whether it is available for your proposed programs; and whether you can meet the application deadlines.

Apply to more than one institution. U.S. institutions receive many applications and often cannot accommodate all qualified applicants. You may decide which institution to attend after you have received your admission offers.

Complete the admission application carefully and legibly. Always give your name in exactly the same way on the application and in all correspondence. If some of your records are under a different name, be sure you indicate that on the application. Complete all items on the application and submit all items requested. If an application fee is required, submit the appropriate amount in U.S. currency with your application. Most institutions will not process your application without the fee.

You would next request official academic records both in the native language and in English translation. Official documents must bear the seal of the school and authorized signature. Photocopies are not usually acceptable unless they are officially attested as exact copies of the original. Records should be submitted for all post-secondary schools attended and should provide a list of courses taken, yearly examination results, and conferral of degrees.

If your native language is not English, register as early as possible for an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL or IELTS and request that testing service forward your scores to the institutions to which you are applying.

Register for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or other tests if required by the program/institution to which you are applying.

Then request letters of recommendation as required by the program/institution that should generally be written by professors with whom you have studied.

Submit verification of scholarship or other financial support.

Note the deadlines for application given in the institutional information you receive. Different institutions/programs have different deadlines. Allow time for mail delays, application consideration, and for obtaining passport and visa when you are admitted. Apply early. Stated application deadlines are generally the final date for receipt of applications and all supporting credentials. Additional time is required to process applications from international students.

Allow 6-8 weeks after your application is submitted to an institution to receive their admission decision. Many schools and departments, however, send admission offers only in March and April. It is courteous to notify an institution if you will not be accepting their offer of admission.

Send all requests, applications, and credentials airmail.

Remember: A Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) cannot be issued until you have been admitted, your level of English proficiency has been determined (and additional training arranged if necessary) and your funding has been established as a sufficient amount to meet the institution's expenses. A Certificate of Eligibility is valid only for study in the institution that issued it - and only for the dates of the course of study.

If you have questions about a program of study or your application status, do not hesitate to write for more information.

UNIVERSITY SEARCH

http://colleges.fastweb.com/

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/

http://www.embark.com/

http://www.collegeboard.com

http://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx

http://www.usnews.com/education

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/

http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/

http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/app

http://www.collegesource.org/home.asp

http://www.allschoolsandlearning.com/

http://www.gradschools.com/

http://www.cgsnet.org

http://www.mba.com/

Community Colleges

http://www.utexas.edu/world/comcol/state/

FUNDING SEARCH

http://www.embark.com/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/tp2/cnc/login.do

http://www.internationalscholarships.com/

http://www.edupass.org/finaid/databases.phtml

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com/mach25/app

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/finance/index.htm

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/Fellowships/PGA_046300

http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/funding

http://www.iaf.gov/Home.aspx

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.iie.org/cies

Aid from US Universities: Fellowships, Scholarships,

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

Availability of financial assistance from university departments varies directly with the field. Many foreign graduate students finance US education through 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.

To locate likely sources of aid, first consult the Peterson 's Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs: http://www.petersons.com. General information about the program that you are interested in also includes information on financial aid awarded by the department. Choose several institutions that offer assistantships and consult other references for further information.

We suggest you search our Education USA website which contains abundant information regarding study in the U.S. including search engines. http://educationusa.info. Please go to the "For International Students" section on the EducationUSA website and click "Finance Your Studies".

You may wish to contact an EducationUSA advising center in your country. To find an educational advising center in your area please search the following website: http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php

All the best to you.

2011-06-04 [23:25:17]
Question: Please tell me what scholarships I can get from the university of Minnesota.

Answer: You must contact the university directly for this information.

2011-05-13 [04:17:05]
Question: I got my undergraduate degree from a U.S. University, and I have a commercials pilots licence FAA, Every thing was paid by my parents never used any kind of financial aid. Now I would like to know if getting a rating in an airplane (B737 type rating) would be considered as a graduate kind of degree for aviation students and if there is any type of financial aid for international students.

Answer: To find out if your airplane B737 type rating would be considered as a graduate level degree program it depends on how the university has classified the program with their registrar's office and accreditation organizations. You should be able to ask the university's admissions office that question.

2011-05-13 [04:11:48]
Question: I want to apply to Community College of Denver. So it requires bank statement and I do not understand. Could you explain clearly?

Answer: For a U.S. university to issue an I-20 for an F-1 student visa the government requires official certified bank statements from either your own bank account (checking or savings), or a sponsor (parent, relative, etc. - who will be paying your tuition), a sponsoring organization, proof of scholarship, etc. Basically whom ever is claiming to have the funds to pay for you to attend university in the US needs to show proof that they have enough in their account (credit cards and potential work do not qualify) to pay for your first year of studies. This includes, tuition, insurance, living expenses, room & board, etc. Each university and program differs on this but this information should be given to you by the university admissions office. Some universities may also require an affidavit of financial support. This form is typically used to provide sworn documentation from whom ever owns the account that the funds they have in the account will be used for your studies.

2010-11-24 [16:18:51]
Question: I'm a senior student from Belarusian State University, I'd like to get admission to Masters in Political Science. Can you please advice schools that provide need-based scholarships for international students? Or at least cover most of the tuition?

Answer: There are scholarship opportunities for international students at the Graduate level. Each university is different in their requirments and cost and it will take some research on your part to find the right one for you. Search to see if the universities you are interested in do offer funding along with looking for outside sources. See some helpful websites below.

There is some funding available for international graduate students so Below are some websites to help you in your searches:

UNIVERSITY SEARCH

http://colleges.fastweb.com/

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/

http://www.embark.com/

http://www.collegeboard.com

http://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx

http://www.usnews.com/education

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/

http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/

http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/app

http://www.collegesource.org/home.asp

http://www.allschoolsandlearning.com/

http://www.gradschools.com/

http://www.cgsnet.org

http://www.mba.com/

Community Colleges

http://www.utexas.edu/world/comcol/state/

FUNDING SEARCH

http://www.embark.com/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.careersandcolleges.com/tp2/cnc/login.do

http://www.internationalscholarships.com/

http://www.edupass.org/finaid/databases.phtml

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html

http://www.finaid.org

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.collegenet.com/mach25/app

http://www.a2zcolleges.com/finance/index.htm

http://www.internationalstudentloan.com

http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/Fellowships/PGA_046300

http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/funding

http://www.iaf.gov/Home.aspx

http://www.iie.org/fulbright

http://www.iie.org/cies

Aid from US Universities: Fellowships, Scholarships,

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

Although availability of financial assistance from university departments varies directly with the field,many foreign graduate students finance US education through 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.

To locate likely sources of aid, first consult the Peterson 's Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs: http://www.petersons.com. General information about the program that you are interested in also includes information on financial aid awarded by the department. Choose several institutions that offer assistantships and consult other references for further information.

Copyright © 2004-2012. EducationUSA Virtual Consulting Office.