The International Student’s Guide to Earning a Master’s Degree in the U.S.

Traveling and living abroad can be an expensive undertaking, making tuition cost a primary consideration in your search for an optimal program. So, spend some time comparing tuition costs as you compile a list of possible schools. You may want to consider public universities because they are typically more affordable than private institutions. And keep in mind that some programs’ tuition costs vary significantly between resident students vs. non-resident students.

Not all degree programs are equal, and now’s the time to really delve into the specifics of the programs you’re considering, including the support and resources offered in these programs. A great way to compare programs is to read student reviews, as these are first-person experiences. However, keep in mind that just as all degree programs aren’t equal, neither are all students. So, you should also consider graduation statistics, career counseling opportunities, and other quantitative outcomes of a degree in your specific program.

Some universities pride themselves on their global outlook and multicultural approach. Take the University of Southern California, for example — touts that “citizens of more than 130 countries comprise 24 percent of the university’s student body.” When you find a school that proudly documents its strong international population, you’ll likely find a university dedicated to caring for students who are from diverse cultures and countries of origin. The possibility of organizations dedicated to international students are stronger, as well. These organizations will make your transitions into the U.S. easier since you will have people in similar situations or backgrounds.

If a school offers abundant resources for international students, including robust offerings from the international student office, you can rest assured that you’ll feel supported at the prospective school. Cornell University, for example, created the nation’s first university office for international students, so you’ll easily connect with other students and resources through its Office of Global Learning. Spend time researching the possibilities and strengths of the international community support at potential universities, and incorporate it as a factor to help you narrow down your list.

A reciprocal agreement is an exchange program where students from each institution spend either a semester or year at the host institution as a non-degree seeking student. One of the primary benefits: Students pay tuition to their home university while attending classes abroad. Research your home university to see what kinds of reciprocal programs you may be able to consider. But keep in mind that most reciprocal programs are limited by time, whereas students who aren’t on a specific exchange program often choose to stay in a host country for their entire degree program.

Some universities are actively pursuing international students in an effort to break down barriers and increase cognizance between cultures. Some schools attract students through language programs, like the Global Launch English Language Program at Arizona State University, which offers immersive education in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Others are on a list of top-producing Fulbright institutions, standing out for having the highest number of accepted applicants to Fulbright programs.

You’ll want to put your best foot forward on your grad school application, so carefully select your sources for your letters of recommendation. It might be helpful to consider teachers, supervisors, or character witnesses who can speak to your adaptability, considering you’re applying to school in a foreign country. Regardless of whom you choose, allow them plenty of time to write the letter, and remember that most schools require letters to be in English. Columbia, for example, requires that if a letter is written in a foreign language, it must be translated by the recommender’s coworker or a certified translator.

Many graduate programs in the United States require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This test is available in more than 160 countries, and 700 test centers around the world administer it — meaning you should not wait until you reach the U.S. to take the GRE. The test includes verbal reasoning, qualitative reasoning, and a writing section. Be sure to research testing requirements at your specific school to see if they accept GRE scores or scores from an equivalent test. For more information and exam-taking locations, visit the official GRE website.

If English is not your native language, you’ll need to submit proof of your English proficiency as part of your application to graduate school. Most schools accept official results from the industry standard Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), but some also accept scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo, among others. You may be able to waive proficiency requirements if you meet certain qualifications, like the University of San Francisco offers. To be certain, check with your university to inquire about its requirements.

Sometimes called a Research Statement, your Research Proposal is a common requirement for research-based postgraduate degrees. In it, you’ll identify topics, do a cursory review of literature, develop a research question that you want to study in school, and propose an initial plan of action. Many graduate schools offer guides or examples of effective proposals, like this overview from the University of Utah’s Writing Center. Just remember that this proposal will be refined if you’re accepted, so it’s more important to have an intriguing idea than a perfect one. Follow these tips from Cornell University, or reach out to your PhD program for university-specific directions and proposal samples.

Almost every graduate student must submit a personal statement when they apply for a master’s or doctoral degree. You already have a leg up on your competition, considering you’re an international student embarking on global travel to fulfill your educational dreams. Use this unique value proposition, and your unique qualifications and achievements to paint a picture of why you’d like to study in the U.S. And be sure to research tips and examples from graduate programs, like this guide from University of Southern California Online.

Grad school applicants will need to submit official records of their credentials from all universities they’ve attended. An official transcript from each of your past universities that includes courses, credit hours, and grades — most often validated by a school administrative officer, such as the registrar — should be submitted, together with a photocopy of the degree or diploma received. Check with your school admissions office for other specific requirements.

Most foreign citizens aren’t eligible for federal financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. However, as colleges and universities are becoming more aware of the value of a diverse student body, some are developing desirable financial aid options specifically tailored to international students. Start with this international financial aid fact sheet, then reach out to the financial aid officers at your specific school for their insights into any programs offered exclusively to visiting students.

Many scholarships are available specifically for international students, some of which encourage you to tell your unique story through a personal essay or statement. The most renowned international scholarship is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program; however, individual schools may have their own scholarships for foreign students, like the University of New Haven’s Dean’s Scholarship Program. Additionally, funding may be available for specific nationalities, like the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Master’s Degree Program for Egyptian students applying at top U.S. universities. Be sure to research specific international scholarship opportunities, and check the scholarship office at your school for any resources they may have.

One way to fund a graduate degree is through a teaching or research assistantship, during which you’ll either teach undergraduate courses in your program or undertake projects or experiments. With assistantships, you’ll often receive a living stipend and/or a tuition discount — sometimes making your graduate study very affordable. Another school-based option is a fellowship; as Cornell University describes it, “Fellowships are generally merit-based internal or external awards to support a student in a full-time course of study” — without associated teaching or research responsibilities. Inquire with your school’s program to see if these are options to help you fund your degree.

UCLA describes work-study as ”…a federally subsidized hourly-wage job program awarded to college students through the federal government.” However, because these positions are federally funded, international students are typically not considered eligible for work study. Keep in mind, though, that many locations on campus are willing to hire non-work study students. Make sure you check the standards set forth on your visa (F-1, M-1, or J-1, more on that below) to determine if your visa has any work restrictions.

Because of citizenship requirements, private loans secured in the U.S. can be challenging for non-resident students. Most lenders require international students to have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. However, you can still apply for private loans in your country of origin, or consider asking for support from invested family and friends. Many international students even set up a GoFundMe to raise money. Check out this list of domestic private lenders known to loan to international students, or consider securing funding in your home country.

If you’re like some students, you’ve planned to study abroad for graduate school since your very early days of schooling. In these cases, you may have saved up money from employment during high school or your undergraduate study. This is an obvious best practice, but it also takes the most long-term planning to make it a reality.

You’ll need a place to keep your cash while you’re here (and hopefully the occasional funds wired from home!), so it’s important to establish a bank account early. To get the lowdown on what you’ll need to do, check out this guide to U.S. banking for international students from one major bank. Then research which bank you’d like to call your financial home, gather your documents, and open your account. Tip: Check for student benefits when you’re researching bank options.

Of fundamental concern when you’re planning to study in the U.S.: Where exactly will you be living, and with whom? Some colleges have graduate housing, some have international housing, and still others can connect you to off-campus opportunities. Most universities have student housing offices that will assist you and even offer resources, like this guide from the University of Colorado Denver that offers a comprehensive look at off-campus living for international students.

If you’re studying in the U.S. as part of an exchange program (on a J-1 visa), you’ll be required to have health insurance. For international students on other visas, many prefer to be safe rather than sorry — especially given the U.S.’s notorious reputation for exorbitant healthcare costs. Be sure to research if your school has automatic enrollment into a university plan. Otherwise, review these health insurance tips offered for international students studying in America.

For many grad students, your physical world will be primarily defined by the confines of campus, and most U.S. campuses are extremely walkable with abundant transportation options. But for those times when you want to venture out into the world beyond campus, research the various ways to get around — from public transportation on buses and trains to bike/scooter rentals to ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft.

In order to gain admission to grad school in the U.S., you’ll need to demonstrate a basic level of English language proficiency on a standardized exam. Might as well learn the language well before you leave your home country, and you’ll have a variety of ways to do so. Most students begin with a basic prep course, and you can also find practice exams and online guides. A great technique for learning English is to read an English version of a book you know well in your native language, and you can also listen to TED Talks and podcasts in English.

Communication is key when you’re a grad student — especially if you’re far from home and missing family/friends. This makes a cell phone an essential part of the study abroad experience. Check out this 2-minute video from ApplyBoard about how to choose a plan when you’re an international student coming to the U.S. to study.

Many U.S. schools offer robust advising resources — like the University of Minnesota, which devotes an entire web page (and video) to the importance of advising and mentoring international graduate students. Connect with your school sooner than later to set up a free session where you can ask academic questions or inquire about documentation, multilingual learning, funding, and any other facet of your grad school experience.