04/02/2006 | USA, Masters and PhD

Postgrad study in the USA - both fun and funded?

By: Anthony Nemecek, Director, EAS, The Fulbright Commission, London

Study in the US In contrast to undergraduate education, where admission and financial awards are controlled at the institutional level, US graduate education is quite tightly controlled at the departmental level. Funding for certain fields tends to be more heavily subsidised than for others. For example, a student of physics, chemistry, or biology may find institutional funding more readily available than a student of humanities, the social sciences, or education.

There are also independent foundations and scholarship organisations that provide funding for students studying in the US. Many of these awards will also pay for living and travel expenses. For example, The US-UK Fulbright Commission grants between six and ten postgraduate awards in any discipline at the US institution of the UK student�s choice. The award covers tuition fees, health insurance, and living expenses for the first year of study only. Funding directories, such as Peterson�s Grants for Graduate and Postdoctoral Study (1998) and the annually published The Grants Register (Palgrave Macmillan), show that there are hundreds of independent awards available, so doing as much research as possible is a key factor in getting funding. Simon adds, �Don't give up, dig about everywhere and anywhere and write lots and lots of letters � the worst thing people can say is �No�.�

Many personal loan schemes are also available from US sources such as banks and loan services. Loan amounts and repayment options vary depending on the field, level, and length of study. A second option for any student with residence in the EU is a Career Development Loan. These loans are for students who are following a professional course, and intend on working in the EU upon completion.

The availability of US-based loans for non-US citizens is limited. In almost all cases, US-based loan programmes require non-US citizens to have a creditworthy US citizen or permanent resident to act as a co-borrower. However, a few universities have arrangements with lenders that do not require a cosigner so students should investigate.

Additionally, international students may work for up to 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session, and full-time during university holidays. International students are also eligible for up to one calendar year of Optional Practical Training (OPT), provided that the position is directly related to the students� field of study and commensurate with their educational level. OPT may be applied for after nine months of full-time study and it allows a student the opportunity to gain professional experience with an American firm while earning. At the same time, it puts an attractive capstone to the postgraduate experience.

Study in the US Upon notification of admission to a US university, an international student will receive either a form I-20 or a form DS-2019, which forms the basis of the visa application. This, along with a visa application form, valid passport, documentation showing sufficient funds to cover living expenses and fees for the first year of study, evidence of intent to return home at the conclusion of the academic programme in the US, proof of SEVIS fee payment, a photograph, and the visa fee are required.While processing times for some immigration applications have become notoriously backlogged post-9/11, as a general rule, student visas processing times are quite reasonable. Aisling writes, �The visa application process was straightforward and once I received my I-20 form from the university, setting up a visa appointment at the embassy was simple and relatively stress-free.�