to learn more about educational opportunities in the United States.
U.S. Education
School System
In the United States, students begin their higher education after completing 12 years of primary and secondary school. The twelve formal years of education are usually organized under the '6-2-4 Plan' beginning with elementary or primary school from grades one to six, followed by middle/junior high school from grades seven to eight and finishing with secondary or high school from grades nine to twelve. Variations on this pattern exist; however, the basic state-mandated curriculum for each grade is the same.
Elementary and secondary education normally includes instruction given to children from the age of 6 to 17 years, in increments referred to as 'Grades 1 - 12'. Elementary schools (Grades 1 - 6) provide instruction in the fundamental skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as in history, geography, civics, crafts, music, science, health and physical education. Foreign languages - which used to be the sole province of the high schools - are now often introduced in the last few years of elementary school or in middle/junior high school. Secondary school consists of either two three-year programs or a three-year and a four-year program. These are called "middle school" or "junior high school" and "senior high school" (often just called "high school").
Parents may choose to send their children to the local public school (where education is free) or to a private school (where fees are charged). Private schools are organised like public schools; however, they may be church affiliated, or single sex, or cater for students with learning disabilities. Many private schools are 'college prep' schools, which have a curriculum directed to ensuring the students' admission to university.
Although one may legally 'quit' school at 16 years, this is commonly discouraged - with job sanctions in most states - and the vast majority of students stay on until the completion of the programme at 17 or 18 years.
The authority over school education in the United States rests with individual state departments of education; there is no form of Federal (central) Government control. Each state is divided, at local level, into school districts that support their schools and pay their teachers through local taxation, state aid and Federal funds. The state board is responsible for setting policy relating to educational affairs. This includes allocation of state and Federal funds, certification of teachers and determining/enforcing the ages of compulsory education (usually 6 - 16 years). Working within the policies established at the state level, the school districts build school sites, determine instructional policies, employ teachers, purchase equipment, arrange dates of school terms/holidays and generally oversee the daily operation of the schools.
The Test of General Educational Development (GED) provides international students with an opportunity to earn a United States high school credential. This diploma is of great importance to those who wish to continue their education in an American university. By taking and passing a series of five computer based tests in writing, mathematics, science, social studies and interpreting literature and the arts at the Computer-Based Testing Center, Bulgarian Fulbright Commission - Sofia, Bulgarian students can demonstrate an acquired level of learning that is comparable to that of United States high school graduates. Please refer to our Testing sheet for more information.
Undergraduate Study
- Structure of Undergraduate Education
- Types of Institutions
- Undergraduate Degrees
- Application Process
- Transfers
- Scholarships
American education offers a rich field of choices for the international student. There are 3971 institutions of higher education in the United States (1646 two-year institutions and 2325 four-year institutions). Nearly 15 million US students are enrolled in higher education in the United States. The number of international students attending universities and colleges in the United States increased to approximately 600,000 according to the Institute of International Education (IIE). The most popular fields of study for international students in the U.S. are business and management, engineering, mathematics and computer sciences.
Structure of Undergraduate Education
After finishing high school (twelfth grade), U.S. students may go on to college or university. College or university study is known as "higher education". Study at a college or university leading to the Bachelor's degree is known as "undergraduate" education. Study beyond the Bachelor's degree is known as "graduate" school or "postgraduate" education. Advanced or graduate degrees include law, medicine, the M.B.A., and Ph.D. (doctorate).
The undergraduate Bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete. At most institutions those years are known as the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years of undergraduate study. Many students complete their first two years at a junior or community college, earning an Associate's degree, and then transfer to a four-year college or university to complete two more years for a bachelor's degree.
The curriculum of many undergraduate programs is based on a "liberal arts philosophy" that requires students to take courses from a range of subjects to form a broad educational foundation. During the first two years, students have the opportunity to explore various fields of study such as social sciences, humanities, and natural or physical sciences. These courses are often called a "core curriculum" or "distribution requirements". By the end of the second year, students at many institutions are asked to choose a specific field of study - known as the major - on which they focus for the remainder of the undergraduate program. Students then spend the next two years taking more courses directly related to their major.
Students who major in such fields as business, engineering, or science find that the curriculum is more tightly structured than it is in the humanities or social sciences. Business, science, and engineering majors may have to take more courses related to their major field of study and have fewer "elective", or optional, courses.
Types of Institutions
Institutions of higher education include two-year colleges (known as community or junior colleges), four-year colleges, universities, institutes of technology, vocational and technical schools, and professional schools such as law and medical schools.
Two-Year Colleges
A two-year college admits high school graduates and awards an Associate's Degree. Two-year college graduates usually transfer to four-year colleges or universities, where they complete the Bachelor's Degree in two or more additional years.
Some two-year colleges are state-supported, or public; others are private. There are 1646 two-year institutions of higher education in the United States (628 of them are private, and 1018 are public).
Less common are junior colleges (often private). The community college is the most common two-year institution of higher education. At community colleges, students may complete two-year occupational programs in fields such as nursing or complete the first two years of professional studies in preparation for fields such as business or law. Community colleges serve a local community, usually a city or county. Fees are minimal to local residents and residence halls are rare because the institutions primary serve commuting populations. Often, community colleges welcome international students. Many of these schools offer special services to international students such as free tutoring. Some community colleges provide housing and advising services that an international student might need.
Four-Year Liberal Arts Colleges
There are around 600 liberal arts colleges in the Unites States. Some are very prestigious and selective. Most are private, but they can and do offer generous scholarships to excellent international students with financial need.
Liberal arts colleges are small, four-year institutions dedicated to teaching undergraduates mainly in the areas of humanities, language arts, social studies, and physical and natural sciences, as well as up to four years of pre-professional studies. Liberal arts colleges offer courses leading to four-year or occasionally five-year bachelor's degrees only and are almost always non-public or independent. Many students enrol at liberal arts colleges to complete preparatory courses for graduate and professional schools. Class size is usually small at a liberal arts college and there are excellent student/faculty relations. Students get to know each other well and the chances to participate in campus activities are excellent.
Universities
Universities are generally defined as institutions that offer both undergraduate education (higher education leading to the bachelor's degree) and graduate and professional education (post-bachelor's degree education). Such institutions usually offer the bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees. They may also offer professional programs such as medicine, law, and engineering. Students may complete all or part of their pre-professional training at the undergraduate level at the university, or at other institutions.
Many of the most prestigious institutions in the Unites States are private universities, but the mere fact that they are private does not ensure quality. Private universities may vary a great deal in size and type, but most offer a full range of departments and majors at all levels. Attending a private university at the undergraduate level does not automatically mean admission to its graduate programs, however. Most graduate departments seek out students from a variety of backgrounds, including liberal arts colleges. However, students who graduate from private universities usually do have a wide range of opportunities available to them for employment or further study. Private universities can be very expensive, but most are able to offer a variety of financial aid packages and usually will fund a limited number of foreign students at the undergraduate level and a larger number at the graduate level. Some private universities, such as the universities of the Ivy Group (Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College and Brown University) are very selective, only admitting the very best students.
Institutes of Technology
These are schools which offer at least four years of study in science and technology. Some institutes of technology have graduate programs. Others are similar to community or junior colleges and offer shorter courses in less advanced specialties.
Undergraduate Degrees
In the US, the terms 'college' and 'university' are synonymous and refer to institutions that award undergraduate degrees. US undergraduate degrees have a Liberal Arts philosophy, which requires students to take a wide variety of courses in the arts and sciences before concentrating in one academic area, creating a 'well-rounded education'.
Associate's Degrees: There are two different types of associate's degrees. The college transfer associate's degree is a two-year degree designed to meet the requirements of the first two years of a bachelor's degree. The terminal associate's degree is also usually a two-year degree designed to provide a vocational qualification.
Bachelor's Degrees: These degrees consist of 1) general education courses in a wide range of subjects; 2) a major, which is the concentrated field of study and 3) electives which are a student's free choice. Bachelor's degrees are usually completed in 4 years; however, there is no fixed time scale. Rather, a specified number of credits, units or semester hours are required and the degree is awarded upon their completion. Each class you take will be given a credit value. Continuous assessment is a prominent feature and each course (class) is graded and the grade is then converted into a numeric equivalent on a scale of 0 - 4.0. Each score is averaged to create a Grade Point Average (GPA), which is used as an indicator of performance.
Application Process
If you are planning to study for your associate or bachelor's degree in the US, then your first step is to read this Time Schedule for Applying to American Universities, which provides introductory information on admission requirements, how and when to apply, admissions tests, costs, financial aid and visas.
TIME SCHEDULE FOR APPLYING TO AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES
(for prospective undergraduates)
The recommended time scale assumes that your US university term starts in late August or early September. If you are planning to start in January, the process can be significantly shortened, as application deadlines are much closer to enrolment dates. Even for an autumn start, you may be able to complete the process in less time.
| 13 - 18 months prior to enrolment (February - August) | Qualifications: What you need to be admitted If you are considering pursuing an undergraduate degree at a US institution, one of the first considerations is whether you have the minimum entry qualifications. Bulgarian-educated students are expected to hold at least five or above (on a 6.00 scale) in academic subjects. Choosing a US degree programme Choosing an institution Cost is often a major consideration in choosing a US university. International students must prove they have sufficient funding to cover all costs for at least the first year in order to receive a student visa. Financial aid may be available from colleges for international students. However, students in the US are expected to get assistance from their families to cover the high education costs. Please read our Scholarships page for further information. Be certain to determine what scholarships are available to international students and their eligibility criteria. Accreditation: Check that any university you are considering is regionally accredited, otherwise you may have difficulty having the degree recognised by other universities and employers. The Bulgarian Fulbright Commission can confirm for you whether a university is regionally accredited. The admission difficulty of institutions varies greatly in the US. There are institutions that accept less than 15% of applicants and others that accept all applicants who meet their basic entrance requirements. Most institutions look at more than academic performance when making admissions decisions. Even if you are a top student, we recommend that you apply to a range of institutions to ensure yourself a place. Your field of study will obviously be a consideration in your choice of institution. You may be relieved to know, however, that because of the liberal arts curriculum, you are not required to declare your field of study on your application. The environment can vary greatly from college to college and many issues can impact the personality of a college. The location of the institution--large city or small town, East Coast or Midwest--as well as the weather will have an impact. The enrolment at institutions can range from 500 to 50,000 students, which will offer different opportunities and academic climates for students. Campus life will also have an impact on the personality of a college. Consider the types and variety of social activities on campus. Are there activities that suit your personality? Can you join extracurricular activities such as sports teams, academic clubs, university newspapers, theatre productions, etc.? Some universities, while accepting students of any race, creed or colour, were established with specific missions, such as religious affiliations, women-only campuses, or a particular ethnic majority on campus. |
| 12 - 16 months prior to enrolment (May - September) | The Admissions Process Standardised Tests: As Bulgaria does not have English as its only official language, you will also need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to prove your English is sufficient. If you have studied in the American University in Bulgaria for a major qualification, you may contact each university to request a 'waiver' from the TOEFL. If each institution grants one, you will not need to sit the test. The Bulgarian Fulbright Commission offers consultations on registration details and content information for these tests. We also organize preparatory courses. |
| 9 - 12 months prior to enrolment (September - December) | The Application: Once you have selected the colleges, you are ready to begin the application process. Each institution has its own application, deadlines and procedures, so you should contact each one directly for the forms. Many institutions offer on-line applications, but it is usually necessary to send some information by post. Deadlines may be as early as November or as late as May or June, but most fall in January and February. You should use a calendar to map the application deadlines to be certain you allow plenty of time to complete all steps of the process. US applications will usually require some or all of the following:
The key to submitting your most competitive application is to allow plenty of time to complete all steps of the process, especially to write your essays. |
| 2-4 months prior to enrolment (April - June) | Acceptances and rejections Once you have decided which institution you will attend, notify them of your decision and return any official documents. Also send letters of regret to any institutions you reject. Visas: |
| 0 - 4 months before enrolment (May - August) | Prepare to go! |
Transfers
Transferring Between Colleges
Most US colleges and universities base their degree programmes on a similar credit system. This makes it possible for students to transfer to a different college or university whilst studying towards a degree. In doing so the student receives credit for some or all of the coursework they have already completed. It should be noted that every university and/or department will have their own subjective method of determining how much credit they will grant for previous coursework.
Most universities will prefer that students have completed at least one year of study before transferring, though many will consider applications from first year students. In addition, most universities have a two-year residency requirement, meaning that students must spend at least two years as a student with that university to graduate with a degree from that institution.
When transferring, the student will be asked to submit details of the courses s/he has completed. Some institutions will send the student a printout of the courses for which they will grant credit before the student enrols at the university, while others may hold transfer credit decisions until enrolment. Students must be aware that not all work transfers automatically, and in most cases some work is "lost", especially when trying to transfer courses not offered by the new university. Therefore transfer students often need extra time to graduate, or must take summer school combined with a heavier workload. In addition, most colleges have a maximum number of courses that a student may transfer. For example, a college that requires 34 credits at graduation may specify that the highest number of these credits that may be taken at another college is 17, thereby keeping their two year residency requirement. In such a case, a student may have to "sacrifice" some courses that could ordinarily be given transfer credit, but which exceed the maximum number of transfer courses.
Applying as a Transfer Student
The transfer application process may differ slightly from that for freshman applicants. Transfer students usually fill out a separate application form, and write a personal statement in addition to an essay outlining their reasons for wishing to transfer. This essay should not be a negative statement of complaint about why you are unhappy at your current institution, but instead a statement of why this new university will better suit your academic needs. Transcripts, or detailed score reports, from all institutions of higher education previously attended will need to be produced along with records of any financial assistance given. In addition to having the basic college entrance requirements (e.g. transfer students may need to take the SAT I , transfer applicants are expected to have performed well at their current college, and to have proven themselves in higher education. It is important to note that transferring is not an easy way into the more selective universities; in fact, many of the more competitive colleges have even more demanding admissions standards at the transfer level than at the freshman level.
To apply for admission as a transfer student you must contact directly the college or university in which you are interested, with a brief explanation of your circumstances and a request for the application materials for a transfer student. The timeframe for transfer applications will most likely be later than for freshman applications, and some schools may have no deadline, but rather "priority dates" for which you should aim. Naturally, these details will vary with each institution. If you have not already taken the SAT I, you will need to confirm whether it will be required by the university and obtain the information and registration materials accordingly. These may be collected from the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission.
Scholarships
Cost of Undergraduate Education
Rich in resources, technology, and diversity, higher education in the United States is the envy of the world. Unfortunately, U.S. colleges and universities are among the most expensive in the world. Tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses cost well over $20,000 per year at the more expensive private institutions. Every school sets its own fees, therefore they vary widely. Tuition fees may run anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000/year. Students will also be required to purchase their books and other supplies, sometimes adding as much as $800/year to costs. Living expenses also vary and are highest in big cities. They may range from $7,000-$14,000 per academic year (9 months), which is in addition to tuition costs. You will also need to include transportation between the US and Bulgaria, health insurance and personal expenses. Even public institutions, those supported by state or local governments, often cost more than $10,000 per year. Some institutions may offer aid only under special circumstances or after the student has completed (and paid for) the first year of study. Public (state) and two-year institutions rarely award financial aid to international students. But approximately 600,000 international students are currently enrolled in U.S. universities and colleges; with careful planning, you could join them.
Sources of Funding
Family Funds
Colleges and universities assume that students, both U.S. and international, will finance the majority of their educational expenses. Your family will also be expected to contribute as much as they can afford towards the cost of your education.
College and University Funds
After family resources, US colleges are the primary source of funding for international undergraduate students. Colleges that follow the "need - blind" admissions policy make admissions decisions without regard for the financial circumstances of the candidate which means that once you are admitted, the college will provide all funds that you need to attend.
More funding is usually available from private than state institutions. Some institutions also offer athletic scholarships or performing arts scholarships. Be certain to determine what scholarships are available to international students and their eligibility criteria.
The undergraduate international student financial aid scene has gradually changed in recent years. As more colleges and universities have begun or recommitted themselves to recruiting international students, more have developed financial aid programs which may incorporate both need- and merit-based financial aid. These institutions, however, still number less than one-half of the colleges and universities in the U.S., and the financial aid available to undergraduates is still more limited than to graduate students.
Funding from independent funding bodies
Funding from independent funding bodies is less common, but still available. Finding such funding usually requires time and dedication to sift through listings in directories and on the Internet. Funding from Local Education Authorities in Bulgaria will generally not be available for study in the USA.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Full scholarships that cover total expenses are very rare. Funding is usually based on academic merit, though some colleges may give funding based on need. Need-based financial aid refers to awards made by a college or university to an undergraduate degree seeker, based on demonstrated need. A need-based financial aid package may include any of the following components:
- merit-based scholarships (separately awarded)
- grants ("free money")
- tuition remission
- loans (usually with quite favourable repayment conditions)
- on-campus employment
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are grants based on special academic, personal, or extra-curricular talent, with no regard to financial need. Such scholarships are becoming a popular means for colleges and universities to attract students who would otherwise consider another institution. This kind of funding, however, is limited.
Athletic Scholarships
These are partial or full grants made by the college or university to enrol students who have distinguished themselves in a particular sport. These students compete on the college's team, providing a sought-after service to the college or university in exchange for an education. Both men and women are eligible. International students must meet strict academic requirements established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which also sets the maximum number of athletic scholarships an institution can award in each sport.
Loans
Many colleges and universities expand their financial aid capacity by granting loans to international students as part of a financial aid package. Some loan schemes require a U.S. citizen/resident co-signer. Interest begins to accrue and the repayment schedule is established after graduation. Students will have to prove that loan repayment will not force them to work illegally in the U.S.
Work
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) permits international students on an F-1 visa to work only part-time (maximum 20 hours per week) and only on campus. Students can normally expect to work 10-15 hours a week during the academic year, and full-time during vacation periods. Realistically, these earnings may be enough to pay out-of-pocket costs such as books, clothing, and personal expenses, but it will not pay any college bills. An on-campus job CANNOT be listed as a source of income for any official financial statements for a visa application.
For More Information
As part of your search for undergraduate financial aid, please browse through the following books for more scholarship opportunities.
- Funding for United States Study: A Guide for International Students and Professionals (Institute of International Education)
- The Scholarship Handbook (The College Board)
- Scholarships, Grants and Prizes (Peterson's)
Graduate Study
Graduate education in the United States offers a unique opportunity for the international student. Programs of study leading to graduate degrees are available in more than 1700 U.S. academic institutions. The most popular fields of study for international students in the U.S. are business and management, mathematics and computer sciences, and engineering (15%).
Structure of Graduate Education
Graduate study (or postgraduate study, as it is sometimes called - there is no difference between the two) generally follows the bachelor's degree for those who are pursuing advances academic work.. Graduate education can result in a variety of degrees. The most common include the master's of arts (MA), science (MS), business administration (MBA), fine arts (MFA), law (LLM), social work (MSW), and specialist in education (EdS). The most common final, or "terminal", degrees are doctorates in a variety of fields (PhD), education (EdD), law (JD), science (DSc), medicine (MD), and religion or divinity (DD).
Study at the graduate level is highly specialized, and admission is usually very selective. Some graduate degrees require work experience prior to beginning the degree, and some do not. Unlike undergraduate education, there is no general education requirement in graduate study. This may be an advantage to students who have completed undergraduate study in Bulgaria and are entering the United States education system at the graduate level.
Course work at the graduate level is demanding. Course work is measured in terms of credits, hours or units, generally reflecting the number of hours spent in the classroom and the amount of work involved. A typical undergraduate program includes 12-16 units each semester, and a typical graduate program includes 9-12. Grades are typically awarded on a scale of A-F with a B average as minimum required for completion of program.
In many master's programs, students must write a thesis demonstrating an ability to comprehend, review, and apply professional research in the chosen field of study. A doctoral program includes the writing of a dissertation involving original research. This dissertation is a major step in the completion of the doctoral degree, and the candidate is expected to produce an original and significant contribution to his or her field of study.
Types of Institutions
Programs of study leading to graduate degrees are available in more than 1,700 U.S. academic institutions. Some of these institutions are small and offer degrees in one or two fields of study; some are very large and offer degrees in many fields. Universities offering programs leading to the doctorate are usually referred to as research universities. Others place more emphasis on research in, and teaching of, the application of knowledge rather than the theory of the subject.
Programs exist in both public and private universities. The term public and private refer to the way in which universities are financially supported. Since public universities obtain part of their support from the state in which they are located, the tuition they charge students is often lower than that charged by private institutions; further, public institutions generally charge lower tuition to state residents. Private institutions are supported by student tuition, investment income, research contracts, and private donations and usually charge the same tuition to all students. Except for financial considerations, the public or private nature of a university should not be a factor in selecting a graduate program. High quality programs exist in all kinds of institutions. Of more importance is the institution's commitment to the graduate program. The institution's commitment is found in its willingness to maintain a first-class faculty, and to provide excellent facilities, laboratories, computers and other equipment, and related items. Another important factor in many disciplines is the presence of strong supporting departments so that students can have access to scholars and courses in disciplines related to their own.
Since there is no national university system or federal ministry of education to dictate requirements, accreditation of an institution is of extreme importance to ensure quality of the institution and its programs.
Graduate Degrees
Academic Master's degrees are the most frequently awarded graduate degrees. It is possible to earn a master's degree in one year, but more often it will take two to three years. In general, master's degrees require that you complete six to eight courses, in addition to a project or thesis (a long research paper). Some institutions are only interested in doctoral candidates, although they may award a master's to students who complete the coursework but do not go onto their doctoral work..
Professional Master's degrees are designed to lead you from the first degree to a particular profession (e.g. business administration, journalism, social work). They usually require 36-48 credits and are unlikely to include a thesis option. It is very difficult to complete professional degrees in one year.
Doctoral degrees usually require at least 3 years beyond the bachelor's, but are rarely completed in less than 5 or 6 years as most students take on teaching or research assignments during their studies. Some doctoral programs include a master's degree program, which students begin directly after the bachelor's degree. The candidate then continues through course work and intermediate qualifying examinations. Other doctoral programs require the completion of a master's degree before beginning doctoral studies. Students may also have to attain foreign language proficiency at this time. A dissertation (300-400 typed pages) of publishable quality work is then required, followed by an oral exam or 'defence' to complete the degree.
Non-Degree Opportunities:
Special Student status/Non-degree status is given to students who want to take postgraduate courses for a term or year, but do not wish to enrol for a degree. Students are treated like first-year postgraduate students and will receive credits for their coursework, but no degree. As most universities do not have a formal Special Student admissions process, contact the university department to ask about Special Student possibilities and admissions procedures.
Visiting Fellow status is given to advanced doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework and who wish to pursue dissertation research at an American university, or for scholars who have a doctorate and would like to pursue further research in their field. Contact the university department to determine procedures.
Application Process
If you are planning to study for your master's or PhD in the US then your first step is to read this time schedule for applying to American universities, which provides introductory information on admission requirements, how and when to apply, admissions tests, costs, financial aid, and visas.
TIME SCHEDULE FOR APPLYING TO AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES
(for prospective graduates)
The recommended time scale below refers to the US university term start date in August or September, but can be adapted to a January start date. Students may be able to complete the process in a much shorter time period.
| 13 - 15 months prior to enrolment (May - July) | Application Strategy: Apply to 3-7 universities, as applying to 1-2 can be risky if you are rejected or no funding is available and applying to many will increase your workload. Some people prefer to apply to all competitive schools, while others prefer to apply to a mix of more competitive schools and safer schools as they feel this will give them a greater chance of acceptance. Identify Courses in your Subject Area:
Admission Difficulty: Be realistic about your chances of admission. Most departments can tell you the percentage of successful applicants (figures also available in Peterson's Guide to Graduate Programs). Also look at any minimum test score criteria and discuss any concerns you have about your academic background with the department. Costs: Each university sets its own tuition fees. Do not eliminate costly courses as they may offer financial aid to offset these costs. Other Considerations: In choosing where you will be living for the next 1-6 years of your life, some other factors to consider are:
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| 13 - 14 months prior to enrolment (May - June) | Compile your funding application packs Now is the time to apply for financial aid. The most common source of funding for postgraduate study is the department in which you plan to study. If you have not already done so, contact them and ask what financial aid options are available for international students. Next, research non-university funding. Most financial aid applications will contain the following items: Application forms: Email or mail the funding bodies for information and application forms. Forms and information may also be on-line. References: You usually will need to provide 2-3 references from people that know you and your work well. You may be able to combine academic and personal references. Follow the instructions on the application forms. Statement of purpose: You usually need to write a personal statement explaining why you are applying for the award and why the funding body should accept you. Standardised tests: Some funding applications will also require standardised test scores. See Testing for information on these tests. |
| 11 - 12 months prior to enrolment (August - September) | Compile your university application packs Each of the following application components are equally important and you can counter a weak component (e.g. poor degree classification) with a stronger component (e.g. excellent standardised test scores and references). Application form: Email, mail, fax or phone the US university's Director of Graduate Admissions for prospectuses, application forms and financial aid information. You may have to pay for prospectuses. Forms and information may also be on-line. Also contact the department for information on courses and faculty. Give your name, address, nationality, qualifications, proposed degree subject and ideal start date. Standardised tests: If your prospective US university requires standardised test scores, you can collect test registration forms and information from the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission. Now is the time to register for these tests.
Transcript: A transcript is an official record of your undergraduate classes, exam marks and grades on coursework. You will need an original transcript, on letterhead and signed by your university's registrar, for each US university or funding body application. A key to the grading system should be included. References and Statement of purpose: see above Non-refundable application fee: ranges from $30 to $170 per school |
| 8 - 9 months prior (November - December) | Take standardised test(s) Ensure that your scores reach the universities before their application deadlines. |
| 5 - 10 months prior (October - March) | Funding application deadlines |
| 4 - 8 months prior (December - April) | University application deadlines Missed the deadline? US university deadlines are firm and you need to ensure that the full application pack has reached the university before the required date. Some universities will allow students to start in January instead of August. Consult the prospectus for the January application deadline. Many financial aid packages are distributed in August so there may be less chance of aid for January students. Rolling admissions |
| 2-4 months prior to enrolment (April - June) | Acceptances and rejections arrive. Decide which university to attend, notify them and return official forms. Visas: |
| 0 - 4 months prior | Prepare to go! |
Scholarships
International graduate students have significantly more opportunities for financial assistance than their undergraduate counterparts.
Cost of Graduate Education
Each university sets its own tuition fees. Tuition for state universities ranges from $4,000-$13,000 and for private universities from $10,000-$37,000 for one academic year (9 months). Living costs vary tremendously. They can range between $7,000 and $15,000 per academic year.
Sources of Funding
U.S. universities are the primary funding source for approximately 40 % of international graduate students (IIE Open Doors).
U.S. Universities
International graduate students who intend to enrol in a graduate program at a U.S. university should contact the graduate schools that interest them. They should ask the graduate school, the relevant department(s) and the university's financial aid office about financial aid for international students.
University financial aid may be available through:
- Scholarships or fellowships - can cover tuition and fees, living costs
- Teaching/research assistantships - can cover the above costs, and you are required to work within the department for up to 20 hours per week
- Loans - may require a US citizen to co-sign the loan
Non-university awards
Non-university awards may be available from bi-national exchange programmes (the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission), foundations, corporations, governments, or individuals. The reasons for offering awards vary between funding bodies; awards may be categorised by eligibility criteria like nationality, subject area, gender, degree level, intended university or state. These awards are competitive and may cover full costs (unusual) or partial costs. Deadlines tend to be earlier than university application deadlines.
Types of Financial Aid
Grants and Scholarships: Graduate financial aid is different from undergraduate aid in that it is sometimes merit-based; that is, sometimes grants are given to students who the academic department is interested in having attend their program. Aid differs from field to field. Doctoral programs in science have much more grant money to offer than, say, musicology. Professional schools for the study of medicine, law, business, education, and dentistry rarely offer grant money and professional degree students should be prepared to borrow significant amounts.
In addition to the graduate schools themselves, there are a few grants and scholarships available to international graduate students, but finding them requires diligent research. The following are a few possibilities:
- The Institute of International Education (IIE): administers the U.S. Fulbright program and manages more than 260 international education programs. Fulbright scholarships are awarded to approximately 4,700 students from 130 countries each year (please read our Fulbright Grants page for further information).
- The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International: provides grants to university students and teachers to act as "goodwill ambassadors" around the world. The Rotary Foundation also sponsors international exchange of business and professional people, and provides grants to improve the quality of life around the world.
- The American Association of University Women Education Foundation: provides graduate fellowships to women with the equivalent of a bachelor's degree who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
Loans
Federally-backed loans are not available to international students. Few institutions offer loans to international graduate students because of the risks involved in repaying these loans. If available, U.S. banks may require a US citizen to co-sign the loan.
Work
During their first year of study, international students may work on campus in jobs that relate to their program of study. After their first year of study, students are eligible to work both on- and off-campus. International graduate students may be eligible to receive graduate assistantships.
Graduate assistantships can involve at least two types of funding:
- stipends
- tuition reductions or waivers
In most cases students receive a stipend, that is, a paycheck which is sometimes paid in one lump sum each semester and sometimes paid over a period of weeks or months. Additionally, there is often either a partial or full tuition waiver, or a partial or full tuition reduction. Practices vary widely from institution to institution, and even from academic department to academic department.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Most universities with large undergraduate programs employ graduate teaching assistants (TA's). Students pursuing an advanced degree in a subject that is taught at the undergraduate level - for example, in the arts and sciences - have a good chance of securing a teaching assistantship. They will, however, usually have to demonstrate excellent proficiency in English.
Graduate Research Assistantships: Graduate research assistants (RA's) receive financial support in return for assisting faculty with research projects. The bonus is that students are often able to work on research related to their own degrees, especially if they are hired by one of their professors/mentors.
Graduate Administrative Assistantships: Graduate administrative assistants perform tasks in administrative and support services. Often the tasks are related to their particular field of interest, so that, for example, education majors become involved with audiovisual materials, computer scientists work with programming for the university, music students help with children's preparatory program, physical education majors staff basketball camps, etc. These positions usually require 10 to 20 hours of work each week in an administrative office of the university.
For More Information
As part of your search for graduate financial aid, please browse through the following books for more scholarship opportunities.
- Funding for United States Study: A Guide for International Students and Professionals (Institute of International Education)
- The Scholarship Handbook (The College Board)
- Scholarships, Grants and Prizes (Peterson's)
