Postgraduate study in the US

There is a long tradition of international students going to the US to pursue ‘graduate’ study, as postgraduate study is known over there. The US provides many opportunities for specialist research and boasts some of the most well-funded institutions in the world, but arranging funding and applying for courses can be a lengthy process. 

Most students choose a Masters or doctoral course. Masters courses are either ‘professional’ (vocational) or ‘academic’ and often involve writing a thesis. 

Postgraduate courses can be longer than in Ireland and the UK – one to three years for a Masters and up to eight years for a doctorate – as you’re usually expected to study related topics alongside your chosen specialism. Doctoral students in particular typically take classes until they’ve passed their ‘qualifying examination’, which allows them to write and submit their dissertation.

Applying for your course

As an international student, you’ll need to submit your application at least three months before the deadlines, which could mean applying 12 to 18 months before the course starts. You will need to send off an ‘application pack’ that typically contains an application form, examples of written essays, an application fee ($30–100 per institution), university transcripts, a personal statement and letters of recommendation. You will also need to send the results of the standardised admission test that all students have to sit to attend a US institution. 

Individual institutions can advise you about the precise contents of the application pack and which test you need to sit. The most common tests are:

• graduate record exam (GRE) for most humanities, arts and science courses
• graduate admissions tests (GMAT) for most business schools 
• law schools admissions tests (LSAT)
• medical college admissions tests (MCAT)

Most tests last around three hours and gauge verbal, analytical writing and quantitative abilities. With the exception of the MCAT (which are valid for three years), the scores are valid for five years. Once you have been accepted, you will be given a visa application form by your visa sponsor, which is often the US institution but could be a funding body.

Funding your course

Fees start at a few thousand dollars but can be as much as $30,000. The Fulbright Awardsis a significant source. The FAS Science Challenge offers scholarships and bursaries for study in the US (www.fas.ie and go to Science Challenge Programme on 'Quick Links') Individual institutions may also offer funding. 

Living costs vary considerably and tend to be more expensive on the East and West Coasts. Also give some thought to health insurance, as having adequate coverage is often a condition of enrolment. It may be possible for international students to arrange cheaper rates: check with your institution of choice as they might be able to facilitate this.

Types of graduate school

Institutions offering postgraduate qualifications, colloquially referred to as ‘grad schools’, fall into a number of categories. You could study at a large research university or a smaller doctorate-granting university, or attend a comprehensive institution, which may award Masters degrees but doesn’t prioritise research. 

Alternatively, you could study in a specialised institution, which either offers a limited range of courses or caters to specific professional occupations or student demographics. You can find more information on studying in the US at www.petersons.com and www.usastudyguide.com.

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