Can I do a graduate degree in a field unrelated to my undergraduate degree?
An undergraduate degree in your intended field of graduate study is recommended and usually required. However, if your undergraduate degree was in an allied field or was inter-disciplinary and you took, for example, one-third of your courses in political science, you may be admitted into a graduate program for political science upon the completion of a designated number of undergraduate courses at the institution in which you want to enrol. For graduates applying for professional degrees in subjects such as business (MBA), education or hotel management, the above rules may not apply. Relevant work experience may be important for MBA admission.
Can I do a Master's Degree in one year?
Some universities allow students to complete a master's degree in one year. However, if you are asked to complete a master's thesis, you may find it difficult to finish in less than 18 months. Additionally, if you have a teaching assistantship or research assistantship, you may find that your duties take up so much time that it would be difficult to complete your degree in one year. Some professional degrees have prescribed coursework which does not allow you to accelerate your time of study to one year. If you are applying for an MBA degree and you have work experience you may find that the business school as a special grogram which would allow you to finish in one year.
When am I too late to apply?
Application deadlines at US universities range from November 30th to August 15th. If you start the process very late, you may still be able to find a university that offers your field of study and is willing to consider your application. Whether or not this is the university you really want to go to is another matter. If you have not taken the necessary standardised tests for admission, you need to plan on taking the tests and submitting the scores before the application deadline. You can use the Peterson’s Guide to find out about deadlines at US Universities.
What if I have missed the university deadline?
US universities, particularly the major ones like Harvard, Yale and Stanford receive hundreds of applications each year, so deadlines are firm and you will need to ensure that the application form, test results and recommendations have reached the university before the required date. Other universities have rolling admissions which means that the deadlines are flexible and students may be admitted in the fall, spring or summer terms. In most cases, though, early application is advisable.
Can I work in the US once I have finished my degree?
US Immigration law allows international students to gain academic experience for 12-18 months upon completion of their degree from a US university. The work done must be closely affiliated to your field of study and each possible job placement will be closely scrutinised by immigration. After this period, your US university degree will not entitle you to a work permit to remain in the USA.
Requesting Application Materials
Do I request information and application materials from the universities directly?
Yes, each university has its own application process and you need to contact each university separately to obtain that information.
How should I communicate with the US universities, may I phone, fax or e-mail?
All three methods are perfectly acceptable. If you start the process close to the application deadline, you may want to call because that will be the quickest method. E-mail is also a quick and inexpensive way of requesting information.
When I request information from the US universities, what do I need to ay in the letter?
You may use the Request for Application Material included in your Graduate/Graduate-Business information package as an introductory letter. Do not attach documents or any kind of payment at this stage. Simply fill out the form (print/type your answers) and mail to the "Graduate Admissions Office" of each university. You may photocopy this form as many times as you wish.
Who do I write to for applications?
Prospective international graduates should write to two locations:
- Graduate School Admissions Office
- The particular department where they wish to pursue a degree
The Graduate School will provide the application forms and information for international students and the department will be able to provide the course offerings and institutional financial aid details.
Adapted from:
UK/US Fulbright Commission's
"Over 100 of the most commonly asked questions about Postgraduate Study in US"– and their answers
