How to Fund Graduate Study

You can apply for financial assistance from a variety of sources; however, it is important to apply only for those funds for which you are eligible
Home-Country Sources: Ask at an information or advising center or consult local contact about funding from government scholarship programs, regional; assistance programs, local or third-country organizations or businesses, banks, or religious institutions that may offers aid to graduate students from your country.
U.S.Govemment Assistance: The Fulbright Program, foundaed to encourage mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries, offers awards for graduate study. There are many different types of awards, from travel grants to grant that pay maintance and study costs; their availability varies from country to country. Applicants must apply to and be approved by appropriate agencies in the home country. If there is a Fulbright Commission in your country. inquire about the types of grants available ; if not, nay U.S. educational information or advising center can help you get further information, or you can inquire at the public affairs section of the U.S. embassy or consulate.
In some developing countries, support for short-term graduate study or master’s level degree study may be available through programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Eligibility for these programs varies, but in general, local institutions nominate employees for training or education that promotes a specified development goal
Some scholarship programs operate on a regional basis. In sub-Saharna Africa for example, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAIA) funds a program called ATLAS- Advances Training for Leadership and Skills.U.S. educational information and advising centers can tell you about other U.S. government –sponsored programs functioning in your home country
Note that U.S. Department of Education and State-based financial aid are available only to U.S. citizens
 Private U.S. Sources and International Organizations:
Private U.S. Agencies, foundations , business corporations , and professional associations often award financial aid in the interest for furthering international exchange. International organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American states (OAS) are other possible sources of financial aid. Since these institutions are large and complex, writing to them directly with general requests for financial aid will have little effect. Use references available at information advising centers to find specific awards or grants for which you are eligible, and address the office indicated. Many awards and grants are directed toward particular groups such as women, engineers, or journalists; read carefully to see whether you fit into any of the categories. Greater foundation support usually is available for students in the social and natural sciences and in the humanities.applu only for awards for which you match the criteria.
 If an application requires that you write a research or project proposal, pay particular attention to this step. If possible, have the proposal checked by a professional in your field who has worked in the United States
U.S Universities: About one-third of international graduate students finance their studies through financial aid from U.S. universities. However, availability of financial assistance varies by field of study, level of study, and type of institution (research universities are likely to have the most funds available).Also, some universities will give aid to students only after they have successfully completed their first semester or first year of study.
To identify universities that offer financial assistance, consult university reference books or computer, search software on information and advising centers. You can also find information on financial assistance directly from university catalogues and Websites. Some university reference books provide information on financial aid awarded to first-year graduate students, but these statistics include U.S. students as well as international students. Also, all students, including international students, are required to pay U.S. income tax on certain forms of graduate financially assistance. If you are awarded a grant by a university, be sure to check with the institutions to see if you are subject to any type of taxation.
The main types of financial aid available from universities are:
 Fellowships: Department ad institutions award fellowships on the basis of academic merit, normally after the first year of study. Graduation fellowships may be modest, covering only tuition and fees, or full grants providing the cost of tuitions fees, and monthly stipends for maintence. Fellowships rarely cover the total cost living and studying
Assistantship: Assistantships are the most common form of financial aid at the graduate level. Assistantships ace cash awards that require the performance of services related to the field of study, usually about 20 hours per week. Sometimes an assistantship carries with it a waiver (a remission or reeducation) of tuition and fees. Awards may range from as little as $500 to as much as $30, 000 (or higher, if high tuition costs are waived) for an academic year, so it is important to check what proportion of your costs the assistantship will cover. There are several types of assistantships
Teaching assistantships may be available for the first year of graduate study I university departments with large numbers of undergraduates I introductory courses. Teaching assistances (TAs) supervise undergraduate laboratory classes, lead discussion groups, or teach small classes. Increasingly, universities require that applicants achieve a high score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) before receiving a teaching assistantship .Often universities require teaching assistants to complete training programs that prepare them to them in the U.S. educational milieu. If you are interest in applying for a teaching assistantship, be sure to mention in your application any previous teaching experience that you have had.
Research assistantships involve performance of research services related to the field of study. The advantage of research assistantship is that it can related to your thesis or long-term academic interests. Research assistants (RAs) are chosen for their demonstrated research and interpersonal skills. Computer ability, writing skills, and experience working as part of team are there essential qualifications. Fund institutions that have grants in your field, and apply to these universities funding matches your interests, grants in your area will often single out your application for funding especially if you have proven research experience
Administrative assistantships usually require 10 to 20 hours per week working in administrative office of the university, such as the international Students Office. You will need to contact each office individually at most institutions, although a few may have a central location for applications Read the material from each institution to learn where to send applications
Competition for all types of assistantships is intense, since only limited numbers are available at any one institution. International applicants must compete with U.S. students. In general, doctoral student are more likely to receive support than masters candidates. Although financial need is taken into consideration, the most important factor in selection is academic achievement and promise in the field of study. Practically all awards for graduate study are made one year at a time. Renewal is not automatic and depends on your performance and the availability of funds; however, in general , departments will do all they can to ensure you receive continued financial support. One enrolled at an institution, you should begin seeking funding for the next academic year.
To apply for university funding, find out which offices are responsible for the various programs and request application materials. The graduate school may control the funds, or the department or program may administer them, or a combination of both. Ready carefully all the information pertaining to funding , since the application process can be complex and time-consuming
When an offer is made, compare the total award package, including tuition and fees, amount of stipend, length of award, and work responsibilities. If you receive more than one offer, you will have to weigh the benefits of each award from each institution and make the best decision. The decision of which institution to attend should never be based on the amount of an award alone, since finical assistance has nothing to do with the quality of the program. Selecting an institution is a complex and important decision; be sure to take all factors into consideration to make the choices that are best for you.Fullbright Program
 The primary purpose of the Fulbright program is to encourage cooperation and mutual understanding among the various countries of the would through a global exchange of people, knowledge , and skills. Fulbright Commissions around the world use these funds to award thousands of study and research grants annually to both American and foreign students.
The Fulbright program is multifaceted, providing grants and scholarships not just to students, but to professionals and teachers around the world.
The Fulbright Student Program
 As a graduating college senior, master’s or, doctoral candidates from the U.S. you may apply for a fellowship to study and do research abroad by proposing a project in an area and region in which you are interested. Projects can include university coursework, independent research, or professional training.
 The Student program operates in more than 150 countries, offering fellowships to foreign graduate students to participate in research ad further studies in the US. This program seeks to offer insight into U.S. culture and values to potential future leaders from around the world. Foreign students can apply for Fulbright scholarships through the Fulbright Commission or through U.S. Embassies in their home countries. For details you may log on to www.fulbrightonline.org/
Fulbright Master’s Fellowships for Leadership Development are offered to outstanding Indians to pursue a Master’s degree programme at select US institutions in the areas of public administration , economics , communication studies and environment.
The fellowships, for one to two years, provide funding towards tuition professional development in support of the recipient’s graduate study in the US, and round trip airfare.
Eligibility: an equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks. Applicants should possess a four-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, if the bachelor’s degree is of less than four years duration, applicant must have at least three years full time work experience relevant to their proposed field of study.Age:25:30 years. The applicant must demonstrate experience in leadership and community service. Scores of TOEFL ,GRE,TSE or the GMAT are required
How To apply: Application forms can be downloaded from the website www.fulbright-india.org/fellowships/Indians/deadlines.htm#download or www.fulbright-india.org/fellowships/omdiams/leadprodev.htm
 Further details can be had from USEFI,Fulbright House, 12 Hailey Road, New Delhi 110001. Lasr date: June/July.(Courtesy: Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, Us Department of state)