Master’s Degree For Foreign Students

Earning a master’s degree for international students in
the United States is about more than academic achievement. It’s about gaining access to world-class
education, work experience and a powerful launchpad for a global career. With strong postgraduate programs,
generous work authorization options and an international focus, the U.S. remains a top destination for
talented students from around the world.

This article walks you through how to select the right
master’s program, plan for work and immigration opportunities after graduation and manage the
financial investment wisely.

Why study for a master’s degree in the United States?

The U.S. offers foreign students unique advantages that go
beyond academics:

Career-driven educationMany U.S.
programs are designed to connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Business schools,
engineering programs and tech-focused degrees work closely with employers to align curriculum with industry
needs.

Work experience through OPT and STEM OPTForeign students who study abroad in the United States can gain up to 12 months of optional practical training (OPT) after graduation. Students
who complete eligible STEM degrees can qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, offering up to three years
of U.S. work experience without needing immediate sponsorship.

Global brand recognitionA
master’s degree from a recognized U.S. institution can carry significant weight with employers both in
the United States and around the world.

Specialized programs for foreign studentsMany universities offer master’s degrees that are specifically structured to support
international students. Programs often include career workshops, immigration support and pathways to
long-term work authorization.

Prospective international student meeting admissions counselor with brochures, program info and campus activity in the background.

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How to choose the right master’s program for long-term success

Making the right choice means thinking beyond academics.
Here’s how to evaluate programs:

Prioritize programs linked to strong career
outcomesLook for degrees with high employment rates within six months of
graduation. Universities often publish employment reports that can give you insight into where alumni are
working and in what roles.

Target fields with strong OPT and STEM OPT
potentialIf maximizing work time in the U.S. is important to you, choose
programs classified as STEM MBA in U.S. or
other technical degrees that qualify for the STEM OPT extension. Fields like data analytics, engineering
management and quantitative finance offer strong career prospects and extended work authorization.

Understand visa and immigration pathwaysPlan ahead for visa transitions. Many students aim to move from OPT or STEM OPT into
employer-sponsored visas like H-1B. Schools with strong career services can often help connect you with
employers who regularly sponsor international talent.

Evaluate financial supportLook at
both costs and funding options. Many institutions offer financial support for
international students in the U.S. through
scholarships, assistantships and part-time job opportunities on campus. Additionally, private funding
options like loans for international university students can help bridge any gaps.

Campus location and professional networkingUniversities located near major industry hubs – like New York, San Francisco or Boston
– often offer better networking, internship access and full-time employment pipelines.

Managing the cost of a U.S. master’s degree

A U.S. master’s degree can be a valuable investment, but
it requires careful financial planning.

Explore international financial aid
opportunitiesSome universities appear on lists of universities that offer full
scholarships to international students in the U.S. Other programs may offer partial merit
scholarships or research assistant positions that reduce
tuition.

Use international education loans wiselyPrivate student loan lenders like MPOWER Financing offer
loans for international university students without
requiring a U.S. cosigner or collateral. Planning a manageable loan amount based on your projected
postgraduation salary is a smart strategy for master’s degree
funding.

Budget for living expensesBeyond
tuition, students need to budget for housing, health insurance, transportation, textbooks and daily
expenses. Costs can vary dramatically between major cities and smaller towns.

Plan for job search periodsRemember that finding a job after graduation might take several months. Budget for at least three
to six months of living expenses after you finish your degree.

Organized student planner showing scholarship deadlines, SOP checklist and a goal-focused three-year career plan with motivational notes.

MPOWER Financing: Supporting foreign students pursuing U.S. master's degrees

MPOWER Financing helps international students achieve their
dreams by providing no-cosigner student loans and career support. If you’re planning to earn a
master’s degree abroad and are targeting the
United States, MPOWER makes it easier to focus on your future, not your finances.

What makes MPOWER different?

Loans built for global learners:With no-cosigner student loans from
US$2,001 to US$100,000, MPOWER helps cover everything from tuition to fees and other education expenses. You only borrow what you need
and since these are fixed-rate
student loans, your repayment plan stays inflation-proof and
predictable.

A modern application process:No
branch visits required. You can check eligibility in 30 seconds and complete the entire application online,
from anywhere in the world.

Support beyond the loan:Every student receives access to MPOWER’s Path2Success
program: free tools and resources for career planning, Canadian and US student visa guidance and financial literacy.

Global perspective, local impact:MPOWER was founded by former international students and is meant to provide you with a unique
experience. We focus on future potential, not past financial history.

When you’re choosing the right program, choose the
right financial partner too.

MPOWER Financing student loan

A loan based on your future earnings

Check Eligibility

FAQs

Is it worth getting a master’s degree in the U.S. as a
foreign student?Yes. U.S. master’s programs offer world-class education,
strong career connections and pathways to work authorization after graduation through OPT and STEM
OPT.

Which degrees qualify for the STEM OPT
extension?Programs in the U.S. like data science, business analytics,
quantitative finance, engineering and certain STEM MBA tracks often qualify. Always verify your
program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code is a recognized STEM program.

Can international students receive scholarships for U.S.
master’s degrees?Some universities that offer full scholarships to
international students in the U.S. provide full or partial funding. Check each program’s international
financial aid options carefully.

What financing options are available if scholarships are not
enough?Loans for international students are available through lenders like
MPOWER Financing, which offers loans without the need for a U.S. cosigner or collateral.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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Master’s degree for foreign students: Building your future in the United States