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

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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 education: Many 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 OPT: Foreign 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 recognition: A 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 students: Many 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 outcomes: Look 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 potential: If 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 pathways: Plan 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 support: Look 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 networking: Universities 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 opportunities: Some 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 wisely: Private 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 expenses: Beyond 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 periods: Remember 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.

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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.

How long can I work in the U.S. after completing a master’s degree?

Most students are eligible for 12 months of OPT. Those in STEM fields may qualify for an additional 24 months, giving up to three years of U.S. work experience.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (11.16% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

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