International Opportunities: Graduate Study Abroad

U.S. students can attend graduate programs abroad at a variety of institutions all over the world. Most students apply and enroll directly (on their own).  Since the application process is usually done directly through the foreign university, there are relatively few "programs" that assist students with the overall process, and therefore the research and application stages may be more challenging.  Students need to be prepared to navigate the application and matriculation process independently or possibly with the help of the International Office at the host university.  There are some organizations in the U.S. that will work with students to facilitate direct enrollment into some universities abroad; for a list of these organization please see the sections below.


This web page covers the basics of graduate study abroad:

Important considerations about graduate study abroad

  1. Program durations may be shorter and more intensive than equivalent U.S. programs.   
  2. Graduate programs abroad may be significantly more or less expensive than an equivalent program in the US. Many foreign institutions have a U.S. federal FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) number and can process US federal aid, including Stafford Loans, for graduate students.  Students should not expect to be able to work part-time during their graduate program, as many countries have work restrictions on student visas.  Inquire with the embassy of your host country or with your host university for further information about working abroad during your graduate study program.   
  3. Particularly for students interested in a discipline with an international or language focus, such as international business, an international degree may have many professional advantages.   
  4. Professions such as law, medicine, or education may have specific curricular or licensure requirements that prevent their international equivalencies from being recognized for careers in the United States or elsewhere in the world. Degree recognition in the U.S. or in another country (in which the student intends to establish a career) may require additional work if a student decides to relocate after the graduate program.  We strongly recommend doing research into what this additional work may entail before applying to the graduate programs; it is important to prepare accordingly if this is the case.  
  5. Keep in mind that U.S. degree programs tend to be coursework based, while many programs in other countries are often research based and therefore are different in style and focus than a U.S. student may be used to.  It is important to remember that adjustment to both a new culture and a new academic format will be necessary.   
  6. Degrees in non-English speaking countries will likely require a high level of language proficiency, since graduate programs are not usually designed for non-native speakers.   
  7. It may be a good idea to speak with your academic adviser(s) or with a faculty member here at Northwestern who is involved in your planned area of interest during your search for a graduate program.  He/she may have some insight or advice regarding certain universities or study paths that may be appropriate for you abroad.

Sponsoring organizations

Some U.S. and international organizations will work with students to facilitate direct enrollment into some universities abroad.

  • Council for International Education Exchange
    CIEE can help students locate and apply to Taught Master's (one-year degree) programs--MA, MSc, MBA--in England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. CIEE may also be able to advise on graduate programs in Australia, Hong Kong, Denmark, England, Germany, Malta, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden, Scotland, and Wales. 
  • InterStudy
    Offers information on Graduate programs in South Africa. 
  • AustraLearn
    Australearn works directly with Australian and New Zealand universities and helps students locate the best program option for their specific interests and also can aid in the application and matriculation process.  Australearn has extensive information on full graduate degrees in Australia and New Zealand, and also short-term graduate study options or one-year Taught Master's degrees.  
  • New York University (NYU)
    The Graduate School of Arts and Science of New York University offers both Master and Ph.D track graduate options in Paris, France focusing on French literature and language. NYU also has graduate options in Madrid, Spain that focus on Hispanic literature and culture.  
  • Transatlantic Master's Degree Program (Offered by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and The University of Washington)
    The Trans-Atlantic Masters Program (TAM) trains graduate students pursuing international careers in administration,diplomacy, business, policy-making, consulting, teaching, and research. Offered by a consortium of world-renowneduniversities in the United States and Europe (EAUC), TAM is a unique, intensive fourteen-month degree program providing students with the opportunity to pursue graduate study at a variety of locations on both sides of the Atlantic while earning a masters degree.  Opportunities with this program exist to pursue studies in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Prague, and the UK.  
  • Center for International Studies (CIS)
    CIS works with partner institutions abroad to offer graduate/postgraduate diploma programs abroad in Australia, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland and Scotland.  
  • The British Council
    The BritishCouncil offers extremely comprehensive information on graduate opportunities in the United Kingdom. 
  • DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
    DAAD is an organization of higher education institutions in Germany.  Their web site provides information regarding study programs in Germany for both undergraduates and graduates.  
  • SIU (Centre for International University Cooperation, Norwegian Council for Higher Education)
    This site includes a catalogue of International Master’s Degree Programs offered by Norwegian Universities and University Colleges in Norway.

Additional resources

  • Search Engines

The Butex Guide to Graduate Study in the UK

Grad Schools.com

Peterson's Planner

The Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota

Transitions Abroad

Go Abroad.com

Study Abroad.com

Colleges Abroad.com

IIE Passport

  • Informational Links

International graduate program information

Information on graduate application process

Information on European degree options

Articles relating to graduate degree programs

Placement services for British programs

Comprehensive list of worldwide universities

Funding for graduate study abroad

  • U.S. Federal Financial Aid
    To apply for any U.S. Federal Financial Aid, students need to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  FAFS and federal financial aid information is available at the link above.  
  • Institutional Aid from your Host University
    Inquire about the types of scholarships, awards, and grants available for international students at the institution to which you are applying.
  • Private Aid
    You may wish to research your options for additional scholarships, grants, or specialized loans from private agencies.  There are numerous scholarships available for graduate study abroad.  For information, see the Northwestern University Office of Fellowships.