Graduate school. It’s a time to take your education to new heights by specializing in your area of interest. For engineering students, this consists of spending countless hours in research labs and constructing dissertations.
Even though this exertion of mental and physical effort is incredibly rewarding, it comes with a hefty price tag – especially for international students. But don’t cross your dream school off your list just yet. Universities all over the country offer financial support to international students to help make their academic experience in the States unforgettable.
Below, you’ll find the top 22 graduate engineering schools that offer the most financial aid to international students.
The list below cross-references U.S. News and World Report’s 2018 list of the USA's best graduate engineering schools with LendEdu’s ranking of over 1,000 U.S. schools by the average amount of financial aid awarded to international students.
You’ll also find pertinent financial aid and graduate program information for each university to assist you in making the most informed decisions.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $55,862
Graduate students may obtain financial aid in the form of Yale University Fellowships, tuition fellowships, teaching fellowships, traineeships, and research assistantships. However, the amount granted depends on your area of study.
You may be surprised to learn that eligible doctoral students receive full financial support for their full period of study through fellowships and stipends.
Master’s students, on the other hand, must fund their full education.
While attending one of the most well-known liberal arts universities in the world, you will not only develop a strong understanding of engineering but will gain insight into environmental and political issues as well.
As a graduate engineering student pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, you can mold your coursework and research to your area of interest with the help of your department’s faculty board. This flexibility allows for more creative, multidisciplinary coursework to help you dig deep into your field of study.
See the numerous master’s degree programs available to you through the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Additionally, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers an Advanced Graduate Leadership Program exclusively for doctoral students. This tailored experience provides students with the resources to prepare them for job opportunities after graduation.
Note that prospective students are only eligible for acceptance if they have a Bachelor of Science in engineering or related fields.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $54,194
Stanford University offers some of the world’s most renowned research facilities, so it’s no surprise that the university attracts international students from all over the world. Financial aid and admission are awarded solely on merit, meaning applicants must show exemplary academic performance to receive funding and admission.
Additionally, external donors recognize Stanford School of Engineering graduate students by providing merit fellowships exclusively to those from China, Ireland, Mexico, Taiwan, and other regions of the Middle East. This geographic-specific opportunity gives students a chance to obtain financial funding by reducing the amount of competition.
Applying separately for these fellowships is not necessary because they are awarded based on merit. Evaluation for awards occurs during the admissions process.
Don’t let the merit admission and funding scare you. Outside scholarships, grants, loans, and earnings are available to students.
To obtain a loan, you must have a co-signer who is a permanent resident or credit-worthy U.S. citizen. Contact your academic department to inquire about funding opportunities.
The Stanford School of Engineering also offers the Stanford Graduate Fellowship, which is available to doctoral engineering graduate students. Submitting a separate application isn’t necessary because evaluation occurs during the application process.
Stanford’s mission is to build leaders who desire to solve social issues through engineering practices. Diverse coursework teaches students how to possess cultural, entrepreneurial, technical, and creative skills.
The curriculum challenges students by using a multidisciplinary learning approach consisting of research, teaching, and problem-solving.
Stanford University offers ten graduate programs for master’s and doctoral students that encompass this approach.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $53,972
As an international student, you will receive departmental financial support (fellowships, grants, teaching, and research assistantships) if you apply for a doctorate program. Submit financial aid forms and the admissions application promptly, as consideration for these financial aid opportunities begins after you are granted submission at the graduate program.
Fellowships are only awarded based on merit and include a stipend. These rewards are a fixed amount that alleviates some financial expenses while placing the primary focus on academic studies.
Tuition assistance and a living stipend are available in all departments through teaching and research opportunities. Opportunities such as this may include teaching or participating in research with faculty members.
International students may receive private loans if they obtain a creditworthy cosigner that is a citizen or permanent resident in the U.S.
As one of the most recognized engineering programs in the country, Columbia’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science offers an array of disciplines for your master’s or professional degree, ranging from computer to financial engineering.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering is necessary for enrollment in a master’s degree program. If you wish to obtain a Ph.D., a Master of Science is required.
Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers nine departments for master’s and professional study.
Because interdisciplinary coursework is highly valued, Columbia University offers dual degree and joint programs. These flexible programs allow engineering students to pursue degrees in other areas of study simultaneously.
In addition to valuing different disciplines, Columbia Engineering views an entrepreneurial mindset as the key to success in engineering. Combining business and technical principles through academic coursework, competitions, grants, and programs gives students the opportunity to make a significant “impact on humanity.”
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $53,409
An education from Harvard University is held in high regard, but it comes with a hefty price tag. However, as a Ph.D. student, you’ll receive full financial assistance for the duration of your education. This assistance will help cover tuition, fees, and a living stipend as long as you remain in good academic standing.
Because of this, full-time doctoral students are not permitted to hold employment outside of their teaching and research assistantship positions. Remaining focused on their academic work allows students to finish their degree in the four-to-seven-year timespan.
Doctoral students aren’t the only ones who are eligible for assistance. Master’s students can apply for outside grants and scholarships. External fellowships such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG) are also available to international students.
Promoting creativity and technical innovation are only some of the core ideas stressed at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Aspiring engineering students may pursue their graduate degrees in a variety of areas.
These areas of study – as well as other programs in Harvard’s renowned engineering and applied science school – have aided graduates in obtaining top positions at institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Google, and IBM.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $53,334
With a highly competitive graduate program, Duke University believes in providing sufficient financial support to all graduate students to help them achieve all their academic goals. Ph.D. students receive financial support from their department, graduate school, and external fellowships.
Duke awards a stipend, tuition payment, fee support, and health insurance coverage to students in their first five years. Students must pay for their tuition and other fees after their fifth year. However, external and departmental funding is available.
If your study extends into the sixth year, you may be eligible for a sixth-year tuition scholarship.
Master’s students receive support, but it varies by department. Duke University’s External Funding Opportunities are available to doctoral and master’s students based on location, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender.
Graduate students must uphold the academic standards set by each scholarship, grant, fellowship, or external source to continue receiving support.
Duke University combines a fun environment with a research-driven and entrepreneurial approach in all their engineering programs.
Whether you’re looking for a career in teaching or research, the Pratt School of Engineering offers these Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $53,291
As a graduate student studying at Dartmouth College, you will learn innovative ways to apply your technical expertise as well as take advantage of career opportunities and learning experiences.
Dartmouth College is also willing to help its students finance their education in any way possible. All professional students receive a yearly stipend or fellowship to help finance their education. Master’s students may also receive scholarships from individual graduate program departments, so be sure to contact your department for further inquiries.
International students can also apply for scholarships and loans, which may finance their travel to the United States.
Dartmouth College emphasizes the importance of developing an understanding of engineering practices to drive innovation to better our communities.
The Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth offers various fields of study for graduate degree programs.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $52,332
With highly experienced faculty, world-renowned research facilities, and a dynamic curriculum, Cornell University offers an admirable academic experience that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
All Ph.D. students receive full funding which may take the form of fellowships, assistantships, and other assistance designated by the department.
In contrast, master’s students are not fully funded. While they may receive financial assistance, the amount given depends on the department.
Departmental assistance may not cover all educational costs, so students are encouraged to apply for outside fellowships. Search Cornell University’s fellowship database to find additional academic support.
Additionally, funding is available exclusively for international students from outside the university. View Funding Resources to find organizations and websites willing to help international graduate students fund their education.
Students may apply to borrow money through private lenders if they so choose. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more loan information.
Cornell University prides itself on educating students through interdisciplinary, creative, and challenging methods that broaden the mind’s thinking processes. Students may decide to pursue a Master of Engineering, Master of Science, or Doctor of Philosophy Degree.
The Master of Engineering degree track is a one-year program that allows students to gain real-world experience in research and the application of different engineering practices. Involvement in a multidisciplinary curriculum allows students to connect with peers, faculty, and future employers to maximize their academic experience.
Each program within Cornell University’s College of Engineering combines research and heavy coursework into its intensive curriculum. However, students can select their classes according to their area of interest.
As a Ph.D. student, you can tailor your coursework to your areas of interest with the help of an academic team. Entrepreneurial opportunities are also available so you can continue to intertwine the engineering and entrepreneurial learning environments.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $51,460
Financial aid at Caltech is available to graduate students in the form of fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or a combination of all three. All aid awarded is merit-based and consists of tuition support and a stipend.
Students receive financial support yearly and will continue to receive support as long as they maintain satisfactory academic performance.
Graduate students are also urged to apply for outside scholarships to help supplement their education. Here are the external scholarship opportunities available. Be sure to read the eligibility requirements and deadlines carefully before applying.
Loans may be taken out by international students, but you must have an eligible U.S. citizen or permanent resident as your co-signer.
If you want to study at one of the top research institutions in the world, the California Institute of Technology is where you need to be. Each program encompasses technological and scientific practices as well as creative and dynamic thinking.
The California Institute of Technology’s Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers many master’s and doctoral programs within multiple departments.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $46,781
Recognized for the outstanding quality of its research and engineering programs, Vanderbilt University is a prime destination for aspiring engineering students around the world.
Students may apply for scholarships, grants, loans, and external fellowships to finance their graduate studies. Scholarships, grants, and fellowship awards are available exclusively for international students through Vanderbilt University’s individual graduate departments. Read the criteria for each carefully before applying.
Some graduate fellowships are available exclusively to international students. Additionally, external fellowships are available and may come from international, industrial, or national sources. Take advantage of these financial opportunities quickly because funds are limited.
All students are encouraged to apply for external awards. These awards alleviate the financial burden associated with graduate school and increase the likelihood of future funding opportunities.
With a key concentration on innovation and interdisciplinary coursework, this private university offers a friendly learning environment that aims to maximize your learning potential.
Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering offers many Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $44,925
You may be thinking: Another Ivy League school. That’s way too expensive.
While an education from Brown University can be costly, doctoral students receive guaranteed funding for five years. Funding includes tuition reimbursement, a stipend, a health services fee, and a health insurance subsidy. If completion of your professional degree exceeds five years, you can apply for financial assistance through the Dissertation Completion Proposal.
Additionally, doctoral students are eligible to apply for external fellowships and scholarships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. Contact your academic advisor for help applying for these opportunities.
As a master’s student, you will receive less financial support than doctorate students, but external sources are available. Additionally, aid will not be granted at the time of admission until you have proved that you have the appropriate funds available to finance the remaining balance.
Known for its research-focused, multidisciplinary courses, Brown University takes the cake on having one of the best engineering programs in the country.
Brown School of Engineering offers various master’s and doctoral degree programs.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $44,824
The University of Pennsylvania competes to attract the finest students by offering top graduate programs. The school also supplements its doctoral programs with grant-based financial support packages multiple times a year.
These packages consist of aid to help cover living expenses, tuition, fees, and health insurance. However, awards vary depending on the area of study. Contact your specific department for more award information.
While master’s students don’t receive aid from individual departments, international students may apply for loans and external scholarships.
If you wish to obtain a private loan to supplement your education, you must have a qualified co-signer to gain approval.
With highly accredited research centers and distinguished staff, this Ivy League school is recognized for its individualized engineering programs.
Penn Engineering offers various degree programs for those interested in pursuing their master’s or doctoral degree.
Each program listed centers its curriculum on technology and innovation, which helps to promote learning, teaching, and a passion for improving the world.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $44,466
Are you seeking a doctoral degree from this Ivy League school? You’re in luck. Princeton University guarantees full funding for all graduate students as long as their academic performance remains satisfactory.
The financial support provided includes full tuition, fee coverage, and a stipend. Stipends are intended to help students pay for living expenses during the academic year.
Master’s students don’t receive aid from the graduate school, but they may receive funds from external sources. Master’s students may also apply for assistantships in research and instruction.
Assistantships in instruction are awarded to students by their specific departments. These assistantships require students to assist an instructor in teaching undergraduate students.
Students with assistantships in research conduct experiments related to their field with the guidance and help of a faculty member. These students may receive funding via faculty member research grants.
Out of all the Ivy League schools, most people have almost certainly heard of Princeton University. Ranked 37th in the world for its prestigious engineering and technology program, Princeton works hard to develop its graduate students into distinguished leaders.
Princeton University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers the following graduate degrees: Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy.
Amount of Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $44,403
If you’re looking for a graduate school that challenges you on every intellectual level, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the school for you. Not only does the university take pride in stimulating the brightest minds, but it offers numerous forms of financial assistance to international students.
While aid is limited, international students receive the most financial assistance from individual departments. Departments offer students support in the form of fellowships, scholarships, grants, teaching research assistantships, traineeships, and other employment opportunities. Aid is generally granted based on merit or financial need, but students may receive assistance based on a combination of the two.
Students are considered for each form of financial support after they receive acceptance into a graduate program. The money earned from this opportunity will not cover all expenses, so seek out external scholarships and grants to help pay your bills.
International students may also apply for loans, but they must obtain an eligible U.S. citizen or permanent resident to act as the co-signer.
By emphasizing innovation, technology, and leadership, the coursework at MIT prepares graduate students to achieve all their career aspirations.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s School of Engineering offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in diverse degree programs.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $38,518
Deciding to pursue an advanced degree is an investment that can be costly – but not at Johns Hopkins University. Everyone at Johns Hopkins wants to see you succeed – so much so that they want to supplement your education.
Full-time graduate students receive departmental financial assistance in the form of fellowships and tuition support. The department may award eligible students teaching or research assistantships. These positions can help students gain a better understanding of topics in their field.
Full-time students aren’t the only ones eligible for financial support. Part-time graduate students may receive tuition assistance through their employer. Contact your employer for more information on this matter.
In addition to scholarships, all students may apply for loans or work-study positions with the university.
Not only does this well-known university offer state-of-the-art research facilities, but full-time, part-time, and online graduate programs are available for students to increase flexibility and overall academic experience.
Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering offers full-time, part-time, and online Master of Science degrees, part-time and online Master of Science degrees, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Engineering programs.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $36,904
As a graduate engineering student, you will face academic and personal challenges that will prepare you for work upon graduation. Boston University not only prepares its graduate students to succeed in their careers, but it aims to ease the financial stress as well.
International students may receive merit-based financial aid in the form of scholarships, institutional fellowships, external fellowships, loans, and employment opportunities. Master’s students are eligible to receive merit-based scholarships that will pay up to half of their tuition costs. To renew these awards, students must maintain satisfactory grades.
Ph.D. students receive full tuition funding through Dean’s Fellowships as well as funding from teaching and research assistantships. Funding from these opportunities assists in covering tuition and health insurance costs.
Additionally, all international graduate students can apply for institutional fellowships to help decrease personal expenditures.
External fellowships, which are funding opportunities offered by external parties, are available for all international master's and doctoral students. Explore the array of fellowships offered, which include funding opportunities and career development programs.
Even after reviewing your scholarship and fellowship options, you may have to take out a loan. Boston University allows international students to take out credit-based loans with and without a co-borrower. Note that taking out a loan with a co-borrower results in more favorable interest rates.
Boston University is determined to create “societal engineers” by teaching its graduate students superb communication skills, leadership, and environmental awareness. The university achieves this by offering several programs for Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy graduate students.
Students also have the opportunity to increase their credibility in their field of choice by participating in special programs. Read about how you can add “with Engineering Practice,” specializations, or certificates to your degree.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $36,392
The University of Notre Dame will be your home away from home. The staff and faculty at this prime institution not only care about your academic success but your financial well-being as well.
Ph.D. students receive full financial departmental support in the form of fellowships, scholarships, stipends, and assistantships. Notre Dame will only consider applicants who have been accepted into a graduate program.
International students can take out private loans to finance their education. You must have a co-signer who is in good credit or a permanent resident of the U.S. to obtain your loan.
The University of Notre Dame’s College of Engineering offers a selection of master’s and professional degrees for those who wish to further their knowledge.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $35,099
With the goal of educating students on how to solve the world’s most challenging problems with confidence, Santa Clara University makes sure that paying for graduate school isn’t a burden for you.
International students are eligible for scholarships, fellowships, or grants through their graduate program. Contact the Santa Clara University School of Engineering for more information on these financial aid opportunities.
To supplement this financial aid, international students may choose to borrow money through private loans. To obtain a loan, you must have an eligible U.S. citizen or non-citizen to act as your co-borrower.
Private loans often have less favorable interest rates, so make sure you read each application carefully to choose the best one for you.
The Santa Clara University School of Engineering offers a diverse selection of master’s degree programs for those interested in careers as researchers, consultants, engineers, scientists, and many others.
For those who desire further specialization in their field, the Santa Clara University of Engineering offers Doctor of Philosophy degree programs.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $35,056
Lehigh University is not only known for its rich and diverse academic programs, but for the warm and comfortable environment it provides for its international students. International students may receive departmental financial assistance in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, scholarships, and stipends.
Also, The Office of Fellowship Advising works hard to make sure international students have the opportunity to apply for competitive financial opportunities. Advisors offer advising, personal meetings, and workshops with students to make the application process easier. Visit the Office of International Affairs to view a complete list of external scholarships and fellowships available to international students.
For those seeking further funding, external scholarships are also available. Websites such as CollegeBoard and GoCollege offer scholarships that may match your field of interest, academic qualifications, and financial situation.
Students wanting to borrow money may do so by taking out a loan. Remember you must have a credit-worthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident to act as a co-signer.
Boasting the largest testing facility on the East Coast, Lehigh University is a prime institution for studying engineering. A variety of graduate fields are available for those pursuing a Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Graduate students attending Lehigh University have the option to select their program based on their interest in research or professional master’s studies. The research-based coursework is best suited for individuals seeking a career in government, academic, or corporate research.
Professional master’s programs are appropriate for individuals who seek to polish their engineering skills to increase their chances of advancement in a working environment.
The P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science offers a diverse selection of degree programs for Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and professional students.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $33,715
With its multidisciplinary coursework and helpful Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, the University of California San Diego wants to make your academic and financial experience at this well-known institution positive and memorable.
International students may obtain financial aid by applying for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans. There is an abundance of scholarships available specifically to international students through the International Students and Programs Office website.
You will find links to various scholarship search engines to aid your search for external aid opportunities as well as general scholarships, women’s scholarships, and regional scholarships. Make sure to read the requirements carefully before applying.
Additionally, private loans are available for international students, but you will need an eligible U.S. citizen or permanent resident to act as a co-signer. The University of California San Diego provides a list of private lenders to help you find additional financial sources.
This list is not exhaustive. You may explore other options to choose what’s best for you.
With the goal of educating top technological leaders, the University of California San Diego focuses its curriculum on engineering fundamentals, research, and leadership. This university offers an abundance of degree programs for those who wish to make a technological and environmental impact on the world today.
The Jacobs School of Engineering not only offers graduate programs for individuals seeking a Master of Science degree, but students also have the option to pursue programs leading to a Master of Advanced Study or Master of Engineering. Those who want to expand their knowledge further can pursue professional degrees.
Check out which master’s or doctoral program is right for you.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $33,164
The graduate admissions office and engineering department at the University of California Santa Barbara are devoted to making your educational experience unforgettable without dreading the financial implications.
The university administers aid in the form of fellowships, academic employment, and external funding to international students.
Fellowships at this university are awarded solely on merit and may provide payment for fees, tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. Applications for these opportunities are not required. Evaluation for funding occurs during the admissions process.
Also, departments may administer fellowships by nominating those who exhibit extraordinary academic performance.
Students may opt for academic employment opportunities such as teaching and researcher assistantships. If these interest you, make sure to read the terms and conditions of the positions carefully before applying.
The University of California Santa Barbara provides many helpful databases that make finding external funding opportunities fast and easy.
If you wish to study at one of the top engineering schools in the world, look no further than the University of California Santa Barbara. This institution is renowned for its engineering programs as well as its first-class research facilities and resources.
So, how did it earn its top spot? The University of California Santa Barbara offers countless graduate programs for those pursuing a Master's of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.
In addition to earning degrees in a specific field, students have the option to specialize and place emphasis on other areas of engineering, depending on their major. Doing this gives students the opportunity to learn a wide variety of material in a fun, interactive, and diverse environment.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $31,719
As a student at Washington University in St. Louis, you will have an abundance of opportunities to become a leader in your field and community. This university not only strives to assist its students academically but financially as well.
All full-time Ph.D. students attending the Washington University in St. Louis School of Engineering and Applied Science will receive full financial assistance in the form of a tuition decrease, stipend, and health insurance funding. Students will continue to receive generous support as long as they continue pursuing their degrees and uphold satisfactory academic performance.
Master’s students are required to finance their education. For full-time master’s students, however, research assistantships and fellowships are available but limited.
Master’s students interested in research and teaching assistantships should contact the head of their department. The faculty will determine your eligibility for the assistantship program after the school year has started. You should contact your financial office for additional information regarding financial support.
Engineering is all about adapting to an ever-changing environment and creating new and efficient ways to perform tasks. Washington University in St. Louis engraves these principles in the minds of its students by providing open communication and academic opportunities within all the engineering departments.
Washington University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science offers Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees for all areas of engineering.
Average Financial Aid Awarded to International Students: $29,508
The Tandon School of Engineering will only consider full-time master’s applicants for departmental scholarships during the application process. If you receive merit or financial-need awards, you must continue meeting all the academic requirements to maintain your award.
International students may also apply for online scholarships. Many self-regulating organizations strive to make worthy scholarships available to those who wish to study in the United States. The database Funding for U.S. Study allows you to search for scholarships based on the organization type and area of study that you wish to pursue.
New York University also offers private loans for international students. An eligible U.S. co-signer is required. Click here to browse a list of private loans that are available to you.
It is also important to explore loan options offered in your home country. Applying for these options will make going through the loan process easier.
With connections to other New York universities and its outstanding staff, New York University is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering. New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering takes pride in educating students to become leaders in their community by emphasizing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Tandon School of Engineering offers programs for individuals seeking a Master's of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree in many diverse areas of engineering.