Fellowships/Assistantships for Int'l Students

[mrsplant]

Hey guys! I was wondering if any of you know what upper-tier Government schools on the East Coast offer the best financial aid packages for internationals? I know WWS is one of them... any other suggestions, though? I'm an international but I did my undergrad in the US, so I'm looking for ways to minimize any additional debt in grad school.

Thanks!

[mrsplant]

anyone?

[MYRNIST]

A lot of financial aid is merit-based - i.e. how good of a candidate you are compared to their average student. So, I would apply for a wide range of schools, including some you might be overqualified for. Throw in an app to American, Pitt, etc. along with the big dogs like WWS, HKS, etc. The credentials that might result in zero aid at Georgetown might get you half tuition elsewhere. Also, if you get another school offering you financial aid, you can use that as leverage to try to convince other schools to do so as well - it's not at all unheard of for schools who really like a candidate to match a different school's funding offer.

[mrsplant]

wow, thanks for the tip myrnist. i had no idea. i'll make sure to do that, though i can't say the application fees don't hurt