Masters degree certificate a must before joining the PhD program

[John.Galt]

Hello, I'm an international student currently doing masters in home country. I already have my Bachelor's degree. 

 

The masters thesis defense in my university takes a lot of time and by the I officially recieve my mastes degree will be December 2014 or Jan 2015.

 

But the the fall session in most US universities start on September 2014. If I'm not unable to show them my official masters degree by September 2014 will that cause any problem for me? Will it affect my stipend money?

Edited February 28, 2014 by John.Galt

[elisewin]

Your university should be able to provide you with a certificate of completion of studies while you are still waiting for the degree diploma. If not, a certificate that states when you are expecting to complete it.

Edited February 28, 2014 by elisewin