<p>My friend, a freshman majoring in chemical engineering in Iranian university, wants to get a master's degree in chemical engineering in some American university, where he can get much funding to pay for his tuition. Since he is from a normal middle family, I don't think he can afford the tuition of American university without funding. I totally have no idea about how int'l grad students receive funding, so could you tell me the process and the mechanism? What are the factors which decide how much funding he can receive? Which university would you recommend for him, considering the fact that he's a student with decent grades in a normal engineering school in Iran?</p>
<p>Master’s programs are not usually funded the way that PhD programs are. Sometimes certain programs will fund some. He will have to investigate each program. Look at thegradcafe ‘results search’ and you might see reports of funding offers.</p>
<p>Lower tier engineering schools seem to fund masters more commonly</p>
<p>Sounds good. I will just look for lower tier schools. </p>
<p>If the program you are applying to has a Ph.D. program, it is likely that the Ph.D. students get first chances at any funding and M.S. students are expected to self-fund. The surest way to find funding for an M.S. is a program that does not offer a Ph.D. and therefore have Teaching Assistantships for M.S. students.</p>
<p>Actually, whether he has to work or not, it is totally fine if he can get master’s degree in US. But since TA requires high English proficiency, it will be a major hurdle for him. </p>
<p>Of course, English proficiency is important, however my university, Illinois Tech, has a significant number of Iranian students and many have excellent English skills.</p>
<p>I’m relieved to hear that. </p>