<p>We are two EE international students (from Argentina) and we were hoping to apply to some top 10 engineering schools for a master/phd....</p>
<p>However, we can't afford it at all... Is there any chance of getting full finantial aid? In that case, is it available for a masters degree? It's expensive enough to sit for all the exams required and pay for the application fees, so we'd rather not apply where we have no chances of aid..</p>
<p>We'd appreciate any inputs...</p>
<p>Your best bet would be to look at the financial aid pages of schools you're interested in. They will most likely have a section on funding international students with all the necessary details.</p>
<p>Masters programs are rarely funded unless you are able to find a faculty member who will take you on as a GRA/GSR (graduate research assistant or graduate student researcher) or as a TA (teaching assistants). Usually these comments are made during or after the application process. I'm not sure professors have enough 'pull' to accept you as a GSR or TA before you've applied to the program.</p>
<p>Funding for a phd is much more common but you may have a more difficult time getting admitted because you are an international student. It will be much more competitive.</p>
<p>Selective PhD programs are selective precisely because they give you funding ! That is why PhD programs are usually much harder to get into than terminal masters. A lot of top schools will automatically give you total finaid for 5 years if they accept you to their PhD program.</p>