US Graduate School
US Graduate School: MS, PhD & Funding
Applying to US graduate programmes — MS and PhD admissions, the GRE-optional landscape, funding through assistantships, and the application package.
US graduate education spans two main paths: coursework master's programmes that give you advanced professional skills, and research-based programmes — including many MS tracks and virtually all PhD programmes — where you join a department, work with a faculty advisor, and contribute original research to your field. Navigating which path fits your goals, which programmes are the right fit, and how to fund your studies are the three questions these guides address.
Every fact that varies by programme — test requirements, funding availability, deadlines, stipend amounts — is deferred to the official source for that specific programme, because no general guide can be authoritative on current details. Use these guides to understand the structure and ask better questions; use each programme's official pages and the official US government resources to verify before acting.
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Tests this hub covers
GRE
ETS (Educational Testing Service) · Year-round, 365 days a year (once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any rolling 12 months)
GMAT Focus
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) · Appointments 7 days a week (test centres in opening hours, online around the clock where offered); up to 5 attempts in any rolling 12 months, at least 16 days apart
TOEFL iBT
ETS (Educational Testing Service) · Offered more than 170 times a year at test centres (Home Edition: 24 hours a day, 4 days a week)
IELTS
British Council / IDP IELTS / Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Year-round (test dates and session times vary by test centre)
LSAT
LSAC (Law School Admission Council) · 8 multi-day administrations in 2026–27 (U.S. and Canada: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, Apr, Jun; fewer internationally)
MCAT
AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) · Multiple dates each year, January–September (35 U.S. dates on the 2027 calendar; fewer at many international centres)
Guides for United States
15 of 15 guides in this hub are for the United States.
How to Apply to US Grad School
The US graduate-school application process — what the package contains, how programmes differ, key timelines, and where to verify every official requirement.
Read guideMS in USA: Application Guide
What the US master's application involves — the SOP, transcripts, English tests, the GRE question, funding options, and how to verify requirements — for international applicants targeting STEM and other fields.
Read guidePhD in USA: Funding & Admission
How US doctoral admissions work — research fit, the funding model through assistantships and fellowships, what the application includes, and what to verify on official sources. No guarantees; outcomes vary by programme.
Read guideMBA in USA: Application Guide
Applying for an MBA program in the United States — covering the GMAT/GRE, work experience, essays, recommendations, and the application timeline.
Read guideHow to Get Into US Law School
The JD law school application process in the United States — covering the LSAT, the LSAC Credential Assembly Service, application components, and what law school admissions committees consider.
Read guideHow to Get Into US Medical School
The MD admissions process in the United States — covering the MCAT, the AMCAS application, premedical prerequisites, and what medical school admissions committees evaluate. Guidance only; not medical advice.
Read guideLLM in USA for International Lawyers
The Master of Laws (LLM) in the United States for foreign-trained lawyers — eligibility, application process, typical program structure, English proficiency requirements, and US bar exam considerations. Guidance only; not legal or immigration advice.
Read guideComputer Science Major Guide (USA)
What a computer science degree in the US covers, how programmes differ, the role of ABET accreditation, and how to evaluate options — without salary figures or employment guarantees.
Read guideBusiness & Finance Majors (USA)
The main business and finance majors at US universities — what they cover, how undergraduate and graduate programmes differ, and what to look for when evaluating options. No salary claims.
Read guideEngineering Majors (USA)
The main engineering disciplines at US universities, the role of ABET accreditation, graduate study options, and what to look for when comparing programmes.
Read guideThe Pre-Med Track, Explained
The pre-med track at US universities — what pre-med means, which science courses are typically required, the role of the MCAT, how to apply to medical school, and what students should know before choosing this path.
Read guideThe Pre-Law Track, Explained
The pre-law track at US universities — what pre-law means, why no undergraduate major is required, the role of the LSAT, how law school admission works, and what prospective students should consider before choosing this path.
Read guideStudying in the United States
Continue exploring the United States
Universities, entrance tests, costs and visa facts for the United States — all in one place, each linked to its official source.
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