It's not as difficult as you think.

Financial aid or scholarships?

Many young people in Vietnam often think that studying in the US is very difficult, and getting scholarships or financial aid is even harder. Even many of my acquaintances and relatives often say that studying in the US is not easy at all; even Americans find it difficult to get scholarships at the undergraduate level, let alone at the graduate level such as master's and doctoral degrees.

However, I proved otherwise: I secured 100% financial aid for a Master of Science in Mass Communication at Kansas State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication and Public Policy at Louisiana State University. Generally, most universities in the US offer financial aid packages for graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines.

Specifically, this financial support is called graduate research/teaching assistantship, which covers most or all of tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend, usually for nine months of the academic year.

Salaries for master's degree holders typically range from $10,000 to $18,000 per year, and for doctoral degree holders from $18,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on the field of study and the city (cost of living) where the university is located.

A presenter at a conference.

Some universities may require students to teach or assist with research during the summer in exchange for additional pay. By regulation, international students are permitted to work more than 20 hours per week during the summer. This helps international students earn extra income.

Therefore, people often refer to this as a 100% scholarship, although this is not entirely accurate. This financial support is considered mutually beneficial: the school and the students. Upon receiving the support, students are treated as employees of the school, enjoying certain benefits and teaching responsibilities, albeit at a lower salary than professors.

Typically, public universities offer these financial aid options, allowing students to assist professors with teaching, such as grading and attendance, leading a class, or helping with research (like finding prior research materials). The assigned tasks are usually quite light and do not interfere with your studies.

Many of the professors I've worked with are willing to let students choose their workload and prioritize their courses and research. So you don't need to worry. Instead, you have an excellent opportunity to gain teaching and research experience, as well as work with and learn from professors who are knowledgeable in your field.

One advantage of this financial aid is that the application process is not unnecessarily competitive compared to government scholarships, or having to demonstrate soft skills such as leadership. The financial aid focuses heavily on the student's academic studies, research, and work experience (for skill-intensive fields like journalism and media).

The universities also provide generous funding, not only for your studies but also for conference travel and research. My current PhD program supports up to $1,500 per year for scientific research conferences and three research awards ranging from $500 to $1,500.

Students inside a university campus in the US.

How to prepare the application

The required documents for the application are also basic and simple, including a resume (or CV/resume), a personal essay, three letters of recommendation, minimum degree (e.g., bachelor's degree), and an English language certificate (e.g., IELTS).

Many schools or majors will ask you about your work experience and portfolio. The personal essay is typically 700-1,000 words, outlining why you chose the school/major, why you are a good fit, and your future aspirations.

Doctoral programs will require additional interviews and campus visits. It's worth noting that some fields, such as natural sciences, psychology, and political science, may not offer master's degrees; instead, after graduating with a bachelor's degree, students will apply for a doctorate program, which takes 5-6 years, and receive both degrees upon graduation.

Applicants need to prepare a complete application package including a resume (or CV/resume), a personal essay, three letters of recommendation, minimum qualification (e.g., bachelor's degree), and an English language certificate (e.g., IELTS).

For students who cannot pursue the full program for the long term, after 2-3 years, if they meet the requirements for a doctoral degree, they can stop there and receive a master's degree.

You should research the school's application criteria and procedures, choosing a program based on the curriculum, professor profiles, research focus, financial aid availability, the number of credits you are eligible for to cover fees, and health insurance.

Many schools, like my alma mater (Kansas State University), cover 75% of health insurance costs. This is a very commendable amount considering the high cost of healthcare in the US. Choosing a school shouldn't be based too heavily on rankings.

So, start preparing your application and submit it this December so you can start studying next fall!

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