Find the Master's degree you want in the USA | IDP Vietnam

With a modern and advanced training environment, diverse majors and open job opportunities, studying for a Master's degree in the US is always the ideal choice for the international student community. So what are the conditions for studying for a Master's degree in the US? What is the tuition fee for this level of study? Let's find out with IDP through the article below!

1. 5 reasons why you should study for a Master's degree in the US

The US has always been one of the attractive study abroad destinations for international students around the world. There are many reasons why this country is a top choice today. Here are the most common reasons:

1.1. World-leading training quality

With an advanced training environment, a diverse program of study and wide career opportunities, studying for a master's degree in the US is always chosen by international students. For example, in the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities 2025- 2026 rankings, many of the world's top U.S. universities are included, including Harvard University , Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT , Stanford University , University of California, Berkeley and University of Washington Seattle.

In particular, master's students in the U.S. have the opportunity to participate in research with renowned professors and expand their professional networks — which contributes to improving their employability and potential earnings after graduation.

So what are the conditions to study for a master's degree in the US? What is the tuition fee? Let's find out with IDP Education!

1.2. Diversity of disciplines

Studying a master's degree in the U.S. offers the opportunity to choose from hundreds of diverse majors, tailored to your abilities and career orientation. From popular majors such as Business Administration (MBA), to Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Space Science, students always have the opportunity to develop their careers according to their interests and abilities. Some typical fields:

• Tourism and hospitality services

• Computer Science and Information Technology

• Social and Communication Sciences

• Applied Sciences and Basic Sciences

• Business & Management

1.3. Expanded Employment Opportunities

Master's graduates in the US have the opportunity to work at international companies and multinational corporations with competitive salaries, ranging from 60,000 USD to 150,000 USD per year. Thanks to the top quality of training and the prestige of the degree, an American master's degree opens the door to a wide range of careers in many different fields, from technology, business, finance to scientific research.

Contact IDP to discover job opportunities and guide you to prepare your application for a master's degree in the U.S.

1.4. Attractive scholarship opportunities

Although studying for a master's degree in the U.S. is quite expensive, you still have the opportunity to receive full or partial scholarships from universities and governmental/non-governmental organizations. Some of the outstanding programs are:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program Scholarship: tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, airfare, and Multidisciplinary support (except for some disciplines such as clinical medicine)

• Scholarships from American universities: In addition to international programs, many American universities also offer private scholarships for international master's students, either full or partial, based on academic merit, work experience, research potential, or chosen field of study. Example:

• Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, University of California Berkeley often have merit-based scholarships for outstanding students.

• Many schools also offer teaching/research assistantships, tuition and living assistance.

2. Master's programs in the USA

The American education system is diverse and flexible, offering a variety of master's programs to suit the academic and career needs of international students. Here are the popular programs:

2.1. Pre-Master's Program

• Eligibility: For students who do not have a sufficient English certificate or need to prepare knowledge before entering the master's degree.

• Entry requirements: Undergraduate degree and IELTS certificate >= 6.0

• Duration: 1 term/ 1 year

• Learning content: American language, culture and some specialized subjects.

2.1. Pre-Master's Program

Some basic information about the Pre-Master's program in the US is as follows:

• Suitable for those who do not have an English language certificate but are able to meet the admission requirements.

• Entry Requirements: Undergraduate Degree and IELTS Certificate >=6.0

• Duration of study: 1 term/1 year

• Content: language, culture and some specialized subjects.

2.2. Academic Master's Program

Some basic information about the Academic Master's program is as follows:

• Entry requirements: Undergraduate degree and IELTS 6.0 or higher or Pre-Master's degree.

• Duration of study: 2 months or may be longer depending on the discipline and school

• Academic program: Master of Social Sciences (Communication, language, education, geography, culture, history and music); Master of Natural Sciences (biology, engineering, health, statistics and chemistry).

• Learning content: During the learning process, you are required to attend class fully and perform group exercises, write dissertations, essays, etc. After completing your Master of Academic Studies, you can go to work right away.

2.3. Research Master's Program

The Master of Studies program in the United States has a strong focus on independent research activities, suitable for students who are oriented to study for a PhD or work in the field of academics and intensive research.

Admission Requirements:

• Graduated from the correct/approximate university major

• IELTS 6.5 or higher (or TOEFL equivalent, depending on the school)

• Research proposal

• Some programs may require letters of recommendation and research experience

Duration: Typically 1–2 years, some programs can last 2–3 years depending on the field and research project.

Popular types of research Master's programs:

Master of Research (MRes):

Focus almost entirely on research

Training students to become professional fellowsOften a stepping stone before studying for a PhD

Master by Research (MPhil):

Leaning towards in-depth research

Often seen as a higher level than MRes

Suitable for students who are oriented to study for a PhD

Master of Studies (MSt):

Combination of modules and research

Dissertation requirements are the same as MA/MS

Not all MSt programs are purely research

Learning Methods

• Students spend most of their time doing independent research, under the guidance of professors.

• Class attendance depends on each program—some require class advancement, some don't.

• Results are evaluated based on the final thesis (usually 20,000 – 40,000 words long, depending on the school).

2.4. Professional Master's Program

1. Admission Requirements

• IELTS minimum 6.5.

• Graduated from a university majoring in a related major.

• 2-3 years of working experience, preferably management experience.

• Some industries require GMAT/GRE depending on the school and program.

2. Training contents and objectives

Professional Master's programs in the U.S. are designed to help students:

• Develop in-depth skills for future careers.

• Learning is associated with practice, emphasizing analysis of real situations and projects.

Enhance professional knowledge combined with career experience, thereby improving job opportunities after graduation.

To be admitted to Master's programs in the U.S., students need to meet three main groups of conditions: academic, financial, and apply for a U.S. student visa. Here are the detailed requirements you need to prepare.

3.1. Educational conditions

American universities typically require Master's applicants to meet the following criteria:

1. GPA and Qualifications

• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (equivalent to 7.0/10).

• Top schools may require a GPA of 3.2 – 3.5 or higher.

• Have a bachelor's degree of 3–4 years, preferably related major.

2. English proficiency

• IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 or higher (some disciplines require 7.0+).

• If you don't have enough English, many schools offer an EAP (Intensive English) course 3–6 months before entering the main program.

3. Additional requirements depending on the industry

• GRE or GMAT: needed for majors such as Economics, Engineering, MBA, etc. (depending on the school).

• Portfolio for Architecture, Design, Art, MFA.

• CV/Resume, Personal Statement, Letter of Recommendation (2–3 letters).

• 2-3 years of work experience in professional disciplines (MBA, MPA, etc.).

3.2. Financial conditions

In order for a Master's study abroad application in the U.S. to be accepted, you need to prove financial ability, i.e. ensure sufficient tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first 1 year of study. This proof is required when applying for an I-20 and an F-1 visa.

1. Passbook and account balance

• Students or sponsors need to have a savings book or bank statement to cover tuition and living expenses for 1 year.

• It is recommended to open a savings book 1–3 months before the time of application.

• Illustration cost: about 600 million – 1.5 billion VND (~25,000 – 60,000 USD) depending on the industry, school and state.

2. Guarantor income

• It can be proven by: salary, house/land rent, dividends, bonds, etc.

• The goal: to ensure that students can afford to pay enough without affecting family finances.

You should also pay attention to information about scholarships or financial aid packages that schools prioritize for international students, which contribute significantly to reducing the cost of studying abroad.

3.3. Conditions for applying for a Master's student visa

The process of applying for a U.S. student visa (F-1) requires thorough preparation of the following documents:

• Offer letter from the school.

• Form DS-160 (online nonimmigrant visa application).

• Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy.

• The passport is valid for at least 6 months.

• An I-20 issued by the school, confirming admission.

• Visa fee receipt.

• Photo according to American standards

• Transcripts, degrees, school records, foreign language certificates as required by the school.

• Proof of finances, ensuring you can afford tuition and living expenses.

In addition, you also need to submit some other documents depending on the school's regulations, so it is very necessary to carefully study the regulations to ensure that you do not have trouble and affect the process of applying for your study abroad application.

You can refer to the article below: US student visa requirements to understand important information for your visa application process.

Although the cost of a Master's degree in the U.S. is quite high, you don't need to worry too much. Currently, there are many graduate scholarship programs offered annually by the U.S. Government, universities, and educational institutions.

You can refer to the information below to find out which scholarships are suitable for your profile and conditions:

5.1. Types of Master's Study Abroad Scholarships in the USA

1 – Scholarships awarded by the school

Currently, most universities in the US offer a variety of scholarships of varying value, giving students the opportunity to reduce the cost of studying for a Master's degree. Three common types of scholarships include:

• Merit-Based Scholarship

The scholarship is based on academic merit and merit. The level of support depends on the school's budget and funding funds.

• Need-Based Financial Aid

Financial aid is based on the actual needs of the student, according to the financial ability and persuasiveness of the application.

• Scholarships from international organizations

Including full or partial scholarships from organizations such as Joint Japan/World Bank, Aga Khan Foundation, American Association of University Women (AAUW), etc. Regularly monitoring the official websites of these organizations will help you increase your chances of applying successfully.

2 – Scholarships granted by the Government

Compared to scholarships granted by universities, American Master's scholarships from the Government usually have stricter requirements and a very high level of competition. However, these are also the most prestigious and valuable programs that you should consider. Two outstanding scholarships are opened annually including:

• Scholarship from VEF Vietnam Education Fund

• Fulbright U.S. Government Scholarship

With both scholarship programs, you will have the opportunity to receive a full scholarship while studying both Master's and PhD. Due to the large number of students applying for scholarships, you need to learn and prepare early so as not to miss out on potential scholarships.

5.2. Conditions for applying for a scholarship to study in the US Master's

To win a Master's scholarship in the USA, in addition to the unique requirements of each school, you need to prepare a complete application with the following common criteria:

• Minimum GPA:

  7.0 or equivalent.

• Foreign language certificate:

  IELTS ≥ 6.5 or other equivalent certificates

• Standardized test (if required):

  GRE or GMAT meets the minimum required by each school/program.

• Essay (Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement)

• Work experience:

  At least 2 years related to the field of study (especially for full-ride scholarship programs).

• Extracurricular activities:

  Certificate or proof of participation in social, volunteer and research activities.

• Letters of recommendation:

  A minimum of 2–3 letters from faculty, managers, or reputable people, demonstrating academic competence and potential for practical research/application.

To own a scholarship to study in the United States, in addition to the unique conditions of each school, you also need to prepare some necessary documents as follows:

• Minimum GPA of 7.0

• IELTS >= 6.5 or TOEFL iBT >= 79

• Exceeding the GRE/GMAT benchmarks of schools

• Essay

• At least 2 years of work experience related to the field of study applied for full scholarship programs.

• Certificate of participation in extracurricular activities

• Letters of recommendation

6. Top 10 Schools Specializing in Master's Programs in the US

As one of the world's leading education systems, the US currently has about 5,800 institutions of higher education (according to NCES 2024). Of these, more than 2,300 universities offer postgraduate programs, including Master's.

The most popular Master's majors in the U.S. today include Business, Education, Health, and Information Technology—fields that are always in high demand.

If you are looking for a quality academic environment, a wide selection of majors, and wide career opportunities, check out the top Master's schools in the US.

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

MIT is well-known for its Master of Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Business Administration programs, which attract many international students who want to study for master's degrees in the United States. The university encourages cutting-edge research and innovation, and offers numerous American master's scholarships to international students.

Stanford University

Stanford University stands out for its Master's programs in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, and Engineering, making it an ideal destination for students who want to study for master's degrees in the US. The research and entrepreneurship environment here also supports the search for American master's scholarships to the maximum.

UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is known for its Master of Engineering, Information Technology, Economics, Business Administration, Public Health, and Law programs, which are popular choices when studying in the U.S. after graduation. The university facilitates international research and has many master's scholarship opportunities.

Harvard University

Harvard University stands out for its Law, Medicine, Economics, and Business Administration programs, which attract international students who wish to study for a master's degree in the United States. The university's programs also assist students in accessing high-quality U.S. master's scholarships.

Yale University

Yale University is strong in Law, Public Policy, Social Sciences, and Public Administration, making it an ideal destination for those who want to study for a master's degree in the US. The university offers a variety of academic opportunities and American master's scholarships for international students.

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is well-known for its Economics, Financial Analysis, Business Administration, and Math/Statistics programs, which are suitable for students studying in the U.S. postgraduately. The school supports research and offers many American master's scholarships.

Duke University

Duke University excels in Biomedicine, Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Law, attracting international students who want to study for a master's degree in the U.S. The university also facilitates students seeking American master's scholarships.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University's strengths in Public Health, Research Medicine, Biological Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering are the first choice for those studying for master's degrees in the United States. The school offers a cutting-edge research environment and many American master's scholarship opportunities.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University stands out for its Business (Kellogg), Communications, Computer Science, and Engineering programs, which are suitable for students who want to study for a master's degree in the US. The international learning environment at the university also supports the search for American master's scholarships.

University of Pennsylvania (Penn)

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is well-known for its programs in Business (Wharton), Finance, Law, and Medicine, making it an ideal choice for graduate study in the United States. The university facilitates research and offers many American master's scholarships to international students.

By owning a Master's degree at a university in the United States, students will have an open future with competitive salary job opportunities. What's more, you'll also be highly valued by employers by studying a Master's degree in the U.S., demonstrating your academic competence and practical professional skills.

Below is a summary of the 10 popular Master's majors + average salary in the US (according to PayScale) for reference:

According to https://www.payscale.com/research/US/

Plan to study for a Master's degree in the USA with IDP!

Studying for a Master's degree in the U.S. is a challenging journey but also opens up countless opportunities. With a world-class education system, multicultural environment, and a dynamic economy, the U.S. is an ideal destination for you to develop yourself and pursue your future career paths.

If you would like to find out more information about studying for a Master's degree in the US, don't hesitate to contact IDP for a free consultation, comprehensive support from applying for admission, tracking progress and receiving a confirmation letter from the university.

In addition to chatting with counselors, IDP always organizes IDP study abroad seminars throughout the year, creating opportunities for students and parents to meet directly with school representatives, hunt for scholarships to study in the US and review applications on the spot. In addition, IDP also supports students to register for the IELTS test with many attractive incentives.

With more than 56 years of experience in the field of study abroad consultancy in Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland, IDP has helped thousands of Vietnamese students conquer their dreams of studying for a master's degree in the US. If you are in need of assistance in completing your application or hunting for scholarships, please contact the IDP hotline 19006955 immediately for the fastest and most accurate advice.

Contact IDP to start your journey to study in the USA today!

See also:

• Learn about studying in the U.S. with IDP

• How much money do I need to study in the USA?

• Top Famous Universities in the US

• High Value Scholarships to Study in the USA

• 4 Forms of housing while studying in the U.S.