Exploring postgraduate universities and funding options in California
More international students choose California than any other U.S. state. Home to several competitive universities and one of the largest economies in the world, California is a popular choice for international students studying in the U.S.
From its diverse communities to its world-renowned tech and entertainment industries, studying abroad in California gives students access to great professional connections and a high quality of living. However, for students studying at California’s top postgraduate universities, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be higher than in other states.
Here’s what to expect from your California study abroad experience, a list of postgraduate universities to consider and tips for funding your international education.
Why study abroad in California?
Students are drawn to California’s elite schools, multicultural population, stunning natural scenery and diverse industries.
California’s economy offers desirable job prospects for international students studying in the U.S., no matter your academic interest. From biotechnology and aerospace to entertainment and education, students in both STEM and the humanities can find financial success in California’s many job sectors.
MPOWER-eligible postgraduate universities in California
For those looking to start their dream career in California, MPOWER-eligible schools offer some of the most prestigious postgraduate programs in the nation. Here are three top MPOWER-eligible California universities and their most commonly selected majors by students studying in the U.S.
Stanford University*
Located in Silicon Valley, an international hub for high technology and innovation, Stanford is a private university known for its contributions to the tech industry. Popular postgraduate programs include:
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- Computer science
- Business
- Electrical and computer engineering
- Medicine
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)*
UCLA is a public institution within California’s renowned University of California (UC) System. Located in the dynamic city of Los Angeles, UCLA offers diverse curricula with broad appeal. Popular postgraduate programs include:
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- Data science
- Business analytics
- Civil engineering
- Arts
- Education
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)*
UC Berkeley is consistently ranked one of the best universities in the world for its academic excellence. Like Stanford, UC Berkeley enjoys proximity to Silicon Valley’s many Fortune 500 companies and start-up culture. Popular postgraduate programs include:
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- Business and finance
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer science theory
- Mathematics
For help navigating your program options, check out MPOWER’s list of +400 eligible schools. MPOWER constantly updates its schools list to include the strongest postgraduate programs for international students studying in the U.S. and Canada.
Funding your California education
Once you’ve decided which postgraduate university in California to attend, it’s time to determine how to fund your California education. Studying in the U.S. is a significant financial commitment, so be sure to explore the funding options available:
Financial aid
Most students studying in the U.S. aren’t eligible for federal or state financial aid but can cover some expenses through university-specific scholarships, fellowships and assistantships. At many universities, such as the University of Southern California and Stanford, departments allocate funds for international student aid based on merit or need.
International students in California can also finance their postgraduate degrees through scholarships external to their universities, such as the Study California scholarship. To find scholarships for which you may be eligible, check out databases such as College Board, Scholarship Finder and MPOWER’s graduate student scholarships.
Student loans for international students
Though scholarships, grants and institutional aid can help you fund your California education, they’re highly selective and likely won’t cover the majority of your tuition, fees and living costs.
Private student loans can finance the rest. Through MPOWER, international students studying in the U.S. can borrow up to US$100,000 to bridge the gap between your financial aid and the total cost of your California education.
MPOWER loans are designed for your long-term financial success.
If you’re ready to jumpstart your dream career in the Golden State, you can check your eligibility for an MPOWER loan in under a minute.
*Schools mentioned in this post do not endorse MPOWER’s loans, and MPOWER is not affiliated with the schools noted in this message.
