Stipends (foreign and domestic) for MS degrees

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In summary, the conversation discusses the desire to pursue a Master's degree in physics before a PhD, with a preference for studying abroad. It is mentioned that generally, funding for a PhD is available while MS students may have to pay. However, this is not always the case and it is advised to check with individual schools for their specific policies. It is also suggested to consider Canadian programs for financial support for an MS degree.
  • #1
pantheid
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I have a bachelors degree in physics and I want to receive an MS before I move on to a PhD. I don't think I' ready to commit the time and effort to a Doctorate, but I do want to live abroad and study physics for a Masters. I would like to do it outside the US, but I would settle for a domestic degree as well.

According to a friend of mine, generally you are expected to pay for the MS, whereas you get funding for the PhD. Is this true across the board? If I can't get a stipend, then I would probably just forego the MS and go straight to the PhD when I think I'm ready.

Also, is there a website where I can check stipend rewards by school?
 
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  • #2
You probably want to check the individual schools to see what they offer. Plenty people at my school had stipends/TAships for their masters both in the math and physics departments. It is competitive of course, but how competitive it is depends on the institution.

There were situations in which a person didn't have the TAship/stipend the first year or semester, but just applied again after being in good standing.

-Dave K
 
  • #3
pantheid said:
generally you are expected to pay for the MS, whereas you get funding for the PhD. Is this true across the board?
No. I didn't pay for my MS.
 
  • #4
pantheid said:
I have a bachelors degree in physics and I want to receive an MS before I move on to a PhD. I don't think I' ready to commit the time and effort to a Doctorate, but I do want to live abroad and study physics for a Masters. I would like to do it outside the US, but I would settle for a domestic degree as well.

According to a friend of mine, generally you are expected to pay for the MS, whereas you get funding for the PhD. Is this true across the board? If I can't get a stipend, then I would probably just forego the MS and go straight to the PhD when I think I'm ready.

Also, is there a website where I can check stipend rewards by school?

Any graduate student in the dept. can apply for and get a TAship. It doesn't mean that they have the money or the need to hire everyone who applies, but not doing a PhD does not disqualify you from applying and getting one.

RAship, now that's a different story. I also do not know the requirements and criteria for schools outside of the US.

Zz.
 
  • #5
Weaker departments are more generous with offering MS seekers TA positions, stronger departments reserve them for PhD candidates.
 
  • #6
You might want to check out Canadian programs if you're interested in pursuing an MSc outside of the USA. Most physics programs in Canada support their MSc students and you can look up the financial support details on the website for each school.
 

FAQ: Stipends (foreign and domestic) for MS degrees

What is a stipend for an MS degree?

A stipend is a fixed sum of money paid to a graduate student to cover their living expenses while they pursue their Master of Science (MS) degree. It is typically given in addition to tuition and fees, and does not have to be repaid.

Are stipends only available for domestic students?

No, stipends can be available for both domestic and international students. However, the availability and amount of stipends may vary depending on the country and university.

How do I apply for a stipend for an MS degree?

You can apply for a stipend by contacting the university or department you are interested in attending. Some universities may require you to submit a separate application for the stipend, while others may automatically consider all admitted students for available stipends.

Can I use a stipend for any expenses?

Stipends are typically intended to cover living expenses, such as rent, food, and transportation. They may also cover some educational expenses, such as textbooks and research materials. However, it is important to check with your university or stipend provider for any specific restrictions on how the stipend can be used.

Do I have to pay taxes on my stipend?

In most cases, stipends for MS degrees are considered non-taxable income. However, this may vary depending on the country and university. It is important to consult with a tax professional or your university's financial aid office for more information on tax implications for your specific stipend.

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