Financial Aid & Scholarships

Estimated Tuition

The estimated cost of the International Studies program is $1,660 per unit for the 2024-2025 academic year, with a minimum of 14 units required to be completed each academic year. Students typically take an average of 20 units in the first academic year and 14 units in the second academic year. A total of 34 units are required for the degree. Program fees are subject to adjustment annually, and the number of required units may vary based on enrollment status. Please contact Aide Rodriguez (arodriguez38@usfca.edu) to discuss the specifics of the program.

Program Scholarships and Research Awards

• Program Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to new students. All applicants, U.S. and international, are considered for these scholarships at the time of admission consideration. They are limited in number and vary in amount and cover part of tuition costs. Scholarship awards will be indicated in your admission letter. Applications completed by February 1st give priority consideration for a program scholarship.
• The Dean's Scholarship is a one year, $25,000 scholarship award toward tuition and fees for one student. In addition, the awardee will attend a dean’s reception, receive conference funds, and be featured on the program website. Apply for the program by the priority deadline to be considered. Decisions will be made based on the strength of the application materials.
• The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program is a graduate fellowship program that offers financial assistance to returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Recipients receive financial support equal to a minimum of 25% of total tuition and mandatory fees associated with the MAIS program.
• Students may use their Segal AmericCorps Education Award to take a step toward their higher education goals. The MAIS program will provide a scholarship or a match for AmeriCorps alumni with their education award.
• MAIS Travel Awards

  • The Rue W. Ziegler MAIS Fellowship Fund has been established to help provide travel funding to students conducting thesis and applied project research outside of the Bay Area or to support conference participation.

  • The William Goldman Scholarship Fund for Work in Diplomacy provides scholarship funding for students engaged in study, research, or internships focused on the area of diplomacy: work centered on the foreign service, global governance, international institutions, and diplomatic relations among states.

Double Dons Scholarship

USF Alumni and current students can be awarded the USF Double Dons Scholarship upon admission. The scholarship covers 20% of the program tuition, and may not be stacked with other USF scholarship awards. Exceptions may apply.

Double Dons on MyUSF

Research Assistantships and Resident Ministers

• Research Assistantships — Each year, MAIS is able to offer five to six graduate research assistantships to qualified incoming students, who work directly with MAIS faculty members. Additionally, once enrolled  at USF, students are eligible to pursue assistantship opportunities campus-wide. 
• Resident Ministers — Campus Ministry has a small number of Resident Minister positions; MAIS generally recommends two to three individual candidates to apply for these positions, who must then undergo a rigorous interview process.

Other Opportunities

Visit the Student Affairs Internship Program website. In addition, U.S. citizens or permanent residents can also find USF job postings at the human resources website.

Find non-USF opportunities at the Office of Graduate Admission's Non-USF Financial Aid page.