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MS ECON-MIA Funding

Master of Science in Economics & Master of International Affairs (Combined Degree)

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Funding is awarded by each program and will only be applicable for the semesters in which that program is the student’s primary program of enrollment. For instance, the Bush School Scholarship will only be applied/awarded in the three semesters the student is enrolled full-time in the MIA portion of the degree (second year and spring semester of third year).

MS ECON Funding

Visit https://liberalarts.tamu.edu/economics/about-the-m-s-program/funding-opportunities/ for funding opportunities when enrolled in the MS ECON portion of the combined degree program (first year and fall semester of third year).

MIA Funding

All admitted students enrolled full-time in the Master of International Affairs portion of the MS ECON-MIA degree will receive funding assistance from The Bush School. That’s right, you will receive funding help for three of the six semesters in the program! 

The Bush School is dedicated to making graduate education affordable. We know the majority of our students are seeking purpose-driven lives and cannot take on an enormous amount of debt. By providing some financial assistance, The Bush School supports students choosing jobs that matter to them. Alumni are free to pursue their passions, not their pocketbook, as they enter the workforce.

  • Competitive, Merit-Based Bush School Scholarships – 
    The centerpiece of our funding is competitive Bush School Scholarships ranging from $500 to $7,500 per semester in the Bush School, which provide some support for our students. A competitive Bush School Scholarship does not require a work commitment and is awarded to the majority of our students, including AmeriCorps service members and Coverdell Fellows. An average Bush School Scholarship is $2,500 per semester.

    When a student is admitted to the MS ECON-MIA program, they are automatically evaluated for a Bush School Scholarship. No separate funding application is required to be considered for a competitive, merit-based Bush School Scholarship. How much Bush School funding you are awarded is based on merit and determined by evaluating every aspect of your application, including your academic performance, experiences (professional, educational, and international), statement, interview, recommendations, and more.

    At the time of admission, the student’s offer letter will specify the amount of The Bush School Scholarship they have been awarded for the last year and a half of studies in The Bush School.
  • Non-resident Tuition Waivers – 
    These waivers are automatically granted to admitted non-resident and international students who receive a competitive Bush School Scholarship allowing them to pay in-state tuition rates, in the semesters enrolled at the Bush School. The waiver is worth approximately $6,350 per semester at the Bush School for 12 credit hours.

Other MIA Funding Opportunities:

  • Socio-economic Disadvantage/Hardship
    We may have additional funds available to those who face a socioeconomic disadvantage or hardship; this unique funding opportunity will require applicants to submit a short essay via their application to be considered.
  • Internship Scholarships
    Students who do not secure paid internships, or opt to complete a language immersion for the MIA, can apply for a scholarship to help offset their summer living costs. Scholarships for internships are provided by the Career Services Office and awarded to those who attend a number of career workshops during their second year of study when enrolled in the MIA.

Supplemental Aid/ Loans/ Jobs

We are committed to keeping the program affordable so our students can choose the careers that matter to them without worrying about graduating from grad school with a significant amount of student debt. However, students often need additional aid to supplement the funding The Bush School awards them. Students are encouraged to apply to other funding opportunities either through the following links and/or through independent organizations that offer graduate funding.

  • Texas A&M University Scholarships & Financial Aid:
    • Federal Financial Aid – Domestic students are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see how much they are qualified to earn in loans. The FAFSA can be submitted at any point during the application process.
    • International Students are encouraged to submit one of the following applications to see what aid they may qualify for:
      • If you are not a U.S. Citizen, but are a Texas Resident, submit aneTASFA(Texas Application for State Financial Aid).
      • If you are not a U.S. Citizen or a Texas Resident, submit an ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application).
    • Texas Aggie Graduate Grant – A need-based award available for Texas residents attending the College Station campus who receive less than $10,000 in scholarships per year. Students must apply by submitting a TAGG application located on the forms page of the website above. Additional details about the grant can be found through the link above.
  • Part-time or Full-time Work – In an optimal situation, The Bush School discourages students from trying to manage outside work obligations with rigorous class requirements, particularly during the first semester and/or year. With a typical course load of 12 credit hours and an abundance of activities to pursue, students who do juggle both must exercise careful time management. Having said that, we realize students have bills to pay and are often looking for work experience to add to their resume.
    • Students looking for a job can find a complete listing of jobs available on-campus (and some off-campus) on the Jobs for Aggies website, maintained by Texas A&M. You will need your NetID and password to sign into the portal.
  • Military Benefits – Veterans, Active Duty Military Personnel, and their Spouses or Dependents are encouraged to check out the Veteran’s Services Website to see if there are any military educational benefits they qualify for. Texas A&M University has a long-standing tradition of military support. Post 9/11, Hazelwood, Montgomery GI Bill, Dependents’ Education Assistance Program, Yellow Ribbon Program, State Tuition Reimbursement Assistance, and more are accepted.
  • National Scholarships & Fellowship Opportunities – Aside from Texas A&M funding opportunities, a number of competitive national awards are available online. We encourage students to search for these opportunities independently and apply to those they may qualify for:
    • Service Organization Stipend/Scholarship: Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, City Year, Public Policy – International Affairs Program
    • Charles B Rangel International Affairs Fellowship
    • Thomas R Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship
    • Donald M Payne Fellowship
    • McNair Graduate Fellowship
    • David L Boren Fellowship
    • Harry S Truman Scholarship
    • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Scholarships & Fellowships
    • Women in Defense Horizons Scholarship
    • Twitter Public Policy Fellowship

For additional opportunities, be sure to search through the following websites:

  • APSIA (Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs): Contains a comprehensive list of over 110 scholarships, some of which are highlighted above. Look at least a year out so you have time to apply.
  • Scholly: Platform used by students and family to find scholarship money.

International Student Funding

We do not offer full-ride scholarships with teaching and graduate assistantships. Therefore, international students must have some funding of their own to afford tuition, cost of living, health insurance, and other additional fees. Seeking financial support from independent agencies like Fulbright or government sponsorships is strongly recommended. International students seeking additional financial support can refer to the following websites for helpful guidance and opportunities: