Graduate
Master’s and PhD at an R2 research university — with assistantships that waive tuition
A-State is a Carnegie R2 research university offering more than 250 graduate assistantships a year. Assistants work 20 hours a week, have out-of-state tuition waived and receive a stipend — the most common way for Vietnamese students to afford a US master’s.
2.75
Minimum GPA (some programs 2.5–3.0)
6.0
Minimum IELTS
250+
Assistantships per year
$777
Tuition per credit 2026–27
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Entry requirements
General Graduate School requirements. Many programs (MBA, Nursing, Engineering, Education and others) add requirements such as GMAT/GRE, work experience or recommendation letters — your advisor confirms these for your chosen program.
Academic requirements
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Degree | A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution (accredited Vietnamese universities accepted) |
| GPA | 2.75 / 4.0 or higher — some departments require 2.5 to 3.0 |
| Transcripts | Complete university transcripts with certified English translation |
English proficiency (any one of the following)
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
| PTE Academic | 56 |
Some programs require more. Not there yet? You can complete the ELA first and then begin your graduate program.
Source: astate.edu — Admissions & Aid · Updated Aug 22, 2026
Documents to prepare
- Graduate School online application and the $50 fee
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and university transcripts (certified English translation)
- A valid English score: TOEFL 79 / IELTS 6.0 / Duolingo 120 / PTE 56
- Recommendation letters, statement of purpose, CV — depending on the program
- GMAT/GRE if the program requires it (many have waived it)
- Passport copy and proof of funds for the I-20 stage
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Graduate assistantships — the lowest-cost way to do a master’s
Each year A-State awards more than 250 teaching and research assistantships. You work 20 hours a week for a department or office, have out-of-state tuition waived (you pay the in-state rate) and receive a monthly stipend. This is why many Vietnamese students choose A-State for graduate study.
Graduate Assistantship
- Minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered and to keep the award
- 20 hours of work per week during the semester
- Out-of-state tuition waived — you pay the in-state rate
- Appointment must be made by the 11th class day of the semester
- Limited to 6 semesters (master’s) or 10 semesters (doctoral)
- Apply early — positions are limited and competitive
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Reference cost 2026–27
Graduate tuition for international students is $777 per credit (plus a college fee of $27–55 per credit). At 9 credits per semester (full time), a year including tuition, fees, housing, meals and insurance is estimated at about $28,976 — before any assistantship or scholarship.
Source: astate.edu — Tuition & Fees (International) · Updated Aug 22, 2026
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Detailed guides
Program-specific requirements
Extra requirements for the MBA, Nursing, Engineering, Education and other programs.
→Scholarships and assistantships
How to apply for a graduate assistantship and other funding.
→How to apply
Step by step through the Graduate School application and contacting your department.
→Graduate FAQ
Is a Vietnamese bachelor’s degree accepted?
Yes. Degrees from universities recognized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training are accepted. You need certified translations of your degree and transcripts; some programs may request a credential evaluation.
Am I guaranteed an assistantship?
Assistantships are competitive and awarded by each department, so they are not guaranteed. Your chances improve with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an early application, contacting faculty in advance and relevant experience. The office helps you prepare the assistantship application.
Does an assistantship cover all tuition?
An assistantship waives the non-resident portion of tuition, so you pay the in-state rate, plus you receive a monthly stipend. Other fees and health insurance still apply.
Do I need the GMAT or GRE?
It depends on the program. Many A-State programs have waived the GMAT/GRE or waive it conditionally based on GPA. Your advisor confirms the rule for your program and intake.
When is the graduate deadline?
Each program sets its own deadline, usually earlier than the general undergraduate dates (June 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring). We recommend completing your file at least six months before your intake to be in time for assistantships.
Ready to study in the USA at A-State?
Book a free 1-on-1 session with our admissions team — pathway, scholarships, documents and visa in one meeting.