30 US Universities Offering Direct Admission to Master’s & PhD Programs With Funding

Studying in the United States remains a top goal for many international students—especially those seeking funded Master’s and PhD opportunities. While some US universities require a lengthy pre-admission or departmental nomination process, others offer direct admission routes in which applicants apply directly to the university or department and are considered for funding such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, or tuition waivers.

Below is a curated list of 30 universities in the United States known to offer direct admission pathways to graduate programs, many of which also provide funding opportunities for qualified students.

⚠️Important note: Funding is competitive and not automatic. Applicants must meet academic requirements and, in many cases, apply separately or indicate interest in funding. Some universities listed have waived application fees for certain intakes or applicant categories, but you should always confirm current fee waiver policies directly on the official university website.

 

What Does “Direct Admission” Mean?

Direct admission means you:

• Apply directly to the university or department (not through a central scholarship body)
• Are reviewed for admission and funding simultaneously or shortly after admission
• May receive funding offers such as TA/RA positions, departmental scholarships, or fellowships

This pathway is especially helpful for international students who want clearer timelines and fewer administrative layers. 

List of 30 US Universities With Direct Admission & Funding Opportunities

1. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (MA)

Website: https://www.umassd.edu

2. University of Missouri–St. Louis (MO)

Website: https://www.umsl.edu

3. West Texas A&M University (TX)

Website: https://www.wtamu.edu

4. Wichita State University (KS)

Website: https://www.wichita.edu

5. University of South Dakota (SD)

Website: https://www.usd.edu

6. University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (HI)

Website: https://manoa.hawaii.edu

7. Western Washington University (WA)

Website: https://www.wwu.edu/majors

8. Western Illinois University (IL)

Website: https://www.wiu.edu/academics

9. University of Central Missouri (MO)

Website: https://www.ucmo.edu

10. Virginia University of Lynchburg (VA)

Website: https://www.vul.edu

11. Full Sail University (FL)

Website: https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees

12. University of Vermont (VT)

Website: https://www.uvm.edu

13. Georgia State University (GA)

Website: https://www.gsu.edu

14. Jacksonville State University (AL)

Website: https://www.jsu.edu

15. University of Central Florida (FL)

Website: https://www.ucf.edu/admissions

16. Albany State University (GA)

Website: https://www.asurams.edu

17. University of Maine (ME)

Website: https://go.umaine.edu

18. Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

Website: https://www.gatech.edu/academics

19. University of Minnesota Duluth (MN)

Website: https://academics.d.umn.edu

20. Central Michigan University (MI)

Website: https://www.cmich.edu/admissions-aid

21. Southern New Hampshire University (NH)

Website: https://www.snhu.edu/admission

22. Texas A&M University (TX)

Website: https://www.tamu.edu/admissions

23. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NC)

Website: https://www.charlotte.edu/academics

24. University of Memphis (TN)

Website: https://www.memphis.edu

25. North Dakota State University (ND)

Website: https://www.ndsu.edu/admission

26. Auburn University at Montgomery (AL)

Website: https://www.aum.edu/graduate-admissions

27. University of Houston–Clear Lake (TX)

Website: https://www.uhcl.edu/academics

28. Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TX)

Website: https://www.tamuk.edu

29. Fort Hays State University (KS)

Website: https://www.fhsu.edu/admissions

30. University of South Carolina (SC)

Website: https://www.sc.edu 

Application Fee Waivers: What You Should Know

Some universities on this list periodically waive application fees for:

• International applicants
• Early applications
• Specific countries or regions
• Virtual recruitment event participants
• Graduate open house attendees

Always check the official graduate admissions page or contact the admissions office to confirm:

• Current application fee
• Availability of fee waivers
• Required waiver codes or eligibility criteria

Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Funding

• Apply early (many funding decisions are made months before deadlines)
• Contact potential supervisors (especially for PhD programs)
• Highlight research experience, publications, and technical skills
• Prepare a strong Statement of Purpose aligned with departmental research
• Apply to multiple universities to increase your odds

Conclusion

Direct admission pathways make funded graduate study in the US more accessible, especially for proactive, well-prepared, and strategic students. The universities listed above represent a strong starting point for anyone seeking Master’s or PhD programs with funding.

Reminder: Policies change frequently. Always verify admission requirements, funding options, and application fee waivers directly from each university’s official website.

If you’d like help shortlisting schools, reviewing your CV/SOP, or finding funding-first programs for your field, feel free to reach out.