In 2022, over 9,40,000 international students enrolled on master’s degree programs in the United States of America. Students prefer pursuing higher education in the US, one of the most popular study abroad destinations, to access world-class education, explore global career opportunities and grow professionally and personally. However, as an international student, you should be aware that not all but some universities accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree to enrol in a master’s degree program. So, if you are planning to study in the US, read this guide to know about the US universities that accept a 3-year degree to study masters courses.

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Key Highlights

• Are universities accepting 3-year degrees in the USA?
• US universities accepting 3-year bachelors for MS
• What to do if the US university does not accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree?
• Eligibility criteria for MS courses in the US

Are universities accepting 3-year degrees in the USA?

Many international students with a regular 3-year bachelor’s degree faced challenges while applying to US universities for master’s courses. For a long time, most US universities accepted a 4-year bachelor’s degree as a minimum eligibility criterion to study a master’s degree program. But the scenario has changed in the last few years. Of late, many notable US universities are now welcoming international students with 3-year bachelor’s degrees to take admission to certain master’s study programs.

US universities accepting 3-year bachelors for MS

The US universities like Stanford and Harvard still do not consider a three-year bachelor’s degree eligible for admission in MS courses. Therefore, it is essential to gain accurate information about universities accepting 3-year bachelor’s degrees for master’s courses before applying.

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Here are the top 10 universities, along with their Global Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, that accept 3 years bachelor’s degree:

Note: These universities accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree for specific master’s programs. Therefore, check course-related requirements carefully before applying.

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What to do if the US university does not accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree?

If you want to study in the US and your preferred varsity is accepting only a 4-year bachelor’s degree, then it is advised to pursue a one-year diploma course after completing a bachelor’s degree. Completing a one-year diploma course after a three-year bachelor’s degree will be considered equivalent to 4 years bachelor’s degree, making you eligible to pursue a master’s degree from a US university. Please check if your chosen varsity will accept a degree and diploma to be eligible for PG courses.

Eligibility criteria for MS courses in the US

The eligibility requirements for each course and the university will vary. The general requirements accepted by the US universities to study masters programs are as follows:

• A bachelor’s degree in the related field from the recognised university
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Work experience, if any
• Student visa
• A valid passport

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If you are planning to secure a seat in any of the aforementioned universities but looking for financial assistance, Avanse Financial Services will be happy to help you. We offer an education loan for study abroad programs covering expenses such as tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation expenses, and other education-related expenses. Our customised education loan will help you to meet your academic aspirations as you can avail of multiple benefits, like 100% finance, flexible repayment options and quick sanctions. So, get in touch with us today to know more!