At SIS, we know that the best and brightest future leaders in international affairs come from all academic, social and economic backgrounds. We understand that financing your education can be a challenge, which is why we offer financial support to eligible graduate students, both domestic and international, in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and stipends.

SIS also partners with organizations and individuals to provide unique financial assistance and opportunities for students who meet specific criteria required of each partnership. Information on subsidized federal loans is available through the Office of Financial Aid. The SIS graduate admission team is always available to applicants interested in learning more about planning for this important investment in your future.

Spotlight SIS Funding Opportunities

The following is a sample list of funding opportunities available to eligible students at the time of application.

Employer Matching Award:

Incoming students for SIS on-campus masters programs can apply to have their employer educational benefits matched by SIS for up to $5,000 each year for a maximum of two consecutive academic years. Availability and amount of support is budget-contingent for each admission cycle. Priority consideration is given to students who have not been awarded any SIS merit funding, or have not received any major funding from an external source to cover their tuition. Students are responsible for ensuring that the employer benefit funding is remitted to American University. Questions should be directed to the SIS Graduate Enrollment Management Office at sisgrad@american.edu or 202-885-1646. Apply for SIS Employer Matching funding.

Priority Application Deadlines:

• Fall: February 15
• Spring: November 1
• Applicants for the MAIR (online) summer start, contact cblount@american.edu for deadline details.

Leadership Engagement Award:

This award recognizes students and professionals who are members of, or have participated in, substantive global leadership or engagement programs aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding, global collaboration and public service. Examples of these programs include, but are not limited to:

AIESEC
Model OAS
Model UN
World Affairs Council

Up to 10 qualified recipients will be chosen each year to receive up to $20,000 of scholarship towards their fully residential SIS master's program. Contact sisgrad@american.edu for information on eligibility, or to request a program flyer and instructions for applying. Candidates for the award must submit a completed application for one of the eligible master’s programs by the January 15 (fall) / October 1 (spring) Priority Application Deadline. 

Mustafa Barzani Peace Fellowship:

This fellowship supports SIS graduate students who focus on global Kurdish studies. The fellowship offers a minimum of 50% tuition award (at least $36,000) towards a student's SIS master's program.

Contact sisgrad@american.edu for information on eligibility or to verify the application deadline for a particular term. If you are ready to apply, submit the application right away.

Priority Application Deadlines:

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: October 25