This discussion was created from comments split from: Civil Engineering Grad Schools.
<p>Hi guys, I’m preparing my application to attend a Ph.D. program in the U.S. in civil engineering (specialization in transportation engineering). I’m an Ethiopian national. And I obtained my B.Sc. degree in civil engineering in Ethiopia. My overall GPA is 3.38. One thing keeps bugging me. How likely is it that I will get funding (TA, RA etc) to cover all of my study expenses since I am not financially able to support the expenses myself? Which schools do you recommend me?</p>
<p>If you are accepted into a PhD program, it should be nearly guaranteed. It is hard to say beyond that, though, because the biggest question is getting accepted. I also wouldn’t advise taking a PhD position that isn’t funded, as the vast majority should be.</p>
<p>I agree with the above post. Most PhD programs in the US are fully funded through RA or TA positions (or fellowships). Your biggest problem will to be to get accepted at one of them, given your somewhat low GPA. Do you have GRE scores? How strong is your undergrad University? </p>
<p>Usually you will receive a stipend or a GA/TA position. The funding may come from your mentor’s grant though. You should be able to find out more information from Peterson Guide or school’s website. At least, that was the way I found the information years ago.</p>