Graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities. For students at The University of Texas at Austin who have an insatiable desire to explore the world (or feel they missed out on studying abroad during their undergraduate years), numerous postgraduate opportunities await.
Engaging in international experiences can enrich your personal growth, enhance your professional profile, and satisfy your desire for travel. UT Austin offers recent graduates a myriad of different programs.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers grants for recent graduates to conduct research, pursue graduate studies, or teach English abroad. With a presence in more than 140 countries, the Fulbright program aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other nations.
Applicant selections are based on academic merit, leadership potential, and a strong proposal for their intended project. Participating in a Fulbright program allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture and contribute meaningfully to international communities.
For those passionate about service, the Peace Corps provides a unique opportunity to work on community-driven projects in sectors like education, health, and agriculture across the globe. Volunteers commit to two years of service, plus three months of training, collaborating with local partners to address critical needs.
This immersive experience will help you to develop cross-cultural competencies, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum age of 18, with most positions favoring applicants with a four-year degree or relevant experience.
The Boren Fellowship supports U.S. graduate students in studying less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In exchange for funding, fellows commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation, making it an excellent pathway for those interested in public service careers with an international focus.
For students looking to pursue further education abroad, numerous prestigious programs offer funding and opportunities for postgraduate study:
- Churchill Scholarship: The Churchill Scholarship funds one year of study in a master’s program in STEM fields at the University of Cambridge. It is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and research potential in engineering, mathematics, or science.
- Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Scholarship: The DAAD Scholarship supports U.S. and international students pursuing graduate studies, research, or internships in Germany. The scholarship offers funding for a variety of disciplines and fosters academic exchange between Germany and other countries.
- Ertegun Scholarship: The Ertegun Scholarship provides full funding for a graduate student pursuing a degree in the humanities at the University of Oxford. Recipients join a distinguished community of scholars and enjoy access to unique intellectual and cultural opportunities.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship enables exceptional students from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject at the University of Cambridge. Selection criteria include outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Becoming a Gates Cambridge Scholar provides access to a world-class education and a global network of future leaders dedicated to making a difference.
- Marshall Scholarship: The Marshall Scholarship funds up to two years of graduate study at any institution in the United Kingdom. The scholarship strengthens the relationship between the U.S. and the United Kingdom by selecting students with exceptional academic records, leadership potential, and a desire to address global challenges.
- Mitchell Scholarship: Named after the U.S. senator whose negotiations underpinned the Northern Ireland peace agreement, the George J. Mitchell Scholarship provides funding for one year of postgraduate study in Ireland or Northern Ireland. It is designed for young leaders who exhibit academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to public service.
- Pickering Fellowship: The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is designed for students aspiring to build a career in the U.S. foreign service. The fellowship provides funding for graduate study, internships, and professional development. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to serving as foreign service officers after graduation.
- Rangel Program: The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program provides scholarships and professional development for students pursuing careers in international relations and diplomacy. The program includes funding for graduate study and internships with the U.S. State Department.
- Rhodes Scholarship: One of the most prestigious international scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship funds graduate study at the University of Oxford. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
- Rotary Peace Fellowship: The Rotary Peace Fellowship funds master’s degree programs and professional development certificates in peace and conflict resolution at select universities around the world. Fellows engage in field experience and networking opportunities to become effective peacebuilders.
- Schwarzman Scholarship: The Schwarzman Scholarship funds a one-year master’s program in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Designed to prepare future global leaders, the program emphasizes leadership, networking, and international collaboration.
Teaching English in foreign countries is a popular avenue for graduates seeking international experience. Programs like Fulbright’s English Teaching Assistantships place recent graduates in classrooms abroad to assist local English teachers. This role helps improve students’ English proficiency and provides recent graduates an immersive opportunity to experience a host country’s culture and educational system.
Additionally, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program allows graduates to work as assistant language teachers in Japan, helping foster international exchange and cultural understanding. Similarly, the Teaching English and Cultural Exchange Program offers positions in various countries, allowing participants to teach English while experiencing new cultures.
Several countries offer “talent visas” or similar programs to attract skilled individuals in fields like arts, sciences, and technology. For instance, Hong Kong’s Top Talent Pass provides work authorization to highly skilled professionals with strong academic backgrounds or high incomes, allowing them to explore career opportunities in one of Asia’s major financial hubs.
Embarking on an international journey after graduation can be a transformative experience. Recent graduates can experience personal growth and enhance their professional trajectories through research, service, and teaching. The world is brimming with opportunities for UT Austin graduates ready to take the leap. For more information about programs, check out the Postgraduate Opportunities page on the Texas Global website. Happy searching!
Nate Heffron is an Education Abroad Peer Mentor providing support to students interested in studying abroad. Learn about this position and its services on the Peer Mentors Program webpage.
