Rutgers University - Computer ScienceMasters (Graduate Fellowship & Assistantship)
Posted July 29, 2026
About this opportunity
Rutgers University offers funded graduate study in Computer Science at the Master's level through a combination of graduate assistantships, fellowships, and stipend support. The funding package is tied directly to your admission status, meaning the university evaluates applicants holistically and awards financial support based on academic merit, research potential, and departmental needs. This is a competitive funding route for students who want to pursue a Master's in Computer Science at a major US public research university without shouldering the full cost themselves. Rutgers is one of the oldest and largest public universities in the United States, founded in 1766 and based in New Jersey. Its Computer Science department sits within the School of Arts and Sciences and is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country. The department has strong research groups in artificial intelligence, machine learning, systems, theory, and data science, and it maintains close ties with industry partners in the New York City and Philadelphia corridors. Graduate students here often work alongside faculty on funded research projects, which is how many assistantship positions are generated. The funding structure works like this: graduate assistants typically receive a stipend in exchange for teaching or research duties, while fellowships provide support without work obligations. Stipend amounts vary by department and funding source, but they are designed to cover living costs in the New Brunswick area, which is more affordable than nearby New York City. The university reports funding offers under US higher education department guidelines, so the process is standardized and transparent across departments. Living in New Brunswick, New Jersey, means you are about 45 minutes by train from Manhattan, with a moderate cost of living compared to the city itself. Winters are cold, summers are humid, and the campus is walkable and student-focused. International students on assistantships typically receive visa sponsorship through the university, and the stipend is enough to cover rent, food, and basic expenses in the area.
Benefits
- Graduate assistantship with a stipend for teaching or research duties
- Fellowship funding that does not require work obligations
- Stipend support designed to cover living costs in New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Tuition coverage typically included with assistantship appointments
- Access to funded research projects within the Computer Science department
- Visa sponsorship for international students awarded assistantships
Eligibility
- Open to applicants seeking admission to the Master's program in Computer Science at Rutgers University
- Funding decisions are based on admission status and academic merit
- Applicants must meet Rutgers graduate school admission requirements, including a bachelor's degree
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores
- Strong academic record and research potential are key factors in funding decisions
- Assistantship positions may require teaching or research experience
Required Documents
- Completed graduate application to Rutgers University
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- GRE scores, if required by the department
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants
How to Apply
- Submit your graduate application to Rutgers University's Computer Science Master's program, indicating your interest in funding opportunities.
- Ensure all supporting documents, including transcripts, test scores, and recommendations, are submitted by the application deadline.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in United States to Rutgers University's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.

