AI Master's in the USA and Scholarship Requirements
A master's in artificial intelligence in the USA has become one of the most in-demand graduate programs in recent years, thanks to rapid advances in AI and machine learning and growing demand for specialists. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of computer and information research scientists to grow 22% between 2025 and 2035, with a median annual wage of $140,300 in May 2025.
If you plan to study and benefit from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, whether through the Pioneers Track or the Imdad Track, this guide explains the admission requirements, what American universities expect and the application steps.
Admission Requirements for an AI Master's
Admission requirements vary from one university to another, but most American universities share a number of basic conditions. Make sure the university is academically accredited and that the program is among the universities and majors accepted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.
Scholarship Program Requirements
- Admission must be final and unconditional, issued by the admissions and registration office.
- The Pioneers Track is limited to the top 30 universities.
- The Imdad Track covers the top 200 universities in specific high-demand fields.
- The program requires full-time study and residence in the host country.
The University of Maryland (College Park) appears in the information and communications technology list in the guide to university lists for 2026-2027. Still, make sure your chosen major and track are included in the lists for the year you apply.
The program requires final, unconditional admission. Lists and requirements may change from year to year, so check the official websites before applying.
Academic and Language Requirements
- Academic background: Not all universities require a bachelor's in computer science, but most programs expect a solid background in calculus, linear algebra and statistics, and programming experience in a language such as Python, Java or C++ is a plus.
- English: Most master's programs ask international students for IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic. Each university and program sets its own minimum score, so check the program's official admissions page.
- GRE: Some programs do not require it and others make it optional, as in the University of Maryland's AI master's.
- Duration: Length and study format (on campus or online) vary by program, and programs cover areas such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics and data science.
How to Apply to the Program
You apply directly through each university's graduate studies website, and the process usually goes as follows:
- Create an account on the university portal.
- Prepare the required documents, usually including your bachelor's certificate, academic transcript, résumé, statement of purpose and any relevant experience or research projects.
- Have your language test scores sent directly from the testing body to the university.
- Request one or two recommendation letters from faculty members or employers, as most universities require.
- Upload all documents and pay the application fee, if any.
- Wait for the university to review your file. It may ask for additional documents or an interview for some programs.
University of Maryland as an AI Master's Example
The University of Maryland (College Park) offers two programs in this field: the MS in Artificial Intelligence through the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and Engineering Artificial Intelligence through Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering in the Clark School of Engineering. The comparison below shows their main requirements according to the university's academic catalog.
| Item | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Engineering Artificial Intelligence |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Master of Science | Master of Engineering |
| Credits | 30 credits, non-thesis | 30 credits |
| Study format | On campus, and can be completed in under two years | An online version is available that does not issue an I-20 |
| Admission requirements | Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA, coursework showing quantitative ability (calculus, linear algebra and statistics), programming proficiency, a statement of purpose and résumé, and a language test for international students | Two recommendation letters and a language certificate for international students |
| GRE | Optional | Optional |
The online version of Engineering Artificial Intelligence does not issue an I-20 and does not qualify for an F-1 visa. The scholarship also requires full-time study in the host country, so it does not suit scholarship students. Always check the official program page before choosing.
Scholarship Steps for the USA
If you want to study on the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, we recommend these steps:
- Choose the right sub-specialty within AI.
- Compare universities by ranking, tuition and admission requirements.
- Prepare all academic documents and make sure you meet the language, math and programming requirements.
- Obtain final, unconditional admission.
- Submit your scholarship application through the Safeer platform.
- Once the scholarship decision is issued, start the US F-1 student visa process, along with housing and health insurance.
Top AI Universities in the USA
Many American universities offer outstanding AI programs, and they differ in admission requirements, tuition and research areas. We therefore recommend contacting us and checking each university's official website before applying, then choosing the program that fits your academic and career goals.
For the approved lists, see our article on Imdad Track universities 2026-2027 by field and our article on the top 30 universities in the Pioneers Track.
FAQ
Is the GRE required?
It depends on the university and program. It is optional for the University of Maryland's AI master's, so check the program page.
How long does the master's take?
It depends on the program. The Maryland program (30 credits) can be completed in under two years.
Must my bachelor's be in computer science?
Not always, but a background in math and programming is one of the most important admission factors.
Can I get a scholarship?
Yes, if the university and major meet the requirements of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, with final unconditional admission and full-time in-person study.
Conclusion
An AI master's in the USA is an excellent opportunity for those who want to work in technology and research, especially with the global expansion of AI applications. Choose the right university, meet all admission requirements, improve your English and build hands-on experience in programming and math, as this raises your chances of admission and of winning a scholarship. If you are also interested in legal studies, see our guide to the LLM in the USA and the scholarship.
Contact us at Almorad Education to ask questions, review universities that fit your academic and career goals, and start your scholarship journey with confidence.
Official Sources
- Ministry of Education: General Scholarship Conditions — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program requirements
- Guide to University Lists 2026-2027 — University lists by field
- University of Maryland: MS in Artificial Intelligence — Official program page
- US Department of State: F-1 Student Visa — Student visa procedures
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Employment and wage projections
