Disclosure: This post is part of a paid partnership with QS Top Universities. While MilitaryBridge may receive compensation, all opinions shared are our own and based on resources we believe are valuable to the military community.

Thinking about earning a master’s degree or MBA? Whether you’re a veteran transitioning to a civilian career, a military spouse looking to advance professionally, a college student planning your next step, or a working professional considering a career change, choosing the right graduate program can feel overwhelming.

That’s where QS Discover & Connect Events can help.

These free graduate school and MBA fairs are coming to cities across the United States and Canada this fall, giving prospective students the opportunity to meet directly with universities, compare graduate programs, ask questions about admissions and funding, and explore which degree may be the best fit for their career goals.

For the military community, QS events can also be a great opportunity to ask schools about GI Bill benefits, Yellow Ribbon participation, veteran support, military spouse resources, online programs, and flexible degree options.

What Are QS Discover & Connect Events?

QS Discover & Connect Events are free in-person graduate school and MBA events designed to connect prospective students with universities and business schools from around the world.

QS hosts separate Master’s and MBA opportunities, with participating schools and event formats varying by city.

Attendees can:

• Meet directly with university and business school admissions representatives
• Compare master’s degree and MBA programs
• Explore programs in business, technology, public policy, healthcare and other fields
• Ask about admissions requirements and application strategies
• Learn about scholarships, financial aid and other funding opportunities
• Explore full-time, part-time, online and flexible graduate programs
• Attend panels, workshops and networking opportunities

Instead of researching dozens of universities individually, attendees can explore multiple graduate programs in one place.

QS Discover Master’s & MBA Fairs

QS Discover events provide an open graduate-school-fair experience where attendees can meet universities, speak with admissions representatives and explore different programs.

QS says its free in-person events are designed to help prospective graduate students connect directly with universities, attend workshops and seminars, network, and learn more about postgraduate opportunities.

Depending on the city, Master’s and MBA events may be held alongside one another, making them particularly useful for professionals who are still deciding which type of graduate degree best fits their goals.

What Are QS Connect Personal Meetings?

Select cities also offer QS Connect, which provides a more personalized experience.

Participants submit a resume or LinkedIn profile when registering. QS then uses that information to match attendees with universities for approximately 25-minute meetings.

These smaller meetings provide an opportunity to have more focused conversations about your background, career goals and potential fit with a particular graduate program.

For veterans, this can be especially useful when discussing how military leadership, technical training and professional experience translate into a competitive graduate-school application.

Free Benefits for QS Event Attendees

In addition to meeting universities, QS events may include additional benefits and resources for registered attendees.

Benefits currently promoted by QS include:

• Free professional headshots
• Free resume reviews in select cities, with virtual options available after some events
• Eligibility to apply for QS ImpACT Scholarships worth $50,000 in total
• Discounts on admissions consulting and career coaching
• Admissions and test-prep consultations
• Panels, seminars and workshops

Benefits and programming can vary by location, so check the individual event page when registering.

2026 QS Graduate School & MBA Events Across North America

The Fall 2026 QS Master’s and MBA event schedule currently includes the following cities:

Washington, D.C. — September 15, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Philadelphia, PA — September 17, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

New York, NY — September 19, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Boston, MA — September 22, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Seattle, WA — October 5, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

San Diego, CA — October 7, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Los Angeles, CA — October 8, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

San Francisco, CA — October 10, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Chicago, IL — October 13, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Atlanta, GA — October 15, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Charlotte, NC — October 17, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Nashville, TN — October 19, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Dallas, TX — October 21, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events  REGISTER

Houston, TX — October 22, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

San Antonio, TX — October 24, 2026
QS Master’s & MBA Events REGISTER

Pro Tip: Registration is free. Register early so you have time to research participating universities and take advantage of any available personalized meetings or additional event opportunities.

Why Veterans Should Attend a QS Graduate School or MBA Fair

Military service can provide an incredibly strong foundation for graduate school.

Veterans bring leadership, accountability, problem-solving skills, technical expertise and experience working in demanding environments. A graduate degree or MBA can help translate that experience into qualifications for a new civilian career, management position or specialized field.

A QS event gives veterans the opportunity to speak directly with universities and ask important questions before applying.

Questions Veterans Should Ask Universities

When meeting with schools, consider asking:

• Does your university participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?
• Do you have a dedicated veterans office or military student support team?
• How can I use my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits toward this program?
• Are there additional scholarships available for veterans?
• Is the program offered online, hybrid, part-time or full-time?
• How does the university evaluate military leadership and professional experience?
• What career services are available for veterans transitioning into civilian careers?
• Are there veteran or military-affiliated student organizations?

GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon eligibility can vary by student, school and program, so veterans should confirm their individual education benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the university.

Why Military Spouses Should Attend

Graduate education can also be valuable for military spouses building portable careers.

Frequent PCS moves can make traditional career paths challenging, so flexibility matters. At a graduate school fair, military spouses can compare universities and ask specifically about:

• Fully online master’s and MBA programs
• Hybrid learning
• Part-time programs
• Programs that can continue through a PCS move
• Career services for remote or portable careers
• Military spouse scholarships and financial assistance
• Support for students balancing work, school and family responsibilities

Being able to compare multiple schools at one event can make it much easier to identify programs that fit the realities of military life.

College Students, Professionals & Career-Changers Are Welcome Too

QS Discover & Connect Events aren’t limited to the military community.

College juniors and seniors, recent graduates, working professionals and career-changers can attend to compare graduate programs and better understand whether an advanced degree makes sense for their goals.

If you’re wondering whether to pursue an MBA, master’s degree or another graduate program, talking directly with schools can provide valuable insight before committing the time and money required for graduate education.

How to Prepare for a QS Graduate School Fair

A little preparation can help you get much more out of the event.

Before attending:

1. Register early. Review the universities expected to attend your city.
2. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. This is especially important if your event offers QS Connect meetings.
3. Identify your top schools. Make a short list of the universities you don’t want to miss.
4. Prepare questions. Ask about admissions, tuition, scholarships, program formats and career outcomes.
5. Veterans: bring your benefit questions. Ask specifically about GI Bill certification, Yellow Ribbon participation and veteran services.
6. Military spouses: ask about flexibility. Find out what happens if you PCS while enrolled.
7. Follow up after the event. Connect with admissions representatives from the programs you’re seriously considering.

Find a Free QS Master’s or MBA Event Near You

Choosing a graduate program is a major decision, and there is no substitute for speaking directly with the universities you’re considering.

The 2026 QS Master’s and MBA events across North America give veterans, military spouses, college students and working professionals a free opportunity to compare graduate programs, meet admissions representatives, explore scholarships and funding, and learn more about their options.

With events scheduled in cities across the United States and Canada from September 15 through October 24, 2026, there may be an event coming to a city near you.

Registration is FREE.

👉 Visit the QS North America events Registration Links Above to learn more and get registered!