Study in USA

Studying in the USA opens up a world of possibilities, not least because there are more than 5,000 higher education institutions to choose from across the country. With around half of the best global universities based here you’ll also know that you are receiving a quality education.

It’s an incredibly diverse country, with universities based in all kinds of cultural hotspots, and a wide range of climates. When studying here you can take your pick of which “USA” you want to experience.

That level of choice also applies to picking your major. A US education allows you to start out as an undeclared major and explore your interests before committing to a particular degree. You can also take general education courses to gain exposure to a range of academic subjects.

Cultural diversity - The USA is known as a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, so wherever you choose to study, you will be exposed to locals and international students from all kinds of backgrounds. This will give you a rich grounding in life in the USA and the wider world as well as connections from around the globe, making it a top benefit to studying in the USA.

Career opportunities - US universities usually have strong links with business, meaning that there are regular career fairs and workshops held on campus. There also opportunities to take internships with top employers. All of which will give you an experience of what it takes to start your career in the USA.

Improve your language skills - Studying in the USA gives you the chance to immerse yourself in an environment where English is spoken in classes and wider society. Depending where you are based, there may be large pockets of people speaking languages like Spanish too, giving you the opportunity to expand your languages even further.

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The most common intake for the top courses to study in the USA is in September, the traditional start of the academic year. However, there are also smaller intakes in Spring and Summer.

Read more about intakes in US here.

Whether you’re looking to study an undergraduate degree in Physics or a PhD in English Literature, you’ll need to prove your English language ability to study abroad in the USA.

Generally speaking, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely accepted of the language-related international tests for students. This is one of the exams required to study in the USA.

Some colleges also accept the Pearson Tests of English (PTE), so you should always check with each individual institution which English language proficiency test you will need to take.

If you’re hoping to study for an undergraduate degree abroad in the USA, you will have to take either a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT). SAT or ACT are also one of the exams required to study in the USA.

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) tests are the most commonly required standardised entrance exams for postgraduate study, while the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is standard for medical schools.

More details about exams required to study in the US.

• MBA
• Computer Sciences
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Security
• Business
• Health care
• Data Sciences and Big Data
• Finance
• Emergency Medicine
• Engineering And Technology
• Law Courses
• Urban Studies Or Urban Sociology Courses
• Robotics Courses
• Visual Communication Courses
• Real Estate Economics Courses
• Cyber Security Courses
• Food Science Courses
• Bioprocess Engineering Courses
• Medical Physics Courses

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The US is home to many people from various countries and backgrounds. This diversity, coupled with the freedom and non-judgemental acceptance that the country promises, is going to offer you an experience of a lifetime. You will be able to navigate life’s ups and downs with people from all multiple cultures. This will teach you lessons that will stick with you for the rest of your life.

With some of the world’s most vibrant cities to live in and stunning wide open spaces to explore in between them, the USA is the perfect place to have adventures while you complete your studies, seeing sights like the Empire State Building, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Park, Las Vegas, Hollywood, Niagara Falls and much more.

Check more details about Student life in the USA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - According to the QS rankings, MIT is the top university in the world. It’s at the forefront of international research into artificial intelligence, climate adaptation, HIV, cancer, and poverty alleviation. It’s also the highest-ranked US university for the proportion of international faculty members and offers general financial aid to students who are accepted to study there.

Ilinois Institute of Technology - Illinois Tech has been called the leading US university for studying abroad by QS Top Universities, with a perfect score of 100. It ranks 15th in the world for its proportion of international students. Over 65% of its graduate school students come from outside the USA, attracted by its reputation and the opportunities that come with studying in Chicago.

Carnegie Mellon University - Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon is another university with a graduate school where students from abroad outnumber those from the US. It’s also one that scores highly with international students, with a rating of 99.8 in the QS rankings and one of the top universities to study at in the USA.

Columbia University - 32% of Columbia’s 30,300 students come from abroad, ranking it in the top 90 universities worldwide for its proportion of international students. Located in New York City, it’s an ideal location to study abroad thanks to the almost endless cultural and employment opportunities available.

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Higher education in the USA includes non-degree programs that lead to certificates and diplomas as well as six degree levels: associate, bachelor, first professional, master, advanced intermediate and research doctorate. 

Bachelor’s degrees usually take 4 years to complete in the USA, with a broad range of courses in the first two years and a focus on a major subject in the final two years. A master’s degree in the USA takes 2-3 years to complete, though fast-track single-year courses are available.

The US system doesn’t offer a second or higher doctorate, but does have postdoctorate research programs while adult and continuing education cut across all educational levels.

Recommended: Study MS in USA | Courses in USA for International Students | STEM Courses in USA

Many universities offer multiple complete and partial scholarships to help support talented students through their education every year. There are also several government-led and private finance-funded scholarships that you could be eligible for.

The Fulbright foreign student program is one of the most popular US government-funded scholarships that provides financial aid for graduates for one year or more. Over 4,000 talented students from 160 countries benefit from this scholarship every year.

The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship program helps professionals come to the US for 10 years to further upskill themselves through short courses, work experience programs, conferences, and networking. This scholarship does not apply to those pursuing a degree program. The Humphrey organisation also conducts seminars and workshops for their candidates through their stay in the US.

#YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship is a collective effort from 57 universities to encourage intercultural education. To apply, you need to submit a video or an essay showing your interest in international education and intercu

Also read

• US scholarships for international students
• Cost of living in the USA

Student visa to the USA:

The F-1 student visa allows you to attend a university or other academic institution in the USA. It allows for part-time on-campus employment, but no more than 20 hours a week. Students with an F-1 visa need to leave the USA within 60 days after the program end date specified on the application form. You may request an extension through the U.S. 

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. You can complete post-graduation practical training for a maximum of 12 months on the F-1 visa. After graduating there are a number of visa options available, including H-3, H-1B, R-1, E-1/E-2 and L-1 visas. For a course that is not principally academic but is more vocational, you would need to apply for an M-1 visa instead.

Student visa requirements for the USA - The eligibility criteria can differ as it depends on the type of student visa. Please check with your university before starting the process and for more information check.

Also read How to get a US Student visa | Types US Student Visas

Application Process:

Go to the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Centre website and start your application online. After submitting your application, you will have to go to the US Embassy in person for biometric submission and your visa interview. Once your admission is confirmed, you need to register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Your university will send you Form I-20. After receiving the form, pay the SEVIS I-901, register in SEVIS and get your receipt. Then go to the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Centre website and fill out the DS-160 form.

Admission Requirements to study in USA

• Language proficiency proof (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc.)
• Completed application form (Common App, Coalition App, or university-specific forms)
• Translated and evaluated transcripts/credentials
• High school diploma, post-secondary diploma, or degree (as applicable)
• Personal statement or essays
• Two or more letters of recommendation (depending on the level of study)
• Standardised test scores (if required, e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
• CV or resume (for graduate programs or work experience requirements)
• Portfolio/audition (for arts/performance programs)
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
• US student visa (F-1 or J-1 visa)
• SEVIS fee payment and I-20 or DS-2019 form (for visa application)
• Medical examination and immunisation records (if required)

Cost to study in the USA

The average cost of a student visa includes both the SEVIS fee and the visa processing charges. These charges vary based on the type of visa you are applying for, but the visa application fee is usually $160 and the SEVIS fee ranges from $220 to $350.

1. The average cost of a student visa includes both the SEVIS fee and the visa processing charges. These charges vary based on the type of visa you are applying for, but the visa application fee is usually $160 and the SEVIS fee ranges from $220 to $350.
2. Course fees - These vary wildly from institution to institution, from an average of $3,660 a year in public two-year colleges, up to $35,830 a year at private non-profit four-year colleges.
3. Living costs - The average cost of living in the USA can make it an expensive place for international students to live while they study. Rent alone (especially in the major cities) can be up to $3,500 a month, making it much more than most other countries, while utilities can add up to almost $200 a month.

Also Read 

• How much does it cost to study in the USA?
• Cost of Living in the USA for International Students

1. Is USA cheap to study?

On the contrary, the USA has usually been regarded as one of the most expensive places for international students to study, though there are many benefits for those can who afford it or can find the right financial support to make it possible.

2. How can I go to the USA for study?

There are many paths to reach the USA as a study abroad option, so why not get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you achieve your goal?

3. Can I work and study in the USA?

International students are allowed to work while studying in the USA as long as the work is undertaken within the restrictions of the student visa. It is therefore easiest to get work on-campus at the institution you are studying at or to undertake work related to practical training for your course. There can also be exceptions for students suffering economic hardship.

4. Which exam is best for the USA?

The TOEFL is the most widely accepted of the English language-related international tests for students wanting to study in the USA. There may well also be subject-specific exams you may need to take for your particular course. 

5. What is the age limit for student visa in the USA?

To get a student visa in the USA you need to be between 14 years and 79 years old.

6. Can I go to the USA without IELTS?

TOEFL and PTE are more commonly used than IELTS by many US universities, but most require some form of English language certification.

7. Can a 40-year-old study in USA?

A 40-year-old would be able to get a student visa to study in the USA as the age limits are between 14-79 years old.

8. Is UK or US cheaper to study?

Generally it is cheaper to study in the UK than the US, both in terms of tuition fees and living costs, though these can vary from institution to institution and from city to city. However, tuition fees are usually cheaper in the UK than in the US, where there are no limits on what universities can charge. 

9. How much do students earn in the USA?

The average student salary in the USA is around $36,000, though this can vary from state to state.

10. Which is the best state to study in the USA?

This can depend on the subject you want to study as well as your preferences for climate and environment, given how diverse the USA is in terms of culture and geography. California and New York are generally the most popular states for international students.