USA
SELECT ANY COUNTRY
Study In USA
The United States has long been perceived as a land of opportunities, attracting over 1 million international students each year to kickstart their career prospects. With half of the world’s top ten universities, such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Caltech, and the University of Chicago, and a plethora of colleges and universities, the USA offers diverse options for everyone.
An education in the USA not only provides a pathway to future studies but also broadens employment prospects, including opportunities with American companies seeking international talent. Whether opting for small town colleges or institutions situated in the vibrant settings of major cities, studying in the United States offers a cultural experience that remains unforgettable.
Why study in USA?
Embarking on a study journey in the USA offers a multitude of possibilities, given the vast selection of over 5,000 higher education institutions across the country. With approximately half of the world’s best universities situated here, you can be assured of receiving a high-quality education.
The USA is renowned for its incredible diversity, with universities located in various cultural hubs and experiencing a wide range of climates. When studying in the USA, you have the privilege of choosing which facet of the country you want to explore.
This extensive array of choices extends to selecting your major. A US education allows you to initiate your academic journey as an undeclared major, providing the flexibility to explore your interests before committing to a specific degree. Additionally, you have the opportunity to engage in general education courses, gaining exposure to a diverse range of academic subjects.
The benefits of studying in the USA
Cultural Diversity – The USA is recognized for its blend of cultures and ethnicities, making it a melting pot. Regardless of your chosen study location, you’ll encounter both local and international students from diverse backgrounds. This exposure provides a profound understanding of life in the USA and the broader world, fostering global connections—a significant advantage of studying in the USA.
Career Opportunities – Universities in the US often maintain robust connections with businesses, resulting in regular career fairs and on-campus workshops. The availability of internships with esteemed employers offers valuable insights into launching a career in the USA, making it a noteworthy benefit of studying in the country.
Language Skill Enhancement – Studying in the USA provides an immersive environment where English is the primary language in classes and broader society. Depending on your location, you may also encounter significant communities conversing in languages like Spanish, presenting an opportunity to further expand your language proficiency.
Intakes
Exam to study in the USA
Whether you aim to pursue an undergraduate degree in Physics or a PhD in English Literature in the USA, demonstrating proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite for studying abroad.
Broadly, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is widely recognized as the predominant international language proficiency test for students and is commonly required for studying in the USA.
Some institutions also accept the Pearson Tests of English (PTE), necessitating individual confirmation from each college about the specific language proficiency test required.
For those aspiring to enroll in an undergraduate program in the USA, taking either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) is mandatory. These standardized tests are integral for studying in the USA.
For postgraduate studies, the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are the prevalent standardized entrance exams. Medical schools typically require the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Student life in the USA
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.
Top USA Universities
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – QS rankings position MIT as the top university globally, leading in international research areas such as artificial intelligence, climate adaptation, HIV, cancer, and poverty alleviation. It holds the highest rank among US universities for the percentage of international faculty members and provides general financial aid to accepted students.
Illinois Institute of Technology – Recognized as the top US university for studying abroad by QS Top Universities, Illinois Tech boasts a perfect score of 100. It holds the 15th position globally for the proportion of international students, with over 65% of its graduate school students originating from outside the USA. Chicago’s opportunities and the university’s reputation attract a diverse student body.
Carnegie Mellon University – Situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon stands out as a university where international students outnumber their US counterparts in the graduate school. Scoring 99.8 in the QS rankings, it is highly regarded among international students and is considered one of the top universities for study in the USA.
Columbia University – With 32% of its 30,300 students hailing from abroad, Columbia ranks among the top 90 universities globally for the proportion of international students. Nestled in New York City, it provides an ideal setting for studying abroad, offering a wealth of cultural and employment opportunities.
Study options
In the United States, higher education encompasses non-degree programs leading to certificates and diplomas, along with six degree levels: associate, bachelor, first professional, master, advanced intermediate, and research doctorate.
Typically, bachelor’s degrees in the USA require four years for completion. The initial two years cover a broad range of courses, while the final two years focus on a chosen major subject. Master’s degrees in the USA generally take 2-3 years to finish, although accelerated single-year programs are available.
The US education system does not include a second or higher doctorate, but it does feature postdoctoral research programs. Additionally, adult and continuing education initiatives span across all educational levels.
Scholarships
Numerous universities annually offer a variety of complete and partial scholarships to support talented students throughout their education. Additionally, various government-led and privately financed scholarships may be accessible based on eligibility.
Among the widely recognized US government-funded scholarships is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, assisting graduates with financial aid for one year or more. This scholarship benefits over 4,000 talented students from 160 countries annually.
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program facilitates professionals’ visits to the US for upskilling through short courses, work experience programs, conferences, and networking over a 10-year period. Not applicable to degree programs, this scholarship includes seminars and workshops for candidates during their stay in the US.
The YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, a collaborative effort from 57 universities, aims to promote intercultural education. Applicants are required to submit a video or essay showcasing their interest in international education and intercultural engagement.
Resources
Student visa to the USA:
The F-1 student visa permits attendance at a US university or academic institution. It allows for part-time on-campus employment, limited to 20 hours per week. Students holding an F-1 visa must depart the USA within 60 days after the program’s specified end date on the application form. An extension can be requested through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Post-graduation practical training of up to 12 months is possible on the F-1 visa. Upon graduation, various visa options are available, including H-3, H-1B, R-1, E-1/E-2, and L-1 visas. For non-academic, vocational courses, an M-1 visa application is necessary.
Application Process:
Visit the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center website to initiate your online application. Following the submission of your application, a personal visit to the US Embassy is required for biometric submission and the visa interview. Upon confirmation of admission, enrollment in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is necessary. Your university will provide Form I-20, and upon receipt, complete the SEVIS I-901 payment, register in SEVIS, and obtain your receipt. Subsequently, revisit the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center website to complete 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 overall expense of a student visa encompasses both the SEVIS fee and the visa processing charges. While these fees fluctuate depending on the type of visa sought, the standard visa application fee is typically $160, and the SEVIS fee varies between $220 and $350.
The total expense of a student visa encompasses both the SEVIS fee and the visa processing charges, with variations depending on the visa type. Generally, the visa application fee stands at $160, and the SEVIS fee ranges between $220 and $350.
As for course fees, they exhibit significant diversity across institutions. On average, tuition can range from $3,660 per year in public two-year colleges to as high as $35,830 per year in private non-profit four-year colleges.
When it comes to living costs, the USA proves to be relatively expensive for international students. Rent, particularly in major cities, can reach up to $3,500 per month, surpassing costs in many other countries. Additionally, utility expenses can accumulate to nearly $200 per month.
FAQs
1. Is USA cheap to study?
In contrast, the USA has traditionally been acknowledged as one of the pricier destinations for international students to pursue their studies. However, for those who can manage the costs or secure suitable financial assistance, there are numerous advantages to consider.
2. How can I go to the USA for study?
3. Can I work and study in the USA?
4. Which exam is best for the USA?
5. What is the age limit for student visa in the USA?
6. Can I go to the USA without IELTS?
Many universities in the United States prefer TOEFL and PTE over IELTS, though a significant number require some type of English language certification.
7. Can a 40-year-old study in USA?
8. Is UK or US cheaper to study?
In general, studying in the UK is more affordable than in the US, considering both tuition fees and living costs. However, it’s important to note that these expenses can vary between institutions and cities. Tuition fees are typically lower in the UK compared to the US, where universities have no set limits on charges.
9. How much do students earn in the USA?
The median student income in the United States is approximately $36,000, although this figure may differ from one state to another.
10. Which is the best state to study in the USA?
The choice may hinge on your desired field of study and personal preferences regarding climate and surroundings, considering the USA’s cultural and geographical diversity. California and New York tend to be the preferred states for many international students.