Study in United States

United States is a top destination for international students with its world-class universities, diverse culture, and unparalleled career opportunities. VisaFlex is dedicated to helping you achieve your American dream. Studying in United States can be quite expensive, but there are lots of benefits.

United States is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, with many ranking among the top 10 globally. American universities offer a rigorous academic environment, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a strong focus on practical skills. With a degree from a USA university, you'll be well-equipped to succeed in your chosen field.

Why Study in United States?

United States is the favorite destination for international students, and there are over a million head there yearly, nearly twice as many as the second-placed country, the UK. In fact, there are nearly as many international students in the US as there are in the whole of Europe, although you should decide whether an American or European education is best for you rather than just following the crowd. But why do international students choose to study in America? There are plenty of reasons. A key attraction are the world-leading universities, but just as attractive are the opportunities to study in world cities, take advantage of links with global businesses and tech innovators, or just to experience the culture of a nation that has shaped the world we live in.

Here are top reasons why you should choose to study in United States:

• America is the world’s education super-power. Its universities dominate the world rankings: they take seven of the top 10 spots, including the first three, according to Meta-ranking. If you want a Bachelor's or Master's recognised as high quality the world over, American universities will have you covered.
• There are over 4,300 universities to choose from. If you're looking to study at a university in the United States, you will find a plethora of study programmes, offering extensive academic programmes and diverse campus environments. Whatever you want to study, there will be a centre of excellence for you.
• America is incredibly diverse. It was built by migrants, and that shapes the nation today. Depending on where in America you study, you will see influences from all over the world. If you want to experience a true melting pot of global diversity, nowhere is better than America.
• America leads the world in many sectors. When you think of almost any industry, you'll probably think of the American - and world - Centre. From New York for finance, to LA for entertainment, or San Francisco for technology. If you want to be close to the world's best in almost any category, head to the USA.
• The USA is one of the world's most geographically vibrant and diverse nations. From the gleaming glass and steel of New York's skyscrapers to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, or the cold expanses of Alaska to the surfing paradise of Hawaii, America really has everything.

Why else choose America for study? It is academically innovative. For example, universities have followed the lead of Silicon Valley in providing education in the latest technologies, with some universities, like Caltech or MIT, with an especially strong reputation in the area. The USA was the first country to offer MBAs, while American universities drive new thinking in psychology and economics. American universities lead the world when it comes to the latest courses and thinking.

And it would be impossible to talk about American universities without a mention of the Ivy League. Although, originally, a sporting league for some of the East Coast's older universities, the term is more often used to refer to a set of universities that offer academic excellence. But while the Ivy League colleges are, undoubtedly, excellent, the strength of American education is such that there are plenty of other universities mounting a strong challenge when it comes to academics.

What are the best universities in United Staes?

You might assume that the Ivy League offer the best universities in America, but while they are good, rankings like QS illustrate how good American universities are. Here are the five top-rated universities in America, and, amazingly, they are all in the world's top ten.

• MIT, or Massachusetts Institute of Technology, isn't just the best-rated university in America, it's the best in the world in the QS rankings. And don't let the name mislead you, it offers Bachelor's and Master's in non-technology subjects and often tops the rankings in those too.
• Founded by a railroad tycoon, Stanford University continues the entrepreneurial instincts of its founder. As well as lots of former students becoming academic and political leaders, it's estimated that its alumni-founded businesses would, in total, be the seventh-largest economy in the world.
• Harvard University is surprisingly the only Ivy League school in the top five. America's oldest university, it predates the Declaration of Independence by 140 years. It has an international reputation, in large part because of the strength of its graduate schools.
• Caltech, formally known as the California Institute of Technology, has a world-wide association with science and technology, it even manages NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. But it is associated with major breakthroughs and advances in every field of science, as shown by the 79 Nobel Laureates associated with Caltech.
• University of Chicago, finishes the QS top five. Its strong research ethos has meant that while some colleges are associated with a school of thought, when you refer to 'the Chicago school' you could mean one of five different area where Chicago has worldwide influence.

What are the top student hubs in America?

New York is, unsurprisingly, one centre, boasting dozens of colleges and universities, including Cornell and Columbia, nestling in one of the world's most exciting cities.

However, there are other popular destinations, like Cambridge, Massachusetts, which was named in honour of the University of Cambridge but is now home to both Harvard and MIT, among others. While Durham, in North Carolina, is home to Duke and North Carolina Central University, and forms a corner of the research triangle that also contains the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

However, it sometimes seems everyone wants to study in America, and with so many students, domestic and international, it's hard to find an American city that isn't a student hub!

How much money is required to study in United States?

United States may be an expensive place to study for international students. The study fees are high compared to other countries like Canada and United Kingdom. There are lots of scholarships international students can explore to mitigate the high study cost. These scholarships come from the universities, government, and NGOs.

Tuition Fees in United States

Students at American universities must pay fees ranging from around $10,000 to over $60,000 a year for a Bachelor's degree, although prices tend to be around $25,000 or $40,000 depending on the type of university you attend. Prices for a Master's degree tend to average around $30,000 a year, but some courses can be significantly cheaper.

On top of that, there are often more fees that you will have to pay to remain enrolled. An American education can offer many benefits, both while you are a student and afterwards, but it is not cheap. And if you are an international student, you will need to be able to show how you will meet the fees to get a visa, so the cost is something you will need to consider.

The American higher education system includes many models, and while they may all offer a high-quality education, cost is one of the biggest ways they differ.

Many universities, including some of the most prestigious, are private institutions. These rely on income from fees or endowments and tend to be the most expensive at around $40,000 a year. The most expensive institutions, which tend to be the most prestigious, like Harvard or Stanford, can cost around $60,000 a year, making a four-year degree, along with living expenses, very costly.

State institutions, which receive public funding, are significantly cheaper. For non-state residents these are usually between $20,000-$25,000 a year. Students from the same state, however, pay even less, typically around $10,000 a year.

However, all universities will point out that their fees, and what students pay, are very different things. And there are many ways to ensure your Bachelor's or Master's degree is more affordable than the fees might suggest.

Language requirements

Although America has no official language, English is the dominant tongue, and the one used in universities. You will, therefore, need to prove your fluency. How can you demonstrate proficiency in English? There are two ways.

Most universities will accept earlier education in English as evidence of fluency. Typically, this will require three years of instruction solely in English, for example at school or a Bachelor's degree.

Alternatively, universities will accept commonly recognized English tests. The exact requirements will vary between universities and even courses. Tests, and the scores you need, include:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System). Most universities will look for at least 7.5 on this test.
• TOEFL iBT (The Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test). A score of 100 or more is usually needed.
• PTE Academic (Pearsons Test of English Academic). A minimum score of 68 is usually requested.
• iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency). A score of 4.5 or higher.
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency). A core of 190 or more.

Another possibility may be the Duolingo English Test. Although not as established, it is gaining wider acceptance and is an easy-to-access test. Typically, a score of at least 125 is needed.

Cost of living in United States

Like most countries, the cost of living varies across America. As might be expected, cities tend to be the most expensive, and across the country, the south and midwestern states tend to be the cheapest.

Generally, though, America can be one of the more reasonable places to live, and comparable to other Western nations when it comes to costs. Our article on student living in America offers more details.

For most, rent is likely to be the biggest cost (after course fees) and can vary dramatically. Living in a major city like New York or Boston might cost you as much as $3,000 a month for a single bedroom. Studying at a mid-western university could reduce that to just $600.

But don't forget that you will have to include other costs on top of this. You might save on rent at that rural university but then must pay all the costs of owning a car to get around. Meanwhile, it's possible to save on rent in cities by living further away from the center and utilizing the well-developed public transport that most major American cities have.

Cost of food in America

One area where America can be cheaper than other nations is food. A single person might want to budget between $400 and $600 a month to cover the cost of food in America, but shopping around can bring that amount down significantly. And eating out can be surprisingly cheap too, even in cities.

However, don't be caught out, like many are, by things like tipping and taxes. Tipping is expected almost everywhere that serves food or drink, which adds to the total you must pay. And price tags will not include sales taxes, which are set locally and will sometimes include taxes from both the state and city. However, it does mean that if you are savvy, and close to a state or municipal border, you can often make easy savings on your shopping!

Student accommodation in United States

Anyone who has watched American movies will know that the college dorm or frat house is no stranger to the screen. It could almost be a character itself. But you'll probably be relieved to know that the movie image of raucous college life is different from the reality.

What the movies do show, however, is that on-campus student housing in America, or dorms, remains a key part of student life for many.

While it varies between universities, most Bachelor's degree students and many Master's degree students, will have the possibility of living in college accommodation for at least part of their course. The nature of this will vary. Large campus universities may have everything on a single site, meaning you could spend your entire course never leaving the university. Other universities, especially those that are based in larger cities, may offer accommodation, but this might be separate to other parts of the university, and even require a commute to your classes.

College accommodation will typically consist of a bedroom with some study space, with shared facilities like bathrooms and kitchens. Some may also offer access to catering facilities. Living in college accommodation can be one of the most enjoyable parts of being an international student in America, allowing you to immerse yourself in the student culture.

Off-campus student housing is also possible, and most Master's students will tend not to live in university accommodation.

One option is for private student accommodation. These are becoming increasingly common in areas with significant student populations, especially where university accommodation cannot meet demand. They are popular not just with students who miss university-controlled accommodation, but also those who want a little more independence.

Private accommodation often looks a lot like a campus dorm, with students having a bedroom and study area, and sharing other facilities. However, there are more options depending on your budget, for example, private bathrooms or regular servicing of your room.

Finally, there is the possibility of private rental. This is often popular with students who want to share with friends. There is a strong rental market in the US, especially in urban areas. However, demand can be high, and rent can be costly.

When to apply for student accommodation

The deadlines set by your university will determine when to apply for student housing. But regardless of what type of accommodation you are hoping to secure, the best advice is to apply as soon as you have a place.

If you are looking for off-campus accommodation, then you should start looking once you have a place. And it is sensible to have done a little research even before then, so you know exactly what and where you can afford to rent.

Work and study in United States

Are international students allowed to work in America?

The F-1 Visa does allow international students to work while in America, but there are strict limits.

First, working hours for international students in America are limited to 20 hours per week during term time. During vacations, full-time work is allowed, but only if you are registered to continue your studies the following semester.

Second, and perhaps the most limiting, you are only allowed to work in jobs on your university campus. While this still allows for a wide variety of jobs, from working in stores, to technical roles in departments, and possibly even working as tutors if you are studying for a higher degree, there will be a lot of competition for few jobs.

The only exception that allows work off campus is if it is for practical training related to your degree. However, this will require the permission of US Citizenship and Immigration Services and can only take place after you have completed at least one year of study.

There are even limits on volunteering, meaning that you can't for example, take on internships in non-educational settings.

Job opportunities in United States

Although America prides itself as a land of opportunity, there isn't quite as much opportunity for international students that have recently graduated. The requirement to work in a field related to your studies with an OPT visa will limit the places that you can work. And while any employer can apply for an H1-B for you, there is, obviously, the challenge of first getting that job, and then your employer successfully applying for the visa.

However, large numbers of students do successful seek employment, and an American degree can set you up for a high-earning career. According to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, between 150,000 and 200,000 OPT applications are granted each year, although some will be during courses, it will still represent a large proportion of those graduating each year.

Because of the restrictions on your work, it's likely that your best options for finding work will be through your university. It may already have links with employers who take on international students and are, therefore, familiar with the visa restrictions. Indeed, you might already have made connections with potential employers through course links and placements.

Residing in United States After Graduation

It is important to note that America is incredibly strict about visa rules. Although most international students will have a standard F-1 visa, it's important to check there are no other conditions or rules around your stay. Breaching your visa conditions may prevent you from being allowed into America again.

Usually, your visa will expire when you graduate. The US will expect you to leave the country and return to your home when this happens. Those on a student visa do have a 60-day grace period, during which they can remain in the US. However, it does not allow return to the US, so once you leave you will need to seek a new visa to return, even if your grace period has not expired.

Unlike many countries, there is no automatic right to extension, for example a temporary work visa, after graduation. However, there are several visas that graduates can apply for if they wish to remain in the US.

Types of Visa

One option is to apply for an Optional Practical Training extension. This allows you to work for one year, for up to 20 hours a week. If you are a STEM graduate, you can also apply for an additional year's extension, allowing you to remain for two years.

This option is only available if you have not already undertaken Optional Practical Training during your course, and your application will need to be started with your university, who will formally recommend it. Applications can take several months, so need to be started long before your F-1 visa expires.

You can only work in roles that are directly related to your course and qualification. However, it is a common option, particularly for those looking to work in the tech sector, and many international companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google hire large numbers on OPT visas.

Another possibility is to get your visa sponsored by an employer. The H1-B visa can only be applied for by an employer, who must state that you are particularly skilled or promising in your field. And having a good degree will help prove your case; find out how to interpret your grade in our guide. Again, most are issued for those working in technology and in STEM more generally. And, unsurprisingly, many result from successful roles undertaken with OPT visas.

The H1-B visa lasts for three years and can be extended to six years. There is also the possibility at the end of securing a Green Card, which gives the right to remain and work in the USA as a permanent resident. However, Green Cards are incredibly difficult to get, especially because the numbers issued are capped, so, as always, if you are keen to remain in the USA, the sooner you start planning and applying, the better.

University application in United States

American universities all handle their own admissions, and, unlike some other countries, there are no central processes for either domestic or international students. This means you may have to manage multiple applications.

Having to apply to each university means each might offer a slightly different application process. However, they all follow a similar pattern, requiring an online application and submission of documents.

The online application will generally include basic information, like your personal details and contact details for tutors or those providing references, as well as your previous and current schools or colleges.

You will also need to pay an application fee. How much does it cost to apply to university? The fee is usually between $50 and $150. You might also have been wondering if you can apply to two courses at the same university, and the good news is that most run a common application system, meaning that you can complete a single application for different colleges or courses. If you are applying to multiple universities, though, the costs may soon mount, meaning you will probably want to limit your applications to where you have a reasonable chance of securing a place. The acceptance rates for courses vary dramatically, our guide will give you a good idea of the competition there is for university places in America.

You will also have to submit various documents depending on the course. Common requirements are qualification certificates (including a specific GPA), portfolios, and proof of English language ability. How these are sent may also vary, since some universities may have strict requirements about establishing authenticity.

Finally, some universities may offer an interview. This is more common with prestigious universities like Ivy League colleges (read our advice on applications to Ivy League colleges). This is not, usually, a formal part of the application process, and takes place with an alumnus near to you. There is no obligation to have an interview, but many value the opportunity to find out more and start preparing for their time as a student.

What's the structure of the American academic year

American universities mostly follow the English structure of having three semesters a year, although precise dates will vary, they are broadly following the pattern:

• Fall semester runs from September to December
• Spring semester lasts from January to April
• Summer semester lasts from May until July.

The academic year starts in September, and most universities will only offer a single start each year.

When to apply for American universities

Each university will have its own deadlines, so check these carefully. Usually, the deadline to apply for university is in the December or January before entry.

Most universities make decisions quickly, and by the end of the March almost all decisions will have been issued. Applying early means you will get a decision sooner and can start making plans whatever the outcome.

Documents needed to apply for university

The documents needed to apply for university will vary from course to course.

At a minimum, you will need to show your academic qualifications, either with a transcript of your school record or first degrees, or both. These must be recognized qualifications, and depending on who issued them you may have to arrange for them to be translated and certified.

What is needed to apply for university will also depend on the course. Some might want things like a portfolio of work, essays or assessments and include these as part of the application process, you will also need evidence of English proficiency, if you haven't been taught solely in English previously.

Scholarship application in United States

The exact process will depend on the scholarship, bursary, or aid you are applying for, and where you are applying.

The first thing you should do is carefully check the rules and guidelines. They will all follow a similar process, but will not be identical, so make sure you don't get caught out.

Student Visa application for United States

Some international students will need to apply for a visa to study in United States.