Study in the USA : Top Universities, Programs & Scholarships

Book a FREE Consultation with our Experts

Overview

With time, the USA has emerged as an unquestionable leader as far as international students are concerned, attracting people from all over the globe. The country’s appeal stems from its diverse population, world-class universities, and strategic location near innovation centers like Silicon Valley. In such a fluid environment, American universities provide one of its kinds of opportunities for student development in both intellectual and cultural aspects.

Key Facts to consider to Study in USA

Admission Intakes

Sep, Jan, May

Average Tuition Fee

Bachelor’s: $20,000 to $50,000 USD per year
Master’s: $30,000- $60,000 USD per year

Living Expenses

$10,000- $18,000 USD per year

Post Study Work Permit

STEM Courses : 3 years
Non-STEM Courses: 1 year

Accepted Tests

IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT

Top Cities

Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco,

Advantages of studying in the USA

World-Class Education System

The US education is among the best in the world and it gives an opportunity to get high quality knowledge with up to date research. It is worth mentioning that the country has numerous high ranking universities together with different colleges specializing in different fields.

Multicultural Environment and Networking Opportunities

A diverse multi-cultural environment creates a dynamic learning atmosphere in the US. Meeting with students from different cultures across the globe gives a global view that is vital in building relationships between people with varied backgrounds.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

A major benefit associated with studying in the USA is that graduates are given an opportunity to work after they finish their studies. The United States of America, in particular, provides optional practical training (OPT) duration that reaches up to 3 years for international students who graduated on STEM related fields.

Innovative Research and Technology

The USA is the leading country worldwide with advanced research and technology that offers excellent opportunities to students looking for the latest innovations in their fields of study.

Diverse Course Offerings and Flexibility

The United States universities come with a lot of options when it comes to academic fields, enabling one’s course choice to fit into their career goals. Education here is flexible enough to allow students to study across disciplines, making for an individualistic approach to studying.

Cost of Studying in the USA

International students need to understand the American educational terrain, particularly with regard to tuition fees, when navigating the US landscape. There are different costs attached to different degrees and levels of study.

Bachelor's Degree

The tuition for undergraduate courses in US varies largely based on aspects like rankings of an institution, the nature of the course studied, and the place of the institution. International students should expect to pay an average of between $20,000 and $50,000 every year for a bachelor’s degree. However, this is a relatively huge figure. It’s just an average statistic, with some well-known prestigious universities and programs having much higher rates. Furthermore, the cost of accommodation, textbooks, and daily necessities should also be considered by every student.

Master's Degree

Master’s degree studies abroad have other expenses. Most master’s programs range between $30,000-60,000 annually. Nevertheless, as in undergraduate programs, these amounts may differ depending on which specialty is chosen, the position of a university in rating, and the term of study. One should also consider other expenditures, such as life expenses for oneself or any material research for one’s project.

PhD Programs

Different fee structures exist in doctoral programs well-known for their research focus. Pursuing a PhD in the USA normally costs between US$15,000 and US$40,000 per year. Mostly, these Ph.D. students are awarded scholarships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships that greatly help reduce the cost of pursuing a doctorate degree.

How do I apply to study in the USA?

The application process for studying in the US entails many steps, and proper planning needs to be carried out so as to have an easier time during this process. Here’s a general guide on how to apply

Research and Choose Programs

Explore universities and programs: You should conduct research and identify suitable research universities and programs that match your academic and career objectives. Look at things like proximity, position, teaching staff, and material resources.

Meet Admission Requirements

Check admission requirements: Every university and program has a different entry requirement. Typical requirements include academic transcripts, standardized test scores including the SAT or ACT for undergraduates, GRE/GMAT for graduation, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Standardized Tests

Take required standardized tests: You also might be required to take certain standard examinations like the SAT, ACT, GRE and GMAC at different levels of study. Make sure you consult the specific requirements of the selected program.

English Proficiency

Demonstrate English proficiency: Many major educational institutions across the United States of America demand evidence that international students are competent in the spoken language. The two common tests taken include the TOEFL and the IELTS. Some may require or provide conditionally admitted students with English language programs.

Prepare Application Materials

All required documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of reference, a resume or CV, and a personal statement or statement of purpose, should be prepared.

Online Application

Almost all universities use online applications. Register, fill-out application form, pay the application fee, and attach supporting documentation. Do not forget that a deadline exists, and ensure you apply for admission early.

Financial Documentation

Students coming internationally should also prove that they will be able to pay for fees related to living costs.That normally includes making bank account statements or financial affidavits.

Student Visa requirements to study in the USA

Here is a general guide to the student visa (F or J visa) application process

Acceptance by a U.S. School

You have to get admitted to SEVIS-approved US school before applying for a student visa. The school will give you a form I-20 (for F visa) or DS-2019 (for J visa).

Pay SEVIS Fee

Once provided with form I-20 or DS-2019 , make sure you have paid the relevant SEVIS fee. This is a fee that helps to run the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), used to track information about foreign students and exchange visitors while they are staying in the US.

Complete the Visa Application Form

Complete the “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application”, form DS-160. The form can be downloaded directly from the U.S. Department of State homepage. Once the process is complete, you’ll get a confirmation receipt.

Pay Visa Application Fee

Submit payment for a non-returnable visa application. The different U.S. embassies have their own payment methods and fees. Ensure that you are familiar with the site particulars in which you want to make a job application.

Schedule a Visa Interview

Book a date for a visa interview at the US embassy/consulate in your native land. However, the waiting time is not fixed, so you should book an appointment for your interview.

Attend the Interview

Report to the US Embassy for your visa appointment. Be ready to submit the relevant documents and respond to queries on your study arrangements, connections back home, finance capability for the study, and maintenance fees.

Scholarships to Study in the USA

There are ample scholarships available in the United States. These are funded by universities, the government, and several other private and international organizations.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

This prominent scholarship is funded by the US Department of State for graduate level studies.
What it covers: Tuition fees

AAUW International Fellowship

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides fellowships for women pursuing their Master’s or PhD in the United States.
What it covers: Tuition fees, books, and living expenses

Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program

Emory University provides scholarships to students hailing from developing nations on the basis of need.
What it covers: Partial or full tuition fees

American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

American University offers a scholarship to students with high potential, especially in community service.
What it covers: Full tuition fee and rent

Top Universities in the USA

Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)

Known for being one of the best and most elite institutions of learning around the world, Harvard is usually named as one of the world’s most renowned colleges. It also has numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering different areas.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Cambridge, Massachusetts)

MIT is known to be one of the best institutes that specialise in sciences, engineering, and technology. It is renowned for its leading edge research, innovation, and interdisciplinary approach.

Stanford University (Stanford, California)

Many companies are associated with Stanford that include great programs in terms of business, engineering, and computer science. It comes with a strong entrepreneurial tradition, and it lies in the epicenter of Silicon Valley.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Pasadena, California)

Caltech remains a very small, yet globally dominant, university with well recognized strengths in physics and engineering. Its rigorous academic environment is paving the way for break-through research.

Princeton University (Princeton, New Jersey)

The institution has also earned a reputation as an excellent place for under-graduates to be trained in an active research environment. The university is reputable, has excellent faculty, and has an attractive campus.

University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)

Chicago University boasts a challenging curriculum and scholarly publications. Critical thinking and intellectual inquiry are emphasized very strongly.

Columbia University (New York City, New York)

It is at the center of Manhattan, with a variety of educational choices available in Columbia. It is quite influential in many domains, such as business, journalism, and art.

University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, California)

The University of California at Berkeley is a research university recognized as one of the best in the country in many fields. It has a lively campus life, especially in regards to science and engineering.

Post Study Work Opportunities in the USA

International students in the United States have various post-study work opportunities, allowing them to gain practical experience related to their field of study. Here are some key options

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is a temporary employment authorization that allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing their degree.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree holders may be eligible for a 24-month extension, making the total OPT period up to 36 months.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is an employment option for F-1 students that allows them to gain practical experience related to their program of study.
CPT can be part-time or full-time, and there is no specific time limitation during the academic program.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
Some international students transition from OPT to H-1B if they secure a job offer from a U.S. employer.

STEM OPT Extension

STEM degree holders participating in the OPT program may be eligible for a 24-month extension beyond the initial 12 months, making the total OPT period up to 36 months.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The J-1 visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs. Some J-1 programs may include an option for practical training.

Economic Hardship Employment

F-1 students facing severe economic hardship may be eligible to work off-campus in certain circumstances. Permission is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Cap-Gap Extension

This extension allows students with pending or approved H-1B petitions to remain in the U.S. and continue working while waiting for the H-1B status to begin.

It’s crucial for international students to be aware of the specific rules and regulations governing these work opportunities and to maintain legal status during their stay in the U.S. Immigration policies may change, so it’s advisable to check with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or consult with a qualified immigration advisor for the most up-to-date information.

FAQs

Do only STEM courses get a 3 year stayback in the US?

Yes! In order to be eligible for the PSW, a course must fall under the STEM category.

Is it easy to get a PR in USA after completing studies?

The path to getting a resident visa is quite tricky.

Does the United States accept a 3 year Bachelor’s program?

Yes, most universities accept a 3 yrs bachelor’s.

Is GRE/ GMAT a mandate to study in the USA?

Depends primarily on the university. Most top universities require a decent GRE/GMAT score.

Which are the most in-demand courses to pursue in Australia?

Computer Science, MBA, Finance, and Public Health.

Study Abroad in USA