Learn about Education System, Top Universities, Courses, Fees, Visa and Much more in the USA
Capitol
Washington DC
Population
334,233,854
Language
English
International Students
763,760
GDP
$26.854 trillion
Calling Code
+1
Currency
USD (United States dollar)
Universities
Approx. 4,000
Why Study in USA
Studying in the USA offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and unparalleled opportunities. Renowned for its world-class universities and cutting-edge research facilities, the USA provides a platform for students to engage in high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines. Its global recognition ensures that degrees earned here open doors to international career prospects.
Moreover, the rich tapestry of cultures fosters a dynamic learning environment, encouraging personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. Whether it’s the prospect of top-notch education, access to innovation, or the chance to embrace diversity, studying in the USA offers an enriching experience that extends beyond the classroom.
Education System in USA
Before advanced education, American students spent 12 years in elementary and secondary school. The first through twelfth grades are used to refer to these years.
Elementary and Secondary Education
Elementary School– Starts in Kindergarten and lasts 6-7 years, from Kindergarten to Grade 5 or 6.
Middle School – Lasts 2-3 years, beginning in Grade 6 or 7 and ending in Grade 8.
High School – Lasts 4 years, starting in Grade 9 and ending in Grade 12.
Post - Secondary Education
Students in the USA attend colleges and universities to seek further education after high school. International students will find the school system in the USA to be quite diverse. In the USA, there are around 4,500 approved higher educational institutions.
Top Universities to Study in the USA
USA is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities and programmes. Let's take a look at the country's top ten universities -
Admission Intakes in the USA
There are three intakes in the USA that are same for every academic year. Intakes are referred to as “terms” by some academic institutions. The three intakes offered by the US universities are in the table below.
Three Intakes in the USA |
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S. No | Intakes | Timeline of the Application | Applications open |
1 | Spring intake or January intake | January to May | July - December |
2 | Summer intake or May intake | Starts from May | January - March |
3 | Fall intake or Autumn intake or September intake | September to December | November - May |
Admission Requirements for USA
Here are the major requirements to study in the USA, which you need to ensure while applying to a USA university:
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Copy of a valid passport
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ACT/SAT/LSAT for UG programs, GMAT/GRE scores for PG programs
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Academic Reference Letters, the number of reference letters depends from university to university
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CV/Resume
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Essays (if demanded by the university)
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Certificates of extracurricular activities
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Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS test scores)
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Academic Transcripts from the previous study
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Letters of recommendation from the employer/manager (if applicable)
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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Portfolio (for specific courses)
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Evidence of funds
Entrance Exams in USA
In the United States, entrance exams hold a significant place in the journey towards higher education. These standardized tests:
- Scholastic Aptitude Test
- ACT – American College Test
- GRE – Graduate Record Examination
- LSAT – Law School Admission Test
- MCAT – Medical College Admission Test
- GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test
- OAT – Optometry Admission Test
- TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
- PTE – Pearson English Test
Admission Process
STEP 1 – Research
The first step is to do research and create a selection of courses and universities that will fit your needs. It is vital to do considerable study. You should choose at least 3-5 colleges where you want to further your education.
STEP 2 – Eligibility and Documents
It is always essential to make sure you fit the needs of the universities you shortlist when it comes to their eligibility criteria as well as their fees. Make sure you collect all your documents, including your Academic Transcripts.
STEP 3 – Give your Entrance Exams
To be qualified to study in the USA, you must pass a set of eligibility examinations, depending on your speciality.
STEP 4 – Start applications
Once you have all your documents together, it is time to start applying. Fill out the application form and attach all eligibility documents and certificates. Pay the application fee and submit your application
STEP 5 – Wait for your Offer Letter + Sort Your expenses.
Now all you have to do is wait for the university to respond. Organising all the finances you will require to study abroad is essential. If you need financial assistance, now is the time to search for the finest financing choices and scholarships.
Step 6 – Visa Application
Once you have received your offer letter, it is time to apply for a USA student Visa, and you’re all set to go to your dream university!
Visa Process
Visa Requirements
Current Passport Valid up to 6 months
I-20, issued by SEVP. You’ll have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee for SEVP to issue your I-20 form. That form should then be signed by you and your institution granting you an admission offer.
- DS-160 confirmation
- Recent Photographs
- Digital Fingerprint scans before F-1 interview.
- F1 Visa fee – application payment receipt
- Educational Certificates
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Details of your health insurance policy (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Process
Step 1 – After you’ve been accepted to your preferred university, your institution will issue you a letter of confirmation of enrollment. Now, you are eligible to apply for an F1 visa.
Step 2 – Visit the USA Visas and Immigration website and fill out the online visa application, i.e. Form DS-160
Step 3 – Upload Photographs – on white background (taken within 6 months of applying)
Step 4– Pay the application fee – $160
Step 5 – You will receive the Reference Number once the fee is paid. This will allow you to keep track of your trips to the visa centre.
Step 6 – At the visa centre, you will be required to provide your “biometric information” as part of your visa application.
Step 7 – According to university policy, you must attend a visa interview.
Step 8 – Wait for your visa. The visa application procedure might take anywhere between 3 and 4 weeks.
Scholarships to Study in USA
Studying in the USA offers a variety of experiences. The flexibility, growth opportunities and diversity in US universities attract several international students every year. The popular areas of employment in the USA are as follows:
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1
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
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2
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
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3
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
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4
Civil Society Leadership Awards
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5
Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
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6
List of MBA Scholarships in the USA
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1
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
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2
Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
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3
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students
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4
AAUW International Fellowships
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5
List of Scholarships for MS in USA
Cost of Living and Studying in USA
Yearly Fees for Studying in The USA
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Community College
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6,000 USD - 20,000 USD
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UG Degree
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20,000 USD - 60,000 USD
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PG/Masters
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20,000 USD - 45,000 USD
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Yearly Fees for Studying in The USA
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Rent
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400 USD - 700 USD
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Transportation
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30 USD- 70 USD
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Food
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250 USD
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Study Material
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70 USD - 160 USD
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Telephone and Internet
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30 USD
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Misc. Expenses
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500 USD
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Part time Careers and Work Opportunities in USA
There are various scholarships offered by the USA government, universities and private organisations to support the education of international students. Here is a list of the most popular scholarships to study in USA:
Part-time Work Opportunities
With F-1 Visa: on-campus work is allowed and off-campus work is permitted only after the first academic year. Maximum of 40 hours per week during breaks.
Post Study Work VISA
Students pursuing STEM courses get an additional 17 months (making a total of 29 months) under STEM OPT extension. With J-1 or M-1 Visa: Students get a grace period of 30 days to apply for a work visa.
Top Careers in USA
An essential aspect of a student's journey to study abroad is finding a well-paying job afterwards. The USA is known for its high employment rate among overseas students; many jobs pay well and are stable there.
Top Careers in The USA
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Health Care Workers
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208,000 USD
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Nurse Practitioners
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183,580 USD
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Software Developer
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103,560 USD
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Front-End Engineer
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105,240 USD
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Finance Manager
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120,644 USD
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Top Careers in The USA
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Data Scientist
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107,801 USD
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Physical Therapist
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71,483 USD
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Social Media Strategist
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110,080 USD
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Business Development Manager
|
78,480 USD
|
Foreign Study
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