Study in USA 2023 - Cost, Eligibility, Tests, Scholarships, Visa Requirements And More
The USA has the most overseas students pursuing their higher education in American colleges and universities out of all international study destinations in the globe, even the most well-liked ones. With more than 1,000,000 foreign students opting to study in the United States, it is obvious that the nation has some of the best colleges in the world, which contributes to its appeal. Reliable figures indicate that international students make up around 5% of all students enrolled in higher education in the United States, and the percentage is rising.The liberal arts and sciences are the main focus of the US undergraduate education system. You can study a variety of subjects in addition to your primary field of study. It is essential that you learn what to anticipate when studying in the USA at this time. You have the option of taking a two or four-year study. The four-year courses require full-time study and award a bachelor's degree, whereas the two-year courses are provided by junior or community colleges and award an associate or intermediate degree.
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How to apply for MS in the USA
Most affordable universities in the USA
Education system to study in the USA 2023
Here is what the education system in the USA looks like:
Study in the USA 2023 - about intakes
The education system in US universities offers multiple intakes and it's important to know about these intakes before applying for your study in USA. The three intakes offered in the USA education system are Fall intake, Spring intake and Summer intake.
Fall intake - This begins in August (August to December).
Spring intake - This begins in January (January to April).
Summer intake is restricted to select colleges and courses and begins around May (May to August).
Admission process to study in the USA 2023
Below are the steps you need to take for a successful application to USA colleges and universities:
Select your choice of course.
Shortlist colleges and universities based on your scores and overall profile.
Contact the selected colleges and universities.
Check admission eligibility and requirements.
Take the required tests.
Prepare your LORs and SOP.
Fill the application form.
Wait for your acceptance letter from the universities.
Deposit the fee.
Apply for a visa.
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Eligibility Criteria and exams to Study in the USA
Now that you have decided to study in USA, you will have to make sure that you fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
You need formal education of 16 years as a minimum requirement for MS programmes. Do check the course and the university requirements for this.
You will need to appear for entrance tests like SAT, GMAT, GRE etc. This again depends on the course you plan to study in the USA. In addition, you may be required to also appear for a language test like TOEFL. For subject specific courses, there are tests like PCAT, MCAT and DAT.
You will need a good resume, a statement of purpose and at least two strong letters of recommendation.
Browse student visas to study abroad
Study in the USA - visa requirements
The primary thing to obtain to study in USA is a student visa. There are different types of visas like F-1 student visas, J-exchange visas, and M-student visas.
F-1 student visa - this is needed to study at an accredited US college or university or if you want to study English at an English language institute.
J-exchange visa - This comes into play if you wish to participate in an exchange program in high school or university study.
M-student visa - It is required for non-academic or vocational study in the USA.
USA student visa 2023 - documents required
The process of applying and obtaining a US student visa is easier if you carry out your documentation carefully and in time. So, here is a checklist of documents you need to keep handy for your US student visa process.
A valid passport that shall remain valid at least six months beyond your stay in the USA.
Your acceptance at an SEVP-approved school.
Your Form I-20.
SEVIS application fee payment.
Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Your photograph in the required format.
Academic documents like transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and certificates.
Evidence of sufficient funds ensuring that you will be able to bear your living expenses during your stay in the USA. These documents will include bank statements, financial undertaking by your sponsor, and scholarship details.
You will also be required to provide evidence that you shall leave the country when your study program is over. You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the US embassy or consulate.
Cost of study in the USA for international students
Undergraduate courses
International students end up paying anywhere between $25,000 - $35000 per annum at a public university and $30,000 - $45,000 at private universities for undergraduate courses. On the other hand, community colleges offering 2-year associate degree courses charge around $2500 - $3000 per annum.
Postgraduate courses
International students generally end up paying $20,000 - $35,000 for public colleges and $35,000 - $50,000 for private colleges per annum.
Living costs for study in USA for international students
By and large, the living cost in the USA comes to around $10000 to $18000 per year, and thus, $1000-$1500 per month. This expense includes your accommodation, boarding, food, travel, books, weather-specific attire and entertainment costs. Some additional expenses will also be incurred that will include your travel expenses to and from India; purchases such as furniture, desktop, rental car, etc.; medical costs beyond what is covered by your health insurance; and additional costs when you stay in the US for your summer breaks; social outings, weekend trips, etc.
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Scholarships to study in the USA 2023
Here is a list of scholarships to study in the USA for international students:
Fulbright Scholarships USA
Stanford University Scholarships
Yale University Scholarships USA
University of New Haven Scholarship
University of Memphis Scholarships
University of Minnesota Fellowship
AAUW International Fellowship Program
ACI Foundation Scholarship
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship
Rotary Peace Fellowship Program
Clark Global Scholarship Program
The HAAA Scholarship
Treasure Scholarship at Boise State University
Boston University Presidential Scholarship
Berea College Scholarships
Cornell University Financial Aid
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
Jeffersons Scholars Foundation National Fellowship
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
University of Mississippi Scholarships
List of scholarships to study abroad by country
MBA scholarships in Canada
Scholarships to study in Germany
Scholarships to Study in Canada
Scholarships to study in UK
Scholarships to study in Australia
Top USA cities & colleges for international students
According to the coveted QS ranking, Boston tops the list of the best US cities for international students. Here is a list of the ten most sought-after US cities for international students along with their top universities according to QS World University Rank 2022.
Top courses to study in the USA
The top courses to study in the USA are:
Business and Management
Engineering
Mathematics and Computer Science
Social Sciences
Physical and Life Sciences
Want to study in the USA? Choose your college wisely
Although the American educational system gives you many excellent college alternatives, picking one to attend may be difficult if you have never been to that particular institution. As a result, it is now even more crucial to establish your selection criteria before deciding which option is best for you. Let's discuss some of the crucial elements you must take into account before choosing the college you wish to attend.
Academic field - the major you want to pursue
Almost all colleges in the USA offer technology and business courses but if you want to go for a more specialised study in the USA, you must narrow your search and choose your college accordingly.
Graduate and degree colleges
If you have completed high school or a university study without having earned a degree, you are eligible for an undergraduate program in the USA where you will be awarded a graduate degree after completing the course. Whereas, master’s and doctoral programs offer degrees after the completion of the course.
College ranking
Research on reliable websites for college ranking while planning to study in the USA. Some highly ranked universities are extremely competitive and thus, you need to match your targeted universities with your scores and overall profile.
Location and culture
Know all that you can about the geography of the colleges you are applying to. You must be sure about its suitability to your origin and overall lifestyle. Also, search about the culture prevalent around the colleges and be sure you would be comfortable in the setting.
Cost of education
A lot of your decisions will depend on the cost of education. You will arrive at the approximate total cost of your education in the USA by considering the study cost and living cost. You can consult the college website for the education cost. Generally private colleges are more expensive than the public ones, though getting into a public college is way more competitive.
Jobs and internships in the USA
Study while working in the USA
Students from abroad with an F1 or M1 visa are permitted to work on campus and in particular training programmes. However, during their first year of study, students are not permitted to work off-campus. Students may work in the student centre, cafeteria, or library during their first year. Students can pursue off-campus employment through Optional Practical Training (OPT), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension, and Curricular Practical Training after finishing their first academic year (CPT).
Post study work opportunities in the USA
Students holding the F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa allow students to stay back in the USA for a limited period of time and take up employment after completing their studies. Students with an F1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their studies.
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Study and work in the UK
7 Reasons why you should study in the USA
Let us look at some benefits of pursuing your study in the USA.
Some of the finest universities in the world are situated in the USA.
The institutions possess high academic standards and offer world-class education and research opportunities to its students.
US universities offer flexible educational programs where you have the opportunity to customise your courses according to your interest and career aspirations, until you decide your major at the end of the second year of your study. This holds true for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
American universities conduct orientation programs, workshops and training programs along with offering a robust student support system.
Studying in an American university provides you with an opportunity to gain exposure to different cultures, races and nationalities.
You will be learning with students from different countries which will provide you with a rich education experience. It will help you develop into a person who understands and respects diversity in terms of cuisines, customs, festivals and art.
The vibrant campus environment will make you feel at home and enrich your learning experience with new ideas from some great minds.
Also explore benefits of studying in other popular study destinations here:
Top consultants for study in the USA
Edwise International
IDP Consultancy
Y-Axis
Manya - The Princeton Review
Shiksha.com
N&N Chopras Consultants
The Red Pen, Mumbai
iSchoolConnect
Karan Gupta
KC Overseas Education
Now that you are done reading this article about studying in the USA, you have a fair idea of what to expect while you prepare to attend college in this country and how to prepare for it. For more information on studying in the USA as well as other popular study destinations, keep following
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