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Are you considering studying in USA? With more than one million international students, the United States is the world’s most popular destination for studying abroad. This country has a rich history and culture, and is home to many world-class universities.

Every student has their own reason and motivation for choosing the US to pursue their degree, and many are linked to the benefits international students can experience while living and studying in the US.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover all the important aspects of studying in USA.

Country Information – Benefits to be in USA

Studying in US, Visiting the US or moving for work to US, it’s a good place as:

The climate of the United States varies due to changes in latitude, and a range of geographic features, including mountains and deserts. Generally, on the mainland, the climate of the U.S. becomes warmer the further south one travels, and drier the further west, until one reaches the West Coast.

The US is a highly developed mixed economy. It is the world’s largest economy by nominal GDP, and the second-largest by purchasing power. It has the world’s seventh-highest per capita GDP. The US Dollaris the currency of record most used in international transactions and is the world’s reserve currency, backed by a large US treasuries market.

The future of American education will prioritize creating and facilitating opportunities for young people to realise their tremendous power to drive change in our country. Educators at all levels should be intentional about fostering educational opportunities where young people recognize their power and prepare to take charge.

Details about Educational institutes, Colleges, Universities

Student have lots of institutions to select from for education in US.

Approximately half of the best global universities are located in the USA, according to S. News & World Report. From undergraduate studies to PhD-level programs, universities in the US offer top-ranked academic opportunities across all disciplines. In the US, you can choose from more than 5,000 higher education institutions. Every university is unique and has something special to offer, from first-class academics to international-friendly studies programs.
Another strong advantage to US universities is flexibility around selecting your major/subject, as it gives you the opportunity to explore your interests before fully committing to an academic degree program. Whether you want to enrol in a specific major at the start of your studies or begin as an undeclared major. US universities give you the time and space to make your choice.
Additionally, US universities and college programs offer general education courses that allow you to take a wide variety of courses and gain exposure to different specializations. Many university programs also enable students to explore multiple academic subjects, while still earning credits, through electives.
With its wide variety of cultures, university choices, degree options, lifestyles, and cities, the US offers unparalleled benefits for all types of students, no matter where you are from or which major you choose.

List of Top US Universities, but we cover major universities for you

Harvard University
Stanford University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
University of California Berkeley (UCB)
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Yale University
Columbia University
Princeton University
New York University (NYU)
University of Pennsylvania
University of Chicago
Cornell University
Duke University
Johns Hopkins University
University of Southern California
Northwestern University
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Michigan
Brown University
Boston University
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Emory University
Rice University
University of Washington, Seattle
Washington University in St. Louis
Georgetown University
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Vanderbilt University
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Rochester
Dartmouth College
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
The University of California, Davis (UCD)
University of Florida
Tufts University
University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Stony Brook University
University of Virginia
Case Western Reserve University
Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Pennsylvania State University, University Park
George Washington University
The University of California, Irvine (UCI)
University of Notre Dame
University of Miami
Northeastern University
Ohio State University, Columbus
University at Buffalo SUNY

University of Maryland, College Park
Purdue University
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Boston College
Michigan State University
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Syracuse University
Lehigh University
University of Pittsburgh
Arizona State University, Tempe
Brandeis University
Temple University
Texas A&M University
University of Arizona
University of Houston
Binghamton University, SUNY
Drexel University
North Carolina State University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Connecticut
University of Georgia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech)
University of New Mexico
Indiana University Bloomington
Tulane University
The University of Colorado at Boulder
Florida State University
University of South Florida
Illinois Institute of Technology
The University of California, Riverside (UCR)
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)
Howard University
University of Texas Dallas
Santa Clara University
Wake Forest University
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Utah
George Mason University
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
University of Massachusetts, Boston
University of Kansas
University at Albany SUNY
Oregon State University
University of Delaware
University of the Pacific
Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey, Newark
The University of Hawai’i at Manoa
San Diego State University
University of Iowa
University of Oklahoma, Norman

Language Tests or Language requirements

Do I need to pass and ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST to study in the UNITED STATES? Is the question you must be having in your mind. Let us make it clear and precise for you.

It is mandatory for applicants from non-English native countries to demonstrate their English language proficiency skills to study higher education in USA. The common English language proficiency scores accepted in USA include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc.

TOEFL: TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is the most popular test in USA and is widely preferred by the majority of international students. The required score range of TOEFL ranges between 65 to 85 for internet-based tests. However, some programs such as Ph.D. may require a higher score with a required range between 90–110. A minimum score of 20 is recommended in each section of TOEFL–IBT for Ph.D. applicants.

IELTS: IELTS is a commonly accepted English test all over the world. Nearly 3,400 US colleges and universities accept IELTS scores in order to assess an applicant’s proficiency in English. The average IELTS score required in USA is generally between 6.5 to 9. The IELTS fees are quite lower, thus it is preferred by many international students over TOEFL. Though many top universities are not accepting IELTS scores for now, international students are advised to check the English language proficiency requirements for the university they wish to apply to.

PTE: Many universities in USA have now started to accept PTE scores due to its higher demand among international students. Around 785 universities in USA are accepting PTE. The minimum PTE score required in USA is 70 and it may go beyond 80 depending on the course level.

DUOLINGO: Duolingo is basically a test that generally acts as a tool to help international students improve their English language skills with help of listening exercises, multiple-choice questions, sentences, phrases, and flashcards.

SAT or ACT: Those who wish to study undergraduate courses in USA, are required to either provide SAT or ACT These tests help to assess an applicant’s skills in aptitude, analytics, and academic skills in junior and high school. The students may choose to appear in any one of the tests as per their choice and strength. The SAT scores are accepted by every university is USA with a minimum required score of 1300. However, in some prestigious institutes, a minimum SAT score of 1520 is required. While top US universities may consider SAT as a mandatory requirement for undergraduate admission, there are some universities that offer SAT waiver or consider it as an optional requirement.

GRE: The GRE is required for a range of MS courses including business administration, engineering etc. The exam is also accepted for Ph.D. level courses. The applicant can choose from 7 subject–specific GRE tests along with the General GRE exam. The test consists of three sections named Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. On average, a minimum overall GRE score of 320 is required in top US universities. GRE can also be accepted as an alternative to the GMAT test for admission to an MBA in the US.

LSAT: The LSAT or Law School Admission Test is a general exam required for admission to Law Schools in US. Thorough the average accepted LSAT score is 150, the top 25 law schools ask for a score above 160. A 70% weightage is given to LSAT scores in majority of US Law schools.
MCAT: Those who wish to get into Medical Schools in US are required to appear in the MCAT exam or Medical College Admission Test. A minimum average MCAT score of 510 is required in USA. However, the top medical colleges may ask for higher scores.
GMAT: The GMAT is a common test required for admission to Business Schools in US. US universities accept an average GMAT score of 700, while some top business schools may require a score above 740. Many universities may also offer GMAT waiver options with requirements of higher undergraduate GPA or work experience. However, MBA graduates may require to present their GMAT score looking for a job in USA.
DAT: DAT or Dental Admission Test is required from those who wish to apply in Dental schools in USA. Nearly 66 dental schools accept DAT scores in the USA. The average acceptable score for DAT in USA ranges between 12-28.
OAT: An individual seeking admission in an Optometry School in USA is required to provide OAT exam scores. There are 21 certified Optometry schools in the USA and all of them accept OAT or Optometry Admission Test. The minimum OAT score acceptable in the USA is around 310.

VISA types and Its Understandings

A student visa is a type of visa required by foreign nationals to study and stay in the US for the duration of their studies.

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a database used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect, track, and monitor, international students, and scholars who enter the United States on a specific student visa. Before applying for your student visa you will need to pay the SEVIS fee.
I–20 FORM is a Certificate of Eligibility document issued by a U.S. government. It is an approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time program. and has proof of sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States for his or her duration of studies.
DS-160 FORM is used to apply for temporary U.S. visas. This form also known as Online Non-immigrant Visa Application is required from everyone that wants to travel to the US short term.

Type of Student Visa

F-1 Student Visa:

This type of visa is issued to students who wish to study or conduct research at an accredited US college, university, high school, private elementary school, approved English language school, or other approved academic institutions.
To qualify for this type of visa, a student must enrol in an accredited school in US, the institution must give the I-20 form to the student, the student must have proof of sufficient financial support during their stay in the US.
Note with this type of visa you cannot work in USA except part-time job on campus which cannot exceed 20 hours per week.

J-1 Student Visa:

J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who will be participating in a work and study-based exchange visitor program that promotes cultural exchange in the US, especially for medical or business training.
To qualify for a J-1 visa, the participant must be proficient in the English language and have appropriate medical insurance. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and be sponsored by the government or a private-sector program.
They must have proof of funds to cover their expenses in the US and be able to show plans to remain in the US for a specific period, including their return to their home country.
The participant will receive a DS-2019 form from his/her sponsoring organization or US government agency, which is necessary to apply for a J-1 visa.

M-1 Visa:

An M-1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa for individuals who want to pursue a full course of study at a non-academic institution or vocational school in the US. To qualify for an M-1 visa, applicants must be accepted by a vocational institution approved by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
Applicants must be sufficiently fluent in English, have sufficient funds, have a permanent residence in their home country, and intend to leave the US upon completion of the course of study.
M-1 students may stay in the US for a fixed time period but may not stay more than one year unless they are granted an extension for medical reasons. M-1 visa holders may stay for the length of their training program and optional practical training plus a 30-day grace period at the end of their training.
Applicants must present a signed I-20 form at a US embassy or consulate in their home country, issued by a designated school official. M-1 visa holders are not allowed to work on or off-campus during the course of their studies.

Admission & VISA Application Process

Admission process explained in a simplified way

1. Apply for a school in USA

Before you apply for a student visa you will need to apply for admission into the Undergraduate or Graduate program. The school must be on the list of schools approved by SEVIS. Applications to different courses and universities in the USA can be made 3 times a year which include fall semester, spring semester, and summer.
Application for admission can be submitted online between December and January then expect admission notification from the school around March or April.
Once you received notification of admission then you can proceed with visa application processes. Please note, a student visa may be issued no more than 120 days prior to the start date mentioned on your I-20.

2. Receive Form I-20 or DS-2019

Now that you have been admitted you will receive a document called form I-20 or form DS-2019 form from the institution’s international student office. Students can use Form I-20 can to apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa and form DS-2019 can be used to apply for a J-1 visa.
Form I-20 has the student’s SEVIS identification number (which starts with the letter N and is followed by nine digits, on the upper righthand side directly above the barcode), school’s address, and other important information concerning your program.
This form I-20 will be required to pay certain fees as you proceed with your student visa application.

3. Next pay SEVIS Fee (I-901)

You can proceed to pay the SEVIS fee online using their portal. For the payment, procedure follow the guideline below.
Type https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html on the address bar.
At the centre of the navigation menu click on pay I-901 fee, it will open another page. On this new page enter your SEVIS ID, Last name, Given name (first name and middle name), date of birth. Click submit.
In case of any mistake, you can send email to fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov and explain what information may need to be changed.
After the payment, print out your confirmation page because you will need to show it during your visa interview.

4. Fill Form DS-160

The next step is to complete or fill form DS-160 on U.S Department of state portal (Consular electronic application centre). It takes approximately 90 minutes to fill this form on their portal.
You should have the all your documents available while you complete your DS-160.
To fill form DS-160 follow the following steps: Enter https://ceac.state.gov on the address bar, Click on Ds-160, online non-immigrant Visa Application, Fill the form & click submit.
You will be required to sign your signature electronically after you successfully complete the application. Print the confirmation page you receive after signing the application; it includes a 10-digit barcode and your application ID number, which you will need to make your visa interview appointment.

5. Schedule Visa Interview

The next stage is to book or schedule a visa interview by contacting the nearest US embassy or consulate. The Visa application process will remain incomplete until you appear for an interview with a consular officer.
The next thing after an appointment with the embassy is Visa Application Centre (VAC) Appointment to carry out biometric. This appointment with the visa application centre for biometric should be at least a day or two before the interview at the consulate.

6. Pay Visa Application Fee

Now that you have scheduled your visa interview proceeds to make payment. This fee is the same price regardless of your country of origin and where you apply. Note that when you pay this fee will vary depending on your embassy.
Although embassies require applicants to pay the application fee before their interviews, your embassy should instruct you as to when and how you’ll need to pay your visa application fee. If your embassy requires you to pay this fee before your interview, be sure to bring your receipt as proof of payment to your interview.

7. Attend Visa Interview

Now is the time to attend the visa interview because without an interview you will not be given a visa even though you have met other requirements. The interview is the determinant of whether you will be given a visa or not so you need to prepare for it. You will need the following documents for the visa interview: Valid Passport, SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019, SEVIS fees receipt, DS-160 application confirmation page, MRV fee payment confirmation receipt, Visa interview appointment letter & At least 2 Photographs.
Also, prepare the following documents: Financial capacity proof, Transcripts from previous school attended & Standardized test scores.(if required by your US school)

8. Visa Approve or Decline

After the interview, they can either approve or decline your visa depending on your performance and how well you comply with the visa application process. Once you’ve completed all of the steps above and have received approval for an international student visa to the US, your embassy will return your passport to you with your new visa in it.

Financial requirements, Finances & Cost of Living

How much does it cost to study in USA? If you are interested in studying in the US, one of the most important things you need to consider is how much university is going to cost. These is the best of our knowledge but the figures are approximate and may vary due to dollar rates or other factors.

How much are the tuition fees in the US?
How much does student accommodation costs in the US?
How much does it cost to live in the US?
What other costs are there for students in the US?
What financial support is available to international students in the US?

How much are the TUITION FEES in the US?

The US is one of the world’s most popular destinations for higher education–and also one of the most expensive. Although the initial pricing may cause a sharp intake of breath, it is worth exploring all avenues of funding and financial aid before ruling the country out.
Tuition fees range from $8,000 to $50,000 (10,51,000 to 65,10,000 Nepali rupees) per year. Most undergraduate degrees last four years.
American universities differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students when calculating tuition fees. A typical four-year public college charged in-state students $10,200 per year (13,50,000 Nepali rupees) while out-of-state students were charged $26,290 (34,55,000 Nepali rupees). There are private non-profit colleges too, which charge $35,800 (47,05,000 Nepali rupees) on average.
So, all your educational budget starts from the college/university you select and plan your future.

How much does the student ACCOMMODATION costs in the US?

In general, university towns in the Midwest region of the US have lower living costs, whereas the East and North East are more expensive.
The average apartment starts at $650 (80,000 Nepali rupees) per month (a one-bedroom apartment in a rural area) and goes up to $3,500 (4,75,000 Nepali rupees) per month (a one-bedroom apartment in a built-up city).
On-campus accommodation is typically in dormitories, with two or three people per room. Residents share bathrooms, toilets and showers. On-campus dormitory rooms in the US averaged between $5,700 and $8,700 (75,000 and 11,50,000 Nepali rupees) including all utilities and housing-related costs. The lowest prices will be found at the two-year public colleges, and the highest at the private non-profit four-year institutions.

How much does it cost to LIVE in the US?

Internet provision costs $40-70 (5,300 to 9,300 Nepali rupees) per month, and household and monthly phone bills are around $60 (7,900 Nepali rupees). Petrol costs around $1.80 (250 Nepali rupees) per litre. A monthly public transport pass costs about $50-60 (6,500-8,000 Nepali rupees) and some areas offer discounted prices for students. The average cost of books and academic supplies per academic year is $1,500 (20,000 Nepali rupees).

What other costs are there for STUDENTS in the US?

Utilities may or may not be included in the price of rented accommodation but electricity is about $60-120 (7,900 to 15,800 Nepali rupees) per month and heating is $60-120 (7,900 to 15,800 Nepali rupees) per month. Water, sewerage and rubbish collection contributions are paid by the landlord, but if that responsibility lies with the tenant this will amount to $50-80 (6,500 to 10,800 Nepali rupees) every three months.
Weekly groceries costs between $25 and $75 per person (3,300 to 9,900 Nepali rupees) depending on diet–the price of fresh fruit and vegetables varies considerably throughout the country. Some meals are included with the price of university accommodation (many prices will be room and board–which includes some meals or meal plan cards).
A meal in a restaurant cost about $25 (3,300 Nepali rupees) and a trip to the cinema is about $12 (1,600 Nepali rupees). A Big Mac from McDonald’s is $6.50 (900 Nepali rupees).
The average monthly gym membership is $75 (9,900 Nepali rupees). A bottle of wine costs about $20 (2700 Nepali rupees) and a pint of beer costs $8-10 (1,000 to 1350 Nepali rupees). Prices for a night out depend on the state and the activity, but the average event-goer in the US spends an average $100 (13,500 Nepali rupees) per night (on drinks, on transport, on a gig ticket and on late night snacks).

What financial support is available to INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS in the US?

The cost of studying in the US can seem extortionate but it’s important to look at the difference between the “sticker” price and what students actually pay, once all sources of funding have been considered.
It’s good to remember that approximately 85 per cent of full-time undergraduate students at four-year public universities and 89 per cent at private non-profit universities benefited from some type of financial aid.
More often than not, the most prestigious universities in the US, with the highest “sticker” prices, give students the widest range of funding opportunities.
Financial aid comes in many formats: Scholarships, Grants, Assistantships, and Work–Study Schemes. Some of these might be possible only for US citizens but there are many financial aid opportunities for international students too.

Work Opportunities and Work environment

Currently, US immigration laws allow international students to be employed in the country during and after a course of study, but there are restrictions. If you want to work in the US, you must plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that accompany the immigration laws. Regulations change constantly, so you must be aware that even if you are offered an employment opportunity, you may not be legally able to accept it. Take time to look through the provided resources in order to better understand your position as an international student.

In general, not being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident adds a level of difficulty to a job search, but there are employers who are not only willing to hire foreign nationals, but are also specifically looking for these individuals. Naturally, it will depend on the industry as well as the employer. Practical Training offers students who have studied in the US on an F-1 visa the opportunity to work for up to twelve months in a field related to their studies. In general, as a foreign national you cannot work for the US federal government, for most other US state and local government entities, or for private employers who receive government contracts.
Work is available as per your own potential and capacity. We suggest to try and find work related to your course and subject that you are studying for better opportunities in future with regards to more higher studies.
If you hope to remain in the U.S. for longer than the period of your Practical Training, it is important to look into acquiring an extended visa such as the H-1B visa. An employer must sponsor you for an H-1B visa, and thus you will impose more paperwork and cost on an employer than will a US citizen or permanent resident.
Almost all US job searches require you to write resumes and cover letters. You may want to look through guides on Resume and Cover Letter writing or speak with someone to help you develop documents to better fit the US style. Many international students may find interviews to be the most culturally different aspect of the job search. Making eye contact with even the most senior person will be seen as a sign of confidence, not of disrespect. Some of these differences may challenge you, but console yourself that many Americans do not find the job search easy, either.
After enrolment as a student, Look for potential employers, prepare your resume, be ready for interview and get the job.
International Interviews: (1) Personal relationships may be more important than time. Being late may not be a problem. (2) Eye contact, especially with persons of higher status, may be disrespectful. (3) Interviewers commonly start with small talk and look for information regarding character or personality. (4) Interviewer may talk for the majority of the interview. (5) Age, race, sex, or marital status may be issues in the interview. Males may be expected to dominate interactions with females. Younger people may be expected to show deference to older people.
US Interviews: (1) Be punctual. Arrive five to fifteen minutes prior to appointment. (2) Eye contact is expected and shows confidence. (3) Interviewer styles vary, and some may begin with direct questions or minimal small talk. (4) Interviewer may do most of the talking or may expect the candidate to do most of the talking. (5) Questions regarding age, race, sexual orientation, disabilities, national origin and marital status are illegal.

English–The more a position requires extensive contact with others, the more important it is that your English is clear. If it is not, some last-minute tutoring may be helpful. Employers may use your written English to assess your spoken English, so edit and reedit your resume.

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