For many international students, to study in the USA is the optimal choice for high-quality education and diversified cultural experiences. Whether you are seeking the top universities in the world, state-of-the-art research facilities, or abundant student life, choosing to study in the United States could give you many opportunities. At the same time, there are some challenges for international students who first come there. From choosing the right university in the USA to applying for a student visa and learning about the various programs of American universities, you need to understand each part deeply. This blog will give you a comprehensive guide to studying in the USA for international students.
Why Choose to Study in the USA?
Quality Education Resources:
- Many world-known universities in the US, like Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Standford University, Columbia University, and more. The academic research, faculty teams, and facilities have developed very well.
- US universities consistently offer financial support, ensuring students access to advanced laboratory equipment, rich library resources, and a modern study environment. This support fosters rapid growth among international students.
Diversified Subject Selections:
- The Universities in the USA provide diversified courses and majors for you to choose from, from traditional science and engineering to data science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, and more.
- You can choose your major and minor depending on your preference and even learn interdisciplinaryly. Taking the computer science program at Yale University, you also need to take two math core courses, a statistics core course, two language courses, two calculus courses, and a higher-level required course. In addition, there are interdisciplinary joint majors at Yale University, including computer science with economics, computer science with mathematics, mathematics with psychology, physics and philosophy, and so on.
Rich Campus Life:
- American universities provide various extracurricular activities like sports, artistic performances, clubs and organizations, and it will help students find their hobbies and interests.
- There are many cultural and social activities on campus, which encourage international students to integrate into campus life and make new friends from all over the world.
Excellent Research Opportunities:
- Many famous universities have closed their cooperation with scientific research institutions and government institutions, and students can take part in research projects and internship opportunities. You can accelerate the valuable practice experiences.
- The universities equipped with scientific research center offer cutting-edge laboratories and encourage more students to research innovation.
Career Development Opportunities:
- Most universities in the USA offer professional career service centers and give you guides for finding jobs, modified resumes, and simulations of interviews.
- Students have rich internship opportunities in the school, and you can gain actual work experiences during that time and make preparation for your future careers.
How to Choose a University in the USA
Academic Reputations: It’s crucial to understand the ranking and reputation of your college or university field, particularly in relation to your desired major. This knowledge will instil confidence in your choice and ensure you’re well-prepared for your academic journey in the United States or globally.
Geographic Locations: The quality of life and the study environment in the city where your ideal university directly affects your life. You have some factors to consider for studying in the United States as the international students: weather, city size, employment opportunities, and more.
Tuition Fee and Scholarships: The tuition fees of many universities in the USA for international students are high, and you need to know about the tuition fee, cost of living, and scholarships.
Campus Facilities and Resources: Learn about the library, laboratory, student halls, and sports facilities to ensure these facilities can support your study environment.
International Student Support in the USA: To check whether the university has an international student office with services like language support or visa guidance that can help you adapt to the new life in the USA.
Best universities in the USA for International Students
Indeed, there are many famous universities in the United States, and they all welcome international students to study in the US. There are about 4000 colleges and universities in the United States. And some of them stand out as the best universities in the USA for international students. Here, we provide you with the five best US colleges for international students.
Harvard University:
Harvard University, a prestigious Ivy College founded in 1636, holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the United States. Its global-leading reputation, particularly in the fields of Law, Business, and Medicine, is a testament to its academic prowess. The extensive alumni network and abundant academic resources at Harvard provide students with a wealth of opportunities for exploration and growth.
Stanford University:
Stanford University is located near Silicon Valley, California, and is famous for its technology, engineering, and Entrepreneurial fields. Stanford encourages students to innovate and interdisciplinary learning. The university has good connections with Silicon Valley, allowing students to have many internship opportunities and start a business.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a prestigious science and engineering university, especially for engineering, computer science, and physics. MIT not only pays attention to academic research but also emphasises the importance of practical innovation. The effects of the enterprising spirit of this university are profound, and the alumni have established many successful technology companies.
Columbia University:
As one of the Ivy colleges in New York City, Columbia University has a well-known School of Journalism, School of Commerce, and School of International and Public Affairs. As a metropolitan university, Columbia provides many internships and career development opportunities in finance, media, and international affairs.
Princeton University:
Princeton University is well-known for its research projects and distinguished education in humanity, social science, and natural sciences. Preston has a group of professional faculty and resources and offers small-class teaching and academic support.
How to Apply for Study in the USA?
Many international students are curious about how to apply for study in the USA as an international student. The following steps shown below will tell you what you need to do and prepare:
1.Choose your ideal universities
Choose 4-5 universities or colleges to apply to according to your interests, majors, location, tuition fee, and other factors.
2. Prepare your standardization test
- For undergraduate students:
- SAT or ACT
- English Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL/IELTS/iTEP/PTE Academic
- For graduate students:
- GRE or GMAT
- English Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL/IELTS/iTEP/PTE Academic
3. Prepare your application documents
- Academic Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Research Proposal
- Recommendation Letters
- The proof of your Identity
- Proof of Finance
4. Online applications
After you have prepared all the required documents and finished the test, you can apply for the universities in the USA online through the official website or the Common Application system.
5. Apply for scholarships or financial aid
You can apply for a scholarship or student grant for US international students.
6. Prepare your interviews
Most of the best universities in the USA for international students require an interview. You are usually asked questions to learn more about your aspirations through online video reviews.
7. Wait for the offers
After your submission, you can wait for the results of your ideal universities and make the final decision.
When to apply for universities in USA for international students
For international students who want to study at a university in the United States, it is crucial for you to notice the deadline for each application. Usually, the applications for next year’s fall term will open in September of this year, and the exact deadline is different depending on the programs.
- Early Decision: The deadline for the ED of each university is usually between 1st November and 15th November. Early Decision is a binding application form, and once you receive the offer, you must accept and withdraw from other universities’ applications. The results of the ED are always released in the middle of December, and students are given a chance to make the final decision early.
- Early Action: The application deadline is similar to the Early Decision type. While the EA is not a binding application form, students can still apply to other universities after getting the offer.
- Regular Application: The deadline for this type of application is the first week of January. Most students choose this type, and you can make the final decision after receiving all the offers from your dream universities.
Study in the USA:Know About the Academic Year
| Term | Duration |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | September-December |
| Spring Term | January-April |
| Summer Term | May-August |
Tuition Fee: Studying in America for International Students
For international students in the USA, the tuition fee varies depending on the university and majors. The overall tuition for international students is much higher than that of local students, and each university provides various scholarships and student grants to reduce students’ financial burden.
For undergraduate students:
The tuition fee for a US international student studying for a bachelor’s degree is about $20000-$60000 each year. Top private universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia University are higher than public universities. The tuition fees of public universities like UCLA and the University of Michigan are between $30000-$50000 annually.
For graduate students:
The tuition fee for master’s degrees in the United States is between $20000-$50000. Some hot majors like Business, Law, and Accounting are relatively high and are close to $50000. At the same time, engineering and humanity are cheaper than others.
About Scholarships and Financial Aids
Scholarships and Financial Aid for studying in the United States international students:
Merit-based scholarships: Many USA universities provide merit-based scholarships for international students, and they are based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and degree of participation in extracurricular activities. Some Universities offer full or partial tuition waivers for some excellent international students. This kind of scholarship does not need an extra application; it will be audited with your application documents.
Need-based Financial Aid: Few universities in the United States will offer need-based financial aid for international students who will study in the USA, and it will be according to the financial situation of students. For example, some Ivy Colleges like Harvard, Yale, and Preston are open for financial aid, and international students must submit some financial documents to apply.
How to Apply for a Scholarship as an International Student?
Know scholarship opportunities: First, learn about your dream school’s scholarship options and majors. Many American university websites have information about scholarships.
Determine your eligibility: Please read carefully about the requirements and criteria of each scholarship, including academic scores, language ability, extracurricular activities, and so on. You need to ensure that you meet these criteria and take advantage of the opportunity.
Prepare the application materials: The university typically requires you to submit a transcript, recommendation, personal statement, resume, and language test scores.
Write a personal statement: Write a personal statement to show your background, academic achievement, and future target. To state something about your advantages and the reasons for applying for the scholarship.
Submit your application: Follow the process of applying for the scholarship as a US international student, and submit all the related documents before the deadline.
Find Your Student Housing in the USA
Finding perfect student housing in the USA for international students is crucial. After you receive the favored offer, you can start to find your second home. uhomes.com is here to help you find suitable student housing to live in each city of the United States. These student apartments are in a good location, with plenty of room amenities and easy access to public transportation and school. We provide you with a wide range of housing in different room types. You can choose from a single room in a shared flat, studio apartments, 1-,2-,3-apartments, and more. Some popular cities like New York, Champaign, Boston, Los Angeles, and more. We covered whatever you wanted.We truly suggest you find student housing as early as April or May. You will have enough time and plenty of choice of student housing.
Apply for a student visa for study in USA
Choose the correct visa type:
There are two types of student visas for international students in the US for study purposes.
F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is suitable for full-time students who are studying in academic or language programs in the United States.
The M-1 Visa, on the other hand, is designed for international students who wish to pursue vocational studies. If you’re interested in a more hands-on, practical education, the M-1 visa may be the right choice for you.
Get an admission letter:
First, you must be admitted to a USA university and get the I-20 form. It is a crucial document for applying for a visa as an international student, and it certificate you are qualified for the student visa.
Pay for the SEVIS fee:
Before applying for the visa, you need to pay for the SEVIS fee, and you can pay through the online system and keep the order by yourself.
Fill in the DS-160 form:
Every international student studying in the USA must visit the official websites to fill in the DS-160 form about their personal information.
Book the appointment and Attend:
You need to book the appointment for your student visa interview and prepare all the required documents to attend the interviews.
Wait for the approval:
After your interview, wait for the results of your student visa. If you pass, the US visa will be stuck on your passport and sent to your home.
Cost of Living for Study in the USA
The cost of living in the United States for international students will vary depending on the cities. The cost of living for study in the USA for international students consists of some components:
- Housing Costs: In the United States, the average costs of student housing range from $2800-$4500 each month, depending on which city you live in. In some cities like New York and Boston, the rent of houses is much higher than in other cities in the USA. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $3356-$4982. In some small cities like Austin or Champaign, housing costs about $1100-$2500 for a one-bedroom apartment near the campus.
- Food and Grocery Costs: US international students’ average food and grocery costs are between $300-$700 per month. The food costs vary depending on the location and personal habitat.
- Transportation Costs: The transportation costs in different cities are similar, ranging from $70 to $150. If you choose to own a car, you will spend more on transportation, about $200-$400 monthly.
- Miscellaneous Costs: The costs will include mobile plans, entertainment, and health insurance, and you need to plan a budget of about $100-$300 per month for these things. It also varies by different spending habits.
Student Insurance for International Students in USA
Buying student insurance in the USA is another important thing for international students who study in the USA. The medical costs are relatively high in the United States, and the students who own the medical insurance can release the financial burden. Almost all universities in the United States require international students to buy specified medical insurance plans covering hospitalization, outpatient services, and prescription drugs.
In addition, many insurance companies provide insurance products for international students in the USA, including medical, emergency rescue, travel insurance, and more.
Conclusion
In this blog, we talk about various perspectives for international students who will study in the USA, from why you need to choose the USA and some of the best universities to the application process, student visa, and cost of living in the United States. We hope there is valuable information for you to get a deep understanding of the stuff about studying in the USA for international students. By knowing these things before you go to the USA, you can adapt to the new life more easily and quickly.
FAQ
The cost to study in the USA depends on the university and location. The average tuition fee of the university is $25000-$55000. Add the living costs, insurance, and other expenses; the total will be $30000-$70000 yearly. The tuition fees of some top universities are much higher.
Studying in America for international students should meet the requirements: a valid passport, a valid visa, an admission offer, an English language test score, sufficient financial approvement, and student insurance. Some universities requires the recommendation, personal statement, and academic transcript.
As an international student in the United States, studying completely free is a challenge, but costs can be reduced through scholarships, grants, and assistantships. Notably, some top institutions or those with specific majors offer full scholarships. Furthermore, financial aid can be sought from government or private organizations.
For international students in the USA, some low-cost universities include Florida State University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Oklahoma. The tuition fees of these schools are relatively low, at about $ 15,000 to $ 25,000 per year.
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