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Study in United States

Home to the world's highest-ranked universities, the most Nobel laureates, and unrivalled research funding.

4,000+
Accredited Institutions
1M+
Int'l Students
3 yrs
STEM OPT Extension
#1
Research Output
Why United States?

6 Reasons to Study in United States

🏆
Unrivalled Academic Prestige
Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, and dozens more rank in the global top 20. American universities produce more Nobel laureates than any other country.
🔬
Research & Innovation
The US invests more in R&D than any country on earth. Access to cutting-edge labs, faculty, and funding in every field.
🤝
Networking & Alumni
American university alumni networks are globally unmatched. A degree from a top US school opens doors in virtually every industry and country.
💼
STEM OPT Extension
STEM graduates can work in the US for 3 years (12-month OPT + 24-month extension) — a significant career launching opportunity.
🌐
Campus Diversity
The US hosts more international students than any other country. Campuses are genuinely global communities with students from 190+ nations.
🎯
Flexible Education System
Choose your major late, switch between disciplines, pursue double majors, and take electives across departments — unprecedented academic flexibility.
Budget Planning

Cost of Studying in United States

ExpenseEstimated Range
Private university tuitionUSD$30,000 – $60,000/yr
Public university (out-of-state)USD$15,000 – $35,000/yr
Community College (2-year)USD$6,000 – $15,000/yr
Living expenses (major cities)USD$18,000 – $28,000/yr
Living expenses (smaller towns)USD$10,000 – $15,000/yr
Health insuranceUSD$1,500 – $3,000/yr
💡 Financial aid and merit scholarships can dramatically reduce costs at private universities. Always apply for institutional aid alongside your admission application.
What to Study

Popular Courses

Computer Science & AIEngineeringBusiness & MBAMedicine & Public HealthLawFilm & MediaSocial SciencesEnvironmental Sciences
Where to Study

Top Universities

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Stanford University
Harvard University
California Institute of Technology
University of Chicago
Columbia University
Johns Hopkins University
Yale University
Specialist Consultants

Find a consultant who knows United States

Browse education consultants with field-specific expertise for studying in United States — nursing, engineering, MBA, medicine, IT, and more.

Nursing →Engineering →MBA →Medicine →IT →Accounting →All specialisations →
When to Apply

Intake Dates

Recommended
Fall (Main)
August / September
Apply: Nov – Jan (undergrad)
Primary intake — all programmes
Spring
January
Apply: Aug – Oct
Graduate programmes mainly
Summer (Limited)
May
Apply: Feb – Mar
Very limited — mostly community colleges
English Proficiency

Language Requirements

TOEFL
80 – 110 (IBT)
Preferred at most US institutions
Full guide →
IELTS
6.5 – 7.5
Widely accepted alternative
Full guide →
Duolingo
110 – 130
Growing acceptance post-COVID
Full guide →
GRE / GMAT
Programme-specific
Graduate admissions (not English only)
Full guide →
Funding Your Studies

Scholarships in United States

Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Eligible: Graduate students from eligible countries
Full tuition + living costs
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Eligible: Mid-career professionals
Full funding
University Merit Scholarships
Eligible: High-achieving applicants
USD$5,000 – $40,000+
Need-Based Financial Aid
Eligible: Demonstrated financial need (select universities)
Up to full tuition
Verified Reviews

Consultancies for United States

Real student ratings — not paid placements.

Find a Consultancy for United States

200 verified consultancies help students study in United States

New Oriental Education China
New Oriental Education China
Beijing, China
★4.6(21)✓
Scholar's Wings Consultancy
Scholar's Wings Consultancy
Gazipur, Bangladesh
★5.0(20)
AU
Abroad University Application Platform
Gazipur, Bangladesh
★5.0(19)
Y-Axis Overseas Careers
Y-Axis Overseas Careers
Hyderabad, India
★4.5(18)✓
IDP Education Nigeria
IDP Education Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria
★4.6(16)✓
PFEC Global Bangladesh
PFEC Global Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
★4.7(13)✓
AECC Global Nigeria
AECC Global Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria
★4.6(7)✓
AE
Afterschool.my Education Consultants
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
★4.7(6)✓
Ican Education Indonesia
Ican Education Indonesia
Jakarta, Indonesia
★4.7(6)✓
One Education Ghana
One Education Ghana
Accra, Ghana
★4.7(6)✓
IDP Education Malaysia
IDP Education Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
★4.5(6)✓
IDP Education Morocco
IDP Education Morocco
Casablanca, Morocco
★4.5(6)✓
View all 200 consultancies for United States →
Step by Step

F-1 Student Visa

Fee: USD$185 (SEVIS I-901 fee: USD$350)Processing: 2–8 weeks (varies by country)
1

Receive Form I-20 from your SEVIS-certified institution

2

Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (USD$350) at fmjfee.com

3

Complete DS-160 non-immigrant visa application online

4

Schedule and attend visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate

5

Demonstrate ties to home country and intent to return after studies

6

Receive F-1 visa — typically valid for the duration of studies

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OPT and how does it work?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 visa holders to work in the US for 12 months after graduation in a field related to their degree. STEM degree holders can apply for a 24-month extension, totalling 3 years of work authorisation.
Can I apply to multiple US universities simultaneously?
Yes. Unlike the UK's UCAS system, there is no central application cap. Most students apply to 8–12 universities including a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. The Common App is used by 1,000+ universities.
What is the difference between SAT and ACT?
Both are undergraduate admissions tests. SAT focuses on Math and Reading/Writing; ACT adds a Science section. Most universities accept either. Many schools are now test-optional — check each university's current policy.
How competitive is US university admissions?
It varies enormously. Elite universities (Harvard, MIT, Stanford) accept under 5% of applicants. However, thousands of excellent universities have acceptance rates above 50%. Focus on finding the right fit rather than the most selective school.
Can international students get financial aid in the USA?
A small number of universities (including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT) offer need-blind admissions and meet full demonstrated financial need for international students. Most universities have limited aid for international applicants — research this carefully per institution.
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