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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

QS #1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
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QS #3
Stanford University
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QS #5
Harvard University
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QS #10
California Institute of Technology
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QS #21
University of Chicago
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QS #20
Columbia University
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QS #28
Johns Hopkins University
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QS #23
Yale University
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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)✓
Rowshan Global Pathways
Rowshan Global Pathways
Dhaka, Bangladesh
★5.0(8)✓
AECC Global Nigeria
AECC Global Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria
★4.6(7)✓
IDP Education Bangladesh
IDP Education Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
★4.4(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)✓
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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