The USA is a global leader in higher education, home to the largest number of top-ranked universities. Studying in the U.S. means receiving a world-class education along with access to an international professional environment. American universities offer a strong academic foundation, foster creativity and critical thinking, and provide unmatched flexibility—you can change majors or combine different subjects to tailor your education.
● TOEFL: Minimum 80–100 iBT
● IELTS: Minimum 6.0–7.0. Some colleges accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative.
Tuition ranges from $15,000 to $60,000 per year. Living expenses (campus housing or renting) add about $10,000–$20,000 annually. Costs vary depending on the state and whether the institution is public or private.
● Merit-based – for academic achievements
● Need-based – for students with financial difficulties
● Athletic and creative scholarships
Many universities offer financial aid covering up to 100% of tuition and living costs.
● Programs like Fulbright – for Master's and PhD students
You will need an F-1 student visa. After receiving your I-20 form from the university, you must pay the SEVIS fee and schedule a visa interview. Financial documentation is required to prove sufficient funding.
Many students live on-campus (convenient, but more expensive). In later years, students often rent apartments off-campus.
You may be eligible for OPT – Optional Practical Training, which allows you to work for 1 year after graduation (up to 3 years for STEM fields). This is a legal pathway to stay and gain work experience. After OPT, you may apply for an H1B visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency.
● High school diploma or previous degree + transcript with grades
● Standardized tests: SAT/ACT for undergraduate programs, GRE/GMAT for graduate programs (not always required)
● Portfolio (for creative majors)
Applications are submitted via the Common App (for undergraduate programs) or directly on the university’s website.
● Motivation letter, essays, recommendation letters
● Community Colleges – Two-year programs with the option to transfer to a university.
● Undergraduate Colleges – Classic four-year Bachelor’s degree programs.
● Graduate Schools – Master’s (1–2 years) and PhD programs.
● Research Universities – Institutions focused on research and innovation, often with large grants and cutting-edge labs.