Study in United States
The United States has the world’s largest international student population, with over 800,000 students. Nearly 4% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students.
The US is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Universities in the United States offer a huge variety of English-language courses, various speciality degrees and excellent research in a diverse, international environment.
The US provides a huge variety of higher education institutions all over the country: over 1,700 public and 2,500 private institutions.
Higher education institutions in the United States
- Community Colleges offer associate’s degrees, certificates, vocational degrees, and some bachelor’s degrees.
- Vocational Schools offer certification for particular vocations that do not require a degree but require specialized training.
- Colleges and Universities provide anything from associates’ degrees to doctoral degrees.
- Graduate Schools offer Master’s and Doctorate level degrees and certificates.
- Seminaries offer religious education for future ministers and clergy members.
The United States has more institutions of higher education than any other country. International students with varied perspectives, values and traditions come to the US and increase cultural awareness and international networks.
United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes more than 19,500 US higher education programs as accredited and of a high quality. Among these, Ivy League Universities are well known as the top higher education institutions in the United States and the world.
General application requirements
Universities in the United States have their own individual admission standards and include all or part of the following requirements:
- Grade point average (GPA) or letter average. Most U.S. colleges and universities require that you take one or more standardized admissions tests in order to gain entrance into their programs.
- Essays or questionnaires. These may include a “personal statement” about why you are considering that university.
- Courses studied during secondary school or any prior education.
- Community service and group/club involvement.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers.
- English Proficiency Exams.
Some universities may have additional specific requirements. Check with university student services for details.
For more information visit: https://www.educationusa.info/5_steps_to_study/
Student visa
Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country.
Visa requirements include:
- Non-refundable application fee;
- Application forms;
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States;
- Standardized photographs;
- You will need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies;
- Usually an interview with an embassy official is required.
Student assistance
Professional advisers guide students in their search for institutions or programmes of study in the United States that meet their individual needs. Sororities and Fraternities are national organizations, focusing on social interaction, service projects and student activities. Nearly every university offers internship services. Career services focus on offering employment advice and find student job opportunities. Credential evaluation services analyse qualifications of international students in order to establish study programme eligibility.
Some universities offer salaries to research students. Students can arrange fellowships with companies that pay for tuition costs in exchange for a few years of service.
Study environment
American universities provide the latest technologies and advancements coupled with excellent research opportunities. Students are free change their minds and transfer from one course to another or change their study institution.
Most classes include no more than 20 students, facilitating greater teacher involvement and student interaction. All kinds of English language courses are available for international students.
With over 35 million Spanish speakers in the United States, it is the 5th largest Spanish-speaking population. Spanish is currently the most widely taught non-English language in U.S. higher education.
To find and compare English and Spanish language courses visit: www.languagelearningportal.com
Living in United States
- The United States does not provide free health care. It will be helpful for you to learn about the local health care system before arriving in the country. This knowledge can save a significant amount of time and money. The American health care system is one of the best (and most expensive) in the world.
- Many colleges and universities in the United States offer on-campus housing.
- The average apartment in the United States can cost from $500 (one-bedroom apartments in more rural areas) to $1,500 in urban areas.
- When living in the United States, you will likely want to save about 1000 – 1500 USD per month for housing and utilities.
- Americans are usually more informal, addressing others by their first name. Most Americans are also friendly and ready to offer help.
- There is no “official” language of the country, although over 90% of the population speaks American English.
Places to visit
- Washington, District of Columbia (D.C) – visit historical and political landmarks like the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial or The Smithsonian Institute.
- Las Vegas, Nevada. You can find glass pyramids, canals, towers, circuses, casinos and a number of other tourist attractions.
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States.
- New York City, New York - one of the most diverse and interesting cities in the country. Popular tourist attractions include Times Square, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Statue of Liberty and more.
- The Grand Canyon, Arizona - the largest in the world.
- Los Angeles, California – home of Hollywood superstars.
- Orlando, Florida - Visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
About United States
The United States is a Federal Republic consisting of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states and Washington, D.C. are situated in central North America between Canada and Mexico. The state of Alaska is situated in the north-western part of North America and the state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the Pacific. The United States is the world's third largest country in the world. It is also third largest in the number of inhabitants and is also one of the world's most multicultural nations. The capital is Washington, D.C. and the biggest city is New York City.
The United States is the world's oldest surviving federation, a constitutional republic and representative democracy. The federation was formed after the first 13 colonies gained their independence from British rule in 1783.
The country has the world's biggest economy - 23% of global nominal GDP, based mainly on technological advancements, an abundance of natural resources and high worker productivity. Even today, the United States is one of the world's largest manufacturers.
According to international rankings, 13 or 15 American colleges and universities are ranked among the top 20 in the world.
