Everything you need to know about studying in the US
Want to study abroad in the US? Learn about the US college system and how to apply for university in the US as an international student.
Key Points
- What kinds of universities are there in the US?
- How do you apply to study in the US?
- Is it possible to transfer credits from a university in my home country to a US university?
- English language requirements for US universities
- How much does it cost to study in the US?
- What scholarships are available for international students in the US?
- How do I apply for a student visa for the US?
- As an international student in the US, can I work during my studies?
- What can I do after I graduate in the US?
- Are there any special health insurance rules for international students?
- What does the term "major" mean in US universities?
- What is GPA?
Its size and global reputation has made the US the number one study-abroad destination in the world for international students, with the biggest numbers moving from China, India, Saudi Arabia and Canada for their studies. The most popular subjects for international students in the US are business and management, engineering, maths, computer science and the social sciences.
But with thousands of universities, huge differences in the style and the cost of institutions plus a rigorous college application process, many prospective international students find the idea of applying to study in the US overwhelming.
If that sounds like you, use this guide to help demystify the process of applying to university in the US.
What kinds of universities are there in the US?
There is a broad range of types of higher education institutions in the US, with something to suit every student’s interests. Before you begin, one thing to note about the US: the words “college” and “university” tend to be used interchangeably.
The most prestigious collective of colleges, the Ivy League, includes Harvard University, Brown University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Columbia University, Yale University, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. Together, these eight schools received more than 300,000 applicants for the Class of 2021, and the average acceptance rate was 6.1 per cent.
US colleges can be either privately or publicly funded. Most of the well-known institutions in the US, such as Harvard University, Stanford University and Yale University, are private non-profit institutions that will have higher tuition fees, but usually more financial aid opportunities to go along with the added costs.
Another type of institution is the liberal arts college. Examples include Pomona College in California and Amherst College in Massachusetts. These schools offer a broad education in arts and sciences subjects that are designed to give undergraduates academic range as well as depth.
Then there are the historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, such as Howard University and Spelman College, which have majority black and ethnic minority student populations. These institutions were originally established to provide higher education to the African American community where it was previously denied.
In every state, there is at least one government-funded public college, which tends to have lower tuition fees for students who reside in that state. Community colleges, also known as junior colleges, technical colleges or city colleges, are similar to state colleges but primarily offer shorter courses leading to qualifications such as diplomas and associate degrees. Community colleges often have very strong links to four-year institutions and can be a good entry into prestigious four-year degree programmes.
Additionally, each US state has one or two systems of public universities that are governed by a system-wide governing body but have multiple affiliated campuses. Each of these different locations is considered an individual university in its own right. One such example is the University of California system, which includes the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Beyond the highest-ranked and well-known schools, there is a huge array of quality colleges in the US with different values, goals, teaching styles and costs. You can use the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings 2022 to compare colleges on everything from engagement, interaction with teachers and overall student satisfaction.
Most undergraduate programmes in the US are four years long and often include studying multiple subjects before specialising in the second half of your degree. Subjects you study alongside your specialisation are known as minors, and your specialisation is your major, or special concentration.
Extracurricular activities – including social societies such as sororities and fraternities, clubs and some of the world’s best university-level sports teams – are a central part of university social life on US campuses. They’re a good way for students to make friends with common interests.
How do you apply to study in the US?
The US is perhaps the most rigorous country in the world when it comes to college application criteria. American universities will consider your academic record over the last four years of your schooling, as well as your involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership positions and your personal characteristics when you apply.
There are three kinds of applications you can make to a US university: early decision, common application and the regular application. Some early decision applications can also go through the common application.
Early decision application deadlines are usually about 10 months before your course starts. Applying via the early decision route can increase the likelihood winning acceptance for some universities. However, it’s important to be aware that some colleges have agreements that state that if you win a place via an early decision application, you must attend that college and you must withdraw or halt all your other college applications. In some cases, US colleges will want you to also withdraw any applications to universities outside the US if they accept you on early decision, so be sure to check in with your college of choice on the details before applying through this route.
The Common Application (Common App), meanwhile, is a centralised process for more than 900 US universities, which means you can apply to multiple colleges through one online account. Common applications open on 1 August.
For all other universities, you can apply to them directly. The application deadline is often in January – seven months before you intend to start university – although the latest deadlines are in March.
Many US universities will expect you to sit a standardised test like the SAT or the ACT for undergraduates, or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for postgraduates.
You should aim to complete these exams a year before you want to start university, usually in the month of August.
Admission requirements vary depending on the university. However, your submission will almost always require an application fee ($43 on average), a completed application form, a personal essay, references, a transcript of grades and academic achievements, standardised test results and financial statements.
Depending on which kind of university and course you are looking at, you may need to declare your major when applying, which means that you need to have an idea of the subject you wish to concentrate on in the final two years of your course. In most cases, you can switch majors if you discover a new passion for a subject once at university, but it’s useful to have in mind at the application stage some idea of the route you are most likely to follow.
If you are put on the wait list of a college, this means the university liked your application but has chosen to make offers to other candidates first. The likelihood of moving from the wait list to a definite offer from your chosen college depends on several factors. These include how many students with offers choose to confirm their place, how the school wishes to balance the different chosen majors in its freshmen class, and how strong your application is compared with those of other applicants. In some cases, you are more likely to get off the wait list of a college if you have listed it as your first choice.
Is it possible to transfer credits from a university in my home country to a US university?
Yes, it's possible to transfer credits from your previous school in your home country to one in the US. This process is called credit transfer, and it lets you get credit for the courses you've already taken so that you don't have to start from the beginning at your new university.
But whether you can transfer credits depends on a few things. Each US institute has its own rules for credit transfer, and they'll look at things like the similarity of your previous courses to the ones they offer and how well you did in those courses. Some of your credits might count, while others might not.
To start the credit transfer process, you'll need to give the US university your official transcript. This will allow them to see a record of all the classes you've taken and the grades you earned.
The US university will then review your transcript and decide which of your credits can transfer over. If your old classes are similar to what your new university offers, they might accept them, and you won't have to retake those classes.
Keep in mind that not all of your credits might transfer, and some might only count as elective credits. That means they won't necessarily fulfil specific requirements for your degree, but they can still count toward your total credits needed to graduate.
It's important to talk to the admissions team or academic advisors at your chosen US university. They can explain their policies and help you figure out which of your credits can transfer, so you can make the most of your previous hard work and start on the right track.
Do I need to take a language test to study in the US?
Most universities in the US require international applicants to take a test to demonstrate their competence in English as a second language, such as the TOEFL or the IELTS academic.
Many US institutions are now accepting English language tests adapted to be taken from home, including the TOEFL Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator. Many US colleges are also accepting the Duolingo English test, which can also be taken from home.
You can use this guide to find out the average scores for English language tests for Ivy League schools as a good benchmark, but most universities will have their specific requirements and list of accepted tests on their websites. If not, contact the international office of your college to check.
How much does it cost to study in the US?
Given the great diversity of universities in the US, there is also a huge variation in cost and typically tuition fees for international students are higher than those for domestic students.
US tuition fees range from $5,000 to $50,000 (£4,074-£40,746) per year. On average, students graduate with $132,860 (£101,505) worth of debt.
But before you faint at these numbers and rule out studying in the US altogether, it’s crucial to know that there’s a difference between what’s known as the “sticker price” (the costs advertised on university websites) and the amount that students actually end up paying once all sources of funding have been considered.
It’s worth remembering that about 85 per cent of full-time undergraduate students at four-year public universities and 89 per cent at private non-profit universities benefit from some type of financial aid. Although the most prestigious US universities tend to have the highest sticker price, these colleges also tend to have the widest range of funding opportunities.
Accommodation options are varied for students at US universities. You’ll probably be able to choose from on-campus residential buildings, fraternity and sorority houses or private renting. Many financial aid opportunities and scholarships will consider accommodation needs alongside help with tuition costs, but it’s important to have a clear financial plan in mind to see you through four or more years of study.
And don’t forget cost of lifestyle. This will depend on where you study and your own personal preferences, but it is another factor you must consider realistically to avoid any financial troubles later on.
Many universities guarantee on-campus paid employment for students while they study, and international students with M-1 and F-1 visas are allowed to work in such roles. Many shops, cinemas and museums in the US will also offer discounts to students.
What scholarships or financial aid are available for international students in the US?
Several high-ranking universities in the US operate a “needs-blind” admission policy, meaning the financial background of candidates is disregarded during the admission process, and the university promises to financially support students so every successful applicant can attend.
Financial aid comes in many forms: scholarships, grants, assistantships and work-study schemes, and many of these options will be open to international students. For example, the University of Pennsylvania sets aside $6 million each year to fund graduates from outside the US and in neighbouring Canada and Mexico.
Funding information is available on each university’s website. Often, applications for funding and financial aid are made as part of your general college application, so it’s important to do your research early to avoid missing any opportunities.
There are also a few well-known government-funded US scholarship programmes for international students, for example, including the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program.
How do I apply for a student visa for the US?
There are three types of visas for international students in the US: F-1 for academic studies; J-1 for practical training not available in your home country; and M-1 for vocational studies.
To study at a US college, you need to apply for the F-1 visa. Once accepted at a US college approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350. After that, you’ll receive the Form I-20 and register within SEVIS.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you can apply for your visa at a US embassy or consulate – find your nearest one here. The fee to apply for your visa is $160, often with an additional small administration fee, depending on where you’re applying from.
You’ll also have to complete an additional form (DS-160), provide a photo and book an appointment at the US consulate of your home country for an interview. Bring your passport and copies of all your documents with you to the interview. At the interview, you must show proof that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in the US, and that you have strong ties to your home country through family connections, assets, bank accounts or some other means.
As an incoming student, you can apply for your visa up to 120 days before your course begins, but you can only enter the US on your student visa a maximum of 30 days before your start date.
As an international student in the US, can I work during my studies?
As an international student with an F1 visa, you can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during semester breaks. You'll need permission from the international student office to work on campus and they will have a list of available positions throughout the year.
For off-campus work, there are two types of training: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT allows you to work off-campus during and after your studies for up to 12 months. CPT lets you work off-campus while you study and is authorised by your university.
If you're not on OPT or CPT, most F1 visa students can't work off-campus, but you can volunteer up to 20 hours per week during the semester in certain educational environments.
Just make sure to follow the rules and explore on-campus and authorised off-campus work opportunities through your student services office.
What can I do after I graduate in the US?
If you want to stay in the US after studying, there are options.
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme allows international students on F-1 visas to remain in the country if employed in their field of study. F-1 visa students are eligible for OPT after completing their first academic year. OPT can be done both before or after completing your studies, but it’s important to remember that you are allowed to work only 12 months in total.
Graduates with science, technology, engineering or mathematics degrees may extend their OPT by 24 months and stay for just over two years to work in these fields. You must apply for OPT before completing your studies.
Top US institutions have a track record of excellence in the eyes of esteemed US employers, including Wall Street, technology and media companies. Colleges are also fertile ground for networking; obtaining internships and experience in the US market may help you gain employment later on.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in academia, the US can be a great place to start. You can browse academic openings in the US on THE Unijobs.
Are there any special health insurance rules for international students?
Health insurance is essential for international students studying in the US because the country doesn't have a universal healthcare system. Medical expenses can be really expensive, so having insurance can help cover the costs and keep you protected. Some universities offer health insurance plans specifically for students, but if not, you can find other options to get the coverage you need.
Health insurance plans can vary in cost depending on where you study and what kind of cover you want. It's important to compare different plans to find one that fits your budget and covers the medical services you might need. Some plans pay for your medical bills directly, while others may need you to pay upfront and will reimburse you later.
To find the right insurance plan, think about how much you can afford to pay for insurance and what kind of medical care you might need. Some plans may cover sports injuries or have extra cover which you may need to consider if you are involved in sports or active hobbies. Once you figure out what you need, you can compare different plans and choose the one that suits you best.
Having health insurance can give you peace of mind during your time in the US. It ensures that you'll have access to medical care if you get sick or injured, and it can save you from unexpected high medical expenses. So, make sure to get the right health insurance plan to stay protected while studying abroad.
What does the term "major" mean in US universities?
In US universities, a major is your main academic focus or the subject you specialise in during your studies. It's the area of study that you choose to become an expert in. For example, if you love computers, you might major in computer science, or if you're interested in animals, you could major in biology.
Picking a major is an important decision because it shapes the classes you take and the knowledge you gain throughout your university experience. The courses you choose within your major will teach you everything you need to know about that subject and help prepare you for future career paths or further studies.
What is GPA?
GPA, which stands for Grade Point Average, is a way to measure how well you're doing academically in high school and university. It's a score that shows how good your grades are overall. In the US, GPA is usually calculated on a scale of 0 to 4. Getting an A usually means you get four points, while an F gives you zero points.
Your GPA is important if you're thinking about going to university, especially in the US. Universities often look at your GPA when deciding whether to offer you a place. Having a good GPA can increase your chances of getting into your dream university. But don't worry, there's no single "good" GPA for all universities. Each school may have different expectations but aiming for a GPA of 3 or higher is generally a good idea.
Remember that there are two types of GPA: unweighted and weighted. Unweighted GPA is based on your regular grades, while weighted GPA takes into account harder classes you may have taken. This means if you challenge yourself with advanced courses, you can boost your GPA even higher.
Improving your GPA is possible if you feel your grades could be better. You can ask your teachers for help, change your study habits, or take more challenging classes. Remember, GPA isn't the only thing that matters. Universities also consider your extracurricular activities and personal achievements.
GPA can also come into play when applying for scholarships and even jobs in the future.
Please note all costs and conversion rates were correct at the time of publication. These may vary over time.
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