How to Study in United States for International Students

There are many highly-reputed universities in the United States of America, and this is one of the reasons why the country is the top choice for studying abroad. Numerous fundings and scholarships are open for applications to help students with educational and living expenses. With a vibrant culture to immerse yourself in, studying in the USA will be worthwhile.

When it comes to the choices that are available, United States currently has 1476 universities, from which 586 universities are a part of the public sector and 890 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in United States you should definitely check out are Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.

Being able to study in United States as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in United States, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in United States

The cost of your studies is a big factor to consider when you're planning to study abroad. It can financially burden you, but here's the good thing: the public universities in United States don't charge tuition fees to international students like you! Curtis Institute of Music and United States Merchant Marine Academy are some of the tuition-free schools. You will just be required to pay some registration and other study fees, but these won't be as high.

On the other hand, if you choose to study in a private institution, expect that you'll pay higher fees. Here are some of the private universities in United States with their tuition fees:

2. Requirements to Study in United States for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in United States, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In United States, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in United States may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in United States are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in United States and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Shaw University

Bachelor’s degree

• IELTS: No minimum scores
• TOEFL: No minimum scores
• Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page

Master’s degree

• TOEFL: No minimum scores
• Master's English Language Requirements Page

Rust College

Bachelor’s degree

• TOEFL: 76
• Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page

Miles College

Bachelor’s degree

• TOEFL: 80
• Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in United States

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in United States have online applications available on their websites, like Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in United States.

Harvard University

• Official Website
• International Bachelor's Admissions Page
• International Master's Admissions Page

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Official Website
• International Bachelor's Admissions Page
• International Master's Admissions Page

Stanford University

• Official Website
• International Bachelor's Admissions Page
• International Master's Admissions Page

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in United States differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in United States.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in United States

Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in United States. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to United States as an international student.

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in United States. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a F-1 visa .

To start your student visa application in United States, you will need to present the following:

1. Passport
2. Completed I-20 form
3. Proof of payments for DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System )
4. Recently taken photos
5. Diploma, if available
6. Bank statement
7. School transcripts
8. Proof of intent to leave after completing your studies
9. Proof of official test scores mentioned in the university application

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in United States is 185 USD.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

1. Complete the online application
2. Schedule a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country
3. Check the appointment wait times for your visa interview.
4. Prepare for your interview and if applicable, pay for the visa application fee.
5. Complete the required documents.
6. Attend your visa interview and arrange for the return of your passport and visa once your application is approved.

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in United States. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!