fbpx

Study in USA

The first step to studying in the USA is searching your options to find a college or university that best fits your needs. You shouldn’t try to match yourself to the school, but rather find the school that matches you and your priorities and long-term goals.

According to UNESCO, there were around 10,000 students from the UK enrolled at American universities in 2021.

America is home to many of the world’s most respected universities. Some of the big names are Harvard, NYU, Yale, Brown, and Stanford. Foreign students go to these universities for the high quality of teaching, learning resources, and extracurricular activities.

However, when choosing a university, think about what you’re looking to get out of studying in America. There are many universities and colleges that aren’t as well known internationally, but still offer a great education and student experience.

Degree Courses in the USA

There are two types of undergraduate degrees on offer in the USA:

  • Associate degrees– take two years to complete and are usually studied at technical, community or junior colleges. Students can study for an associate qualification in a range of subjects and then transfer to a bachelor’s program to complete an additional two years of study to gain a bachelor’s degree.
  • Bachelor’s degrees– take four years to complete. They differ from UK undergraduate degrees in that students study a variety of subjects before deciding on which to focus on in the final two years, known as a ‘major’. Students may also gain a ‘minor’ qualification by completing classes in an additional subject alongside their ‘major’.

Masters Degrees

Known as ‘graduate degrees in the USA around 1,000 colleges offer programs in a variety of subjects.

There are two types of a graduate degrees, most courses take two or three years to complete although one-year options are available in some instances:

  • Academic/research– academic graduate degrees generally lead to a career in academia or research.
  • Professional– these are designed to prepare students for particular professions.

The most common types of Master’s are Masters of Arts (M.A) and Master of Science (M.S). Study at this level is self-directed and culminates in the submission of a thesis.

Unlike in the UK, there are no pure research graduate programs on offer. Instead, students learn through a combination of taught and research components. Students are also assessed on a more regular basis in the USA. Instead of undertaking a small number of large assessments, you’ll face more frequent, smaller assessments.

However, applying for an American Masters’s degree follows a similar process to the UK. You will need a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree from a recognized institution. It is worth remembering that there is no official conversion rate between UK A-level/degree results and US grades. Most institutions will have their own policy so it’s vital to get in touch before you apply.

Course Fees

Studying in the USA is expensive, so any decision to study here should not be taken lightly.

Per year undergraduate tuition fees can range from $5,000 to $50,000 – around £3,600 and £36,000 respectively. You’ll then need to take into account living costs. At top-tier universities it’s estimated that fees and living costs combined cost undergraduate students around $60,000 per year, however, it’s possible to study in the USA and pay lower fees.

Public universities cost less than private institutions and fees vary depending on what and where you study. Public universities charge two sets of fees: a lower rate applies to in-state students while a higher rate is charged for all out-of-state students (this applies to international students too).

Private institutions don’t differentiate between out-of-state and domestic students and charge the same rate for all, although fees are higher than at public universities.

Fees for graduate programs vary widely depending on your chosen subject and institution. For example, course fees and living costs at a top-ranked institution could cost as much as $70,000 (£50,600) but there is financial help available depending on your circumstances. To find out exactly how much your postgraduate course costs contact your university.

While tuition fees are pricey the annual cost of living is generally much lower than in other countries such as the UK.

Student Visas

Any foreign national looking to enter the USA will need a visa.

The F-1 non-immigrant visa is the most common type for those wishing to study in the USA at an accredited college or university. You’ll need to have been accepted and approved on your course before applying for one. You will then register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and there is a $350 (£253) fee for this.

You will also need to make an appointment for a visa interview with the US embassy in your country. You’ll need to bring the following:

  • your passport
  • your visa application form
  • Financial documents.

The earlier you start this process the better – F-1 visas can be issued 120 days before your course start date. However, you won’t be allowed to enter the US more than 30 days before your course start date.

US visa requirements can be complicated so for a complete guide visit the US Department of State – Student Visas.

Due to the changeable nature of immigration laws, nationals of predominantly Muslim countries will need to keep a close eye on any rules or restrictions that may affect them entering the USA.

Student Visas

Any foreign national looking to enter the USA will need a visa.

The F-1 non-immigrant visa is the most common type for those wishing to study in the USA at an accredited college or university. You’ll need to have been accepted and approved on your course before applying for one. You will then register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and there is a $350 (£253) fee for this.

You will also need to make an appointment for a visa interview with the US embassy in your country. You’ll need to bring the following:

  • your passport
  • your visa application form
  • Financial documents.

The earlier you start this process the better – F-1 visas can be issued 120 days before your course start date. However, you won’t be allowed to enter the US more than 30 days before your course start date.

US visa requirements can be complicated so for a complete guide visit the US Department of State – Student Visas.

Due to the changeable nature of immigration laws, nationals of predominantly Muslim countries will need to keep a close eye on any rules or restrictions that may affect them entering the USA.

Application deadlines for postgraduate study vary but most fall between November and February.

Language Requirements

Courses in the USA are taught in English. If English is not your first language then you will be required to sit an English Language Proficiency test. The TOEFL and IELTS tests are widely accepted.

USA Admission Advisers

In case you’re confused about your studies in the USA, we can help you solve the problem. Once we meet you, and your parents or spouse, we ask you questions to get a clearer idea of your preferences, restrictions, and goals. This will allow us to make a range of suggestions with regard to locations and universities. With more discussions, we’ll help you pick between them and narrow it down to the right selection of safe, moderate, and ambitious options. We will make your process of studying in the USA hassle-free.

Our advisers are US Agent Training Course (USATC) certified