From the Big Easy to the Big Apple, the United States is truly the land of opportunities.
The USA is home to the highest number of international students in the world. With famous cities, highly ranked universities and exciting campus environments, studying in the USA offers the perfect blend of educational quality and cultural experience.
Interested in Education in the USA?
Undertaking education in the USA includes both a broad spectrum of study options and a great opportunity to experience new things. You get to know a new culture, you become fluent in a new language and you build memories that last a lifetime while making friends from all over the world. But before you make up your plans and start your education in the USA, it is important to have all the information you need to make the best out of your time in this country.
What you need to know about the USA?
There Are many reasons why almost 100,000 international students chose the USA as their study destination. This country has one of the world’s finest university systems, with outstanding programs in almost every field.
The USA is one of the world largest countries by total area and this makes it one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations.
Capital: Washington D.C.
Currency: American Dollar ($)
Population: 324 million
Area: 9.83 million km²
Students: 21 million (1 million international)
Academic Year: August – May
Languages: American English
Call code: +1
Time Zone: UTC−4 to −12, +10, +11
The term “college” refers to a four-year undergraduate school where students earn Bachelor’s degrees. Colleges can be part of a university, which is a school offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. Within either of these educational institutions, you can choose between three different opportunities to study.
Study Abroad : Here you take a few freestanding courses, and study at a school for one or two semesters. Not all universities in the US have this kind of opportunity; it is best to contact the school to get more information. At some universities, you apply to the courses when you apply to the school, but for most universities, you choose your courses when you arrive to start your education.
Undergraduate : You study for a complete education which is normally three to four years long. Most undergraduate, or Bachelor’s degrees in the US require completion of 120 credits, amounting to 15 hours of credit each term for full-time students. Upon graduation from an undergraduate education program in the USA, students earn a Bachelor’s Degree.
Postgraduate : This type of degree is aimed at students who have already earned a Bachelor’s Degree. A postgraduate degree is either a Master’s degree or PhD which allow you to pursue an in-depth study of a specific topic of your choice. Students who complete the postgraduate education earn a Master’s Degree, which usually takes three to four semesters to finish.
Intake : August and January It can take a long time for an international student to be accepted to a university or college in the USA. There is a lot of paperwork to fill in and there are many choices to make. It is recommended for you to start planning early, at least a year before you want to study abroad in the USA.
Eligibility Criteria
Moreover, no fixed guidelines are for students for entry requirements in USA institutes. But for admission, the following documents must be considered carefully.
For Undergraduates
• High School Diploma and Transcripts
• Bank Letter with Adequate funds
• Affidavits of financial support
• Passport Copy
• I20 (After acceptance)
• Adequate funds for fee submission
For Graduates
• Bachelor’s Degree + Transcripts (4 years of study)
• Bank Letter with Adequate funds
• Affidavits of financial support
• Passport Copy
• Letter of Recommendation
• Resume
• I20 (After acceptance)
• Adequate funds for fee submission
Many Indian students, along with other international students, make plans to go to American universities for college-level education, as some colleges of the U.S.A. are ranked among the top universities in the world. But coming to colleges in the U.S.A. involves more than being accepted academically as a student; it also involves dealing with the legal and governmental aspects of traveling to the U.S.A.As an Indian student intending to study in the U.S.A., you will need to acquire a U.S.A. student visa from a U.S. Embassy near you. The U.S. Embassies in India are located in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. The process for obtaining a U.S. student visa from one of these embassies might seem long and complicated, but the more you are prepared and the faster you put together your documentation, the quicker you will be able to start your adventure at a U.S.A. university.
The type of visa granted to you will depend on the purpose of your visit to the U.S. For academic purposes, students will need to obtain an F-class U.S.A. student visa. These visas cover students planning to pursue full-time degree programs at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
FQA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: There are so many schools in the U.S. How do I decide which schools to apply to?
A: Research your options and define your priorities. Contact the EducationUSA advising center nearest you and browse college search engines online. Check to see if the schools your are considering are accredited.
Q: What’s the difference between a college and a university?
A: Colleges offer only undergraduate degrees while universities offer graduate degrees as well, but the terms are often used interchangeably.
Q: Are there age limitations to attend U.S. universities?
A: In general, you must have completed high school and you must be at least 17 years of age.
Q: What is the academic calendar for universities in the United States?
A: The academic year usually runs from August through May with breaks for holidays. Most universities use either the semester system (two terms), the quarter system (students attend three out of four total terms), or the trimester system (three terms).
Q: What is the difference between “Undergraduate” and “Graduate” degrees?
A: Undergraduate programs follow high school and lead to an associate (two-year) degree or a bachelor (four-year) degree. Graduate programs follow a bachelor’s degree and lead to a master’s or doctoral degree.
Q: What are the different types of undergraduate degrees?
A: Associate: a two-year program that either leads to a specific vocation or transitions to a bachelor program. Bachelor: a four or five-year program where students earn credits in a wide variety of courses.
Q: What are the different types of graduate degrees?
A: Masters: two-year degree providing additional specialization. Doctorate: five to eight-year program certifying the student as a trained research scholar and/or professor.
Q: Is it possible to take a professional degree program without first earning a bachelor’s degree?
A: Yes, but they are highly selective and require a heavy courseload across a total of six years of study.
Q: Is it possible to obtain a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at the same time?
A: In a joint-degree program, students begin a graduate program in their fourth year of college, earning both degrees upon graduation.
Q: What is the length of study for MBA programs in the U.S.?
A: MBA programs typically last one to two years.
Q: Can you work while studying in the United States?
A: With permission of the International Student Office, international students may work on campus up to 20 hours/week their first year and can apply to work off-campus in subsequent years.
Q: What is the difference between online studies and distance studies?
A: Essentially there is no difference.
Q: What is distance education?
A: Distance education occurs when a student and an instructor are in different places. Learning occurs by mail, telephone, internet, or by other means.
Q: Is distance learning available at the graduate level?
A: Yes. To find accredited online distance learning programs, please search the Distance Education Accrediting Commission website.
Q: Can I transfer to a U.S. university from a university outside of the United States?
A: Yes, although you may lose some credits and require extra time to complete your degree.
Q: What is the transfer application process?
A: You must fulfill the requirements of a freshman applicant, as well as any supplemental information required by the transfer institution.
Q: What is a community college?
A: Community colleges are typically state-supported and provide the first two years of a four-year undergraduate degree.
Q: Why should I attend community college?
A: Community colleges offer lower costs, easier admission policies, close ties to state schools,and many of the required courses connected to a degree.
Q: How do you transfer from a community college to a four-year university?
A: The transfer process varies for each school. It is best to target the four-year institution early and determine what is needed to transfer.
Q: How can I find out if an institution is accredited?
A: Search the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Post-secondary Education website to see if an institution is accredited.
Q: How can I find out if a specialized program of study is accredited?
A: For specialized program accreditation, see “Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education,” available from American Council on Education.
Q: How can I find out which universities are rated best for a specific academic major?
A: Refer to college and university guides to find which institutions are known for excellence in different fields of study.
Q: What are English language proficiency requirements?
A: U.S. universities require an English language proficiency test before admission to ensure you can read, write, and speak fluently.
Q: I want to study in the United States, but my English proficiency isn’t good enough yet. What can I do?
A: There are a number of programs for English language study in the United States and online, as well as local possibilities.
Q: Do students have to study a fixed set of subjects or can they individually form their major?
A: It depends: Some degree programs are highly structured. Bachelors’ degrees are very flexible and sometimes allow you to create your own program.
Q: When do you declare a major?
A: You do not declare a major until the end of you second year of school.
Q: What is a liberal arts college?
A: A liberal arts college offers courses in humanities, languages, math, social and natural sciences, and students take 25-50% of their courses in their major.
Q: What are the benefits of a liberal arts education?
A: A liberal arts college offers a smaller setting and teaches critical thinking and communication skills necessary in an ever-changing job market.
Q: What is the credit system in U.S. universities?
A: A credit is a value assigned to each course which reflects the number of hours the class will meet with the professor each week.
Q: What is a GPA?
A: Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numeric indicator for a student’s academic performance, calculated on a scale of 4.0.
Q: What is the U.S. grading system?
A: Letter grades indicate a student’s academic performance. Each letter grade has a numeric value which is used to calculate a GPA, on a scale of 4.0.
Q: How are grades determined in U.S. universities?
A: Grades are typically determined by quizzes, midterms, final exams, papers, projects, class attendance, and class participation.
Q: What is the difference between state and private universities?
A: State universities are funded by the state and are generally larger and less expensive than private universities.
Q: Are there opportunities for university exchange programs?
A: Contact the office responsible for international programs at your institution to ask if your school has exchange agreements with U.S. universities.
Q: How can an international student find out what academic subjects from their country are acceptable for a U.S. university?
A: Each U.S. university will want to review an international student’s subjects and may ask the student to contact a credential evaluation agency.
Q: How can I apply for vocational training in the United States?
A: U.S. institutions cannot issue I-20 forms for non-degree study, including vocational training. Community colleges offer technical/vocational study for an associate’s degree.
Q: What’s the best general advice for an incoming student?
A: Attend the closest EducationUSA advising center’s predeparture orientation. Then, when you arrive on campus, attend all orientation meetings scheduled at your college or university.
What to do before the visa interview for study in the U.S.A. ?
Make sure that you complete Form DS-160 before the interview for your U.S. student visa. After completing Form DS-160, print out the confirmation page with the barcode on a laser printer. Then, go to an approved HDFC bank in order to pay the visa application fee. Save the receipt from the payment.
should also make sure that you have the I-120 form, which is a form issued by colleges in the U.S.A. for affirming enrollment, and you should make sure to pay the I-901 fee online through the U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement website. Save the receipt.
Finally, make an appointment for a U.S.A. student visa interview through the VFS website. This will require you to have your DS-160 barcode number and your HDFC fee receipt.
What to bring to the U.S. student visa interview ?
When interviewing for your U.S.A. student visa, make sure not to arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your appointed time, and bring the following documents with you:
Officially US workers work a traditional 9am to 5pm day or 40-hour week. However, in reality, employees often go beyond this. It could be that you end up working the occasional 12 hour day, especially if you are employed in the legal or medical professions.Two weeks annual leave is standard although some US workers have to settle for as little as nine paid holiday days a year, which is well below the UK average. Paid leave in the USA also includes public holidays such as New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th July), Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Not all private business will honor public holidays.
The US economy has shown strong signs of recovery after the global recession and is still known as an economic giant. Unemployment is falling and a number of industries expect significant growth over the next few years. This said, the job market remains competitive and international graduates will really need to sell their qualifications and experience to employers.
The country’s major industries include:
The country also has one of the most advanced media sectors in the world. US film, TV and music has a global audience and there are thousands of newspapers, radio stations and news channels.
It’s not a secret that US university fees are expensive. Fees and living costs at top US universities could add up to around US$60,000 per year. Given this fact, many international students find themselves in the situation where they need to work part-time in order to finance their education and living expenses. Of course, working part-time shouldn’t be solely a need-based decision. It can be great for any student, as it will help you build a solid résumé and gain experience in your field of study.
But you must bear in mind that the US government takes working illegally very seriously and breaking the rules will lead to problems that could jeopardize your student status and even lead to deportation. All of this doesn’t mean that you can’t work during your study years, and we will help you learn the basics of the work authorization process.
What opportunities do you have with an F1 student visa?
If you have been accepted for enrollment in a US university and completed all the necessary steps, you will be able to study in the US after your F1 student visa is approved. The F1 visa category is reserved for academic students enrolled in US universities, colleges, high schools, language training programs, and other academic institutions.
When it comes to international students working in the US, there are some restrictions. Students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on the campus of their university for up to 20 hours a week.
Always talk to your designated school official (DSO)
If you decide that you want to work part-time during your study years, the first thing you need to do is talk with your designated school official (DSO).
As long as you have a valid US student visa and are in good academic standing, the process should go smoothly. Just contact your DSO and s/he will present you jobs that are available and could fit you.
There are two main types of jobs a student can take: on-campus and off-campus. The second one doesn’t usually work for international students coming to study in the US, but we will discuss the requirements and restrictions for each type.
On-campus employment with a US student visa
Your US student visa allows you to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full-time during school break periods (up to 40 hours per week). On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus, or at an off-campus location that is affiliated with the school. That could mean working in a university bookstore, cafeteria or other facilities where students can help.
In order to get this type of job, you will be required to apply for it up to 30 days before the start of classes. In order to apply, talk to your DSO. If you are approved, your DSO will provide you with a letter of approval, which you will need in order to get a Social Security Number (SSN).
Off-campus employment with a US student visa
Things can get a little more complicated if you wish to work off-campus, but there are some training programs that F1 students can get permission to work under.
As you would expect, off-campus employment is work that that takes place outside of the school campus. It is not impossible to obtain, but it’s only available to F1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.
There are two programs especially created for students who wish to gain experience in their field of study: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). To check if you are eligible, discuss these with your DSO.
As you can see, there are work opportunities for international students in the US, but you need to make sure you follow all the rules and always check things out with your DSO.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT gives international students authorization to gain employment training and to work in paid internships positions. Students have a chance to work full-time which is more than 20 hours per week or part-time less than 20 hours per week earning money in US dollars and gain work experience in their area of interest. CPT Work Study programs provide students with the support to acquire a paid position on campus or off campus. Not only that, but many of them have been designed to allow students to begin working as early as the first year. CPT must be work training that is necessary to complete a degree program.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is an official work permit which allows students to work full time legally post the course completion. All F-1 students are allowed to work under OPT, whereas the duration varies for STEM and Non STEM programs. STEM graduates get the opportunity to work for 36 months and Non STEM graduates get it for an year only. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study.
There also exists a post-completion Optional Practical Training option for students on M-1 visas, but it is significantly more restrictive than that for F-1 students. Unless otherwise specified, Optional Practical Training is understood to refer to Optional Practical Training for F-1 students.
The US Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in the US. Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:
The US Government offers three different student visa types:
S.No. | Types of student visa | Description |
1 | F-1 Student Visa | to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute |
2 | J Exchange Visa | for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study |
3 | M Student Visa | for non-academic or vocational study or training in the US |
*For detailed information, please visit the US Government’s Department of State website.
As a primary step, you must first apply and be accepted by a US school or university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution’s international student office, which is a paper record of your information in the database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
When applying for your student visa for the US, you will generally need:
Some additional documents that might be required include:
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the US embassy or consulate.
*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing
Most students who wish to pursue their studies overseas opt for the F-1 Student Visa. There are three major steps to its procedure, being:
S.no | Type of Student Visa | Description |
Step 1 | SEVIS fee and I-20 form collection | Once you pay the SEVIS fee, you are given an I-20 form from your new school or college. Duly fill the form and bring along for your F-1 interview. |
Step 2 | VISA fee and form collection | Pay your visa fee at the designated bank and collect the visa form. Duly fill the form and bring along for your interview. |
Step 3 | VISA interview | Schedule a visa interview with the US embassy in your country. The waiting time may vary depending on the visa type. Once you complete the interview successfully, you’ll receive your visa 120 days in advance. |
P.S: You can move to the US only 30 days before the start date of your program.
You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the US Embassy and Consulates India website. You can apply up to 120 days before your intended date of program’s start date. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in the US, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.
Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest applications forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we can also help to certify, translate and courier your documents.
As an applicant from outside the US, you will have to pay US$160 as an application visa fee (do check the latest fee when applying here).
There is now a US$350 SEVIS fee on F and M visa applications and US$220 on most of the J Visa applications, this includes the cost of the computer system which is used to record your stay in the United States (SEVIS).
To gain your US student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.
US educational institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 band.
Once you get your visa, there are several things you need to do to ensure it remains valid, including:
You can always contact us for a free counselling session and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.
Intakes:
The preparation to study in Canada for Indian students should begin a year in advance. The major intake for Canada universities and colleges is ‘Fall’, September. The other intake is in the month of January i.e., ‘Winter’, but it depends on the program and the institution applied to. Very few institutes might have the May intake as well.
English Language Requirements:
All students must be fluent in English if they are applying to Canadian Institutes. International students need to reach the required level of English language competence. All students should take the IELTS or TOEFL (ibt) exams. An IELTS band of 6.0/6.5 for undergraduates & 6.5/7 for postgraduate courses or a TOEFL score of 80 and above for undergraduate and 90 and above for postgraduation in Canada is desirable.
Eligibility:
Universities in Canada have a requirement level for its programmes. The requirements are mentioned below: –
• Advance Diploma/ Diploma / Certificate:
The student should have a Higher Second-Class score in HSC. They should have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams successfully complying to the conditions laid down by the university.
• Bachelor’s Degree:
The student must clear HSC in First Class. And should have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams successfully complying to the conditions laid down by the university.
• Postgraduate Certification / Diploma:
A Higher Second Class in Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) is necessary for a student to apply for Postgraduate Certification/Diploma. Students should have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams successfully complying to the conditions laid down by the university.
• Master’s Degree
A Master’s Degree student should have a First class in Bachelor’s degrees (4 Years only). If students wish to pursue their postgraduation in Canada, they should have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams successfully complying to the conditions laid down by the university or First Class in Bachelor’s degree (3 years in India) is required. Or could have completed a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma from a Canadian university.
Documents:
• Updated Resume
• An Essay or a writing sample latest.
• Academic Documents – Secondary and Higher Secondary mark sheets, Bachelors mark sheet, Masters mark sheet (As per the student’s case).
• A complete research report and questionnaire form for post graduate and research students.
• Work experience letter (As per student’s case).
• IELTS score sheet/ TOEFL or English proficiency test score result.
• GRE/GMAT score sheet (As per the student’s case).
• Portfolio, thesis on the research subject (As per students’ case).
• Transcripts and Mark sheets from College or University.
• Letters of Recommendation.
• Statement of Purpose.
and many more
Top Courses in US | Price Range |
Business Management | 14,000-45,000 per year |
Engineering | 30,000 -58,000 per year |
Maths and Computer Sciences | 18000-47000 per year |
Social Science | 18000-47000 per year |
Physical & life sciences | 14000- 55000 per year |
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