Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Published on: 09-Nov-2023
Share with:
Study in USA for international students offers vast opportunities, with over 4,000 higher education institutions, including five of the world's top ten universities. This advanced nation provides a unique education system with a wide array of choices.
Students benefit from experienced professors and can earn while learning. The vibrant campus life is enriched by diverse cultures. This guide offers an overview of the educational journey in the USA.
Are you planning to study in the USA? If so, appropriately preparing yourself is necessary. The following are the essential points to remember.
Around 3,600 universities are available in the USA. Not all of them offer the same programs and courses. Start researching early about your preferred universities and their offered courses.
You can go through various official websites and other helpful resources to find the best university to study in the USA for international students.
Understanding the prerequisites for studying in the USA for international students is vital for a successful application.
International students should be well-versed in the comprehensive admission process, which includes studying and working in the United States.
You will need to submit all necessary documents, including an academic transcript, standardised test scores, English proficiency test scores, an essay, a recommendation, and a copy of your valid passport.
It is essential to secure sufficient financial support during your study period.
You will need approximately $8,000-$35,000 to study at a state or public university, and $25,000-$55,000 for private universities.
Additionally, the USA offers scholarships for international students. You can get Fulbright Scholarships to study a master's and a Ph.D. in the USA. Students must be eligible for that.
Obtaining a student visa requires completing an application, paying a fee, and attending an interview.
You must submit all necessary documents, such as a valid passport, photos, printed copies of payment confirmations, academic transcripts, official test scores, and bank statements.
Do you want to select the best courses to study in USA for international students? Here is how you should do it!
More than 100 universities in the USA are ranked top in the world.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of California, and Princeton University are some top universities to study in the USA.
When planning to study in the United States for international students, you can't overlook some important factors.
An education system, university reputation, and alumni network, public or private university, location, scholarships & funding, major and minor subjects, cost & fees, career opportunity and success, campus facilities & resources, etc., are the top points to note down.
Make sure to clearly and completely fill up the application form. This will help the authority to evaluate your qualifications.
Write a perfect personal statement for a university application, including your life experiences, unique skills, or real-world experience.
Be honest and focus on your strengths. Take enough time to write it correctly with perfect words and expressions—highlights, especially the admission requirements, to impress the authority.
You will need to submit your standardised test scores from the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, etc.
An international student needs a minimum of 16 or 17 ACT scores. A minimum SAT score scale of 1200-1350 is required for regular universities, and 1500-1600 for top universities.
International students are also required to submit academic reference letters from their former teachers, lecturers, or professors.
The academic LOR must focus more on applicants' academic prowess, professional abilities, and accomplishments.
Make sure to apply on time. Track down the deadline. Begin preparing early to allow yourself sufficient time to complete the application process.
Must Read:
International students can get two types of USA student visas: F-1 visa and M-1 visa.
If you are a vocational or technical student, you will need an M-1 visa. This type of visa is suitable for nonacademic or vocational studies.
However, academic students will need an F-1 visa as full-time students. Most international students apply for an F-1 visa for academic purposes.
Getting an F-1 student visa requires SEVP approval. Additionally, you must submit all the important documents mentioned when applying for a student visa.
Once you get the approval of SEVP, register with SEVIS and pay the necessary fees.
You will be called for a visa interview at your US embassy. Don’t forget to bring all the necessary documents as proof.
International students must have a clear understanding of F-1 visa rules and restrictions.
Complying with the student visa rules is mandatory. Otherwise, it may result in deportation, future visa ineligibility, and other consequences.
Students have opportunities to work for up to 20 weeks per year. If your university authority approves, you can work outside the campus too.
Wondering how to study in the USA as an international student on a budget? Here is how you can manage your finances.
The average annual cost of studying in the USA for international students, including living expenses, ranges from $25,000 to $45,000.
The living costs of studying in the USA for international students range from $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 per month.
Housing or rent, gas, food & groceries, internet, electricity, rubbish disposal, water, heating, transportation, health insurance, etc., are common living expenses.
In the USA, students can access various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to support their education. These funding sources, tailored for different academic merits, needs, and special talents, significantly reduce the financial burden, opening doors to diverse educational opportunities in American institutions.
Many applicants often ask this question: Can international students study for free in the USA? The answer is yes. International students have the opportunity to pursue their studies in the USA with financial assistance from fully funded or partially funded scholarships. The amount of funding received is contingent on factors like the student's academic level, selected program, and the educational institution they enrol in.
International students are required to pay between $500 and $1,000 per year for the healthcare system and insurance.
It will cover the cost of routine, preventive, and emergency healthcare procedures from primary physicians, specialists, and other medical providers.
Create an effective budgeting plan to avoid unnecessary costs. Be smart with your money and utilise your student status to spend as little as possible.
Make sure to save as much as possible to use in case of any emergency or unwanted situation.
Keep all necessary travel documents with you before arriving in the USA. After arriving in the USA, let your family and friends know you have arrived safely.
Look for a safe, affordable transportation option to reach your new accommodation location. Get a new USA SIM card and open a bank account to manage your finances in the USA.
Students can choose various types of accommodation options, such as on-campus dormitories, off-campus apartments or shared housing, apartments, local homestays, etc.
The average monthly cost of living on campus in shared rooms is approximately $450.
However, living off campus can cost anywhere between $300 and $ 3,000+, depending on the location, apartment quality, room size, and additional facilities.
You will live for several years until your graduation is completed.
Understanding American culture, language, cultural norms, social etiquette, and local laws & regulations is essential.
This will help you develop a strong bond with local Americans and increase your networking cycle.
You can join various community groups and volunteering activities, as well as attend social events to meet like-minded individuals and make friends.
Plus, international students can utilise social media and online platforms to connect with people virtually.
U.S. universities offer a range of healthcare and support services. They have first aid and treatment for non-complicated medical conditions.
Besides, they have multi-doctor primary care centres with teams of professionals who specialise in different areas.
Additionally, you will have access to various services, including counselling centres, academic resource centres, disability access offices, and peer tutoring.
The teaching method in US universities is student-focused, learner-centred, and interactive.
They follow various learning styles, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, writing/reading, sequential, global, etc.
International students can access various academic support services, including academic advising, writing centres, and tutoring services.
Besides, you will have access to books, journals, online databases, and research materials from the university library and website/server.
International students can also participate in extracurricular activities and clubs to cultivate leadership opportunities and enhance teamwork experience.
However, balance your academic responsibilities and your club involvement to ensure no compromise in academic success.
Be very serious about studying from the first semester. Utilise active learning techniques to understand and retain the topic for a long time.
Take help from your professors, teaching assistants, or classmates if you are not doing well in your studies. Seek suggestions from others who are doing well.
International students in the USA have visa restrictions on working outside the campus.
They can take on off-campus jobs if their university authority permits them. However, it must be relevant to their major or program of study.
Students can hold various part-time jobs, both on and off campus.
You can find part-time jobs at your university, such as a Library assistant, a teaching assistant, a Research study assistant, or a campus ambassador.
Besides, off-campus jobs, such as barista, receptionist, food runner, catering assistant, sales assistant, dining room server, and call centre representative, are also available.
If you are not experienced in finding a job, consider training with a career counsellor.
Learn how to write an effective resume and cover letter to get a job in the USA market.
You can also practice Mock interviews to improve your interviewing skills.
You can join the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and CPT programs to gain work experience relevant to your studies.
This will help you discover new, high-paying job opportunities quickly in the future.
If you want to work and study in the USA as an international student, be highly conscious of your health and well-being.
Ensure you obtain healthcare insurance by paying an annual fee.
You will get check-ups, preventive care, and general healthcare services from them.
USA universities provide mental health counselling services to support various mental health concerns and stress management.
You can also visit community mental health centres if you are experiencing mental health challenges.
If you want to study and work in the USA, you know how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Follow a healthy, balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each day. Say no to junk and processed foods. Track your weight and calculate the number of calories you consume daily.
Stay connected with loved ones and join in various local cultural events, festivals, and communities to overcome homesickness.
Meet new people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to learn how to adapt to various cultures with ease.
What are the benefits of studying in the USA for international students apart from academic purposes? Let’s discover it!
There are dozens of cities for international students to explore. The most popular cities are New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, DC, Miami, and Las Vegas.
Select affordable flight deals and book your flights in advance. Carry your student ID card and inquire about taking advantage of student discounts. Use public transportation to save money.
Compare various transportation options, such as aeroplanes, car rentals, ridesharing services, buses, trains, and subways, to secure the best deal based on your budget.
You can visit the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, and Southwest regions. They will provide you with diverse cultural and traditional experiences.
Research the legal system of where you are going to stay. Ensure you stay updated on the laws, regulations, and customs in the specific area.
Familiarise yourself with campus resources, attend safety orientations, and utilise safety escort services for added security inside or outside campus.
Note emergency contact information and familiarise yourself with the emergency evacuation procedures to address emergencies.
Stay informed about student rights, advocacy, or support. Respect the rights of other students in the university and support them if needed.
If you study in the USA as an international student, you will have the opportunity to learn from diverse academic programs in a multicultural environment.
Enhance your academic and professional skills in this advanced educational system, stay connected with loved ones while proactively pursuing your studies, and expand your professional network through extracurriculars, internships, and networking events.
November 29 2025
November 22 2025
November 15 2025
Author: Dr Mohammad Shafiq
For most applicants, the planning for UCAS (the central system for applying to UK universities) begins months before the cycle opens. With 2025 deadli... Read More
Author: Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Have you missed the September UK university intake deadline? Do you need more time to prepare? If so, then this post is just for you, because the oppo... Read More
Author: Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Yes, it is possible to study in UK without IELTS in 2026. This guide will assist you. Most students think IELTS is the only way, but that is a my... Read More
