Student Visa Requirements
F-1 visa: This is the most popular type of visa for international students who want to pursue academic studies.
M-1 visa: This type of visa is available to students who want to pursue vocational education.
J-1 visa: This visa is required for participation in exchange programs by international students.
International students who want to study in the USA must first submit an application to a USA institution or university that is approved by the Student Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). After acceptance, a Form I-20 will be delivered from the international student office of the relevant institute after paying the SEVIS fee. The form provided by the university offering admission must be shown at the USA embassy during the visa interview to receive a student visa for the USA. Students must also produce the same documentation when they arrive in the United States at the point of entry.
Documents required for a US student visa
- A valid passport will still be valid for at least six months after you visit the USA.
- Acceptance at a school that holds SEVP approval and your Form I-20
- Application fee payment for the SEVIS
- Application for a non-immigrant visa and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Your photograph in the requested format, and number
- A Form I-20 and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application to USCIS if you choose Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Academic documents such as transcripts, degrees, certificates, or diplomas
- Evidence that you have adequate funds to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in the USA. This might consist of Bank statements, A Sponsor’s financial commitment to pay for your lodging and living expenses.
Cost of studying and living in the USA
The estimated average cost of studying in the USA will vary from student to student. The state that the student decides to study significantly impacts the overall cost of living. The cost of studying in the USA varies depending on the state the student decides to go to.
Tuition- The average annual tuition fee for studying in the USA varies depending on the university and the course. The expected annual tuition for courses in the arts, engineering, and law wie residence of the student. The expenditure is around $9,800 – $11,100 per year. ll range from $15,000 to $55,000, while the estimated annual tuition for courses in medicine and law will range from $25,000 to $68000. A bachelor’s degree in the USA costs around 8,000 – 35,000 USD /year and a Master’s degree in the USA costs around 10,000 – 35,000 USD /year.
Scholarships for International Students in the US
Some other scholarships in American Universities are:
- ETS TOEFL Scholarship
- Inlaks Research Travel Grants,
- Tata Scholarships for Cornell University
- Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Inlaks Scholarships to Study Abroad
- Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarship
- Richmond Scholars Program
- Mason Scholars
- Sally Vick Hill Scholarship
Intakes in the American universities
| Spring | January to May |
| Summer | Starts around May |
| Fall | September to December |
List of the documents you should have when applying to US universities
- 10th and 12th marksheet
- Provisional certificates and transcripts if you have completed a degree
- IELTS, GRE, TOEFL or GMAT scoresheets
- LORs
- 2-3 SOPs
- Resume stating your curricular and co-curricular activities
- ID proof
- Visa
- Passport
- Other authentic documents and certifications
Additional Requirements for US Universities
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume/CV
Popular Courses for Students in America
Computer Science and Information Technology- This is the most popular course in USA universities as it offers a broad range of specialisations such as Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Business Analytics, Health informatics Technology, Computer Engineering, Data Sciences, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering etc.
Business Management- The names Harvard, Wharton, and Columbia are enough to catch the attention of students who want to become successful business people.
Law- At law schools in the United States, students can choose to specialise in a variety of areas, including Environmental Law, Property Law, and Civil Law.
Humanities and Social Sciences- In universities all around the United States, psychology is a popular subject that has gained relevance over time.
Life and Biological Sciences- The largest biological hub in the world is thought to be in the United States. Students in this field have a variety of research options at American universities.
Top Universities in the USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)– Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #1 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Stanford University– Stanford University is one of the top private universities in Stanford, United States. It is ranked #3 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Harvard University– Harvard University is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #5 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)– California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the top private universities in Pasadena, United States. It is ranked #=6 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- University of Chicago– University of Chicago is one of the top private universities in Chicago, United States. It is ranked #10 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- University of Pennsylvania– University of Pennsylvania is one of the top private universities in Philadelphia, United States. It is ranked #13 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Princeton University– Princeton University is one of the top private universities in Princeton, United States. It is ranked #=16 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Yale University– Yale University is one of the top private universities in New Haven, United States. It is ranked #18 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Cornell University– Cornell University is one of the top private universities in Ithaca, United States. It is ranked #20 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Columbia University– Columbia University is one of the top private universities in New York City, United States. It is ranked #22 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
General Exams Required to Apply for US University Admission
GMAT– The GMAT is an important part of the business school admissions process because it provides a standardised measure of a candidate’s academic abilities. Admissions committees use GMAT scores to compare applicants from different academic backgrounds and evaluate their potential for success in the program.
GRE- Students who wish to pursue an MA or MS in graduate studies must additionally take the Graduate Record Examination.
LSAT- The Law School Admission Test is a standardised test that applicants to law schools must take.
SAT– The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardised test that is commonly used for college admissions in the United States.
Most Popular Careers for Part-Time Jobs for Students
- Barista
- Peer tutor
- Server
- Department Assistant
- Teaching Assistant
- On-Campus Tech Support
- Delivery Person
- Library Assistant
To conclude, studying in the USA can be a life-changing experience and that is exactly why millions of students strive for this opportunity. With a world-class education system as well as a welcoming culture, The USA is a great destination for International students. This guide can be used by you as a starting point in order to help you navigate the application process and make your dream of studying in the USA become a reality.
To conclude, this blog covers the details and necessities of studying in the USA from student visa procedures to living costs and job options. Along with the academic exams needed for admission, we will also provide information on the best universities and courses to study at in the USA. So, let us get started!
We highly recommend that students seek out the aid of professional education agents and we at Silver Fern are always ready to cater to each and every need of our students in terms of making a successful admissions application, seeking out suitable accommodation and planning for future employment to make their overseas education memorable and fruitful.
Author Bio : Mr. Almasto Kapoor
I believe that wisdom and information amplify when shared with others. With more than 14 years of vast experience in tertiary education and having assisted a plethora of students in accomplishing their higher education dreams, I’d like to believe that my knowledge is substantial. To make this knowledge count, I love sharing it with students to apprise them of the intricacies of overseas education and to go with that, my keen interest in writing makes it an even more fulfilling thing to do!
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