Study in USA
Although there are so many reasons on why should you study in the United States of America (USA), one of the most attractive one is that universities, colleges and schools in the country have always earned very high ranking in the world-class education. International students are welcomed by world famous Institutions in USA such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), West Point, Harvard University, Berkeley School of Music, Stanford University.
International students are offered a range of options that are rewarding, comprehensive and exciting for them at the same time. There are almost limitless choices for students coming to US to study. Moreover, employers universally highly prefer international students who have completed their studies in US.
According to the Open Doors report, published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) every year with support from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, international student intake at the colleges and universities in the US has increased by 3% to around 10 lakh students during the academic year 2017-2018.
In fact, around 4% of the total undergraduate universities and colleges in USA and around 10% of the total graduate school comprise of international students.
About USA
USA is known to have the biggest international student population in the world. Students from all over the world come here to study and add up to student population every year, more than 800,000 students expand their background and education in the country. Amongst the total number of students selected in higher education, 4% are international students and this percentage is developing. US degrees are perceived far and wide for their academic brilliance and improved learning encounters.
A number of prestigious institutions regarded internationally are incorporated with universities here in America. There is a wide range of alternatives available for accommodation, educational fee structure as well as financial assistance from different organizations in the form of aid, grants, expense waivers and much more that makes studying in USA affordable.
Work during study in USA
It is not only that international students find the cost of studying a bit expensive in the USA in fact; American students also feel the same. It is a good idea for you to work while study as it will help reduce the cost of education and will also help you get some work experience. International students for sure can work in USA while they study; it is just that they have to be careful of some restrictions.
International students with an F-1 and M-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus and in specified training programs. Students during the first academic year however, are not allowed to work off-campus, working in the library, cafeteria or student center is all student oriented on-campus job.
Students after completing their first academic year however can work off-campus through programs specifically for international students who are looking for employment in sectors like Engineering, Science, Business Administration, Health Care, Teaching and a lot more sectors as there are numerous employment opportunities for professionals in these sectors. International students are assisted by most of the colleges and universities who are in search for a job on campus as well as off-campus.
What is F1 and M1 Visa:
International students wishing to study and live in the USA are issued with visas of two categories F1 and M1. Students who do not intend to permanently stay in the USA are issued a student visa and that is a non-immigrant visa as the only purpose to apply for this kind of visa is to get education here is the USA.
One of these two non immigrant visas are issued to those international students who want to either persue full time academics or gain professional skills.
F1 Visa is the one designed for students who either attend academic program at a school, college or university or a full time degree that is approved by U.S.A Immigration Department.
M1 Visa is the validity for a year, but in some cases it can be extended for up to three years. It is applied for vocational study programs for instance technical studies, language programs, mechanical studies and cooking classes etc.
How to apply for Bachelor and Master degree program
- Students need to find a program which best suits their needs and/or is of interest in relation to the previous education
- After deciding on the program, one needs to choose the right universities
- Nearly all USA universities give you an options to apply online
- GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT are required by a few US universities
- Processing fee for university application is $75 to $100, depending on the university and programs – non refundable
- Language certification is required in order to be eligible for admission such as IELTS, TOEFL
Required Documents
Requirement for documentation varies upon the university and program applied for. However, the following documents are most likely needed while you to apply for universities in USA:
- Transcripts /Records of grades (high school and/or university)
- Resume
- Test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)*
- Proof of English-language proficiency
- Motivation letter /Statement of Purpose
- Application processing fee
- Sample of writing
- Passport size photograph
Application deadline
Typically two deadlines for application will be offered by USA universities- early admission and regular admission:
| Undergraduate – Bachelor degree programs | |
|---|---|
| Early Admissions | Regular Admissions |
| October and November | February and March |
| Post Graduate – Master degree and PhD programs | |
| Fall intake | Spring intake |
| January to March | July and September |
| all deadlines are depending upon the universities and programs you are applying for | |
Student visa requirement for international students
It is mandatory for all international students to require F1 or M1 visa for entering the USA. Which visa you need to apply for is dependent on the course as well as the type of school you intend to opt for. In general, requirement for the student visa here in USA is dependent upon the university or college from where you obtained an admission plus the country where your student visa application is being submitted.
Required Documents
- A valid passport – Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond one’s period of stay in the United States
- The non immigrant visa application, form DS-160 available online for free
- Passport size photograph -students have to upload their photo while the online Form is being completed
- Processing fee for Visa application is US$ 160 (Non Refundable).
- Certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant – for academic and language students, form I-20 or certificate of eligibility for non immigrant
- Academic documents
- Standardized test scores required by the U.S.A university applied
- Proof of sufficient finance – in general, the bank statement showing that the student can bear all the leaving and educational expenses
Most important:
- It should be noted that an interview by the visa officer will be conducted in order to determine whether the applicant is qualified enough to receive a USA student visa or not
- International students applying for the student visa must make a point that they meet all the requirements under USA law in order to receive the visa.
- Visa officer at USA embassy reserve the right to ask any additional documents from the applicant