What do I need to know about studying in the USA as an international student?
Updated: March 8, 2023Thinking about studying in the United States? Navigating the U.S. educational system and its requirements for international students can be a daunting task. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about studying in the USA.
•Valid Passport
•One Photograph according to specifications
•I-20 of the University student accepted
•Confirmation of page of online submitted DS -160 with CEAC Bar Code.
•Visa Fees Receipt with Bar Code
•SEVIS Fee receipt
•VFS Appointment Letter
•I-20’s of all other Universities student applied for and the rejection letters.
•If employed – Appointment letter from the company
•Educational Documents: Original degree certificates with mark sheet of previous education, mark sheet of high schools and standardised test scores – TOEFL/ IELTS, SAT, GRE and GMAT.
Proof of liquid funds that would cover first year tuition and living cost. Additional funds should cover the education the entire duration of the program.
Liquid Assets are mandatory for the first year education: Saving Account (Bank Statement of past 6 months), Fixed Deposits, Post office accounts, provident funds, Employee provident funds and Educational Loan (Sanction Letter, terms of payment and Collateral/ security documents)
Additional year funds (Immovable assets): Property/Land, Gold evaluation from registered company, shares/bonds.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2021 there were 5,916 post-secondary institutions with 2,636 granting 4-year degrees.
Associate Degree: Associate degree programs are offered at 2-year colleges - also known as junior or community colleges. Associate degree programs can be either designed as a terminal degree which is highly focused on technical career-oriented training for in-demand jobs, a stepping stone to a 4-year degree, or both.
Undergraduate or Bachelor Degrees: Bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years to complete. They are offered in colleges, universities and institutes.
Graduate or Masters Degree: The duration of a master’s course may range from 1-2 years depending on the university & area of specialization.
Phd Program: Duration may range from 3 years to 5 years. Students typically apply for a PhD after completion of their master’s degree, but some PhD programs only require a 4 year degree for admission.
College and Universities – Colleges tend to be smaller and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while universities also offer undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Institutes – An institute usually specializes in degree programs in a group of closely related subject areas
State or Public Universities – Financially supported by public taxes, usually large in size. All levels of degrees with different fields of study are offered. Usually has a lower tuition fee.
Private Universities – Funded by a combination of endowments, tuition fees, research grants, and gifts from their alumni.
Small Liberal Arts Colleges – Generally have the focus on undergraduate study of the traditional arts and science disciplines: humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Community Colleges – Community colleges are designed to provide affordable education for in-demand careers. They usually offer Associate Degrees which are equivalent to the first 2 years of a 4-year degree. Community colleges often have credit transfer partnerships with local state or private institutions where you can finish the remaining 2 years of a 4 year degree.
Spring: January/February
Fall: August/September (Major Intake)
Summer: April/May
Funding for Undergraduate: Financial Aid is offered in the form of On-Campus Jobs, Internships or Co-ops. Merit Scholarship, Dean Scholarship or Athletics Scholarships are also offered on a limited and competitive basis.
Funding for Graduate: Financial Aid is offered in the form of On-Campus Jobs, Internships, Co-ops, Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Assistantships and Administrative Assistantships. Academic Scholarships are also offered on a limited and competitive basis.
Associate Degree – Associate of Arts or Associate of Science is a 2-year degree
Bachelors Degree - Bachelors of Science, Bachelors of Arts, Bachelors in Engineering etc. are 4-year degrees
Masters Degree – Masters of Science, Masters of Engineering and Masters of Arts – 1.5 - 2 Years
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) – 2 years
Masters of Law (LLM)
PhD/ Doctorate Degree - 3 to 5 Years
Requirements for admission to a PhD vary based on school or even program. Although students with a master's may be preferred it is possible to gain admission to a PhD program with a 4-year degree. Check with the institution for individual requirements.
