Why study a Bachelor or Master in United States

Study in United States

When it comes to studying abroad, many consider the US the number one study destination. From cultural diversity to world-class institutions that offer any major under the sun, with many specialisations that don’t exist in any other country, international students love going to the land of the American Dream to learn and pursue their professional careers there after graduation. Read on to learn more about why you should study in the US and how much it will cost you to do so. 

Why should you study in the USA?

There are many reasons why students choose the USA as a study destination. The next section talks about the reasons in detail, just in case you need convincing as to why you should look into studying abroad there. 

Cultural Diversity

One of the main reasons many students decide to study abroad in the United States is the cultural diversity there. Every university in the US states that cultural diversity is one of their main values and are always trying to increase the number of international students taken in every year and giving international students many educational opportunities to study there and enrol into the universities. 

 

International students who choose to study there also always comment on the fact that there are so many other international students in their classes and dorms. They find students from every culture, religion and nationality and are able to interact with them and have an educational experience that is multicultural and thrilling because of those interactions. 

Excellent support facilities

Another good reason to study in the US, besides the excellent universities, is the great support facilities offered to students who go to study there. Many universities offer many programs to help ease the transition into the university, from workshops to English language courses and exchanges to orientations to extracurriculars and campus activities. International students are given plenty of support to get them ready to join the university and be ready to fully participate and excel in their courses. 

 

Studying in the US also gives international students an easy access pass to stay there after graduation and work there at some of the biggest and most well-known companies worldwide. For example, graduates of the STEM fields (which are Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are sometimes offered two years after graduation to gain work experience and potentially extend their stay. 

Many degree subject options

The fact that you can study any subject you can think of, even ones you didn’t think possible, is yet another reason why people decide to choose the US as a study abroad destination. From studying computer science to flourish into the next Steve Jobs to studying international relations and becoming the next Barack Obama to studying engineering and turning into the next Elon Musk, the options are endless. You can pick a specialisation that you are passionate about and become an expert in your field, then decide to pursue it in the US or bring your talents back to your home country and make a difference there.  

Learning self-reliance

Learning to be independent and self-reliant is also a reason why students decide to pursue their study abroad journeys in America. Studying abroad helps people become more motivated, diverse and independent than those who never took the chance. Being among people who are flexible and self-reliant such as Americans helps international students grow into these qualities and become more outgoing and communicative.  

Great career and research opportunities

Finally, one of the main reasons international students choose to study abroad in the US is the great career opportunities after graduation and also the opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research. Studying there helps introduce you to a world of great companies where you can create connections through your education. Studying at a great university will widen your scope and allow you to become eligible for many career opportunities. 

 

US institutions also allow students to conduct research in many areas of study and receive great training opportunities. Many international students choose to become teaching assistants or research assistants to be able to dive more deeply into their subjects of choice. This can also help them fund their degrees, or make some cash on the side. Working with professors also lets them work with the best minds in the field and learn from them, broadening their skills and professional knowledge in the area. 

Option for Community Colleges 

A final reason to choose to study in the USA is the option for community colleges. These colleges are an affordable option as they have cheaper tuition fees than other universities and are easier to be accepted into. They also have partnerships with many top ranked universities so if you don’t get admitted into a university, you can join the community college for a 2 year period and then continue your studies at the university of your dreams. This 2 year period of often called an “associate’s degree”. 

How much does it cost?

When talking about the cost of studying in the US, universities are split into two sectors- state and private. If you study at a state university, you will nepay less than if you study at a private university. The degree you have chosen also determines how much you will pay, as some majors cost more than others do. 

 

In general, to be able to pay your tuition fees, you will need to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $55,000 per year. If you are going for English language studies, your tuition will cost you from $700 to $2,000 a month. Tuition fees at community colleges cost students there from $6,000 to $20,000 annually. 

 

Undergraduate bachelor’s programs cost international students from $20,000 to $40,000 per year while graduate degrees 

cost from $20,000 to $45,000 yearly. Programs like MBAs and other medical programs and those in law and some areas of engineering may cost way more than this estimated cost so be sure to look into the cost of your individual program if you are looking to pursue a professional degree program. 

 

If you’re intending to pursue a PhD or Doctoral Degree, you can expect to pay a range of $28,000 to $55,000 per year, though some doctorate programs are fully funded when you become a research or teaching assistant or apply for research aid or bursaries. However, it’s important to note that getting a fellowship or working as a teaching or research assistant can be hard to land as universities tend to give priority to US citizens, rather than international students. Thankfully, building a good repertoire and relationship with the PhD department of your choice and professors who work there can give you a good chance to get a fellowship or position as a research or teaching assistant. 

 

Living in United States

When it comes to the cost of living in the US, you should set aside somewhere between $10,000 to $18,000 US dollars per year, which means you’ll pay an average cost of living of 1250 USD per month. These costs of living include your accommodation costs, in addition to groceries, travel, textbooks, clothing and entertainment. This section gives you a more in-depth look into the types of accommodation and how much they cost, and how much you’ll have to pay for other living costs if you decide to study abroad in the US, so you can see whether it is feasible for you or not. 

Accommodation

Accommodation, as usual, is the biggest portion of any cost of living you pay. There are many options for study abroad students to live in when they choose to study in the US. From on-campus student accommodations to homestays to private accommodation rentals, you’ll surely find a living option suitable for you and your budget. 

On-Campus Student Accommodation

Perhaps the most popular type of student accommodation among freshmen, on-campus student accommodations are among the most affordable options there. Because they are located on campus, students pay minimum transportation costs and typically, the rent of these rooms is cheaper than other living accommodations rental. If international students choose this living option, they will typically live in shared dorms on campus. 

 

There are typically up to five students living in each shared dorm and you can choose the dorm you live in, though sometimes you can’t always choose your roommates. There are often options for food in on-campus dining halls and you can pay an additional cost to have meal plans set up if you’d rather eat in the campus cafeteria rather than make your own food. 

 

It will often cost you around 10,000 USD per year if you are at a public university and around 11,250 USD every academic year if you are studying at a private institution. 

Homestay 

Another popular accommodation option is the homestay option. This is a type of living arrangement where students live with a family. They typically receive a private room but are expected to help out with family meals and activities if they are staying there. They also pay a minimal rent fee and may be asked to pay another fee up-front, depending on the host family. If they do chores, they may get a discount on their rent.

 

On average, if you choose this accommodation option, you should expect to pay around $600 per month for an accommodation fee and extra fees up to 300 dollars, if the host family asks you to pay them. 

Private Rentals 

Private rentals are another accommodation option that many international students choose. They might either rent a studio or one-bedroom apartment or rent an apartment to share with friends or family members and split the cost between them. Renting a private apartment gives a higher level of privacy than the previous accommodation options but the problem is that you’ll have to finance everything from the bills to buying groceries to looking after your own apartment if something goes wrong. 

 

If you rent a room in a shared apartment, you’ll typically share a kitchen, bathroom and living room and get your own private bedroom. You can also choose to sublet your room while renting if you go away so that you can save the rent costs or make some extra money. 

 

How much you pay for rent depends on the location, apartment size and amenities and services that come along with the apartment. You can typically expect to pay anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 dollars per month, with rentals in cities like New York being the most expensive while those in areas like San Francisco being a bit on the cheaper side. 

Student Hostels 

During the process of finding a place to live, or shifting from one place to another, many students choose to stay at student hostels. While it isn’t a practical option to stay there for a long time period, many students choose these as a buffer and a temporary home till they get themselves sorted. They typically have secure lockers and dining facilities for students and other travellers, but be sure to look into the safety and reputation of the hostel you choose through checking reviews before going there. 

In general, student hostels can cost you around 30 USD per night, or maybe even cheaper depending on the location of the hostels. 

Other costs of living

When it comes to other living costs, students should set aside from 900 to 2000 dollars yearly for books and study materials. They should also expect to pay around 20 dollars per month for electricity and 30 dollars for internet and international calls. Cell Phone bills will cost students an average of 50 dollars per month. 

Food will cost students around 150 dollars per month for groceries. However, the cost can go up if students choose to eat out often, so those who want to save money should try to limit going out for food as this can quickly rack up costs, no matter how tempting it may seem. 

Universities in United States

There are many exceptional universities in the USA, some of the most popular all over the world that international students choose to study at. From Harvard to Stanford to Princeton University, you can find a university in the state of your dreams to pursue your degree at. There are also many degree options available, with many different subjects and specialisations. Read on to learn more about the available degree types and the best universities to look into when choosing a university in the US. 

Degrees available

Several different degree types are available for international students to pursue in the US. The first degree types, bachelor’s degrees usually take students about four years to complete, with the first two years having more theoretical courses that are more general, so they can choose to change their major after these two years if they choose to do so. 

 

Universities in the US also allow students to choose a minor subject or a double major so they can indulge in the subjects they are passionate about. Some bachelor’s degrees also offer an accelerated degree program that lets students get a headstart on postgraduate studies while they are pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. 

Master’s degrees, on the other hand, take two or three years to complete. However, some degree programs may have fast track programs where students can finish their study degrees in only one year.  Master’s degrees are typically split into Academic and professional master’s programs. Professional master’s programs are called terminal programs and focus more on preparing for employment rather than for future studies. Academic master’s degrees, on the other hand, prepare students to go on to pursue a doctoral degree. 

 

The most advanced degree a student can earn while studying abroad in the US is a PhD or a doctorate degree. These degrees are more independent and are research intensive. They can take postgraduate students anywhere between four and eight years to complete these degrees and graduate from their program. The degrees often cover both theoretical coursework and a practical in-depth research dissertation which is presented at the end of the degree period. 

Universities in the USA

The universities in the US are known as being very highly ranked and famous world wide. Students from all corners of the world come to the country’s institutions which are well known for being technologically advanced and with lecturers of high academic calibre who are experts in their fields teaching the subjects. Read on to learn about the top-ranked universities so that you can decide which institutions you are interested in applying to. 

Nexford University

Location: Washington D.C 

Nexford University is one of the best ranked schools in the USA and is founded in Washington DC. The school is considered a next-generation online university where students can get an affordable, accredited degree at a flexible pace to them, no matter where in the world they are. The university prides itself at giving students full control of their degrees so they can fit their studies into their life rather than their life to their studies. Because the world is going digital, Nexford University believes that students shouldn’t have their learning opportunities limited by physical borders.The school focuses on preparing you for the modern world that crosses borders through the internet, rather than yesterday’s world.

 

They offer many excellent programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels so students can choose to study a master’s degree in business administration there or choose to study a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the school. When it comes to Master’s programs, they offer an MBA and MBAs with various specialisations such as one specialised in Sustainability and one specialised in “doing business across the world”. Bachelor’s of business administration degrees are also offered at the school, with many different specialisations to choose from. They also offer scholarships for the most driven and innovative students so that anyone worthy can have access to the degrees, no matter what their financial status is. 

Schiller International University

Location: Florida

Schiller International University, located in Florida, is another top-ranked school in the USA. The University is a private university that is named after the German playwright Friedrich Schiller. The school has a highly global experience for students who choose to study there, with schools in four of the top study destinations worldwide: Tampa, Florida in the USA, Paris in France, Madrid in Spain and Heidelberg for those who want to study in Germany. The school offers students an international curriculum with a focus on students and their own personal goals. 

 

The university offers students tailored programs that are excellent and with the aim to prepare students for professional life. Programs have both a practical and theoretical approach as this is what will benefit them most after graduation. The school also helps develop soft skills like presentation and communication skills and teamwork skills, as these skills are critical after graudation. Degree programs at the school are ones offered in 5 study areas: Business and Economics, Technology and Data, International Relations, International Tourism and Hospitality and Sustainability. 

Examples of other universities

Other exceptional universities in the United States include Columbia University and Yale University. You can also look into the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania if you are looking for a good university as they are also among the most highly ranked universities in America. 

 

Student Visa - United States

In order to study in the USA, all international students need a study visa, unless they have US citizenship or permanent residence. This study visa lets international students stay in the US temporarily and study at their school of choice. In general, your visa ends when you graduate from your program so in this case, you have to leave directly when you complete your program unless you extend your visa or apply for another one, such as a work visa. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of student visas and how to apply for one to study in the US. 

Types of student visa

There are three types of study visas for those who want to study in the US in full-time study programs, that are longer than one or two semesters. The F1 visa applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and is the most common type of study visa for those wanting to study in the US, including those who want to take language programs.  

 

The M1 visa is typically targeted at those who want to pursue non-academic study in the US. These degree programs are shorter than the F1 visa programs and are more professionally focused. For example, culinary school courses or medical training programs need this type of visa if students want to study them. 

 

Finally, the J1 visa is for exchange students like study abroad students and au pairs, among other exchange visitors. These are for shorter time periods than the F1 visa, for example, if you are studying abroad for only a semester or two. 

Student visa requirements

If you are applying for a study visa, you’ll need requirements like a valid passport, passport photos and financial resources. For example, when it comes to money, you’ll need a fee called the I-901 SEVIS fee which is 350 USD for F1 or M1 visas and 220 USD for J1 students. They also offer visa fees of 35 USD for those who enter short J2 programs. All students must pay an additional visa processing fee of 160 dollars. Some nationalities may also need to pay extra visa issuance fees, so be sure to check for your specific nationality when applying for your visa. 

 

To apply for an F1 or M1 visa, you need to also hand in a Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. You must also make sure you have a passport valid for US travel with a date of a minimum of six months after the period you intend to stay in the United States. This is the case unless your country has exemptions. 

 

If you have dependents on your passport, you must also submit a visa application for each person on your passport. You’ll also need to hand in a passport photo that you have taken within the last few months, six at the most. You should check the required format for the photo so that you have it correct. 

 

You’ll need to also present a receipt showing your visa payment of 160 dollars, paid in your local currency and a Form I-20 that has been approved by your university or degree program. You should also hand in your receipt for your Form I-901 SEVIS fee. Finally, you’ll need your interview appointment letter, confirming the appointment for your interview. You should check if you have any other supporting documents to hand to your consular officer. 

How to apply

When looking at how to apply for your study visa, you’ll need to complete several steps. The first step is to complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form and pay the required visa application fee. 

 

The next step is to schedule your appointment. You’ll need your passport number, the CGI reference number from your Visa payment receipt and the ten-digit barcode that you can find on your DS-160 confirmation page. 

 

The final step is going to the US embassy on the date and time of your interview. In order to attend your interview, you’ll need to print out a copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page and bring with you one photograph taken within the last six months. You’ll also need to take with you your current and all old passports and the receipt from your original visa fee.  If you don’t bring these documents along, your application won’t even be considered. 

Supporting documents

When you are heading to your interview, you should also bring some supporting documents with you. You should bring documents that show that you have ties to your home country that are financial and social so that you will be forced to go back there after you finish your study degree. 

 

Other important documents to bring are any other financial documents that show proof that you have enough money to pay for your tuition and living fees when it comes to your first year of study. Those who are applying for M1 visas must show that they have enough money to cover costs for their entire stay. If you’ll bring bank statements, you’ll have to bring original copies along with your photocopies, otherwise, they won’t be approved.

 

If your parent or spouse is paying for your study period, you should bring proof of your relationships such as a birth or marriage certificate. You’ll also need to bring along their most recent tax forms and bankbooks or certificates that show fixed deposits. 

 

Academically, you should take with you documents like school transcripts, preferably original copies, exam certificates like those for A-levels, test scores like SAT scores or TOEFL and IELTS ones. You can also bring along any diplomas for previous degrees. 

 

How to apply - United States

If you are interested in applying to a study abroad program in the US, whether graduate or undergraduate courses, you’ll be interested in how to apply to the universities. The first, and most obvious, step when applying to your university of choice is to choose the degree program you wish to study and select the university that you wish to study at. It’s recommended that you choose several universities and study program options to apply to so you have a higher chance of being accepted. 

 

Uniapp can help you apply for the university of your dreams, with counsellors that can offer free services to help you with your applications to study in the US. You can expect to pay an application fee ranging between 75 to 100 dollars when applying to a university. If you choose to apply with Uniapp, you can get an application fee waiver! Read on to learn about the next steps of applying to a university in the US, after selecting your university and the degree you want to study.

Fill out an online application

The next step after choosing your programs and institutions is to apply directly on their websites. You should check all requirements when applying to each of the universities so that you don’t waste your time filling out an application if you don’t fulfil the requirements. 

 

Some of the universities will need standardised tests, especially if you are applying to postgraduate programs. Some might also ask for documents like writing samples or a portfolio if the degree requires them. 

 

Try to apply to 4 or 5 universities so that you have a high chance of being accepted. 

You can expect to pay an application fee of 75-100 USD. This fee depends on the university you are applying to. 

Check language proficiency requirements

If you are from a non-English speaking country, you’ll have to hand in proof of English language proficiency. This is because courses in US universities are in English so you’ll need to have a good knowledge of the language to be able to participate in classes. Depending on your degree, you may also need a minimum score to be admitted to the program. 

 

Tests that are accepted by US universities are the IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing Service), TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam, the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) or the C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English Advanced). Be sure to check the university you are applying to in case they need a specific one as their entry requirement. 

Prepare required documents

The next step in your application process is to prepare the required documents. Each program will have its own specific requirements so be sure to check your program when preparing the documents so that you have everything in check.

 

In general, there are some requirements that apply to most US universities. These include your high school or university transcripts and grades, your CV, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT) and proof of English-language level. You will also need to hand in a motivation letter and writing sample. Final requirements include the application fee and confirmation of payment, and passport photos for your application. 

Follow application deadlines

Another important point is to follow application deadlines when applying. If you are applying for a bachelor’s degree, universities will have two deadlines: early admission deadlines and regular admission deadlines. If you are applying for the fall semester, your early admission deadlines will be anywhere from October to November of the previous year. If you’re applying for regular admission for the fall semester, the deadlines will fall between February and March of the same year. 

 

If you are a postgraduate student applying for your master’s or PhD degree, your deadline will depend on if you are applying for the spring or fall intake. If you’re applying for the fall intake, your deadline will fall from January to March, while applying for the spring intake means your deadline falls between July and September of the year before. 

 

However, be sure to check the deadlines for your own program and university in case they differ from these general guidelines, as some deadlines may fall on different dates. 

Follow any final steps

The final step to applying is to follow through on any extra steps. If you aren’t a US citizen, you’ll need to use your letter of acceptance to apply for a study visa, as talked about in the previous section. If you want to apply for a scholarship, the time after being accepted is also the right time to do so. 

 

You should also check if the university program and institution requires paying an enrollment fee to make sure you book your slot in the program. 

Scholarship in United States

Finally, after learning about the different universities and how to apply to them, you may be interested in scholarships when it comes to studying in the US. Because programs can be expensive, you may need to find some financial support to be able to pursue your studies in the US and finding the right one may be a difficult process if you don’t know where to look. Read on to find out some tips and tricks about how to secure a good scholarship and which ones are available for you as international students who want to study in the US. 

 

Meet deadlines

One of the most important things when applying for a scholarship is meeting deadlines so that you don’t miss any potential scholarships that you could be applying to. Even if you write the best submission essay and have all the right grades and qualifications, if you miss the deadline then you don’t stand a chance. 

 

Many students think that the deadlines for scholarships are the same as admission deadlines but that’s usually not the case. Deadlines often differ, with scholarship deadlines being sometimes way earlier than admission deadlines. Be sure to check the deadlines of any scholarships you are interested in applying for so that you don’t miss them and become ineligible. 

 

Check eligibility requirements

There are so many scholarships available for international students but each one has its own criteria and requirements to be fulfilled in order to be considered. Make sure you check the eligibility criteria and make sure you fulfil them when applying for a scholarship. Check for scholarships you are eligible for and only apply for them so you don’t waste time and energy that you could’ve used perfecting your application to scholarships you are actually eligible for.

Finding a scholarship

It may seem incredibly complicated to be able to find a scholarship and you may feel overwhelmed looking at the different scholarship sources trying to find one that is suitable for you. You should check several sources to be able to easily find the scholarships, whether on the university websites or on other sources. 

Financial Aid Office 

The most common departments that fund scholarships are the financial aid offices in schools. You should look under the section of the university’s website with financial aid or office of financial aid to be able to search for the scholarships. It might be listed in the students’ section if you can’t find it in a separate section. 

 

Once you find the section, search for any scholarships for international students. Every scholarship will be different and you’ll need to check each one for requirements and eligibility and how to apply, whether through the university or another entity so be sure to find out all the needed details and apply. 

 

Academic Departments

You might also find other scholarships under the academic departments of the schools that you are applying to. You might find scholarships that are research-focused or ones that focus on students of a particular major. 

 

If you visit the page for the department or website, you might find the scholarships listed on the page. Be sure to look at the eligibility criteria and requirements and find out exactly how to apply so you can do it correctly. 

The University itself

If you can’t find the scholarships in the previous two sections, you can ask the University itself about the scholarships that are available at the university. They can also tell you about the application process and the eligibility for the scholarships. Even if you found the needed details on the website, the university will always be able to give you more details than what is listed on the website.

Check other scholarships sponsor’s programs

When looking for scholarships, you should also check other scholarships that sponsor programs that are different from universities. Examples of sponsors include the US government or other institutions that fund scholarships and grants for international students. 

Government Scholarships 

 

Examples of US government-funded scholarships are the Foreign Fulbright student program. These scholarships are full scholarships for postgraduate international students who want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the US. The scholarship covers tuition fees, air tickets, textbooks and learning materials, health insurance and a living stipend for recipients of the grant. 

 

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is another scholarship program offered by the US government. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program gives those who receive it a year to better themselves professionally. These professionals come from selected countries around the world and are selected on qualities like leadership potential and community service. They also tend to choose individuals who can benefit their countries afterwards through public service commitments. These scholarships are full grants that pay for everything related to the year of learning in the US. 

Institutions that fund international scholarships

 

Some institutions also offer funds for students who want to study in the US. The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate scholarships give full scholarships to students coming from the World Bank member countries. These students are typically pursuing development studies and can choose to study in 8 universities in America that are part of the program. Examples of these universities are Harvard, the University of Chicago and Columbia University. 

 

Finally, the American Association of University Women international fellowships offers fellowships for women who are not US citizens to give them the chance to pursue full-time study or research. The scholarships are for 18,000 dollars for those pursuing Master’s degrees for 20,000 for doctoral students and 30,000 USD dollars for postdoctoral women students.