The United States is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, and it's no surprise they draw thousands of students worldwide every year. North American universities are often very diverse, with students coming from all over the world to gain their qualifications. However, recent policy changes and visa scrutiny have caused anxiety among international students, and there has been an 11% drop in the number of international students in the US, with some choosing to study elsewhere. While the US administration has moved to restore some cancelled student visas, uncertainty remains. If you're planning to study in the US, make sure that you do your research and have thoroughly prepared your applications and documents.聽
Good to know:
In the US, 鈥�college鈥� and 鈥�university鈥� are used interchangeably. This might be confusing if you hail from a country where 鈥渃ollege鈥� usually refers to high school.
Study in the US: Where to apply聽
The most sought-after 鲍厂听耻苍颈惫别谤蝉颈迟颈别蝉 for international students to attend are, understandably, the elite institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford.
The US also has a collection of what are called 鈥溾�� schools, which are a group of long-established universities in the eastern US. The list of 鈥淚vies鈥� includes Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia. These universities have a huge amount of prestige attached to them, and attending is a little bit like being part of an exclusive club. However, don't feel like you need to attend one of these schools to get a good education. Other sought-after private schools include Caltech,聽the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania.
And beyond private schools, you can also get an excellent education at public universities in the US, places like UCLA, University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan and the University of Virginia are all highly regarded.
Remember that the prestige attached to a university isn't the only thing to consider. Where you apply will also be dictated by cost, scholarships available, your desired study program, and the school's location.
The most popular programs for international students to study in the US are fields like medicine, business management, engineering, computer science and tech聽and statistics and economics. Over half of all international students in the U.S. are enrolled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs.
Admissions and formalities in US universities
If you intend to study in the United States, you must first apply to a university, college, or higher educational institution. Although admission requirements will vary by institution, there are basic requirements to register in an American school or university. All prospective students should be able to produce school transcripts, relevant certificates, and letters of recommendation in English. Depending on the course and level of study, different standardized admissions tests are required to prove an adequate level of knowledge.
For undergraduates, the Scholastic Assessment Test () or the American College Test () assesses students' levels in English and mathematics. For the latest admissions cycle, many selective schools (including MIT, Georgetown, University of Florida, and several Ivy League schools) now require or are reinstating SAT/ACT scores. Always check the most current requirements for each school as they are subject to change.
Prospective graduate students in business, law, and medical programs will have to take a corresponding specialized test: the Graduate Management Admission Test ) for MBA students, the Medical College Admission Test () for medical school students, and Law School Admissions Test () for law students.
A Graduate Record Examination () is required for students enrolling in a Master's or Ph.D. program that is not included in one of the three specialized tests listed above.
If English is not your native language, the may be required to assess your level of fluency.
Types of student visas in the US
There are three main types of student visas in the US, and the type of program in which you're enrolled will determine which is right for you. Each has different benefits, so it's important to understand the implications before applying. Be aware that immigration and visas are an area of focus for the current US government and criteria and eligibility may change. Make sure you consult government websites for the latest information.
F-1 Visa
Students studying full-time in an American university or higher education institution should apply for an F-1 visa. It's important to note that you must be enrolled as a full-time student and maintain good grades to keep this visa. F-1 visa holders may work 20 hours per week, but only in an on-campus job. Off-campus work may require further applications with USCIS.
Good to know:
After the degree is completed, students on an F-1 visa may apply for the OPT visa (Optional Practical Training) or CPT visa (Curricular Practical Training), which usually lasts a year (or longer if the degree was a STEM degree). These visas will allow them to work full-time post-degree, but note that both visas expire if there are 90 cumulative days of unemployment.
J-1 Visa
Those interested in a US internship or other study-based activities like research must apply for a J-1 visa. These visas are valid for the duration of the program only. It's also important to note that some exchange visitors on the J-1 visa are subject to a two-year presence in their home country requirement. Basically, this means that you will need to return to your home country for a period of at least two years after your program is completed. This requirement is part of US law in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e).
Good to know:
The two-year home residency requirement is no longer in effect for J-1 visa holders from the 37 countries listed in the updated effective December 2024.
M-1 Visa
This designation is for students wishing to enroll in a technical or specialized study program that is not an academic institution. M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work. However, after the training program is completed, you may apply for a practical training extension (this may be paid). One month of practical training is allowed for every four months of study, up to a total of six months.
How to apply for a student visa to the US?
To begin the application process, you must be accepted into a work or study program. The university or host program will kick off the process by issuing a document, either Form I-20 or DS-2019, that certifies your eligibility for training and acceptance to their institution. At this point, you may proceed with the student visa application at the embassy or consulate of the United States in your country of residence. In 2025, the US State Department instructed embassies and consulates to briefly pause new student visa appointments while they expanded social media vetting for all student visa applicants. This pause has since been lifted, and student visa processing has now resumed, but be aware that sudden policy changes can occur in the application process.
Students must show evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition and support themselves in the country while studying. Additionally, some visa types (such as the J-1) require proof that you intend to return to your home country after completing your program. Once all the required documents are collected and the associated fees paid, a final compulsory interview in English will be set up with an immigration official. If successful, a student visa will be issued.
For more information about student exchange programs, partnerships, and grants or scholarships available, contact the prospective universities and the embassy or consulate of the United States in your country.
Important:
Regardless of which student visa you have, you must register online in the system (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) once your visa has been granted. Fees apply.
Tuition fees in the US
Tuition costs will vary greatly depending on the university or program you choose. In the US, private universities are much more expensive than public universities. Explore any options for scholarships and funding 鈥� both in your home country and offered by American institutions. Do a scholarship search to see if you fit any criteria and explore different funding options your country offers. There's a surprising amount of funding out there if you know where to look.
Currently, the average in-state tuition and fees at ranked public colleges is USD 11,011; out-of-state is USD 24,513; and private colleges average USD 43,505.
In-state tuition is a lower rate charged by public colleges and universities to students who are legal residents in the same state as the institution. Out-of-state tuition is charged to students who come from other states. International students in the US typically pay the same as (or sometimes slightly more than) out-of-state tuition. At private colleges, all students, including international students, pay the same rate, which is usually quite a bit higher than at public institutions.
Other cost considerations are books, accommodation, and food (referred to as room and board), which are not included in these averages. These generally add another USD 12,000 to the total. Elite and Ivy League universities and graduate programs tend to be even more expensive. Consider using a cost-of-living calculator, such as , to estimate total expenses in your chosen city.
Good to know:
is a government agency that offers information about college tuition costs. They offer tools to help you find the right school for your needs and a tuition calculator to help you determine the cost of attending the school of your choice.
Useful links:
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