If you picture desert landscapes, cowboys, cacti, and tumbleweeds when you think of Texas, you might be surprised to discover that Texas also contains modern and densely populated metropolises like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Houston is famous for its high-tech space exploration and is home to NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Delicious Tex-Mex dining, a thriving rodeo scene, and cutting-edge medical research are also part of the Houston package. If you're considering a move to Houston, we have collated the most essential information for prospective international students.听
Where to study in Houston?
Houston boasts over 40 universities and colleges, making it a vibrant educational hub. Impressively, nearly 29% of the city's population holds at least a Bachelor's degree, surpassing the national average. This diverse and multilingual city is an excellent choice for international students seeking higher education opportunities in the United States. While Rice University and the University of Houston are the most renowned institutions in the area, there are also several other reputable universities worth considering if you plan to study in Houston.
Rice University
is a prestigious private research university located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1912, the university is named after its benefactor, William Marsh Rice, who left his fortune to establish the institution. Rice University is ranked the No.鈥�1 school in Texas and No.鈥�18 nationally by for 2025. Offering a strong academic program with undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and business, Rice University follows a residential college system, where students are affiliated with one of the eleven residential colleges. This system means that there are lots of opportunities for fostering community within the colleges, and each college has a distinct character.
With around 4,000 undergraduate students and approximately 3,000 graduate students, Rice is a school that offers a more personalized learning experience, fostering close relationships between students and faculty. With almost 2,000 of its international student body, Rice also has a well-deserved reputation for having a diverse and cosmopolitan student population.
University of Houston
(UH), established in 1927, boasts a sprawling 300-hectare campus located in the southern part of Houston, just under 6 miles away from Rice University. As a public university, UH offers a diverse range of academic departments, focusing on economics, geosciences, and law.
UH is ranked No.鈥�74 among U.S. public universities by for 2025. It remains known for strong STEM and professional education. Almost 10% of its students are international students. The university also boasts a strong employability record, with 84% finding jobs within three months of graduation, and six astronauts among its alumni. The acceptance rate is now about 69.5鈥�70%.
Other universities in Houston
Though Rice and UH are the two bigger universities in Houston, there are other colleges to consider, all of which have their strengths. Depending on your field, you may also want to consider these options:
- University of St. Thomas (UST) - UST is a private Catholic university in Houston, known for its strong liberal arts programs, business, education, and nursing. The university offers a welcoming and supportive community for students;
- Texas Southern University (TSU) - TSU is a public historically black university with a diverse range of programs, including business, law, education, engineering, and social sciences. It provides an enriching cultural experience for students;
- Houston Baptist University (HBU) - HBU is a private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including arts and humanities, business, education, nursing, and sciences. The university fosters a nurturing environment for personal and academic growth.
Tuition fees and scholarships in Houston
As an example, the most recent tuition fees at Rice are close to $63,000, with room and board of about $18,000 and mandatory fees of almost $1000 on top of that.
Be prepared for schooling in the USA to come with a big price tag, especially if you wish to attend a prestigious school.
Every university has different options around student scholarships, but international students wanting to attend university in Houston are lucky because they have several options. Rice University offers merit-based scholarships for international students, which can cover full tuition and sometimes even living expenses, though competition is high for these. The University of Houston provides scholarships specifically for international students, such as the and others, typically requiring strong academic performance and sometimes involvement in international education activities; awards can range from $500 to $12,000 per year. Both universities encourage international students to apply for all available scholarships as part of their application process.
The academic year and classes in Houston
American universities typically follow two specific academic calendars. Both Rice University and UH operate on a semester-based calendar. The academic year is divided into two equal parts, each lasting between 14 to 20 weeks. The "Back-to-Uni" season usually falls between mid-August and the end of August.
Classes at these universities are conducted in various settings, ranging from small groups in classrooms to larger auditoriums with dozens of students. Seminars are also a key part of the US educational experience, and their open-discussion format allows for communication, collaboration, and sharing of opinions.
It's worth noting that the workload at American universities is generally more demanding than in European universities, especially at private institutions where the teaching standards are typically more rigorous.
Grading system and diplomas in the US
The grading system in American schools differs significantly from that used in Europe. Here's how it works: Teachers assign grades based on percentages, which are then converted into letter grades from A to F. These letter grades contribute to the student's overall average, known as the Grade Point Average (). A represents the highest score, while F represents the lowest.
In American universities, there are three levels of study: undergraduate students pursuing Bachelor's degrees, graduate students working towards Master's degrees, and postgraduate students referred to as such until they complete their PhD.
How to apply to a university in the US?
Every year, thousands of international students start the application process to attend an American university. To get into their chosen program, students must not only meet the individual university's requirements but also those of their chosen department. Several essential steps are mandatory for international students. Firstly, if you come from a non-English-speaking country, you must take an English proficiency test ( or ) to demonstrate language proficiency. Additionally, a personal essay written by the student allows the university to gain insights into their personality and motivations.
Other requirements evaluate students' general subject knowledge, including taking the Scholastic Assessment Test () - similar to what American students do at the end of high school. The SAT focuses on maths, writing, and text analysis. Preparing for and registering for the official exam can be done through the website. For graduate students aspiring to join an American university for a Master's program, they often need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), demonstrating their readiness for advanced studies. However, not all programs demand the GRE. Check your university's requirements, as rules around the SAT and GRE differ and are subject to change.
How to apply for a student visa to the US?
If you need specifics on administrative procedures, contact the international student office of your chosen university. Most universities, like Rice University and UH, have a dedicated center and internet portal for international students on their websites. Remember that students generally fund administrative process fees themselves and visa fees (around $300-$500).
For studying in the United States, you'll need a visa that grants you the right to attend a university. The is the most common and is for full-time students pursuing their entire academic cycle (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate) at an American university. The is available for a year and can be renewed three times. It is intended for students in technical fields like hospitality, automotive, computer science, and cooking. The is awarded to students in exchange programs with American universities while remaining registered in their home institution.
Under the current Trump administration, there is an increased focus on immigration and border security. Due to this changing landscape, visa appointment availability may vary, and applicants may face delays or increased scrutiny depending on their nationality or the institution they apply to. Make sure to complete all required paperwork thoroughly and check the website for the most up-to-date info.
Health insurance for international students in the US
Be aware that health coverage is mandatory for every student enrolled in an American university, including foreigners. Healthcare costs in the US can be quite expensive, and going without insurance before your departure can be even riskier. It's crucial to consider this expense when planning your budget.
Every university provides its own medical insurance for students, which may be more affordable than other options, but it can still be costly. Some universities accept health insurance that offers international coverage or private US health insurance, while others may require you to use their provided insurance.
Rice's insurance costs around $2,650 per year, while UH聽Victoria plans range from $1,012 to $1,919, with similar rates expected at UH-Main. Students should confirm current coverage and costs with their university.
Working in Houston as an international student
Students on F聽1 and J聽1 visas can work on campus up to 20 hours per week (up to 40 during holidays). After the first year on an F聽1 visa, off聽campus employment may be possible under certain conditions.
To work either on-campus or off-campus with a student visa, the university must provide an acceptance letter to obtain a US Social Security number.
M聽1 students are ineligible to work but may apply for a six-month practical training after completing four months of coursework.
Your university will offer guidance around how to find work 鈥� for example, the University of Houston offers on this topic.
Student housing in Houston
Staying on campus is an excellent choice for international students as it lets you quickly connect with fellow students and fully engage in university life. You'll also be close to everything essential and do not need to get a car or use public transport.
At Rice University, around 78% of undergraduate students reside on campus. The university offers 11 different types of residences to cater to various student preferences. To secure your spot, make sure to apply for on-campus housing as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
In case on-campus housing isn't available or if you prefer living more independently, a flatshare is an excellent option. Websites like and Craigslist can assist you in finding suitable accommodations. In Houston, popular areas for students include Midtown, Montrose and Rice Village.
Cost of living in Houston
The current average rent for a one-bedroom outside the city centre is $1,251.27; central areas remain around $1,591. Use websites like to get the most up-to-date estimates for different areas.
Petrol prices range between $0.85鈥�$1.00 per litre, reflecting Texas' generally cheaper gas prices gas costs. There are also some affordable , though, as with many USA cities, the efficiency of these systems varies hugely depending on where you live. If you are living on campus, you'll easily be able to get by without a car, but if you end up living in an outer suburb, it might end up more efficient than taking the bus or train.
Remember that tipping (15鈥�20%) and sales tax apply across dining and retail. Students get discounts at a range of shops and businesses, and there are often specials to use. Don't forget your student ID when heading out to dine or shop, it can make a big difference to the bill.
Student life and culture in Houston
Your university will have its own particular culture and activities to participate in. A great way to meet new people and engage with your new city is to join clubs and activities and sign up to participate in whatever is happening in the first few weeks of school.
If you're athletic, consider joining sports groups. As with many parts of the US, sports play a significant role in campus life and can lead to lots of social activities in Houston's university scene.
To an outsider, Texas may conjure up deserts, cowboys, and guns and have you worrying about its 鈥渞edneck鈥� and conservative reputation however, these things are largely clich茅s, and in cities like Houston, there are lots of progressive people. The city has exciting museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural Science, as well as the Space Center and NASA, which are must-visit spots. Regarding food, Downtown is a culinary heaven with restaurants serving Tex-Mex cuisine and delicious barbecue meats, both delicious Texan traditions it is essential to try. Be prepared for a humid subtropical climate, which means scorching summers with temperatures exceeding 40掳C and mild winters. Unfortunately, Texas is prone to tornadoes and hurricanes, so brace yourself for extremes.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
