Study in the United States
Home to many of the world’s top-ranked universities, an unmatched range of programs, and real work opportunities after graduation through OPT.
Why Students Choose the United States
World’s Top-Ranked Universities
Consistently home to more top-100 global universities than anywhere else, across nearly every field of study.
Unmatched Program Variety
An enormous range of majors, minors, and specializations — plus the flexibility to explore before committing fully.
OPT Work Authorization
Eligible graduates can work for 1 year standard, extendable up to 3 years total for STEM fields (verify current rules).
Research & Innovation
Access to world-leading research facilities, funding, and opportunities to work alongside leading academics.
Campus Life & Diversity
A huge, well-established international student community and campus culture built around student life.
Work While You Study
On-campus work is generally available; off-campus work (CPT) is more restricted and tied to your specific program.
Commonly Chosen Universities
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
MIT
Cambridge, MA
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
New York University
New York, NY
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
What Students Study in the USA
F-1 Student Visa
This is the visa most international students apply for to study in the US. Requirements and processing times change — the checklist below is a general starting point, not final advice.
Issued by your SEVP-certified institution.
Paid before your visa interview.
Covering tuition and living costs for your program.
At a US embassy or consulate — timing varies by location.
TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent, per your program’s requirement.
Tuition & Cost of Living
Figures below are general ranges only (verify current numbers before quoting a client) — US tuition varies enormously between public and private institutions.
Tuition (per year)
USD 20,000–55,000
Public universities are typically lower than private ones.
Living Costs (per year)
USD 12,000–20,000
Varies significantly by city — check the current figure for your specific location.
On-Campus Work
Up to 20 hrs / week
During term time, per current visa conditions (verify).
Intake Dates
The largest intake, with the widest range of programs and scholarships.
A strong second intake, offered by most institutions.
A smaller intake, available at some universities for select programs.
United States — Common Questions
Do I need TOEFL or IELTS for every US university? +
Not always — some universities accept either, some offer conditional admission with English support, and requirements vary widely by program. We’ll confirm what your chosen university needs.
Can I work while studying in the US? +
On-campus work is generally allowed up to a set number of hours. Off-campus work (CPT) is tied to your specific program and requires authorization — we’ll walk you through what applies to you.
What happens after I graduate? +
Many graduates apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training), typically 1 year, extendable to up to 3 years total for STEM-eligible fields — we’ll map this out based on your specific program.
How much money do I need to show for my visa? +
Your I-20 will state your program’s official cost of attendance, and you’ll need to show funds covering that amount. We’ll confirm the specific figure for your chosen institution.
Can my family come with me? +
In many cases, yes — spouses and children may be eligible for F-2 dependent visas, though F-2 visa holders generally cannot work. We’ll assess your specific situation during your consultation.
Ready to Start Your US Journey?
Book a consultation with our expert counsellors today.
