Study in USA: Step-By-Step Guide for International Students

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The United States is one of the top study destinations and home to the top 3 universities in the world. Over 151 universities in the USA are listed in the top global rankings. Studying in the U.S. offers excellent education in a world-class university, giving students a vast career opportunity.

As per data published by Statista Research Department, about 948,519 students were studying in the U.S. in the 20121-22 academic year.

Why do international students study in the USA?

The USA has 1,625 public institutions and 1,660 private institutions (listed by NCES). With so many options to study, flexible academic environments, support facilities, student cultural diversity, and exciting student experiences, the USA is the most preferred student destination for international students.

Which are the favored states in the U.S. to study?

According to Statista, these are some of the popular states hosting international students in the academic year 2021- 22:

California – 134,043
New York – 113,666
Massachusetts – 71,026
Texas – 70,223
Illinois – 46,599
Pennsylvania – 44,370
Florida – 39,622
Ohio – 31,146
Michigan – 27,657
Arizona – 25,677

This guide below will help you plan your study journey abroad in the U.S:

We will give you a step-by-step guide to planning and organizing your journey. Let’s explore one by one to ease the process.

Find a program and university

The USA has many universities offering various degrees, programs, and courses at all levels. If you are a student looking for studies in engineering, science, arts, business, etc, you have such comprehensive options to choose from. Below are the top 10 universities ranked by Q.S. World University Rankings 2024:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Harvard University
Stanford University
University of California Berkeley (UCB)
University of Chicago
University of Pennsylvania
Cornell University
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Yale University
Princeton University

Entry Requirements for USA

The requirements range from finances to proving your language proficiency. If you want to study at the universities of the USA, there are a few requirements to be met, which are as follows:

Documents: You need to have all the official documents from your previous schools and a passport

English language test scores: You must prove your test scores, such as IELTS, TOEFL, iTEP, or PTE Academic.

Statement of Purpose: You must write an SOP or a personal essay to apply for a university in the U.S.

Letter of recommendation: You must obtain this from teachers or other professionals.

Financial proof: You must prove your study of funding to cover the cost of living in the USA.

International Student visa for USA

Before deciding to study in the U.S., you must obtain a student visa. The F-1 student visa is given to students studying at an accredited institution or studying the English language at a U.S. institute. You must be accepted at a U.S. institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to obtain this visa.

Applying for a USA international student visa

We have listed the documents required for applying for a student visa in the USA. Please arrange the papers and apply for a student visa through the U.S. Embassy and Consulates online. You can use 120 days before the intended date of the start of your program. Pay your fees, complete the form, submit the documents, and apply for the visa.

The processing time will take about weeks to months, depending on the volume of applications.

Find student accommodation in the USA.

Once you complete all the processes for studying in the USA, please remember your accommodation. Start finding student accommodation in USA 4-5 months before your academic journey. The last-minute hassle will cost you more for an unsatisfied accommodation!