UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AMERICAN ADMISSION

Bachelor & Master Degrees: For undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programs in the U.S., you’ll need a secondary/high school diploma that qualifies you for higher education in your home country, translated and certified. Typical documents include:

High School Diploma & full official transcripts (with certified English translation)
Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) – many schools require one or the other

Also often required are: letters of recommendation, personal essays, and proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses. Applications are typically submitted via the Common App, Coalition App, or individual university portals. Deadlines vary—Early Decision/Early Action by November/December, Regular Decision by January—for entry in the following September. For graduate (Master’s & PhD) programs, you’ll need:

A relevant Bachelor’s degree (or Master’s for doctorate applicants)
Official academic transcripts (evaluated, translated)
GRE, GMAT, or other program-specific tests (if required)
Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and often a CV or writing sample

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or the Duolingo English Test—sent directly from the testing agency. Minimum accepted scores vary by institution—for example: * Clemson Graduate School recommends TOEFL iBT ≥ 80, IELTS ≥ 6.5, Duolingo ≥ 110 * University of Maryland Graduate School accepts TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE; may require English-language coursework if writing scores are marginal Some universities offer waivers or exemptions if you: * Earned a degree from a U.S. institution or another approved English-medium country * Completed a degree fully taught in English Application process is direct—either via a central system (Common App, Coalition) for undergraduates or individual university portals for graduate programs. There's no single national application system. After acceptance, accepted international students receive a Form I‑20 from the university’s international student office. You then:

Pay the SEVIS I‑901 fee
Apply for your F‑1 (or M‑1) student visa via Form DS‑160 and consular interview
Arrange housing, health insurance, travel, etc. before arrival

Each university and program has its own deadlines and may set higher test scores or additional requirements—always check the official admissions section of your chosen schools or visit resources like EducationUSA or USA.gov.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES

U.S. universities are globally recognized for their academic quality, research opportunities, and flexibility in course selection. Students can often tailor their degrees, explore different fields, and access cutting-edge facilities. Many universities are known for welcoming international and immigrant students, offering visa support, orientation programs, and multicultural communities. Schools like New York University, UC Berkeley, and the University of Arizona are especially inclusive and diverse. While studying in the U.S. offers valuable experience and global prestige, it’s important to be aware of high tuition costs, mandatory health insurance, and visa limitations on work. Planning ahead and applying for scholarships can help ease financial pressure. Overall, the U.S. is a strong destination for students seeking academic freedom, innovation, and future career opportunities.

AMERICAN TUITION FEES

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On average, tuition fees in the U.S. vary by institution type:

Public universities (out-of-state/international students): $20,000–$35,000 per year
Private universities: $35,000–$60,000+ per year
Community colleges: $8,000–$15,000 per year

Additional costs for living, books, health insurance, and personal expenses usually range from $10,000–$20,000 per year.

AMERICAN STUDENT PERMIT

PERMIT General Requirements
To apply for an F‑1 or M‑1 visa, you must first be accepted by a SEVP-certified U.S. institution and receive Form I‑20 or DS‑2019 from the school. You then complete the online DS‑160 application and pay the visa fee. Next, you schedule and attend a consular interview where you’ll present a valid passport, a compliant photo, your I‑20 or DS‑2019 form, proof of financial ability, and evidence of ties to your home country indicating your intent to return. You’ll also need to demonstrate English proficiency, usually during the interview. Before your appointment, the SEVIS I‑901 fee ($350 for F and M visas) must be paid.
PERMIT Financial Requirements
When applying for your I‑20, you must prove you have enough funds to cover tuition, mandatory fees, estimated living expenses like housing and meals, and the SEVIS I‑901 fee ($350). The total amount varies by university and location, but generally, you should show liquid funds equal to 100% to 150% of your I‑20’s annual cost—typically between $20,000 and $60,000 or more depending on the institution. Acceptable proof includes recent bank statements, official education loan letters, scholarship or assistantship awards, and sponsor letters with financial documents. Non-liquid assets such as property or stocks are not accepted. All documents must be recent, usually dated within the last 3 to 6 months, and submitted before your school issues the I‑20.
PERMIT Insurance Requirement
Many U.S. universities require international students to have health insurance, though this is not mandated by visa regulations. Insurance is typically purchased through the university or an approved provider and covers medical emergencies, routine care, and sometimes mental health services. For specific coverage requirements, it is best to consult your school’s international student office.

WHY
THE USA?

The United States is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to the quality, diversity, and flexibility of its higher education system. Students have access to over 4,000 accredited institutions, ranging from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities. The academic environment emphasizes independent thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and creativity—traits highly valued in the global job market. U.S. universities allow students to explore various subjects before choosing a major, and many programs encourage research, internships, and practical training. Furthermore, the U.S. is home to many of the top-ranked institutions globally, with faculty recognized for their expertise and contributions to innovation. International students are welcomed on campuses across the country, with support offices that help with academic advising, immigration guidance, and cultural integration. This combination of academic excellence and support services makes the U.S. an attractive destination for students aiming to build strong foundations for international careers.

U.S. UNIVERSITIES OR COMMUNITY COLLEGES
The U.S. does not have a centralized higher education system like some European countries. Instead, it offers a mix of institution types to suit different academic and financial needs. Four-year universities—both public and private—offer bachelor's degrees and often graduate programs. These institutions may focus on academic research, professional preparation, or liberal arts education. Community colleges, which are similar to universities of applied sciences in Europe, offer two-year associate degrees and short-term certificates. They are typically more affordable and flexible, and many students transfer from a community college to a four-year university after completing foundational coursework. These colleges often have open admission policies, small class sizes, and strong ties to local industries. Both types of institutions must be accredited and certified to host international students. The best choice depends on your goals—community colleges are ideal for affordable entry into U.S. education, while universities may offer a more direct path to advanced degrees and research.

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