Why Study in United States?

Largest Selection of Programs: Over 4,000 accredited institutions

Highly Ranked Universities: Home to Ivy League and top research institutions

Flexibility & Academic Freedom: Explore different subjects before declaring a major

Career Prospects: Strong industry ties and OPT work opportunities

Innovation & Research: Unparalleled research opportunities and campus entrepreneurship

OPT and STEM OPT Extension: Up to 3 years of work authorization for STEM graduates

Diverse programs in the land of opportunity

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Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements
High school diploma with strong GPA (3.0+ for competitive schools) for undergraduate. 4-year bachelor's degree (3.0+ GPA) for postgraduate.
English Proficiency
TOEFL iBT 80-100 (competitive programs 100+), IELTS 6.5-7.5, or equivalent.
Standardized Tests
SAT/ACT for undergraduate, GRE/GMAT for graduate programs
Age Requirement
Minimum 16 for undergraduate programs
Specific Program Requirements
MBA: 2+ years work experience, GMAT, interviews. Medical/Law: specific prerequisites, MCAT/LSAT.

Financial Requirements

Tuition Fees

$20,000 - $55,000+ per year depending on institution type

Living Costs

$10,000 - $20,000 per year depending on location

Proof of Funds

First year tuition + living expenses (Form I-20 amount)

Accepted Evidence

Bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor affidavits

SEVIS Fee

$350 payable before visa interview

Required Documents

Mandatory Documents
  • Form I-20 from SEVIS-approved school
  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Visa application fee receipt
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • Proof of financial support
  • Academic transcripts and diplomas
  • Passport-sized photo (5cm x 5cm)
Additional Documents
  • Standardized test scores
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Portfolio (arts/design)
  • Research proposal (PhD)
  • Work experience certificates

Fees & Processing Time

Visa Application Fee

$185 (non-refundable)

SEVIS Fee

$350 for F-1 visa

Processing Time

Varies by consulate (2-8 weeks typically)

Premium Processing

Not available for student visas

Biometrics

Included in application process

Visa & Study Permit Information

Visa Requirements

F-1 Student Visa requires I-20 document, SEVIS fee payment, financial proof, and visa interview.

Processing Time

Varies, schedule interview early

Work During Study

20 hours/week on-campus first year

Post-Study Work

OPT: 12 months (36 months STEM)

Dependents

F-2 visa (spouse cannot work)

Cost Information
Cost of Living

$15,000-20,000 per year depending on city


Post-Study Work Rights

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months (STEM extensions available)

Rejections & Refunds

Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Failure to prove non-immigrant intent (214b refusal)
  • Insufficient financial resources
  • Unclear study plans or career goals
  • Weak ties to home country
  • Previous visa violations or overstays
  • Security/background check issues

Refund Policy

Fee Refunds

All visa fees non-refundable

SEVIS Fee

Refundable only if visa denied or school cancels program

University Deposits

Vary by institution policy

Reapplication

Can reapply after addressing refusal reasons

Dependent Visa Information

Eligible Dependents

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 (F-2 visa)

Work Rights

F-2 dependents cannot work in US

Study Rights

F-2 children can attend K-12 schools, adults limited study

Financial Requirements

Additional $5,000-$8,000 per dependent annually

Application

Can apply together or spouse/children apply separately

Visa Duration

Same duration as primary F-1 holder

Student Life & Regulations

Work Regulations

Up to 20 hours/week on-campus during term, full-time during breaks. Off-campus requires CPT/OPT authorization.

Full-time Enrollment

Minimum 12 credits undergraduate, 9 credits graduate

SEVIS Reporting

Schools must report enrollment changes within 21 days

Address Updates

Must report address changes within 10 days

Travel

Need valid visa, I-20 with travel signature to re-enter US

Grace Period

60 days after program completion to depart or change status

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Optional Practical Training

  • Part-time during studies, full-time during breaks
  • 12 months full-time after graduation
  • Additional 24 months for STEM graduates
  • Must apply before program end date

H-1B Visa

  • 85,000 visas annually (65,000 regular + 20,000 advanced degree)
  • April registration, lottery if oversubscribed
  • Employer must file petition
  • Must meet Department of Labor wage requirements

Other Pathways

  • O-1 Extraordinary Ability
  • EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card
  • National Interest Waiver (NIW)
  • Entrepreneur/Startup visas

Top Universities in United States

View All Universities
Harvard University
Harvard University

World Rank: #1

Ivy League institution with global prestige and extensive resources.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

World Rank: #2

World leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with strong emphasis on research and innovation.

Stanford University
Stanford University

World Rank: #3

Leader in innovation and entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley.

Yale University

World Rank: #3

Prestigious Ivy League university in New Haven, Connecticut, known for strong humanities, law, and drama programs with n...

Princeton University

World Rank: #4

Elite Ivy League university in New Jersey known for undergraduate focus, generous financial aid, and strength in enginee...

Columbia University

World Rank: #5

Ivy League university in New York City with strong core curriculum and excellence in journalism, business, and internati...

University of Pennsylvania

World Rank: #6

Ivy League university in Philadelphia with world-renowned Wharton Business School and strong pre-professional programs.

Johns Hopkins University

World Rank: #8

World leader in medicine, public health, and biomedical research with strong international presence.

Application Timeline

Undergraduate (Fall)

Early Nov / Regular Jan

1
Graduate Programs

Dec-Mar (varies by program)

2
Spring Intake (Jan)

Aug-Sep deadlines

3
Visa Interview

Schedule by June for August start

4
Standardized Tests

SAT/ACT: By Dec; GRE/GMAT: By Nov

5

Scholarships for United States

View All Scholarships
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Award: $0

This program provides scholarships to citizens of developing World Bank member countries to pursue development-related master's degrees at selected un...

Deadline: February 19, 2026

Apply Now
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Award: $80,000

Comprehensive scholarship program for African students worldwide

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Apply Now
Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Award: $60,000

Flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government

Deadline: October 15, 2025

Apply Now
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Award: $0

This program provides scholarships to citizens of developing World Bank member countries to pursue development-related master's degrees at selected un...

Deadline: February 19, 2026

Apply Now
Erasmus+ Programme

Award: $30,000

EU programme for education, training, youth and sport

Deadline: February 15, 2025

Apply Now

Key Benefits for Students

OPT/STEM OPT: 1-3 years of practical training after studies

Alumni Networks: Extensive global connections

Research Opportunities: Cutting-edge facilities and funding

Campus Resources: State-of-the-art labs and libraries

Entrepreneurship: Support for startups and innovation

Flexible Education: Liberal arts approach, change majors

Success Stories from United States

Kofi Mensah

University of California, Berkeley

From test preparation to visa interview coaching, every step was handled professionally. Highly recommended for any Ghan...

$15,000 Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field for 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates can extend this to 36 months.

Admissions vary by institution. Top universities are highly competitive, while many others have more accessible requirements.

Have more questions about studying in United States?

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