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How to STUDY ABROAD in the
United States
Are you hoping to
study abroad in the US?
Here’s 4 things you’ll
need to prepare for your
adventure!
1. A place!
To start your application to study in
the US, you will need to apply directly
to each of your chosen universities.
If you are accepted you’ll be entered
into an international student database
called the Student Exchange Visitor
Information System (SEVIS).
The application costs US$200, though
a few universities allow students to
apply online for free.
The university will then provide you with a
Form I-20 to present to the US Embassy
when you attend your visa interview.
2. The language
For both undergraduate and postgraduate
studies you will need to provide proof of your
English language proficiency, if English is
not your first language.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) is the most common test considered by
universities, while the International English
Language Testing System (IELTS) is also
commonly accepted.
It’s always wise to check which tests are
accepted by your chosen universities
before signing up and taking the exams.
3. A visa
To study in the US, internationals will
need to obtain an F-2 non-
immigrant visa.
You can only do this when you have
secured a place at an SEVP-approved
university, and you’ll need to provide
proof of sufficient funds.
In most cases, you’ll be asked to
attend an interview at your local US
embassy, bringing your application
and supporting documents and a
solid financial plan.
4. Funding
US tuition fees are not cheap. HSBC
estimates that the yearly cost of
university in the US is $24,914.
This varies greatly from one institution to
the next, but all US universities are legally
required to include a fees and financial
aid calculator on their website.
Living costs are generally lower in
the US than in Australia, Canada,
Singapore, the UK or France.
HSBC gives an annual average
estimate of $11,651.
Suburban and rural area of the south
and Midwest are generally the
cheapest places to live, with big cities
costing considerably more.
Many who study in the US receive
financial aid. At Harvard for example,
70% of students receive help with
their fees. At MIT the figure is even
higher, at 86%.
As US government aid schemes and
loans are often off-limits to
internationals, financial aid and
scholarships offered by your chosen
school and/or external organizations
Are your best bet.
Find out more
about studying in
the US with our
free guide!
