The United States has one of the world’s finest university systems, with outstanding programs in virtually all fields. At the undergraduate level, excellent programs exist in traditional disciplines, as well as in professional fields. At the graduate level, students have the opportunity to work directly with some of the finest minds in their field of study, with the chance to become involved with exclusive research and educational opportunities. U.S. degrees are recognized throughout the world for their excellence.

The United States is home to several thousand colleges and universities, boasting at least ten times as many campuses as in any other country. As a result, the higher education system in the U.S. has something for everyone. Some U.S. colleges and universities stress broad educational principles; others emphasize practical, employment-related skills; and still others specialize in the arts, social sciences or technical fields. This means that no matter what you plan on studying, you will have a wide variety of programs in your particular field from which to choose.

Universities in the U.S. pride themselves on being at the forefront of technology, research and techniques, and in making the best possible equipment and resources available to their students. Even if your field does not directly involve science or engineering, you will have opportunities to become skilled in using the latest technology to conduct research, as well as obtain and process information. You will find ways to stay connected with researchers, teachers and experts in your field all over the world.

You may be able to gain valuable experience through teaching and/or research while you help to finance your education in the U.S., particularly if you are a graduate student. Many graduate programs offer training and teaching opportunities that enable students to become teaching assistants to undergraduates and/or research assistants on special projects exploring different aspects of your field of study.

International students are some of the most valued teachers and researchers in U.S. universities because they bring new skills and ideas to the classroom and library or laboratory. This practical component of your education will prove useful in your future career, and may give you insights into your field that would not be possible through course study alone.

Although many programs are highly structured in that specific coursework requirements must be met, you will generally be able to find a wide variety of course choices to meet those requirements. For example, liberal arts coursework for an undergraduate program will include classes in languages and mathematics, but you will be given a wide variety of classes which fit those requirements, and the freedom to decide which classes best match your interests.

At the advanced stages of a degree, or if you are pursuing a graduate degree, you will be able to tailor your coursework to fit your specific academic goals, needs and interests. When you choose topics for independent study for a graduate thesis or dissertation, you can emphasize ideas that are important to you, your field and your country.

Studying in the United States is a rewarding experience, but navigating your way through day-to-day issues can be a challenge. Many international students find that the college and university international student office is a great resource when it comes to adapting to a culturally and academically different environment. The mission of the international student office is to assist students like you, and there is often a wide range of student services that they provide

Experience in an international setting is a marketable commodity. Many employers seek the wide range of knowledge, adaptability and experience that international students acquire by studying in the United States. Companies in the U.S. are increasingly seeking to become a strong presence in the global marketplace. They often look to hire employees who not only have multi-cultural language skills, but those who can also help communicate, negotiate and conduct business across different cultures.

When you continue your studies in the U.S., you are making a choice to broaden not only your educational opportunities, but your cultural experience, as well. Whether you attend a small, private college in a small town or a university situated in the middle of a large urban area, most universities offer a variety of student clubs and organizations to match the wide array of student interests. You can have the opportunity to immerse yourself in American culture, meeting new people and making new friends, through different organizations and associations.

International students often find that the international student office is a good starting point for campus offerings, as well as the campus student center. Your time studying abroad can be enriched by taking part in the social and cultural scene surrounding you, and you will likely find that U.S. campuses provide a rich variety academic, cultural and athletic activities that add new dimensions to your life.

Tuition fee is your prime expenditure

Living Expenses

Most universities in the United States will require you to take a test to evaluate your English language skills. Check if the school you’re applying to requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. You will need to include test scores with your application.

The USA is a leading country in the world for education and technology. It is a dream destination for students who plan on studying abroad because of innumerable reasons like a flexible and versatile education system, availability of thousands of courses, employment opportunities and many more. There are 150+ QS ranked universities in the USA which includes famous Ivy league colleges, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Stanford University, Harvard University, and several others.

Top Universities in USA

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Based on six indicators including student mix, employer activity, affordability, university rankings and affordability and student view, here is the list of top 10 student cities in the US, featured in the QS Student Cities Ranking 2019:

• Engineering

Engineering is one of the most popular degrees all over the world and from the past few years, most of the international students opt for a variety of engineering programs as they provide employment guarantee to the students.



• Business Administration

International students prefer doing bachelor as well as master-level courses in business administration as the degree holds up a lot of value in the USA and even in their home country. It is easier for students to get jobs after completing a degree in business administration. The fees of US universities is comparatively higher than other foreign universities but the exposure provided to the student is much more diverse in terms of training, internships and workshops.



• MBBS

MBBS is another popular choice of international students who plan on studying abroad. Thousands of Indian students move to foreign lands to pursue MBBS and the USA tops their list. Education standards for medicinal courses are high in the USA and students have to work really hard to get admission to a US-based medical school. MBBS degrees awarded by the USA universities are approved by the Medical Council of India, thus they hold valid in India, students can come back to India and work here as well. The curriculum of MBBS is a combination of theoretical and practical courses, students have to invest a lot of their time in studies to complete the MBS degree.



• Liberal Arts

The universities in the USA have various Liberal Arts courses available for international students at all levels according to their area of interest and career goals. Usually, Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees are awarded to students pursuing courses in these fields.



• Applied Sciences

Applied Science is a discipline that helps students to use the existing knowledge of science to fashion new things. These courses are a combination of various practical experiments along with theoretical texts to help students innovate and learn. Applied science courses are becoming more popular these days because of the great scope of skill development and innovation in the existing fields of science. At the bachelor's level, the degree of bachelors of Applied science is awarded to students which can be four to six years long in duration.

• Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
• Applied and Pure Science
• Architecture and Construction
• Business and Management
• Computer Science and IT
• Creative Arts and Design
• Education and Training
• Engineering
• Health and Medicine
• Humanities
• LAW
• MBA
• Personal Care and Fitness
• Social Studies and Media
• Travel and Hospitality

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.

Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas A student visa (F or M) is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to undertake recreational study (non-credit) as part of a tourist visit. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa may be appropriate A visitor (B) visa permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate. Study leading to a U.S. conferred degree or certificate is never permitted on a visitor (B) visa, even if it is for a short duration.

• A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your period of stay
• Recent passport size photograph
• Confirmation page of DS-160
• Form I -20
• Payment of application fees for SEVIS
• Application as a non-immigrant
• Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application

The first step is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the Web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, F-1 and M-1 students who come to the United States to attend those schools, U.S. Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsors and J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program participants. It is a critical tool in our mission to protect national security while supporting the legal entry of more than one million F, M and J non immigrants to the United States for education and cultural exchange.

The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20. After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt
• Photo
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20

Additional Documentation May Be Required

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:

Your academic preparation, such as:

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended;
• Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study;
• How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.

You need to show proof of funds for the duration of the study mentioned on the I20. Schools usually estimate the tuition fee and living expenses for 12 months of study at the school.

If your degree duration mention on I20 is 24 months, you should have funds for amount specified on I-20 for the 2 years which is double the amount mentioned on I20.

If you I-20 says $25000 for the first year, you need to have money of $50000 for the entire duration of the study. Some course may have 36 months duration on I-20.

Part-time jobs are considered important by Indian students once they go abroad to study. There are various ways to earn that extra cash and interact with students from all over the world. In a sense, part-time jobs give you a complete experience of the student culture and life. According to the American students’ visa guidelines, you are allowed to work only 20 hours a week and can work only on campus.

It is not that difficult to find jobs on-campus at American universities. Also, these jobs are customized in such a manner that they will adhere to all the visa guidelines.

Here are 10 most popular on-campus jobs that you can take up at American universities.

• Library Monitor
• Teaching Assistant
• Tour Guide
• Peer Tutor
• Academic Department Assistant
• Campus Tech Support
• Production Assistant
• University Book Store Assistant
• Babysitter
• Barista

Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week on-campus during the first years of study. In the second year students are allowed to take part-time jobs or co-op/internships off campus to fulfill academic or financial requirements. The on campus jobs do not pay much and certainly not enough to finance a university education. This kind of jobs can only be a supplement to other funds. Along with the acceptability and recognition of education, USA also offers the best in terms of future job prospects and immigration possibilities after studies. All students are entitled to stay back and work for one year period in USA under OPT (Optional Professional Training). For STEM Graduates (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) the OPT can be further extended to another 24 months (Total 36 Months). Students who are successful in finding a suitable placement can apply for H1B (Job Visa) during this period.