Study in the United States

No country hosts more international students than the United States. In 2024/25 there were 1,177,766 of them, about 6% of everyone in US higher education. With around 4,000 accredited colleges and universities and no single body running them, the choice is huge: you will find everything from two-year community colleges to large research universities, with a wide spread of subjects and prices.

Types of colleges and universities

• Public universities are partly funded by their state. International students pay the out-of-state rate, which is still lower than at most private universities, and that helps explain why most international students (59%) choose a public institution.
• Private universities and colleges rely on tuition, endowments and gifts. They tend to be smaller, and many offer generous scholarships to international students.
• Liberal arts colleges concentrate on undergraduate teaching across the arts, humanities and sciences, usually in small classes.
• Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees and certificates. Many students then transfer to a university to finish a bachelor's degree, which can bring the total cost down.

Degrees and how long they take

• Associate degree: 2 years, at a community college.
• Bachelor's degree: usually 4 years. You start with a broad mix of subjects and choose your major (main subject) later, often by the end of your second year.
• Master's degree: usually 1 to 2 years.
• PhD (doctorate): usually 5 years or more. Many PhD places are funded, covering tuition and paying a stipend in return for teaching or research work.

How much it costs

The College Board puts average published tuition and fees for 2026-27 at $32,730 a year for out-of-state students at public four-year universities (the rate international students usually pay) and $46,350 a year at private non-profit universities. Living costs come on top, and they depend heavily on the city you choose.

International students cannot get US government student aid, so planning your funding early matters. About half of international students rely mainly on personal and family money, while for around one in five the main source is their US college or university. It is well worth checking each university's scholarships for international students before you apply.

Applying

• Most programmes start in the fall (August or September), though many also admit students in spring (January).
• For fall entry, undergraduate deadlines usually fall between November (early decision or early action) and January (regular decision), and graduate deadlines are often between December and February. Aim to start 12 to 18 months before you plan to begin.
• Many universities have made the SAT and ACT optional, but some still require or recommend them. Some graduate programmes also ask for the GRE or GMAT.
• If English is not your first language, most universities accept TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test. Minimum scores vary, so check each one.
• Apply only to schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You can look any school up on the Study in the States school search.

Getting your F-1 student visa

1. Get accepted by an SEVP-certified school. It will ask for proof that you or a sponsor can cover your tuition and living costs, and then issue your Form I-20.
2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350) at fmjfee.com.
3. Complete the online visa application (DS-160), pay the $185 visa application fee and book an interview at the US embassy or consulate that serves your country.
4. Take your I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, acceptance letter and financial evidence to the interview.

As a new student, you can enter the United States up to 30 days before your programme starts. A $250 "visa integrity fee" was created by law in 2025, but it was not yet being collected as of October 2026, so check your embassy's website before paying anything extra.

Working while you study

• On campus: up to 20 hours a week during term, and full time during holidays.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): paid internships or placements that form part of your course, usually available after your first full academic year.

Working after you graduate

Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets you work in your field for up to 12 months after each degree level. If you graduate in an eligible science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subject, you can apply for a further 24 months, giving you up to three years in total.

Recent rule changes

In July 2026 the Department of Homeland Security published a rule that would replace "duration of status" with a fixed period of stay of up to four years for F-1 students. However, on 14 September 2026, the day before it was due to take effect, a federal court postponed it nationwide. The government has appealed. Until the case is settled the existing rules apply, so you may stay as long as you are enrolled and keep your student status. Your university's international student office will know the latest position.