Education System:

With 3,800 colleges in the USA, the education system offers flexibility and a wide range of options. For undergraduate courses, you can choose from technical institutes, liberal arts colleges, or universities, leading to a bachelor’s degree. Graduate courses include master’s and doctoral degrees. Non-degree students have limited access to facilities compared to degree students.

Courses in demand at the USA

1. MS Computer Engineering / MS Computer Science
2. MS Software Engineering, Concentration in Cyber Security
3. Molecular & Cell Biology MS
4. Bioinformation & Computational Biology MS
5. MS in Data Science
6. MS in Engineering Management
7. Civil Engineering Management
8. Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Costs:

College fees in the USA range from $15,000 to $35,000 per year, while universities typically cost between $20,000 and $50,000 per year. Health insurance is mandatory for international students and costs approximately $500 to $1,000 per year. Various scholarships, fellowships, and assistantship programs are available to support students financially.

Scholarships:

There are various types of Scholarships:

1. Fellowship-Scholarship: This is usually offered on the student’s ability, competence & performance.
2. Graduate Assistantship: Generally, it may involve a teaching or research assistantship. Students receive aid, in the form of cash stipend or a tuition fee waiver or reduced tuition fee.
3. Sports Scholarship: Though seldom offered to international students, athletic or sports scholarships are available in a wide range to outstanding and talented athletes.

Application Procedure:

1. To apply to universities in the USA, you may need to submit scores for exams such as SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Undergraduate students typically need to provide SAT or ACT scores, while language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are crucial for all applicants. GRE is required for postgraduate courses (excluding MBA), and GMAT is necessary for MBA programs.

Student Visa:

There are three types of student visas for the USA: F1 Visa (Academic Student), J1 Visa (Exchange Program), and M1 Visa (Vocational Student). The F1 Visa allows full-time study at accredited educational institutions, while the J1 Visa is for cultural exchange programs. The M1 Visa is for vocational or non-academic programs.

Eligibility Criteria:

For undergraduate programs, a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 is generally required. Postgraduate programs typically require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. Other documents required for the visa application include an eligibility certificate, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 visa form, valid passport, financial proof, and academic transcripts.

Academic Intake:

The USA has three main academic intakes: Spring (January/February), Summer (May/July), and Fall (August/September).

Weather:

The USA experiences a wide range of temperatures. Average annual temperatures vary from a high of 70.7°F (21.5°C) in Florida to a low of 26.6°F (-3.0°C) in Alaska. The national average is 52.7°F (11.5°C), excluding Hawaii and Alaska.

Working Hours*

Students can be allowed to work full-time during their breaks and holidays, provided they are on good terms with their faculty. A student can only work 20 hours a week. Another thing to take care is that the job must not take away a job from a US citizen. Part time job

Part Time Jobs in USA: Minimum Wages

State Minimum Wage (in USD per hour)

1. New York: USD 15.00
2. Texas: USD 7.25
3. Florida: USD 8.65
4. Pennsylvania: USD 7.2

Employment Opportunities:

During the first year, international students are generally not allowed to work in the USA. However, on-campus employment is available and recommended. Students can work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, during breaks and holidays. Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may also be applicable, subject to USCIS guidelines and approval. USCIS approval is required for M1 students to engage in employment related to Practical Training.

Discover the world of opportunities awaiting you with a student visa in the USA. Start your journey today!