Need to know more about the USA?

Cost of studying in the US

Studying in the USA is a dream for many students. The image of the USA portrayed in the Hollywood movies and the media has largely impacted students across the Globe. And the truth is, they will not be disappointed when they finally arrive at the US. It is indeed a land of opportunities and boasts of a vast international student community.

One of the primary reasons why the USA is the most sought after study destination is the fact that it provides study programs which are very flexible and are specially designed to prepare students for real-life experiences. At the same time, it being a hub of multiple cultures from across the world, students can gather great life experiences and learn to adapt-adopt and inculcate cosmopolitan values.

Apart from that, being a developed country, the USA also has the advantage, economically, technologically and in infrastructure. These, along with the presence of faculties who are expert professionals in their fields add to the benefit of studying at the top US universities.

In terms of Universities, there are two types of universities in the USA.

Public universities, which are funded by public taxes and are comparatively a few thousand bucks cheaper than the private universities, which are run by private entities. But public universities are usually large in size and offer degrees and certifications of all levels and with the price margin it attracts maximum number of students. But since the demand for admissions in these universities are high, international students should expect tough competition for admission.

Tuition Fee

Basically undergraduate courses in public universities cost in the range of $15,000-$20,000 per year, which would usually cost something between $20,000 and $30,000 per year in private universities.

Similarly a PG degree from a public university would cost somewhere between $15,500 to $25,000 per year and the same would cost around $20,000-$35,000 per year at a private university.

Cost of living in the US

Apart from that, studying in the US does not come cheap and, approximately, an average student is expected to spend $14,000 to $19,000 in living expenses including accommodation and other basic services. But again, the upper limit of the range is dependent on each student’s personal lifestyle.

Insurance

Like the other student destinations, students have the option to stay on campus or off-campus, depending on the availability of space. Again, the location would have a major impact on the accommodation expense.

It is also mandatory for international students to have an insurance policy which costs approximately $1000-$2000 per year. This policy covers medical expenses and facilitates cashless transaction during any kind of medical emergency.

Top Courses to Pursue in the USA

The United States is one place which is known for the vast study options it offers students. These courses are diverse and varied, flexible and are focused on the wholesome growth of the students’ knowledge base. This, in a way, assures that students find the perfect course based on their interests and career goals. While on the one hand, US universities are known for their excellence in traditional study options, on the other hand, there are equally a vast number of non-traditional options. Students have the option of pursuing their Master’s degree either full-time or part-time or through online programs or through distance learning methods.

Among the most popular courses that international students pursue are Business management courses, Engineering, Fashion, Biology & Life Sciences, Humanities, Media and Mass Communication, Design and other professional courses.

A few of the courses popular in the USA

• Business Studies
• Economics & Administration
• Engineering & Technology
• Management
• Biological & Life Sciences
• Marketing & Communication
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Law & Regulations
• Fashion & Designing
• Fine Arts & related programs
• Natural Sciences
• Professional Studies
• Sport
• Tourism & Hospitality

Which examinations/tests are required to apply and study in the USA?

To study in USA Universities, like most of the English-speaking countries, international students are required to crack English proficiency tests like International English Language Testing System, also known as, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, also called PTE or Test of English as a Foreign Language, popularly known as TOEFL. While each University have particular score band requirement for each of these tests, these tests are nothing to be afraid of. Almost each of these tests is concerned with the English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of the students.

To study in the USA, a student may opt for any of the tests, as per the requirement and take the first step towards achieving the dream of studying in the United States of America.

There are also certain other examinations which students might need to crack before being eligible to study in the USA (depending on the programme they wish to study), GRE and GMAT being two of them.

What about scholarships to study in the USA?

Scholarships are highly instrumental in facilitating studies in the USA as compared to the other study destinations, the cost of living and tuition fees in the US are higher.

Most scholarships are provided in the form of fee waivers and are awarded to meritorious students. Undoubtedly, the competition to avail these scholarships is very high and hence, it is of utmost importance that students fulfil all the eligibility criteria.

There are other scholarship awards which also deem students with extracurricular achievements eligible too. Good performance in standardised exams is another criterion which might be required to avail a few of the other scholarships.

Students must submit all the required documents within the given deadline and make sure that the application package reflects their excellence to increase their chances of availing the benefits offered by the universities and colleges.

Visa to study in the USA

Now when it comes to acquiring a visa to study in the US, students must be extra careful as the USA is very strict about immigration and related issues. This means that even if your application is selected for admission to a top university, the rest of it depends on the visa process.

To study in the US, the F1 visa is required which facilitates education in the US for international students attending academic programs at any US college or university, including English language programs. It is mandatory for the students to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form, which is the certificate of eligibility Non-immigrant student status and is provided by the US College or University.

As a matter of fact, the process of acquiring a US student visa has been relatively streamlined and the process is highly efficient and transparent. The simplification of the fee payment and appointment scheduling process has further made it easier for the students to apply for the visa and eventually acquire it.

For more on US visa, it is advisable that students contact their overseas education counsellors, who are regularly updated with the all the latest information about the visa application process.

Note: Careless mistakes in the application form may delay the process and sometimes even lead to cancellation of the visa. So, it is of utmost importance to be careful about the application.

Also, there are several fraud agencies making false promises to the students and guaranteeing visa through shortcuts and unfair means, we condemn that and advise students to stay vigil about such agents. Using false documents or fraudulence means to acquire visa is a punishable offence by law and can destroy your dreams of studying in the US.

All About Life in the US

With the rise of a globalised world network, Indian students now are more or less aware of what they should expect in the USA. Life at the US is more or less an amplified version of life at any of the Indian mega city, with comparatively lesser people. However, there is so much more than that.

For decades, the US had hosted people from all across the globe and along came the traits of culture, ethnicity, race and social structures. Now the US is at that point when almost all major cultures have a place under the umbrella of the US culture. From food to fashion, music to language, it is indeed the hotspot of multiple cultures.

Perhaps, this is the reason why it is the most popular study destination among International students. Living in the US not only exposes them to these cultural traits but also widen their mental horizon making them more adaptive, receptive and sensitive to people from all around and their cultures.

So, do you dream pursuing your higher studies from top universities in the US? Let us help you out.