Complete guide to studying in the USA
Everything you need to know about becoming an international student in the United States of America
Top reasons to study in the USA:
- Most popular global destination for international students
- Access to world‑leading universities and advanced research
- Vast range of universities and programmes to fit varied interests
- Comprehensive international student support systems
- Degrees with strong global recognition and career advantages
A quick introduction to the USA
The United States of America, which is commonly referred to as simply the United States (US), is the world’s third largest country, the majority of which is located in North America, which is composed of 50 states.
The country is governed by both the national government, which is known as the federal government of the United States, and individual state governments.
If you are considering studying in the United States, you are not alone – it is the most popular destination in the world for international students, with over 1 million foreign students enrolled in higher education during the 2022-2023 academic year. This compares to around 410,000 international students in France, and around 680,000 international students in the UK.
The majority of international students in the United States come from China, India, whilst there is a growing number of students from African states such as Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. In total, students from around 200 places around the world are studying in the US.
In all, international students from around the world make up around 5% of the US’s student population, adding to the already highly diverse, multicultural student body.
What makes the United States so attractive for students? It can count on cutting edge research and education from some of the best universities in the world, and a great variety of cultures, experiences and diversity to explore.
USA’s higher education system
The university academic year in the US starts in August/September and ends the following August. Typically the academic year is split into three semesters:
- Fall semester – the start of the academic year, beginning in August/September and ending at the end of December
- Spring semester – Beginning near the start of January, and running until May/June
- Summer semester – Summer semesters are shorter than fall and spring semesters and usually represent a chance for you to catch up with certain studies, or take extra modules. It is usually optional, so you will notice less students on campus
In the United States the terms College, University and Institute are used interchangeably, and all equate to what is known as a university in European/UK style education.
Students in the US typically complete 12 years of education before attending University/College, which may differ slightly to your home country, with many countries requiring their students to complete 13 years of education before beginning university.
Like post-secondary education in Europe, university students in the US study first at the undergraduate level, then at the graduate level once they have completed their bachelor’s degree.
Undergraduate studies
The US differs from the European style bachelor’s degree in that undergraduate studies are generally either associate degrees, which take 2 years to complete, or bachelors degrees, which take 4 years to complete.
Undergraduate studies in the US all involve completing studies in a range of subjects, which are known as minors. Following this, students may pick a subject to focus on for the completion of their undergraduate degree, and this is known as their major. This system results in a comprehensive education at the undergraduate level.
Graduate studies
International students or students in the US who have completed a bachelor’s degree may go on to graduate studies. This can either be in the form of a masters degree, which takes between 1-2 years to complete, or a doctorate degree. Many doctorate programs require you to have completed a masters degree.
Universities
Universities in the US can either be public or privately run. Public universities in the US are funded and operated by their state government, unlike public universities in other countries which are operated by the national government.
Many of the top universities in the US are state universities, such as University of California, Berkeley, University of Virginia and the University of Michigan.
Private universities in the US receive no public funding, with many established by churches and other religious denominations, with notable examples including the University of Notre Dame in the state of Indiana, which is a private catholic university, and the Brigham Young University in the state of Utah, which is a private university affiliated to the Mormon Church.
Secular (non-religious) private universities in the US account for some of the top universities in the world, including well known universities such as Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Columbia University and Harvard University.
University rankings
With over 4,000 post-secondary education institutions to choose from in the US, there is an incredible amount of choice for international and domestic students alike.
University rankings can help narrow your choice by rating institutions based on metrics that you will find useful for comparison such as teaching standards. They can also give you an idea of the impact that your chosen institution will have on your CV for future employment.
Our table below shows the top 15 universities in the US according to 3 well known university ranking systems:
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| Stanford University | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Harvard University | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Princeton University | 6 | 18 | 22 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7 | 23 | 10 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 9 | 5 | 12 |
| Yale University | 10 | 10 | 23 |
| The University of Chicago | 13 | 25 | 21 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 15 | 13 | 32 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 16 | 14 | 11 |
| Columbia University | 17 | 9 | 34 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 18 | 11 | 42 |
| Cornell University | 20 | 19 | 16 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 23 | 19 | 44 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 24 | 134 | 58 |
Climate
The US is a vast nation in many senses. In terms of physical land mass it is currently the third largest country in the world behind Russia and Canada, whilst in terms of population it is also third largest in the world behind China and India.
What this means to you as an international student is that there is a wide variety of experiences on offer as a student, with much depending on whereabouts you choose to live and study.
The weather in the US varies quite dramatically from the harsh long winters of the northernmost state of Alaska to the tropical weather experienced in southernmost state of Hawaii, so here is a quick explainer of what conditions to expect during your time studying in the US:
The Northeast
On the Atlantic east coast of the United States in states such as New York, New Jersey, Maine, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, expect comfortable warm summer temperatures with highs averaging around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Winters can be cold and snowy, but rarely get extremely cold. Differences between seasons tend to be quite pronounced, so if you enjoy defined seasons, this area of the country will suit you nicely.
The Southeast
Moving south down the Atlantic coast to states such as Georgia, Florida and North and South Carolina, the weather turns subtropical, resulting in hot summers with high humidity. Winters tend to be mild, with average temperatures of around 10 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer storms are very common and coastal regions are occasionally at risk of hurricanes.
If you like the idea of lots of sunshine year round and can cope with high humidity and long hot summers, consider universities in this region of the US.
The Midwest
Moving inland from the east coast to the Midwest, including states such as Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, weather is warm and humid in the summer, whilst winters can be cold and snowy.
Expect high summer temperatures averaging around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and winter temperatures of around -4 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Great Plains
Running through the centre of the country, the Great Plains are a vast expanse of flatland, including the states of Nebraska, Kansas and North and South Dakota.
As a student at university in this region, you can expect warm summers with low humidity, with average high temperatures of 32 degree Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are quite cold and there are occasionally snowstorms.
The Southwest
Towards the south-west of the US in states like Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, temperatures get much hotter, and rainfall drops off.
Temperatures in the summer will average over 30 degrees Celsius, but can feel very hot. In winter, cold and frost are possible, but temperatures tend to average around 10 degrees.
The West Coast
On the pacific west coast of the country in the states of Washington, Oregon and California, the weather will feel Mediterranean the further south you go.
In California, this means warm temperatures in the summer and mild temperatures in the winter. Some regions of California can get extremely hot, such as Death Valley national park, where the world’s hottest temperatures are recorded.
Further north up the West Coast, the climate is better described as Oceanic, with cooler temperatures. Summer months in Washington can see average highs of 26 degrees Celsius in summer (80 degrees Fahrenheit), with average winter temperatures dropping to around 3 degrees Celsius (38 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rocky Mountains
The climate of states like Utah, Colorado and Wyoming is influenced by the Rocky Mountains, the great mountain range that stretches across Canada and the United States.
In these states the mountains can cause more rainfall, but the temperatures you experience will be different depending on your elevation.
Winters tend to be cold, with low temperatures often down to -8 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit), while summers can be mild to hot.
Pacific Northwest
At the north-western extreme of the country in Oregon and the west of Washington, summers tend to be dry and warm, while winters are cold and wet. Average high temperatures in summer will be around 27 degrees Celsius (81 Fahrenheit), while average lows will drop to around 2 degree Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit).
Healthcare for international students
Did you know that healthcare in the US is expensive? If you are moving from a country where healthcare is covered by the government, this may be a surprise, but in the US it is customary to buy private health insurance plans that cover you in the event of illness or emergency.
As an international student moving to the US for studies, it is usually a requirement by your university that you have such health insurance in place for your studies.
This will usually be in one of the two ways:
- You will be automatically enrolled in a mandatory health insurance plan by your university. If this is the case, you don’t have any option but to go with the plan that is selected for you.
- You find an equivalent private health insurance plan, or you have a health insurance plan from your home country that provides sufficient cover.
We recommend that you always have sufficient health care insurance in place during your time studying in the US.
Should you choose your own health insurance plan as an international student?
If the healthcare plan picked by your US university isn’t mandatory, then you have the option to explore alternative plans from different providers. Whilst it might be tempting to explore options and potentially save some money, keep these following factors in mind:
| Factors in favour of choosing your own health insurance | Factors in favour of opting for insurance suggested by your university |
| Potential to find a cheaper health plan than the plan recommended by your university | Usually much more straightforward than finding alternative insurance |
| Often the cheapest option | |
| Your university will be able to provide assistance should you need help, giving you peace of mind |
If you do go ahead and choose an alternative health insurance plan than the one recommended by your university, you will usually be asked to sign a waiver by your university to confirm that you have sufficient cover in place.
Lifestyle and culture
The US is an incredibly multicultural country, which is often described as a melting pot of cultures due to the way that the various cultures in the country can mix to become a new shared identity.
Residents in the US represent practically every ethnic group from around the world, giving a little bit of familiarity for most visitors, but always with a distinct US spin.
So what kind of values can you expect to see from locals when you study in America?
Whilst this is a bit of a generalization, there is a focus on being self-sufficient and pursuing your own interests. Everyone is deemed as equal regardless of ethnicity or background, everyone is free to have their own beliefs, and everyone has freedom to do what they want to do.
Sports
Participation and viewing sports are a large part of American culture, as well as being incredibly popular in colleges and universities, where college sport alone can draw in thousands of live spectators as well as being broadcast live on TV.
Sporting teams often give US colleges positive focal points to celebrate, and the most popular college sport by far is college football (American football), which astonishingly draws the world’s highest average paying attendances of any sport worldwide.
To highlight just how big college football is, many of the world’s biggest sporting stadiums were built solely to host college football teams, which compete in the NCAA, and if you ask most US sports fans in the south who their favourite football team is, they will probably ssume you are asking about college football, rather than the professional NFL league.
As an international student you will be spoilt for choice if you wish to take part in sport during your studies, either in college teams or outside college.
Popular sports that you can try in the US, often through your college, include:
- Football (American)
- Basketball
- Athletics
- Baseball
- Softball
- Hockey
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Golf
And this is just a shortened list of sports in which US colleges compete. For a more comprehensive list, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) coordinates a wide range of US college sports.
Food
In your first year of college in America it is very common to live in a dorm located on-campus, which are generally equipped with basic kitchen facilities such as shared microwaves and hobs/stoves.
Many colleges and universities in the US will have mandatory or optional food plans that are built into your tuition fees. Such plans will give you access to on-campus cafeterias and food halls or funds to spend at local fast food restaurants.
You will find that most students in their first years of college in the US eat at these food halls, and the standard of food and range of choice is usually very good.
As you move towards your second and third years of university, it is likely that you will move into off-campus housing, and therefore start cooking for yourself more regularly.
Food in America might be different from what you are accustomed to in your home country. Whilst there is an enduring myth that food portions are gigantic, the main difference you will notice is that choice is abundant, reflecting the multiple cultures that call the US home.
There are many regional delicacies to try including:
- Jambalaya, a favourite of Creole cuisine from the state of Louisiana
- BBQ and smoked brisket in the southern states
- Detroit style pizza
- Philadelphia cheese steak sandwich
- New York hot dogs
In a country so big and diverse, you could eat for days and barely scratch the surface!
Transport
During your freshman year at university, if you choose to stay in on-campus accommodation then transport is something you won’t have to worry about.
If you choose to live off-campus you will need to commute to your university, and depending on your location and university, this can mean a choice between:
- Driving
- Public transport (buses and trains)
- Cycling
Driving in the US as an international student
Driving in the US requires that you get a driving license as an international student, as well as pay to own and insure a car. You will need to make sure that there is adequate parking at or near to your university as well as where you live.
This is likely to add quite a lot to your budget, so make sure that you have the necessary funds available if this is really something that you want to consider.
Public transport
Using public transport is a common way of commuting to college in the US, but if this is going to be your chosen option, you should consider whether there are reliable options available for your university.
Most universities will partner with local transport companies to offer reduced rate options for their students, with a couple of examples including:
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which offers the Bruin U-Pass, allowing their students to travel and commute throughout LA at discounted rates.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, which offers students discounted access to the Madison Metro Transit bus network with its ASM Bus Pass
- University of Colorado Boulder, which grants students access to the RTD (Regional Transportation District) buses and light rail services with the Buff OneCard.
Cycling to college is also an option, but perhaps not suitable for all universities. Some cities are better equipped than others for cycling, and in some cities we can’t recommend it. What we do recommend is asking around current students and your university to work out whether it seems like a sensible choice for you.
Websites like the League of American Bicyclists are a good resource for assessing if the area that you will be moving to is cycling friendly.
University websites will also be well equipped to provide you with information, the University of Colorado Boulder again being a good example with its section devoted to cycling.
Safety as an international student in the US
Feeling safe should be an important part of your decision to study abroad. In recent times, security for international students in the US has become increasingly uncertain.
Viewing the nation as a whole, the US ranks a disappointing 132 out of 163 nations in the Global Peace Index. This metric does not necessarily mean that you would be unsafe visiting the nation for your studies, but it does rank the US poorly due to its participation in external conflicts, exports of weaponry and the percentage of population that are in jail.
A contentious issue for international students may also be gun laws in the US, with many international students stating unease at US gun ownership. It is easy to believe that guns are everywhere in the US, as almost every adult in the US is legally allowed to own one. Despite this, most areas, especially colleges, are safe places to live and study.
Nowhere can claim to be perfectly safe, but if safety is an important part of your decision, we recommend looking at colleges in the safer cities of the US (often smaller cities), with many studies available showing the safest cities to live in the US.
Recent political events have contributed to unease for political students. We recommend refraining from politically motivated activities as an international student in the current climate in the US.
Languages
The United States does not have an official national language at the federal level, but English is the de facto and the most widely spoken language across the country.
American English is used in education, government, business and media, while the vast majority of university courses are taught entirely in English. For this reason, international students are generally required to demonstrate English language proficiency (through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS) as part of the admissions process.
That said, the U.S. is a multilingual country with a diverse population. Spanish is the second most spoken language, particularly in states like California, Texas, Florida and New York. You may also hear languages such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic and French in communities across the country.
While all your academic instruction will be in English, many universities offer language support services or English as a Second Language (ESL) resources to help international students adjust.
You do not need to speak another language besides English to study or live in the U.S., but if you’re fluent in a widely spoken language like Spanish or Mandarin, it may help you connect with local communities.
Learning and improving your American English, especially in informal or conversational settings, will help you feel more confident, both in and outside the classroom. Even if most people will understand non-native accents, practicing local expressions and pronunciation will make your experience more immersive.
In short, while English is essential for studying in the U.S., embracing its linguistic diversity can enrich your time there.
University cities
The United States is an enormous country offering a wide variety of student experiences, with major differences in climate, culture, affordability and local lifestyle from region to region.
When choosing your university, it’s worth considering not just the academic ranking, but also what the city itself has to offer. Here are some of the top student cities in the US for international students:
Boston, Massachusetts
Located in the northeastern state of Massachusetts, Boston is one of the most famous student cities in the world. It’s home to more than 50 colleges and universities, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both located in nearby Cambridge.
Boston has a rich academic culture, a lively arts scene and strong public transport, all of which make it attractive to international students. It is also a very walkable city and has a strong community of students from around the globe.
While the cost of living is relatively high, the concentration of students and educational opportunities make Boston a top choice.
New York City, New York
New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world, fast-paced, diverse and full of opportunity. Home to institutions such as Columbia University and New York University (NYU), the city attracts tens of thousands of international students every year.
You’ll never be short of things to do in NYC, from museums and Broadway shows to Central Park and endless international cuisine.
Living in New York is expensive and housing can be competitive, but many students find the energy and career opportunities of the city worth the cost.
Chicago, Illinois
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Midwest, Chicago is the third-largest city in the US and home to universities such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.
The city is known for its music, art, architecture and sports and has a friendly and diverse student population. It offers a lower cost of living than cities like New York or San Francisco and has an efficient public transport system.
Chicago experiences very cold winters but is lively all year round.
Los Angeles, California
Located on the West Coast, Los Angeles is known for sunshine, beaches and Hollywood glamour, but it’s also a major student hub.
Home to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC), LA combines academic prestige with a relaxed, creative lifestyle.
International students enjoy the city’s multicultural communities, great food and access to internships in entertainment, tech and business. Be prepared for urban sprawl and high living costs.
Austin, Texas
The capital of Texas, Austin is known for live music, creativity and a laid-back lifestyle. It’s home to the University of Texas at Austin, one of the largest and most respected public universities in the country.
Austin offers a warm climate, relatively affordable living costs and a strong tech industry presence, making it a great option for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The city is welcoming, student-friendly and continues to grow in popularity.
San Francisco Bay Area, California
While San Francisco is known for its hills and fog, it’s also famous for being a global tech hub.
The Bay Area is home to world-class universities including Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley.
International students in the Bay Area benefit from connections to Silicon Valley and some of the world’s most innovative companies.
The area is expensive, especially in terms of rent, but the academic and professional opportunities are hard to beat.
Smaller Cities Worth Considering
Many international students also find excellent student life in smaller, more affordable cities such as:
- Ann Arbor, Michigan – Home to the University of Michigan, this city is known for its high quality of life and strong academic reputation.
- Boulder, Colorado – Surrounded by nature, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado Boulder and is ideal for students who enjoy outdoor lifestyles.
- Madison, Wisconsin – A classic college town, home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with a great student community and vibrant campus culture.
Each U.S. city offers a unique experience, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your time as a student. Consider your academic goals, lifestyle preferences, the weather and budget when making your decision.
Student visas for the US
International students who wish to study in the United States will need to apply for a valid student visa. For full-time academic studies at a university or college, this is typically the F-1 visa.
Before you can apply for an F-1 visa, you must first be accepted by a U.S. institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, the school will issue a document called Form I-20, which you will need to present when applying for your visa.
You must then schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country and pay the required application and SEVIS fees.
Once you arrive in the U.S., you must maintain full-time student status and report any changes (such as address or academic programme) to your university’s international student office.
The F-1 visa allows you to live and study in the United States, and in most cases, you may also work part-time on campus during your studies. Off-campus work options such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be available, usually with authorisation.
Costs for international students in the US
Course fees
The United States is home to many world-renowned universities, but it is also one of the more expensive countries in which to pursue higher education, especially for international students.
At public universities, annual tuition fees for international students can range from $10,000 to $30,000 USD, depending on the state, the institution and the degree programme.
At private universities, fees are generally higher, typically between $30,000 and $55,000 USD per year. Some elite institutions may charge even more.
International students usually pay the same tuition fees as out-of-state or non-resident students, which are higher than fees for in-state (local) residents.
While studying in the US can be costly, many universities offer scholarships, need-based aid, or assistantships (particularly at the graduate level) to help cover tuition fees. These are competitive and often require a separate application or strong academic credentials.
Living costs
Living costs for students in the US vary widely depending on the city and region. Urban areas like New York City, San Francisco, or Boston tend to be much more expensive than smaller towns or rural campuses in the Midwest or South.
On average, you should expect to budget:
- $1,000 – $1,500 per month in lower-cost areas
- $1,500 – $2,500 per month in major cities
This includes accommodation, food, transport, health insurance and personal expenses. University dormitories can be more affordable than private rentals, but availability is limited at some schools.
Health insurance is also a mandatory cost in most universities, and can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year, unless you have your own coverage that meets university requirements.
How to apply to university
Unlike some European countries, the United States does not have a centralised university application system for all institutions. Instead, most universities handle applications through their own online portals or via third-party platforms, the most widely used being the Common App (used by over 900 institutions) and the Coalition Application.
Each university sets its own deadlines, requirements and procedures, so it’s essential to check the admissions section of the website of each school you’re interested in.
Application process
When applying to US universities, you will generally need to submit the following:
- A completed online application form (via Common App or university’s own portal)
- Academic transcripts and records from your secondary school or previous studies
- Standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), although many universities are now test-optional
- Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS)
- A personal statement or college essay
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or school officials
- A copy of your passport
- An application fee (typically $50-$100 per application)
Early decision and regular decision
Some universities offer different admissions timelines, such as:
- Early decision (binding commitment if accepted)
- Early action (non-binding, early notification)
- Regular decision (standard application timeline)
Be aware of the application deadlines, which usually fall between November and January for most institutions starting in the autumn/fall semester.
Selection process
Universities in the US often take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning that your extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, essays and recommendations are considered alongside your academic performance.
Highly competitive universities may also require interviews or supplemental essays.
Job prospects after graduation
If you plan to work in the United States after you graduate, your employment prospects will largely depend on your field of study and your ability to secure authorisation to work in the country legally.
Sectors such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), finance, healthcare and tech tend to offer stronger job opportunities for international graduates, particularly those with in-demand skills.
Unlike the EEA, the US does not offer automatic work rights to international students after graduation. However, if you hold an F-1 student visa, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary work authorisation that allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months after graduation (or up to 36 months for eligible STEM graduates).
To remain in the US long-term, many graduates seek sponsorship from an employer for a H-1B work visa, which is a separate application process and subject to an annual cap.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to study in the US?
No. Tuition fees in the United States are significantly higher than in many European countries.
Costs vary widely depending on the institution, but international students at public universities can expect to pay between $20,000 and $35,000 per year, while private universities may charge $35,000 to $60,000 or more annually.
However, many universities offer scholarships, grants, or financial aid to help offset costs, so it’s important to explore funding options directly with your chosen institution.
Am I allowed to work while I study?
Yes, but there are restrictions. On an F-1 student visa, you are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Off-campus work is generally not allowed during your first academic year, but after that, you may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) if the work is directly related to your field of study and authorised by your university.
Can I stay in the US after I graduate?
Yes, temporarily. Most international students on an F-1 visa are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to stay and work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates may qualify for a 24-month extension, allowing a total of 36 months.
To stay longer-term, you will usually need to find an employer willing to sponsor you for a H-1B work visa or another type of employment-based visa.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Health care in the US is not free or publicly funded, so international students are usually required to have valid health insurance for the duration of their studies. Many universities offer student health plans, or you may be allowed to purchase private insurance that meets university requirements.