Study in the US
The widest choice of universities anywhere, flexible majors, and Optional Practical Training of up to three years for STEM graduates.
Why students choose the US
American universities let you shape your own degree: switch majors, add a minor, take a research assistantship, and graduate with a network that spans the world. Funding is real too, with graduate assistantships that waive tuition and pay a stipend, especially in STEM. It is the most expensive destination on paper and the most generous in aid, so the outcome depends on choosing universities that fund students like you.
Intakes
Main intake. Most scholarships and assistantships. Apply by December to February.
Available at many universities with fewer aid decisions.
Limited programmes, mostly language and short courses.
What international students study in the US
After you graduate
Optional Practical Training gives every graduate 12 months of work authorisation, and graduates of STEM-designated programmes can extend by 24 months. Many students move to an H-1B work visa from there. Curricular Practical Training also lets you do paid internships during the degree.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
12 months, plus a 24-month STEM extension for eligible degrees. Apply through your university's international office in your final semester. Employers can then sponsor an H-1B visa.
Part-time work
20 hours a week on campus during term; off-campus work needs CPT or OPT authorisation. Wages of US$7.25 federal minimum, US$15 to US$17 in many states and campuses.
Employment by sector
Software, AI and data (high), Healthcare and nursing (high), Engineering (high). Full picture.
What it costs to study in the US
Living costs of US$1,300 to US$2,800 a month depending on the city. Tuition of US$20,000 to US$55,000 for undergraduate and US$20,000 to US$60,000 for postgraduate study. Public universities charge less for in-state students; internationals pay the out-of-state rate. Assistantships can waive most of it.
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | US$700 to US$1,800 (shared apartments are common) |
| Food and groceries | US$300 to US$500 |
| Transport | US$50 to US$150; many campuses run free shuttles |
| Utilities and phone | US$100 to US$200 |
| Health insurance | US$150 to US$300, usually compulsory through the university |
Fees and costs are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
F-1 student visa
Documents you will need
- Form I-20 issued by your university after you accept
- SEVIS fee receipt
- DS-160 confirmation page and interview appointment
- Passport, photo, academic transcripts and test scores
- Proof of funds and, ideally, ties to home
Funding for international students in the US
| Scholarship | What it offers | Who awards it |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Fully funded master's and PhD for students from over 160 countries. | US Department of State |
| Graduate assistantships | Teaching or research roles that waive tuition and pay a monthly stipend, common in STEM master's and PhD. | Universities |
| Merit scholarships | US$5,000 to US$25,000 a year at many private universities for strong applicants. | Universities |
| Need-based aid | A small number of universities meet full demonstrated need for internationals. | Universities |
the US in eight facts
Community colleges offer a cheaper two-year start with transfer agreements into four-year universities.
GPA runs on a 4.0 scale and follows you into job applications.
Most students live on campus in the first year, then move to shared apartments.
A Social Security Number is issued once you have an on-campus job offer.
Tipping of 15 to 20 percent in restaurants is expected.
STEM-designated programmes are listed publicly by the government; the list decides your OPT length.
Fall semester runs late August to December, spring from January to May.
Universities run big sports programmes; student tickets are usually free or cheap.
Where to study in the US
Everything else about studying in the US
Student visa
How to get a United States student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Cost of studying
What it costs to study in the US: tuition, living and one-off fees
Cost of living
Monthly cost of living for students in the US
Scholarships
Scholarships for international students in the US
Work after graduation
Working in the US during and after your degree
Education system
How the American education system works
Student life
Student life in the US: housing, work, weather and culture
Best student cities
Best cities to study in the US
Exams required
Which exams you need to study in the US
Master's degrees
Studying a master's in the US
Studying in the US: what students ask
Do I need GRE or GMAT for a US master's?
Fewer programmes require them every year. Many computer science, engineering and business master's are now test-optional. We keep a list of which of our partner programmes still ask.
How much does it really cost to study in the US?
Budget US$35,000 to US$70,000 a year all-in before aid at a private or out-of-state public university. With an assistantship or a strong merit award the real cost can be a third of that. The I-20 figure is the number the visa officer will check.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On campus, yes, up to 20 hours a week. Off campus only through CPT (during the degree) or OPT (after it), both authorised by your university. Unauthorised work risks your visa.
Ready to plan the US?
A counsellor who knows this country's rules builds you a shortlist and a timeline. Free.