North America · English
Study in United States
Home to the world's highest-ranked universities — and the highest fees
University intakes
August/September (main); some January
Degree length (UG)
4 years
QS World Top 10
6–7 US universities
International students
Over 1 million enrolled
Post-study work (STEM)
OPT: up to 3 years
Post-study work (non-STEM)
OPT: 1 year only
Overview: studying in United States
The United States has the largest higher education sector in the world and is home to many of the globe's most prestigious universities, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, and Yale. It attracts more international students than any other country. However, tuition fees are the highest in the world, and post-study work pathways are significantly more restricted than the UK or Canada — the H-1B skilled worker visa is subject to an annual lottery. The F-1 student visa allows Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 1 year after graduation (3 years for STEM fields).
Pros and cons
Advantages of studying in United States
- ✓Home to many of the world's highest-ranked universities
- ✓Exceptional research facilities, faculty, and industry connections
- ✓Very strong network effect — US degrees open global career doors
- ✓STEM graduates get 3 years OPT — strong for tech/science careers
- ✓Culturally diverse and large international student community
- ✓Strong financial aid available at some universities (especially Ivy League)
Things to consider
- –Highest tuition fees of any study destination
- –H-1B visa is subject to an annual lottery — no guaranteed post-study work path
- –Non-STEM graduates only get 1 year of OPT after graduation
- –4-year undergraduate degree increases total cost significantly vs UK
- –Mandatory health insurance adds significant cost (often $1,500–$3,000/year)
- –Gun violence and public safety concerns in some cities
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
$20,000–$60,000USD/yr
Per year. Ivy League and top private universities are typically $55,000–$65,000/year. State universities are $25,000–$40,000/year for international students.
Postgraduate / Master's
$20,000–$65,000USD/yr
Per year. Top MBA programmes exceed $70,000/year. STEM master's degrees at state universities can be $25,000–$35,000/year.
MBA (total programme)
$60,000–$85,000USD
Per year for full-time MBA at top business schools. Harvard Business School, Wharton, and Stanford GSB are in this range.
Cost of living in United States
Estimated monthly costs — New York City
$2,000–$3,500USD/month
Includes: Accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal costs
New York and San Francisco are among the world's most expensive cities. Mid-size university towns (e.g., Urbana-Champaign, Ann Arbor, Ithaca) can be $1,200–$1,800/month. USCIS requires evidence of financial support for all study years when applying.
United States student visa: F-1 Student Visa
Processing time
2–8 weeks (varies by embassy/consulate); apply well in advance
Key requirements:
Form I-20 from your SEVP-approved US school
SEVIS fee payment (currently $350 for F-1)
DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form
Visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate
Evidence of financial support (full cost of study + living for the entire programme)
Proof of ties to home country (to demonstrate non-immigrant intent)
Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad; GRE/GMAT for postgrad — varies by programme)
The US visa process includes a mandatory in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. Wait times for interview slots vary by country. Apply as early as possible.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic
6.5–7.5 overall for most programmes
TOEFL iBT
80–100 iBT for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
Exemptions
Citizens of English-speaking countries are generally exempt. Some universities require TOEFL only (not IELTS) — check your specific institution.
Many US universities also require the SAT (for undergraduate) or GRE/GMAT (for postgraduate). TOEFL is more widely accepted than IELTS at US institutions.
Work rights
During study
On-campus work: up to 20 hours/week during term; full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires specific authorisation (CPT or OPT).
After graduation
Optional Practical Training (OPT): 1 year for all graduates. STEM OPT Extension: additional 2 years (3 years total) for STEM degree holders. H-1B visa for longer-term work requires employer sponsorship and is subject to an annual lottery.
H-1B visa lottery is highly competitive (approximately 65,000 regular cap + 20,000 master's cap). Approval is not guaranteed. This is a significant consideration when planning post-study work in the US.
Top student cities in United States
New York City
Columbia, NYU, Fordham; financial and cultural hub, highest costs
Boston
MIT, Harvard, Boston University, Northeastern; tech and biomedical hub
San Francisco / Bay Area
Stanford, UC Berkeley; tech capital of the world
Los Angeles
UCLA, USC; entertainment, tech, and business
Chicago
University of Chicago, Northwestern; finance and business
Popular subjects
Practical information
Financial aid and scholarships
Some US universities, particularly wealthy private institutions (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT), have large endowments and offer need-based financial aid to international students. This can substantially offset tuition costs. Check each institution's international student financial aid policy carefully — this varies significantly by school.
Healthcare
All international students on F-1 visas are typically required to have health insurance. Most universities offer university-sponsored health insurance plans, usually costing $1,500–$3,000/year. Without health insurance, medical costs in the USA can be extremely high.
Accommodation
US universities vary widely in whether they guarantee on-campus accommodation. Some private universities guarantee housing for all 4 years; state universities typically only guarantee first-year housing. Off-campus rental in major cities (New York, Boston, San Francisco) is very expensive.
How to apply to study in United States
Research programmes — apply directly or through the Common Application (Common App) for undergraduate
Prepare standardised test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad; GRE/GMAT for postgrad — check each programme)
Submit transcripts, recommendation letters, personal essays, and financial documents
Receive offer and pay deposit to secure your place
Receive Form I-20 from your institution
Pay SEVIS fee and complete DS-160 visa application
Attend F-1 visa interview at US Embassy
Arrange health insurance and accommodation before arrival
Scholarships for international students in United States
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
US government scholarship for postgraduate study and research in the United States
Eligibility: Applicants from eligible countries — check the Fulbright Commission in your country for specific eligibility and requirements.
Visit official website →Need-based institutional financial aid
Major private US universities (particularly Ivy League and top liberal arts colleges) offer need-based grants to international students
Eligibility: Based on demonstrated financial need. Complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. Policies vary significantly by institution.
Visit official website →Merit scholarships
Many US universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students. Varies widely by institution.
Eligibility: Academic merit, test scores, and other criteria vary by institution.
Visit official website →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in United States?
Undergraduate tuition typically ranges $20,000–$60,000 USD per year. Per year. Ivy League and top private universities are typically $55,000–$65,000/year. State universities are $25,000–$40,000/year for international students.
What is the visa process for studying in United States?
You will need a F-1 Student Visa. Processing typically takes 2–8 weeks (varies by embassy/consulate); apply well in advance. Key requirements include: Form I-20 from your SEVP-approved US school; SEVIS fee payment (currently $350 for F-1); DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form. The US visa process includes a mandatory in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. Wait times for interview slots vary by country. Apply as early as possible.
Can I work while studying in United States?
On-campus work: up to 20 hours/week during term; full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires specific authorisation (CPT or OPT).
What are the post-study work options in United States?
Optional Practical Training (OPT): 1 year for all graduates. STEM OPT Extension: additional 2 years (3 years total) for STEM degree holders. H-1B visa for longer-term work requires employer sponsorship and is subject to an annual lottery.
What IELTS score do I need to study in United States?
6.5–7.5 overall for most programmes. Many US universities also require the SAT (for undergraduate) or GRE/GMAT (for postgraduate). TOEFL is more widely accepted than IELTS at US institutions.
Also considering the UK?
The UK has 3-year degrees, a 2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route), and 90+ universities. Co Lab Education returns 50%+ of agent commission back to you as an education grant.