Study in the United States
The largest choice of universities, flexible degrees and generous practical-training rules for STEM.
- Main intakes
- Fall (August–September), some Spring
- Visa
- F-1 — $185 application fee
- SEVIS fee
- $350
- Work in term
- On campus, up to 20 hrs/week
- After graduating
- OPT up to 12 months, plus 24 months for STEM
- Arrive
- Up to 30 days before your programme starts
Checked against official sources on 31 October 2026. Information only, not immigration advice.
Studying in the United States
American bachelor’s degrees take four years and let you explore subjects before choosing a major. Master’s degrees usually take two years. Admission is holistic: grades, essays, recommendations and sometimes test scores all count.
How applications work
Undergraduate applications often go through the Common App or a university’s own system, with essays and recommendations. Graduate applications go to each department. Deadlines for Fall entry are usually between November and February.
Getting your visa
Your school issues a Form I-20 once you are admitted and have shown funding. You pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the visa application and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country — an interview is generally required. The visa can be issued up to a year before your start date, but you can enter only 30 days before it.
Money
Your I-20 shows the cost of attendance your school expects you to cover for the first year. Many universities offer merit scholarships and graduate assistantships; check each school’s international aid policy.
Working and staying on
F-1 students can work on campus up to 20 hours a week while school is in session. Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets you work in your field for up to 12 months after graduating, with a 24-month extension for eligible STEM degrees.
Universities in the United States
See all 4,433- Pennsylvania Western UniversityCalifornia
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science CenterSan Antonio
- Nelson UniversityWaxahachie
- Point Loma Nazarene UniversitySan Diego
- University of California, Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International StudiesWashington
- Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis
- Grambling State UniversityGrambling
- Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin
Main student cities
- New York116
- Chicago75
- Washington57
- Los Angeles43
- Boston41
- Philadelphia33
- San Diego28
- Dallas27
- Houston26
- Atlanta26
- Denver25
- Portland25
- Miami23
- Seattle22
- Cambridge22
- St Louis22
- Oakland21
- Honolulu21
- Springfield21
- Baltimore20
- San Antonio20
- Columbus20
- Phoenix19
- Pittsburgh19
- San Francisco18
- Austin18
- Milwaukee17
- Berkeley17
- Columbia16
- Orlando16
- New Orleans15
- Jacksonville15
- Raleigh15
- Nashville15
- Memphis15
- Salt Lake City14
- Cincinnati14
- Saint Paul14
- Cleveland14
- Albany14
- Baton Rouge13
- Indianapolis13
- Pasadena13
- Albuquerque13
- Louisville13
- Jackson12
- Minneapolis12
- Kansas City12
- Brooklyn12
- Madison12
Official links
- VisaStudent visa (U.S. Department of State)
- StudyingEducationUSA
- Work rulesWorking in the United States (Study in the States)
- Money and costsFinance your U.S. studies (EducationUSA)
Information only, not immigration advice. Last checked: 31 October 2026.
Application portals
Guides for the United States
Planning to study in the United States?
Shortlist universities, track every application and follow the steps after your offer, each linked to the official page.
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