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Study in United States

Overview

The USA continues to be the top choice for students planning to study abroad, offering unparallel scope for students to study and excel in their chosen fields. Some of the major highlights of studying in USA are:

Academic Excellence

High academic standards of the best global universities are located in the USA.

High Ranking Universities

7 of the top 10, and 33 of the top 100 globally- ranked universities are in USA

Flexible Education system

Myriad of courses and programs to choose from

Excellent support system for international students

Regular orientation programs, workshops and trainings to offer assistance

Cultural diversity

You’ll be learning with students from different regions of the world thereby making it a rich and stimulating education experience

Land of Opportunity

With strong economic structure, the nation offers an array of job opportunities.

Location & Geography

The United States of America also referred to as the United States, the U.S., the USA or America borders Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, the North Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the North Pacific Ocean to the west.The U.S. consists of 50 states (48 continental plus Alaska and Hawaii), a federal district, Washington D.C., and small territories in the Pacific and Caribbean. The capital city is Washington, D.C.

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Education System

The American higher education system is administratively managed at three levels:

Primary

(generally ages 5–11 or 5–12)

Secondary

(generally ages 12-18)

Post Secondary

(generally ages 18 and up)

Types Of Higher Education Institute in USA

State School / College / University

The US comprises of 50 states, each state run at least one university or colleges for providing quality higher education to students at low rates. These universities are funded by the respective state governments E.g. The University of California or Texas A&M University.

Private university / College

These institutions are run privately and are considered costly as compared to the state schools.

Community Colleges

Community colleges offer two-year certification or associate degree which is transferable. Community colleges offer ESL courses or other programs which prepare students for studying university-level courses.

Technology Institutes

These are the institutes which provide four-year courses related to science and technology.

Ivy League

Primarily private universities that are oldest and most reputed.

Their fee Structure is as below:

University Type Average Tuition Fees Per Year
Private Institutions (High Cost) $25,000
Private Institutions (Low Cost) $15,000
State Institution (High Cost) $20,000
State Institutions (Low Cost) $10,000

Admission Criteria To Study in United States

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • Grade in previous study: minimum GPA 2.50 to 3.60, or equivalent
  • English language: minimum TOEFL 61 to 89, or equivalent
  • Minimum 12 and maximum 96 transferable undergraduate university credits
  • Grade in previous study: minimum GPA 2.50 to 3.00, or equivalent
  • English language: minimum TOEFL 61 to 80, or equivalent
  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • Grade in previous study: minimum GPA 2.00 to 2.75, or equivalent
  • English language: minimum TOEFL 55 to 74, or equivalent
  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • Grade in previous study: minimum GPA 3.00 to 3.25, or equivalent
  • English language: minimum TOEFL 78 to 100, or equivalent
  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • Grade in previous study: minimum GPA 3.00 (borderline considered), or equivalent.
  • English language: minimum TOEFL 55 to 80, or equivalent.

VISA Category For International Students

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F-1 or Student Visa

This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States.
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M-1 or Student Visa

This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training, such as associate or diploma courses, at any institution in the U.S.
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J-1 or Exchange Visitor

This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The “J” visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs.

Upcoming Intakes in The USA

Universities and Colleges in the US have 3 intakes.

Intake 1
Fall Semester

It commences in August/September and is the major intake.

Intake 2
Spring Semester

It commences in January/February intake is also available.

Intake 3
Summer Semester

It commences in May/June and is available for selected Courses.

Job Opportunity

According to the American students’ visa guidelines, you are allowed to work only 20 hours a week and can work only on campus.It is not that difficult to find jobs on-campus at American universities.

Here are 10 most popular on-campus jobs that you can take up at American universities.

  • Library Monitor
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Campus Tour Guide
  • Peer Tutor
  • Academic Department Assistant
  • Campus Tech Support
  • Production Assistant
  • University Book Store Assistant
  • Babysitter
  • Barista

Post Study Work/ Duration of allowed stay – You get to stay in the US for one year after completion of your course on an F1 visa.

Extension – For students studying STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) a new rule allows a 24-month extension. Which means you can continue to stay in the US for two years after finishing your course of study.

There are two options available to work after or during studies for any international student in US – CPT and OPT. CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is temporary work authorization for practical training directly related to your major field of study—paid or unpaid and OPT (Optional Practical Training) is temporary employment period for students with F-1 status and the work is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply for a 12 month OPT employment before completing their degree (pre-completion) and/or after completing the degree (post-completion).

Many international students get confused between OPT and CPT. To solve this misconception in their mind, below mentioned are the Difference between OPT and CPT.

CPT OPT
Before graduation Before or after graduation
Job-offer required No job-offer required
Without employer sponsorship Authorized for a specific employer
Authorizing Entity – Designated College Authority (ISSS or DSO) Authorizing Entity – USCIS
Total 12 months, once used cannot apply for OPT Total 12 months and can be extended further is eligible
Authorization by new I-20 Authorization by EAD card
Part time – <20 hours/week Post completion OPT – Full time >20 hours/week
Processing time – 1-3 days Processing time – 2 – 4 months

Admission Process To Study in USA

1

Get free counselling from Keyway Abroad

2

Shortlist the universities

3

Prepare for English proficiency and aptitude tests like TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT/SAT.

4

Draft academic essays, request recommendation Letter, prepare resume.

5

Apply to the university with Keyway Abroad

6

Send financial documents to school for I-20 processing

7

Prepare for VISA interview

8

Submit DS -160, Pay $350 SEVIS Fees, Pay $160 MRV fees.

9

Attend VISA interview and wait for passport with VISA stamp

10

Attend orientation at university, register for classes and pay tuition fees

Admission Process To Study in USA

1

Get free counselling from Keyway Abroad

2

Shortlist the universities

3

Prepare for English proficiency and aptitude tests like TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT/SAT.

4

Draft academic essays, request recommendation Letter, prepare resume.

5

Apply to the university with Keyway Abroad

6

Send financial documents to school for I-20 processing

7

Prepare for VISA interview

8

Submit DS -160, Pay $350 SEVIS Fees, Pay $160 MRV fees.

9

Attend VISA interview and wait for passport with VISA stamp

10

Attend orientation at university, register for classes and pay tuition fees

After You Graduate


F1 Student Visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training) on completion of graduation. That means you can work for a year after you finish your studies. After that, you’ll be required to apply for a work visa if you have to continue working in the US. You can remain in the US up to 60 days after the completion of your study in USA course even if you don’t have a job offer or haven’t applied for OPT.

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Study In Abroad Colleges

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much IELTS score is required for Canada Student Visa?

For an undergraduate course you will require to score a minimum of 6 overall bands with 5.5 in each four modules of IELTS, and for Graduate Courses overall 6.5 bands with 6.0 in each module.

How much money is required to study in Canada?

Average tuition fees to study in Canadian college is $15000 CAD and you will need to show CAD $10,000 (11,000 for Quebec) for living expense, on an average you will need around INR 16- 17 Lacs per annum.

What is the estimated tuition fee for 1 year?

The annual tuition fees for universities in Canada range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 45,000. Tuition fees for colleges in Canada start from CAD 14,000 a year.

Is IELTS compulsory for study abroad in Canada?

Yes, as an international student you need to have a minimum required score in any of the English proficiency tests – PTE, TOEFL, or IELTS.

Is Duolingo accepted in Canada universities or colleges?

Very few universities and colleges in Canada are accepting Duolingo test scores but usually for a limited time.

Can I apply to college on the basis on MOI?

No. Results of any of the English proficiency tests will have to be submitted. The test can be either IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

How much does a Canada student visa cost?

A study permit for Canada costs CAD 150. Study permit is not a visa. A visitor visa or eTA for Canada will be issued along with the study permit.

How long does it take to get a Canada student visa?

Anyone applying from India can expect a processing time of around 20 calendar days. Under SDS (student direct stream) they can expect a faster processing time for their study permit for Canada.

When is the best time to apply for Canada?

Best time to apply for a study abroad program is from mid-October to mid-January.

What is a DLI?

DLI or Designated Learning Institutions are instituted approved by Canadian government to accept international students.

How many intakes are offered in Canada?

Majorly three intakes, September or fall intake, winter or Jan intake, Summer or May intake.

How much education gap is acceptable in Canada?

A maximum of 7 to 8 year’s education gap is accepted, however depends on individual college/university and course.

Which jobs are in demand in Canada?

STEM and health related jobs are in demand in Canada.

What are the post-study work opportunities available for an international student in Canada?

1-year post study work permit after the completion of 1-year study in Canada and 3-years post study work permit following the completion of a course of 2 or more years in Canada.