Study in the USA
The USA is a leading destination for international students because of its excellent education system, diverse programs, and vast job opportunities. Choosing to study in the USA can open doors to a bright future.
Why Study in the USA?
Here are some key reasons why many students choose the USA for higher education:
- Top-Ranked Universities: The USA is home to 16 of the top 50 universities in the world, according to QS World University Rankings 2024.
- Wide Range of Courses: US universities offer diverse courses in various fields, allowing students to find the perfect program suited to their interests.
- Strong Career Prospects: The USA is a hub for global companies, including many in Silicon Valley and other major cities, offering excellent job opportunities for graduates.
- Advanced Research Opportunities: US universities are known for cutting-edge research, giving students the chance to work with top professors and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Financial Support: Many universities provide scholarships, financial aid, and assistantships to help international students fund their education.
Degrees, Duration, and Post-Study Work Rights (PSWR)
Qualification | Duration | PSWR | Average Fee (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Associate Degree | 2 years | Up to 3 years | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | Up to 3 years | $15,000 – $60,000 |
Master’s Degree/MBA | 1-2 years | Up to 3 years | $15,000 – $70,000 |
Doctorate/PhD | 4-7 years | Up to 3 years | University-specific |
Note: STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month OPT extension after completing their studies.
Costs of Studying in the USA
- Tuition Fees: $10,000 to $75,000 per year depending on the program and university.
- Living Expenses: $8,000 to $20,000 per year.
Academic Intakes and Application Deadlines
Most US universities have three main intakes:
Intake | Start Month | Application Deadline |
---|---|---|
Fall | August/September | November – March |
Spring | January/February | July – November |
Summer | May/June | August – February |
Popular Programs to Study in the USA
Many students choose the USA to study in fields such as:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business Management
- Psychology
- Life Sciences
- Economics
- Finance
Top Universities in the USA
According to QS World University Rankings 2024, here are some of the top universities in the US:
Rank | Institution | QS Ranking 2024 (Global) |
---|---|---|
1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
2 | Stanford University | 5 |
3 | Harvard University | 4 |
4 | California Institute of Technology (CalTech) | 15 |
5 | University of Chicago | 11 |
6 | Princeton University | 17 |
7 | University of Pennsylvania | 12 |
8 | Cornell University | 13 |
9 | Yale University | 16 |
10 | Columbia University | 23 |
Student Visa Checklist
To apply for a US student visa, you’ll need:
- Valid Passport
- I-20 Form and Admission Letter
- Visa Appointment Confirmation
- DS-160 Confirmation
- SEVIS Fee and Visa Fee Receipts
- Financial Documents (like bank statements showing proof of funds)
- Academic Transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores (if required)
English & Standardized Test Requirements
- IELTS is commonly accepted by US universities.
- ACT/SAT is required for undergraduate programs.
- GMAT/GRE is needed for graduate programs, especially in business and research fields.
Work Opportunities for International Students
International students can work while studying in the US through various programs:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Gain work experience related to your field of study.
- Internships: Get practical experience while studying.
- Assistantships: Work as a teaching, research, or resident assistant while earning valuable experience.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): After graduation, OPT allows you to work in the US in your field of study for up to 12 months (or 24 months for STEM graduates).
Start preparing your application at least 8-9 months before your program begins.
USA – Admission and Visa Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Application Preparation
- Free Counselling: Get personalized advice and guidance on selecting the right university for you.
- Document Submission: Provide photocopies of the following:
- Academic certificates/transcripts
- Professional certificates (if applicable)
- Passport copies
- Two passport-sized photos
Step 2: Attestation and Document Submission
- Document Attestation: Have all academic documents attested or notarized by the relevant institution, educational board, or foreign ministry (as per the university’s requirements).
- Postgraduate Applicants: Submit a CV, 2 Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and work experience certificates (if required by the university).
- Financial Documents: Provide bank solvency certificates in line with the institution’s requirements.
- Application Fees: Pay the non-refundable university application fee and, if necessary, the courier fee (Tk 2000/- per university).
Step 3: Admission Confirmation
- The institution may take 3 to 6 weeks to confirm your admission.
- Once accepted, you will receive your I-20 (Admission Documents).
- A service charge of Tk. 5,000 (non-refundable) applies at this stage.
Step 4: Sponsor and Financial Documentation
- Sponsor Requirements: Submit the sponsor’s documents. While anyone can act as a sponsor, a first blood sponsor is preferred.
- Financial Proof: Show proof of funds equivalent to 1 year of tuition + living expenses in the sponsor’s bank account, maintained for at least 3 to 4 months.
- Sponsor Documents: These may include:
- Bank certificate/statement
- TIN certificate
- Salary certificate
- Job certificate
- Trade license
- Property/revenue documents
- Affidavit of financial support
- We will guide you through this process based on the sponsor’s income source and requirements.
Final Step: Visa Application and Post-Visa Process
- Visa Application: Once all documents are ready, submit your visa application.
- Visa application fee: $160 (non-refundable)
- SEVIS fee: $350 (non-refundable)
- After Visa Approval:
- Open a student file at any bank and transfer the first semester’s tuition fees to the university.
- We will assist you with the entire post-visa process, including travel arrangements, accommodation, pick-up, and orientation.