🇺🇸 United States · Study Abroad
How to study in United States as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in the US you apply directly to each university, and once accepted the school issues a Form I-20 that lets you get an F-1 student visa (pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend a consular interview). Use EducationUSA advising to shortlist schools, and apply about a year ahead because admission and funding deadlines are early.
Studying in the United States means applying directly to each university — there is no central admissions service. Admissions weigh transcripts, standardised tests, English proficiency and essays. Once admitted, an SEVP-certified school issues a Form I-20, which you use to apply for an F-1 student visa. EducationUSA (State Department) is the official advising network; Study in the States (DHS) is the authoritative guide to the I-20 and student-visa process.
- There is no central application system — you apply to each university separately, and deadlines and requirements vary by school and programme.
- Admissions typically consider academic records, standardised tests (SAT/ACT for undergraduate; GRE/GMAT for many graduate programmes), English tests (TOEFL/IELTS), essays and references.
- After admission the school issues a Form I-20; you then pay the SEVIS fee and apply for an F-1 (or M-1) student visa at a US embassy/consulate.
- US tuition varies widely between public and private institutions; budget early, and note that university funding and external scholarships can offset costs.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply directly to each US university; use EducationUSA advising to shortlist and compare funding.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
With your I-20, pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160, and attend a US consular interview to obtain the F-1 student visa.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- EducationUSA (U.S. Department of State)
Official advising on choosing and applying to US universities.
- Study in the States (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Authoritative guide to the Form I-20 and F-1/M-1 student-visa process.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Form I-20?
The certificate of eligibility a US school issues after admission; you need it to pay the SEVIS fee and apply for an F-1 visa.
Can I work on an F-1 visa?
Limited on-campus work is allowed, plus practical training (CPT/OPT) tied to your field; check the current rules with your school’s international office.
How early should I apply?
About a year ahead — US admission and funding deadlines are early, and you also need time for the visa process after acceptance.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- The White House — Official residence and office of the US President — executive orders, policy briefings, press releases
- U.S. Department of State — US passport and visa services, travel warnings, embassy information worldwide
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Federal tax filing, refund status, ITIN/EIN applications, and Free File program
- USCIS — Green card, H-1B and work visas, naturalization, immigration benefits, and case status