Study in the USA: Your Complete Guide for International Students

STEM, Business and Management, Engineering stream courses are some of the most popular courses in the United States of America. As per the ICEF Monitor, Nepalese students choose PG courses to study in the USA. Here is a list of most popular courses in the USA for Nepalese students:

The United States of America has 197, the largest number of universities represented in the QS World ranking. Among these, 12 are in the top 100 list. These extensive lists of top-ranking universities have had dominance in the ranking metrics for decades now, and here is your table to understand the top universities to study in the US:

These are the world’s top universities, and admissions to these universities are quite competitive; hence AECC recommends other top-notch universities like the University of Arizona, University of California, and University of Massachusetts Amherst, which are considered to be the best choice for international students, among many others.

For details on your options, speak to an AECC expert today!

The US is a big country and moving there to study is a big step. Understanding the geography of the country and which cities are best suited for Asians or Nepali students make a big effect on both academic and professional journey.

So, here is the list of top cities to study in the USA:

To study in the United States, all international students must meet specific qualifying requirements. There are a few standard eligibility requirements that Nepalese must achieve in order to apply to US universities. Additionally, there may be university-specific requirements that must be examined and met when applying to specific universities.

Here is the list of eligibility requirements to study in the USA:

• Academic qualifications: Applicants must have completed secondary education equivalent to a high school diploma for undergraduate programmes and a bachelor's degree or its equivalent for graduate studies.
• English proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in English. This is typically assessed through exams such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
• Standardised tests: Applicants may be asked to take other standardised tests depending on their field of study and level of enrolment. For example, the SAT or ACT may be required for undergraduate admissions, and the GRE or GMAT may be required for graduate programmes in specific disciplines.
• Transcripts: Applicants must submit their academic transcripts from their previous institutions.
• Letters of recommendation: Applicants must submit letters of recommendation from two or three academic referees.

Each year, students from around the world flock to study in the USA. The school year is divided into three distinct intake periods: Fall, spring, and Summer. Following is an overview of each period, including relevant deadlines for applications:

• Fall Intake: Beginning in August or September, Fall intake is a widely used option among universities throughout America. All academic programmes in the US start with a Fall intake which makes it a go-to choice for all students.
• Spring Intake: Spring intake usually begins in January or February, and hosts a little less options of programmes when compared to fall. But is an ideal choice for students looking for extra time for admissions.
• Summer Intake: This is a quieter intake typically beginning in May or June. Summer Intakes are perfect for students applying for additional courses, short-term courses. to speed up their academic progress by taking additional courses or doing internships.

Studying in America can be an immense financial commitment, yet there are extensive chances for educational achievement and resources. It is essential to examine your situation diligently and plan out your budget, incorporating any scholarships, grants, or part-time work prospects that you may have access to. Tuition fees for undergraduate courses range from $20,000 to $70,000 annually, and those for graduate programmes range from $30,000 to $90,000. Furthermore, students ought to consider other expenses such as accommodation costs, meal bills, textbook purchases, health insurance payments, and transport and personal outlays.

When considering studying in America, it's important to keep in mind that living costs can be substantial and vary depending on a number of factors. These factors include one's location, personal lifestyle, and individual preferences. Generally speaking, major cities tend to have more expensive living costs than countryside locations. On top of tuition fees, students should consider allocating money for items such as accommodation, meals, transportation concerns, health insurance policies, textbooks and any miscellaneous expenses. It is estimated that yearly living expenses for foreign students can range anywhere from $10-20K; however this figure is subject to change based on where one is located within America.

Here's an example of a table format showcasing various expenses and their average amounts in the USA, along with the equivalent amounts in US dollars (USD):

Studying in the United States of America presents a great range of post-study work opportunities for its many foreign students. Listed below are some popular pathways to explore:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows international students to work in the country for up to 12 months after graduating from college. Those with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics may be eligible for a 24-month extension of this programme. To take advantage of this opportunity, applicants must apply through USCIS and acquire employment related to their field of study.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programme allows foreign students to gain paid or unpaid work experience through internships and cooperative education programmes as part of their studies. Authorisation from the designated school official is mandatory for CPT, with opportunities available to be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis during the academic year and summer break.
• H-1B Visa: For those seeking to live and work in America, one of their options is an H-1B visa. This visa enables U.S. employers to take on international professionals who specialise in specific occupations. After completing their studies, international students may be eligible for sponsorship towards an H-1B visa; however, since there are specific requirements and an annual cap on visas granted, competition can be fierce.
• Employer Sponsorship: Securing a job in the U.S. may be possible when studying abroad, especially with employers that are willing to sponsor visas such as the H-1B and O-1 visas. The latter option is designed particularly to benefit those with impressive skill sets in their field of study. Investing in these types of visas unlocks a wealth of employment prospects here in the United States that foreign students can take advantage of.
• Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Aspiring business owners with an original concept may take advantage of varying initiatives designed for foreign entrepreneurs, such as the Optional Practical Training for Entrepreneurs (OPT-E) and the Startup Visa programme. These programmes provide a platform to establish and develop their ventures in America.

Gaining professional experience in the USA can be a great advantage for international students, with potential job opportunities and salary rates dependent on individual qualifications, fields of study, and levels of education. To highlight this further, here is a table to give an example of the various jobs available in America as well as their average annual salaries: