International / Study in the US
Studying in the US
The American higher education system is the most sought-after in the world — and the most complex to navigate as an international student. This guide covers visas, costs, financial aid, testing, and the application process.
The F-1 visa process
The F-1 is the standard nonimmigrant student visa for academic studies in the US. It allows you to study full-time at an accredited university, college, or language training programme. Here is the step-by-step process.
1. Get accepted and receive your I-20
After a US university admits you, they will issue a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). This is the document that enables you to apply for an F-1 visa. You need the I-20 from every school you plan to attend — but you will use the one from the school you choose to enrol at.
2. Pay the SEVIS fee
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the US government system that tracks international students. You must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (currently $350 for F-1 students) before your visa interview. Pay online at fmjfee.com and keep the receipt — you will need it at the embassy.
3. Complete the DS-160 visa application
The DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. It is long and detailed — budget at least an hour. You will need your passport, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, a digital photo, and information about your travel history, education, and employment. Save frequently — the form can time out.
4. Schedule and attend your visa interview
Schedule an interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate. Wait times vary dramatically by country and season — in some locations, you may wait weeks or months, so plan well ahead. Bring your passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS receipt, financial documents, academic transcripts, and your admission letter. The interview is typically brief (5-10 minutes) but important.
5. Enter the US and check in with your DSO
You can enter the US up to 30 days before your programme start date. When you arrive, check in with your university's Designated School Official (DSO) — this is the person in the international student office who manages your SEVIS record. You must check in before classes begin.
Financial aid for international students
This is the hardest part. The vast majority of US universities are need-aware for international applicants — meaning your ability to pay affects your chance of admission. If you need financial aid, many schools will be less likely to admit you. This is the reality.
International students are not eligible for FAFSA (federal financial aid), federal loans, or most state grants. Your aid will come from the university itself (institutional aid), private scholarships, or your home country's government programmes.
Need-blind schools for international students
These are the rare exceptions — universities that do not consider your financial need when making admissions decisions for international applicants, and that meet 100% of demonstrated need:
This list is very short. A few other schools (Dartmouth, Columbia, Cornell, etc.) are need-blind for US citizens and meet full need for international students, but are need-aware in the international admissions decision. Always check directly.
Merit scholarships
Many US universities offer merit-based scholarships that international students are eligible for. These do not require demonstrated financial need — they are awarded for academic achievement, talent, or leadership. Some examples:
- Stamps Scholarship: Full cost of attendance at partner universities (including Georgia Tech, Purdue, Michigan, and others). Must be nominated through the admissions process.
- Presidential / Dean's Scholarships: Many universities (NYU, USC, Boston University, etc.) have named merit awards ranging from $10,000/year to full tuition. Usually automatic consideration at admission.
- University of Alabama / Arizona / Mississippi: Several large state universities offer generous automatic merit scholarships for high SAT/ACT scores and GPAs — and international students are eligible at some.
English proficiency: TOEFL and IELTS
If English is not your first language — or if you have not studied in English for a sufficient number of years — you will need to prove English proficiency. The two main tests are:
TOEFL iBT
Scored out of 120 (30 per section: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing). Most competitive universities require 100+. Mid-range schools typically accept 80+. Top universities (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) often look for 105-110+.
Cost: approximately $200-$325 depending on location. Scores are valid for two years.
IELTS Academic
Scored on a 1-9 band scale. Most competitive US universities require 7.0+. Mid-range schools accept 6.5+. Top schools often want 7.5+. Some schools specify minimum scores for individual sections (e.g., no section below 6.5).
Cost: approximately $245-$255. Scores are valid for two years.
When to take it: Aim to have your scores ready by October of your senior year if you are applying Early Decision/Early Action, or by December for Regular Decision. Give yourself at least 2-3 months of preparation.
Waivers: Some universities waive the English proficiency requirement if you have studied in English for four or more years, or if your SAT/ACT verbal scores are sufficiently high. Always check each school's policy.
Duolingo English Test: Increasingly accepted (especially since COVID-19). Cheaper ($65), shorter, and taken at home. Accepted by over 4,000 programmes. Check if your target schools accept it.
SAT and ACT for international students
The standardised testing landscape has shifted significantly. Many US universities went test-optional during COVID-19 and some remain so. However, several elite universities (MIT, Georgetown, Dartmouth, and others) have reinstated test requirements.
Our advice: If you can score well, submit scores. For international students especially, a strong SAT or ACT score provides an objective benchmark that admissions committees can compare across different education systems. It can strengthen your application.
The SAT is available internationally at test centres in most countries. The ACT is also available internationally but at fewer locations. Registration deadlines are typically 4-6 weeks before the test date. Plan ahead — test centres in some countries fill quickly.
For detailed test prep guidance, see our Test Prep section.
The Common Application as an international student
The Common App is the primary application platform for over 1,000 US colleges and universities. International applicants use the same platform as domestic students — but there are a few differences to be aware of.
- Counsellor profile: If your school does not use the Common App system (most international schools do not), your school counsellor will need to create an account and submit your school profile, transcript, and recommendation through the system. Brief them early.
- Grading system: The Common App accommodates different grading systems. Enter your grades as they appear on your transcript — do not try to convert to the US 4.0 scale yourself. The university will do the conversion.
- Financial aid forms: Instead of FAFSA, you will likely complete the CSS Profile (for schools that use it) and/or the university's own financial aid form. Some require the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA).
- Essays: The personal essay and supplements are the same for all applicants. Your international perspective can be a genuine strength — but write authentically, not about being international for its own sake.
For essay guidance, see our Essay Coach section.
Working while studying: CPT and OPT
F-1 students have limited but valuable work authorisation options:
On-campus employment
You can work up to 20 hours/week during the academic term and full-time during breaks, in positions on campus. No special authorisation needed beyond your F-1 status.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
Work authorisation for internships or employment that is an integral part of your curriculum. Must be authorised by your DSO before you start. Available during your studies — great for summer internships.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
The big one. OPT allows you to work in the US for 12 months after graduation in a job related to your field of study. STEM degree holders get an additional 24-month extension (total 36 months). OPT is how many international graduates transition into H-1B sponsorship and long-term careers in the US. Apply through USCIS at least 90 days before your programme end date.
Working without proper authorisation violates your F-1 status and can result in deportation. Always verify with your DSO before accepting any employment.
Cost planning and proof of funds
US universities require international students to demonstrate financial capacity before issuing an I-20. This means you need to show — through bank statements, sponsor letters, or scholarship letters — that you can cover at least one full year of tuition and living expenses.
Typical annual costs (2025-2026)
These costs are real and substantial. If full-cost attendance is not realistic, focus your applications on schools that offer generous aid to international students, or consider starting at a community college (much lower cost) and transferring to a four-year university after two years.
This is a guide — always verify directly with the institution and relevant government body.