Why Study in the USA?
The United States of America is one of the most popular destinations in the world for international education.
It has many accredited colleges and universities, including top world-ranking institutions such as Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, University of California Berkeley, Stanford University, and
Ivy League schools. Studying in the USA offers the opportunity to connect with people from many countries,
experience diverse cultures, and receive a quality education that can lead to a brighter future.
The United States is known for its flexible education system, cutting-edge research, and globally recognized degrees. With over 4,000 colleges and universities, students can choose from a wide range of programs, locations, and campus experiences.
American universities prioritize innovation, practical learning, and strong industry connections, helping students build essential skills, grow professionally, and experience a diverse global environment.
The United States is known for its flexible education system, cutting-edge research, and globally recognized degrees. With over 4,000 colleges and universities, students can choose from a wide range of programs, locations, and campus experiences.
American universities prioritize innovation, practical learning, and strong industry connections, helping students build essential skills, grow professionally, and experience a diverse global environment.
🎓
World-Class Education
Degrees from U.S. institutions are respected globally, recognized by employers and universities
worldwide.
📚
Flexible Academic Pathways
Change majors, choose electives, and transfer between colleges — a customizable learning experience
based on your goals.
🌎
Diverse & Student-Friendly
The USA welcomes international students with multicultural campuses, international offices, and vibrant
student life.
Popular Majors & Career Paths
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics): Computer science, AI, data
science, cybersecurity, engineering.
• Business & Management: Accounting, finance, business administration, marketing, entrepreneurship, supply chain.
• Health & Life Sciences: Public health, biology, biotechnology, pre-med pathways, allied health.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: Psychology, education, economics, international relations, political science.
• Creative Arts & Media: Film, animation, digital media, communication, design.
• Business & Management: Accounting, finance, business administration, marketing, entrepreneurship, supply chain.
• Health & Life Sciences: Public health, biology, biotechnology, pre-med pathways, allied health.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: Psychology, education, economics, international relations, political science.
• Creative Arts & Media: Film, animation, digital media, communication, design.
Note: U.S. graduates often qualify for Optional Practical Training
(OPT), and students in eligible STEM programs may receive up to 36 months of work authorization (OPT + STEM
OPT).
Education System & Tuition Fees
The United States offers several types of colleges and universities to match different academic goals and
budgets:
• Liberal Arts Colleges: Focus on broad-based undergraduate education with small classes and strong academic support. Ideal for students who prefer personalized learning and a well-rounded curriculum.
• Community Colleges (2-year): Offer associate degrees and certificates. These programs typically take two years to complete and are affordable options for students who plan to transfer into a 4-year university later.
• Four-Year Colleges & Universities: Offer bachelor’s degrees and often master’s programs. They provide a wide range of academic majors and campus resources, similar to universities in other countries.
• Research Universities: Large institutions offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. They emphasize research, innovation, and strong industry connections.
• Technical & Professional Schools: Provide specialized training in fields such as business, technology, healthcare, hospitality, and creative arts.
Each type of institution serves different student needs, giving you flexibility to choose the best pathway for your academic and career goals.
Many U.S. institutions offer scholarships, tuition discounts, and graduate assistantships to help reduce costs.
• Liberal Arts Colleges: Focus on broad-based undergraduate education with small classes and strong academic support. Ideal for students who prefer personalized learning and a well-rounded curriculum.
• Community Colleges (2-year): Offer associate degrees and certificates. These programs typically take two years to complete and are affordable options for students who plan to transfer into a 4-year university later.
• Four-Year Colleges & Universities: Offer bachelor’s degrees and often master’s programs. They provide a wide range of academic majors and campus resources, similar to universities in other countries.
• Research Universities: Large institutions offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. They emphasize research, innovation, and strong industry connections.
• Technical & Professional Schools: Provide specialized training in fields such as business, technology, healthcare, hospitality, and creative arts.
Each type of institution serves different student needs, giving you flexibility to choose the best pathway for your academic and career goals.
Community Colleges
Approx. USD $8,000 – $15,000 per year
Approx. USD $8,000 – $15,000 per year
Universities (Bachelor’s)
Approx. USD $15,000 – $60,000 per year
Approx. USD $15,000 – $60,000 per year
Universities (Master’s)
Approx. USD $15,000 – $40,000+ per year
Approx. USD $15,000 – $40,000+ per year
Many U.S. institutions offer scholarships, tuition discounts, and graduate assistantships to help reduce costs.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission requirements vary by university and program, but most institutions in the USA will look at:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
• Completed high school / Grade 12 or equivalent
• Minimum GPA as required by the university
• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo/...)
• SAT/ACT (sometimes optional, depending on school)
• Personal statement / essay
• Recommendation letters (optional but recommended)
• Completed high school / Grade 12 or equivalent
• Minimum GPA as required by the university
• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo/...)
• SAT/ACT (sometimes optional, depending on school)
• Personal statement / essay
• Recommendation letters (optional but recommended)
Graduate (Master’s)
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or sometimes not
• Minimum GPA as required by the program
• English proficiency test score
• CV / résumé
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation letters
• GMAT/GRE (only for selected programs)
• Credential Evaluation (by NACES Members)
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or sometimes not
• Minimum GPA as required by the program
• English proficiency test score
• CV / résumé
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation letters
• GMAT/GRE (only for selected programs)
• Credential Evaluation (by NACES Members)
English Test Options (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE)
Most U.S. universities accept more than one English test. This gives you flexibility to choose the exam that
suits you best.
Exact minimum scores depend on each university and program. GAC helps you check the requirements for your shortlisted schools.
IELTS Academic
Widely accepted across U.S. universities.
Widely accepted across U.S. universities.
TOEFL iBT
A popular choice especially for U.S. institutions.
A popular choice especially for U.S. institutions.
Duolingo English Test
Online, fast results, accepted by many universities.
Online, fast results, accepted by many universities.
PTE Academic
Computer-based test accepted at many U.S. institutions.
Computer-based test accepted at many U.S. institutions.
Exact minimum scores depend on each university and program. GAC helps you check the requirements for your shortlisted schools.
USA Application Intake Periods
Most universities in the USA follow three main intakes:
GAC helps you plan the right intake based on your current study timeline, English test dates, and visa processing time.
Fall Intake
Starts around August/September – main intake with the largest number of programs and scholarships.
Starts around August/September – main intake with the largest number of programs and scholarships.
Spring Intake
Starts around January – good alternative if you miss Fall.
Starts around January – good alternative if you miss Fall.
Summer & Others
Limited programs starting around May – used for special or short-term courses.
Limited programs starting around May – used for special or short-term courses.
GAC helps you plan the right intake based on your current study timeline, English test dates, and visa processing time.
Documents Checklist for USA Applications
Before applying, make sure your documents are ready and clear:
Academic & Identity
• Passport (Valid for 1 yr & above)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed)
• English test score report
• Passport (Valid for 1 yr & above)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed)
• English test score report
Supporting Documents
• CV / résumé
• Statement of purpose / motivation letter
• Recommendation letters
• Portfolio (for design / arts, if required)
• CV / résumé
• Statement of purpose / motivation letter
• Recommendation letters
• Portfolio (for design / arts, if required)
Financial
• Bank statements showing required funds
• Affidavit of support (if sponsored)
• Scholarship or funding letters (if any)
• Bank statements showing required funds
• Affidavit of support (if sponsored)
• Scholarship or funding letters (if any)
Scholarship Opportunities
• Merit-based scholarships for academic excellence.
• University-specific tuition discounts for international students.
• Graduate assistantships (TA/RA) with tuition waivers for master’s/PhD students.
• External private scholarships and home-country government funding.
Global Admission Connect (GAC) helps you identify suitable scholarships and prepare strong applications.
• University-specific tuition discounts for international students.
• Graduate assistantships (TA/RA) with tuition waivers for master’s/PhD students.
• External private scholarships and home-country government funding.
Global Admission Connect (GAC) helps you identify suitable scholarships and prepare strong applications.
Financial Proof & I-20 Requirements
To receive your Form I-20, you must show financial ability to cover at least one year of tuition and living
expenses.
• Recent bank statements (student, parents, or sponsor).
• Affidavit of support (if sponsored).
• Scholarship/assistantship letter (if awarded).
• Bank certificate or financial guarantee letter (optional).
• Recent bank statements (student, parents, or sponsor).
• Affidavit of support (if sponsored).
• Scholarship/assistantship letter (if awarded).
• Bank certificate or financial guarantee letter (optional).
Important: Make sure bank statements clearly show the full required
balance before the university issues your I-20.
USA F-1 Student Visa Process
After receiving your Form I-20, you can apply for the F-1 student visa. The typical steps include:
1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using your SEVIS ID from the I-20.
2. Complete the DS-160 online visa form and print the confirmation page.
3. Book your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
4. Prepare visa documents: I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, bank statements, sponsorship letter, academic documents, and passport photos.
5. Attend the visa interview and answer confidently about your study plan, finances, and future goals.
GAC offers visa counselling, mock interviews, and document checking to help you feel confident for your F-1 visa interview.
1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using your SEVIS ID from the I-20.
2. Complete the DS-160 online visa form and print the confirmation page.
3. Book your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
4. Prepare visa documents: I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, bank statements, sponsorship letter, academic documents, and passport photos.
5. Attend the visa interview and answer confidently about your study plan, finances, and future goals.
GAC offers visa counselling, mock interviews, and document checking to help you feel confident for your F-1 visa interview.
Living Costs in the USA
Accommodation
Accommodation: USD $600 – $1,500 per month
Accommodation: USD $600 – $1,500 per month
Food & groceries
Food & groceries: USD $250 – $500 per month
Food & groceries: USD $250 – $500 per month
Health insurance
Health insurance: USD $80 – $200 per month
Health insurance: USD $80 – $200 per month
Transportation & personal
Transportation & personal expenses: USD $100 – $300 per month
Transportation & personal expenses: USD $100 – $300 per month
Work During and After Studies
On-campus work
On-campus work: Usually up to 20 hours per week during study periods (F-1 students).
On-campus work: Usually up to 20 hours per week during study periods (F-1 students).
CPT
CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Internship or practical training during studies, related to your major but no more than 11 months.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Internship or practical training during studies, related to your major but no more than 11 months.
OPT
OPT (Optional Practical Training): Up to 12 months of work authorization after graduation.
OPT (Optional Practical Training): Up to 12 months of work authorization after graduation.
STEM OPT Extension
STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for eligible STEM programs (total up to 36 months of work authorization).
STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for eligible STEM programs (total up to 36 months of work authorization).
These pathways help students gain real U.S. work experience and improve future career prospects.
Top Affordable Study Options with GAC
GAC works with a network of community colleges, public universities, and private institutions that offer
competitive tuition fees and scholarships for international students.
You can contact GAC to see a customized list of partner institutions that match your budget and academic profile.
Community Colleges
Great for students who want 2+2 transfer pathways, smaller classes, and lower tuition in the first two years.
Great for students who want 2+2 transfer pathways, smaller classes, and lower tuition in the first two years.
Public Universities
State universities offering strong academics, research opportunities, and good value for money.
State universities offering strong academics, research opportunities, and good value for money.
Pathway & Foundation Programs
For students who need extra academic or English support before starting a full degree.
For students who need extra academic or English support before starting a full degree.
You can contact GAC to see a customized list of partner institutions that match your budget and academic profile.
Benefits of Applying Through Global Admission Connect
(GAC)
GAC is more than just an application portal – it is your support system from the first enquiry to arrival in the
USA.
1. Expert Counselling
One-to-one guidance on choosing the right course, university, state, and intake based on your goals and budget.
One-to-one guidance on choosing the right course, university, state, and intake based on your goals and budget.
2. Application & Scholarship Support
Help with forms, document uploads, essays, and scholarship opportunities with partner institutions.
Help with forms, document uploads, essays, and scholarship opportunities with partner institutions.
3. Visa & Pre-Departure Assistance
F-1 visa guidance, mock interviews, and checklists for travel, accommodation, and your first week in the USA.
F-1 visa guidance, mock interviews, and checklists for travel, accommodation, and your first week in the USA.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to the USA
Many application problems can be avoided with the right guidance. Watch out for these common mistakes:
• Applying too close to the deadline and not leaving enough time for visa processing.
• Choosing universities only by rank, without checking entry requirements or budget.
• Submitting incomplete or unclear documents (missing pages, unofficial translations, etc.).
• Ignoring English test preparation and aiming only for the minimum score.
• Giving weak or unclear answers in the visa interview.
• Choosing universities only by rank, without checking entry requirements or budget.
• Submitting incomplete or unclear documents (missing pages, unofficial translations, etc.).
• Ignoring English test preparation and aiming only for the minimum score.
• Giving weak or unclear answers in the visa interview.
How to Apply to Study in the USA with GAC
• Register in the GAC Portal – Create your student
profile in Global Admission Connect.
• Choose Your Program & University – Select level (associate, bachelor, master), major, state, and budget.
• Check Entry Requirements – Based on the admission and English test requirements described above.
• Prepare Documents – Use the documents checklist section above as your guide.
• Submit Applications – Apply through GAC to our partner community colleges and universities.
• Receive Offer & I-20 – After acceptance and financial document review, the university issues your Form I-20.
• Pay SEVIS Fee & Book Visa Appointment – Then follow the F-1 visa steps listed above.
• Attend Visa Interview – Bring I-20, financial proof, and supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
• Travel to the USA – Attend orientation, complete enrolment, and start your program.
Global Admission Connect (GAC) supports you at every step of your U.S. study journey, from shortlisting universities to visa guidance and pre-departure preparation.
• Choose Your Program & University – Select level (associate, bachelor, master), major, state, and budget.
• Check Entry Requirements – Based on the admission and English test requirements described above.
• Prepare Documents – Use the documents checklist section above as your guide.
• Submit Applications – Apply through GAC to our partner community colleges and universities.
• Receive Offer & I-20 – After acceptance and financial document review, the university issues your Form I-20.
• Pay SEVIS Fee & Book Visa Appointment – Then follow the F-1 visa steps listed above.
• Attend Visa Interview – Bring I-20, financial proof, and supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
• Travel to the USA – Attend orientation, complete enrolment, and start your program.
Global Admission Connect (GAC) supports you at every step of your U.S. study journey, from shortlisting universities to visa guidance and pre-departure preparation.
After You Arrive in the USA – What to Do Next?
Your journey is just beginning when you land in the USA. In your first weeks you should:
• Check in with your university’s international office and complete SEVIS/arrival reporting.
• Attend orientation sessions and meet your academic advisor.
• Finalize your course registration and understand add/drop deadlines.
• Arrange student ID card, campus email, and learning platforms.
• Set up a local bank account and mobile SIM card.
• Confirm your accommodation and understand local transport options.
• Learn basic campus rules on work hours, CPT/OPT, and maintaining F-1 status.
GAC and our partner agencies can stay connected with you after arrival to support your transition to life and study in the USA.
• Check in with your university’s international office and complete SEVIS/arrival reporting.
• Attend orientation sessions and meet your academic advisor.
• Finalize your course registration and understand add/drop deadlines.
• Arrange student ID card, campus email, and learning platforms.
• Set up a local bank account and mobile SIM card.
• Confirm your accommodation and understand local transport options.
• Learn basic campus rules on work hours, CPT/OPT, and maintaining F-1 status.
GAC and our partner agencies can stay connected with you after arrival to support your transition to life and study in the USA.