Study in United States

What English Level do I need to study in USA
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a compulsory English test conducted for every student from non-English speaking country looking for overseas education in English speaking countries like, USA, UK, etc. It is a test conducted for assessing the fundamental abilities in English and is accepted by over 6000 colleges and universities in 110 countries. This is over 3 times the number of any other English-language proficiency test. The test is administered in 180 countries at more than 1275 test sites. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then is deleted from the official database. The maximum score for Internet based TOEFL (Computer Based TOEFL) is 120. Most of the universities will require minimum TOEFL Score of 79 and above.


On the other hand, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test is for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) through more than 350 locations in 120 countries.

The minimum score accepted for a course ranges from 5.0 to 7.5, depending upon courses and institutes you are applying to. The most common requirement is a band score of 6 to 6.5.

What documents are required for Student Visa if I wish to study in United States?

"Follwoing are the documents required for Visa Application:

1.You are recommended to have passport valid for at least six months beyond your interview date

2. One photograph as per specification

3. Visa Application Fee. This fee is payable in cash or by DD in the name of US Embassy - Visa Fees. DDs issued by cooperative banks are not accepted
4. VFS & Bank Service Charge. This fee is payable in cash or by DD in the name of HDFC Bank a/c VFS. DDs issued by cooperative banks are not accepted

5. Original signed form DS-156

6. Original Form DS-157 only if you are 15 to 55 years of age

7. Original form DS-158 only if you are applying for F,M or J visa
8. Valid HDFC Bank visa fee receipt and interview appointment letter

9. SEVIS generated Form I-20 in original, approved and signed by the University authority

10. Proof of payment of SEVIS Fee Receipt I-901, if applicable

11. Evidence of Financial Resources:This shall include proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies

12. Original degree certificates along with mark sheets

13. Original Bachelor degree transcripts or high school diploma along with mark sheets from previous institutions attended

14. Relevant Test Scores e.g. TOEFL and SAT, GRE, GMAT or LSAT"

What are the two main intakes for Universities in USA?

US universities offer two main intakes i.e. Fall and Spring. The course begins in the month of Spetmeber and October for Fall Intake and for Spring classes commence from January and February. Fall is the main intake and almost all programs are offered at this time. More financial aid is also available for this semester.

Spring Semester is the mid-year intake. However, all courses may not be offered in this intake. Whether or not a University will offer a January / February intake can be found out on the respective university’s website, university brochures or from our counselors or website.There is limited financial assistance available for this semester as most universities allocate funds to projects in the Fall semester. Some universities also have a Summer intake around July.But they are very few.

What are the finanical documents to be submitted while applying for USA?

"The evidence of financial support is required by universities to issue the documents needed for visa application. Although it is a requirement for application, it is usually not taken into consideration into factors that determine admission. Most universities make their admission decisions without regard for the source and amount of financial support.

You would be required to submit documentation of your family’s financial resources to help schools assess your need. Most of the universities have their own financial aid form, which you would have to complete.

You would also be required to submit a bank statement demonstrating your financial capacity to support your education in US. Some US state institutions offer tuition waivers to international students in return for some type of educational contribution."

Are there rankings available for US programmes?

"There is no centralized, authoritative ranking system of US universities and programmes. Unofficial rankings, such as US News and World Report, Princeton Review, and the THS-QS Top Universities will give you a general idea of the academic reputation and relative prestige of a degree programme. However, it is important to realise that a top 20, or even top 100, list of programmes covers only a small percentage of those available. Further, you should read the fine print on how rankings are determined. Rankings are not necessarily based upon factors that impact your quality of education most, such as class size, teaching quality, student advising, faculty access and opportunities for research, internships, etc.

That being said, in some fields such as law and for MBA degrees, the reputation or 'brand name' of a university can have a significant impact on your career prospects. Therefore, you may wish to place an emphasis on rankings when choosing a degree programme."

What documents do I need for studies in United States?

"The requirments are programs specific. However, every university posts a list of documents on its website. You can check out the International Students section for Undergrdauate admissions and Application Checklist for graduate programs in the university website.The following checklist will be helpful while applying to a university in USA:

1. Application Form
2. Application fee receipt
3. Photocopy of passport
4. Resume
5. Statement of Purpose
6. GRE / TOEFL / SAT / GMAT score sheets (as applicable)
7. Transcripts

8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th standard for Undergraduate students
10th , 12th and Graduation for Graduate students
8. True copy of all marksheets – all academic year
9. Recommendation letters of atleast 3 professors / school teachers
10. True copy of Experience certificate
11. True copy of Professional or Vocational courses, if any
12. Original bank balance certificate and CA report only of liquid assets
13. Original affidavit of support

Could you please explain me the Visa Application Procedure for US universities in detail?

"Applicants should apply at the consular section of the American Embassy any working day, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 and 10:00 AM.
Documents required are :

Valid Passport
One Passport size photograph (Black and White or Colour)
A Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form 156) available from the Consular section.
Form I-20 executed by the authorizing official of institution concerned, signed by the applicant.
Evidence of financial ability to cover the costs of the education and maintenance involved
Visa fee to be paid in Indian Rupees by Bank Draft
When to apply :

An applicant may apply for a student Visa not earlier than 90 days before the registration date specified on the FORM I-20. If the registration date is already passed or the applicant cannot reasonably expect to arrive at the school by the registration date, the applicant should obtain an amended I-20 or a letter of extension from the issuing institution stating by what date the applicant may arrive.

After the Completed application forms along with the documents are submitted;



In most cases, the visa will be issued within a few hours or days of the submission of the application. In some instances, the process may take longer depending on the time of year, consular caseload or other factors.

If your application is denied, you should ask the Consular Officer for a ""written denial decision."" This will provide you with the official reason for your visa denial.

Your total personal annual income
Total annual income of your Parents
Your average annual living expenses
Some details of your and your parents' assets
Sources of funding for your education other than from the University

If you are issued a visa, your passport will be returned to you via courier. Optionally, you may collect it across the counter."

Can I work while my studies in United States?

"Except for on-campus employment of 20 hours a week or less, F-1 students are generally not permitted to work in the US without prior authorization from Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).However, you may exlpore:On- campus Jobs: Though international students are allowed to work on campus, these jobs are often difficult to obtain and do not provide sufficient funds to sustain education costs. Students with good academic standing have a better chance.

Off campus Jobs: It may be possible to for students to avail of limited off-campus employment, which is subject to strict regulatory guidelines. It requires approval from US Immigration & Naturalization Service. This approval is not easy to get and depends on a special need.

Practical Training: In addition, there may be opportunities for practical training which entail a period of authorized employment, designed to allow foreign students to have professional work experience related to their field of study. For further details, contact the foreign student adviser at the university, after you are enrolled."

What is the average cost per year for studies in US?

"The tuition costs vary from university to university. They also largely vary with your choice of major. Certain programs like Fine Art, Photography and Film are extremely expensive majors to pursue as compared to a Computer Science or Business major.For Bachelors Degree program the tuition fees can vary from $5,000 - $25,000 per annum on an average.For Masters Degree program,on an average the Tuition fees range from US $8,000 to $30,000 per annum.

As far as living expenses are concerned these expenses vary from state to state. Some states are more expensive than the others. For example, the living costs in New York and California are very high as compared to states like Arizona or Michigan. Generally a school that is located in the heart of a city will be more expensive than a school that is located in a small town. Also the kind of accommodation that you choose will affect your living expenses. Renting an apartment on your own might prove to be much more expensive than living on-campus in the university provided dorms. Students who are keen on off-campus housing can seek 2 or 3 other students who can share an apartment. In this way one can use one’s money optimally.

You will need to pay a one-time orientation fee at the beginning of your academic career at a particular University. The orientation program will enlighten you on the various aspects of the University, the location of different offices and departments, the facilities that are available to students and the various student organizations that exist on campus."

When should I start the application process for my studies in USA?

"US universities offer two main semester intakes:

Fall Semester (September/October):

This is the main intake and almost all programs are offered at this times. More financial aid is also available for this semester and as funds are allocated for the entire year during this time.

Spring Semester (January/February):

This is the mid-year intake. There is limited financial assistance available for this semester as most universities allocate funds to projects in the Fall semester.

Some universities also have a Summer intake around July. At least 18 months in advance of your intended date of enrollment at a US university you can start off with the application process. For example, if you wish to enroll in August/September 2010.You should start the process around April/May 2009. Submit your application prior to 1 July (for Fall admission) or 1 November (for Spring admission) to have the best chance for successful enrollment to your first choice of University.

Some universities accept application on Rolling Basis i.e as and when an application is received it is evalauted.You need to check the same with the concerned department. "

Who is eligible to apply to US?

"Anyone who has a consistently good academic record, firm financial support and proficiency in English is eligible to apply to US for higher education. Please check the details of the program and the university you wish to apply since different programs have a different set of criteria to be eligible. You may be required to take a few admission tests to be eligible.For Undergraduate Studies you must:

To qualify for an undergraduate degree program or the ESL Transition Program, you must:

be aged 17 or older
be a non-American citizen with principal residence outside the USA
have successfully completed the equivalent of a US secondary education
have a Diploma or acceptable certification of graduation from a secondary school in your home country
have spoken and written English sufficient for university study and life
have proven academic achievement befitting future university success (minimal 2.0 GPA)
For Graduate Studies

be a non-American citizen with principal residence outside the US
have successfully completed the equivalent of a US secondary education
have successfully completed a four year undergraduate degree at an accredited College or University or one recognized by the Ministry of Education
have an English language proficiency level of TOEFL 550 or equivalent"

Will I get Scholarships/financial assistance from US universities?

It is important to understand that most universities offer financial assistance to international students based primarily on merit and rarely on need. The amount, and type of assistance offered varies, based on the university, department and level of study.

Assistance of funds is more likely in Graduate studies and less in Undergraduate courses. Also funds are more likely to be available in fields like Engineering, Physical Sciences and Biological sciences, rather than in courses like Humanities, Social Sciences and Management.Colleges and universities offer scholarships, assistantships and fellowships to outstanding students, largely based on merit. There is stiff competition for financial assistance and availability varies from university to university. You can utilise the following resources for Funding in States:

1) University Funding and Scholarships for Undergraduate and Graduate studies: You must submit a financial aid application if you intend to seek financial assistance for your studies abroad. The policies regarding financial aid vary considerably. The profile of a college usually indicates the type of financial aid it offers.Undergraduate students have to submit the institution’s own financial aid forms, as well as the Foreign Student’s Financial Aid Form, which is provided by the college and administered by the College Scholarship Service of the College Board. A bank statement will also often be required.Postgraduate students have to indicate their requirement for financial aid at the time of filling in the application form. Merit based assistance is awarded in many forms, from tuition waivers, various types of assistantships, to fellowships.

2) Loans from US Banks: These are the best alternative for students applying to the MBA program. One thing to keep in mind when applying for loans is that, in most cases, you need to have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The co-signer is responsible for paying back the loan if you should default on it. There are some banks that waive the co-signer requirement for specific schools. You should check this information from the school website.

3) Aid from other Sources : There are many other sources of funding especially for graduate students applying to the universities in US such as Financial Aid for International Students and NAFSA Association of International Educators.

4) Loans and Support from your home country.Various options for financing your education abroad are: a) Bank Loans, b) Trust Loans and c) Fellowships.

What are the types of Visas issued for students? What is I-20 Form? How do I schedule a US Student visa interview, and how can I prepare for it?

"There are mainly two types of student visas:

F-1 (Student Visa): The F-1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program. F-1 students may stay in the US for the full length of their academic program plus 60 days. F-1 students must maintain a full-time course load and complete their studies by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form.
J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa): The J-1 visa is issued for students needing practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. The training must be directly related to the academic program. The J-1 visa obligates the student to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after the end of their studies in the US before being eligible to apply for an immigrant (permanent residence) visa.

The rules and regulations governing the entrance of all international students into the United States are complicated and should be properly looked into before applying for a visa.An applicant may apply for a student Visa not earlier than 90 days before the registration date specified on the FORM I-20. If the registration date is already passed or the applicant cannot reasonably expect to arrive at the school by the registration date, the applicant should obtain an amended I-20 or a letter of extension from the issuing institution stating by what date the applicant may arrive. Following university acceptance, a $500 deposit will be required to release the I-20 immigration document. This deposit is refundable in the event of a visa denial. The institution will issue your I-20 form, which allows you to apply for a student visa at the American consulate or embassy in your country. It does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. The American consulate must determine if the reason you are applying for the visa is genuine and that you will return to your country once you have finished your education in the United States. If the American consulate or embassy rejects your application, contact us and try to re-apply for a student visa either immediately or at a later date when you have addressed the concerns of the U.S. consulate officer.

You may schedule a visa interview by calling the Embassy's Operator Assisted Information Service. The service is available Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm, and Saturday, between 09:00 am and 4:00 pm, GMT (Monday through Friday, between 3:00 am and 4.00 pm, and Saturday, between 4:00 am and 11:00 am EST).For information on how to prepare for the visa interview, please see our articles and handouts."