United States of America
The United States hosts 1,177,766 international students in 2024-2025 academic year, a 5% increase from previous year, maintaining its position as the world's leading study destination with students from over 200 countries. Home to 8 of the world's top 10 universities and over 4,000 accredited institutions offering unparalleled academic diversity, the USA leads global higher education. International students contributed nearly $55 billion to the US economy in 2024, a 9.5% increase from 2023, and supported more than 355,000 jobs nationwide according to NAFSA. Students benefit from 12-36 months post-study work authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT), with 418,781 students participating in OPT in 2024, representing 26% of all F-1 students. India became the top sending country with 363,019 students (10% increase), overtaking China which had 265,919 students (4% decline), reflecting shifting global education dynamics
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Key insights
1.18M
International Students
26%
Employment Rate
Up to 36 Months
Post Study Work Rights
N/A
Part Time Work
N/A
Hourly Wage For Student Level Jobs
86%
Institutions Are Regulated Under National Education Quality Frameworks (TEQSA & ASQA)
Cost of Studying in United States of America
Bachelor's Degree (Public In-State)
$11,371 - $12,460
Bachelor's Degree (Public Out-of-State)
$22,638 - $30,780
Bachelor's Degree (Private)
$29,885 - $44,961
Master's Degree (Public In-State)
$12,134
Master's Degree (Public Out-of-State)
$21,453
Master's Degree (Private)
$19,197 - $20,304
Community College (2-Year Associate)
$4,050 - $4,916
Cost of Living in United States of America
Admission Requirements for Studying in United States of America
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions with certified English translations
- Standardized test scores: SAT (1200-1600) or ACT (24-36) for undergraduate; GRE (300-340) or GMAT (550-750) for graduate programs
- English proficiency test results: TOEFL iBT 70-100, IELTS 6.0-7.5, PTE 50-68, or Duolingo 105-130
- Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement explaining academic goals, career aspirations, and reasons for choosing specific program
- Letters of Recommendation: 2-3 from academic professors or professional supervisors
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae detailing academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay
- Proof of financial capacity: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits showing ability to fund tuition plus living costs
- Portfolio submission for Art, Design, Architecture, Film, and related creative programs
- Writing samples for Humanities, English, Journalism, and Communications programs
- Research proposal and publications list for PhD programs
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Book A FREE ConsultationLanguage Requirements
| English Language Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate: 70-90 (minimum 15-20 each section) Graduate: 80-100 (minimum 18-23 each section) Top Universities: 100-110 |
|
Undergraduate: 6.0-6.5 (minimum 5.5-6.0 each band) Graduate: 6.5-7.5 (minimum 6.0-6.5 each band) Top Universities: 7.0-7.5 |
|
Undergraduate: 50-60 (minimum 50 each section) Graduate: 58-68 (minimum 50-58 each section) Top Universities: 65-73 |
|
Undergraduate: 105-120 Graduate: 120-130 Top Universities: 125-135 |
Visa Requirements
United States of America Study Visa requirements:
Processing Time: 3-5 weeks typical, up to 8-12 weeks during peak season (April-August). Apply immediately after receiving Form I-20, ideally 3-4 months before program start.
Visa Validity: F-1 visa allows multiple entries. Valid for "Duration of Status" (D/S) as long as maintaining full-time enrollment and complying with all F-1 regulations.
Work Rights:
- On-Campus Employment: 20 hours/week during academic term, full-time during official breaks (winter, spring, summer). No authorization required.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Internships related to major field after completing one academic year. Part-time or full-time based on term.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12 months post-completion work authorization for all graduates. Additional 24 months for STEM graduates (36 months total).
- STEM OPT Requirements: Minimum 20 hours/week employment, employer must use E-Verify, position directly related to STEM degree.
F-1 Student Visa Document Checklist:
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay
- Form I-20 issued by US university with SEVIS ID number
- DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page with barcode
- SEVIS I-901 Fee payment receipt ($350 paid)
- F-1 visa application fee (MRV) receipt ($185 paid)
- Passport-sized photograph meeting US visa specifications (51mm x 51mm, white background, recent)
- Academic transcripts and diplomas from all previously attended institutions
- Standardized test score reports: SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT official score reports
- English proficiency test results: TOEFL/IELTS/PTE official score reports
- Financial documents demonstrating ability to fund Year 1 tuition + living costs:
- Personal or family bank statements showing sufficient funds (3-6 months)
- Scholarship/fellowship award letters from university
- Education loan sanction letters from banks
- Sponsor affidavit of support with sponsor's financial documents
- Proof of ties to home country: Property ownership documents, family ties, employment prospects
- Academic CV/Resume highlighting achievements and qualifications
- Admission letter and financial aid documents from university
- Study plan explaining academic goals and career objectives
Visa Fees:
- SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350 (one-time, non-refundable)
- F-1 Visa Application Fee (MRV): $185 (non-refundable)
- Total: $535
Dependents: F-2 visa available for spouse and unmarried children under 21. F-2 dependents cannot work but may study part-time. Each F-2 dependent pays $185 visa application fee but not SEVIS fee.
Important Notes:
- Schedule visa interview appointment immediately after SEVIS fee payment (appointments fill quickly May-July)
- Interview mandatory at US Embassy/Consulate in home country
- Demonstrate strong non-immigrant intent and ties to home country
- Financial documents must show ability to fund entire degree program
- Some STEM fields require additional Technology Alert List (TAL) clearance adding 4-8 weeks processing
- Visa can be issued up to 120 days before program start date
- Students can enter USA maximum 30 days before I-20 program start date
Intakes in United States of America
|
Intake |
Application Timeline |
|
Fall (August/September) - Main Intake |
September - January (previous year) |
|
Spring (January) - Secondary Intake |
July - October |
|
Summer (May/June) - Limited Intake |
December - March |
Post-Study Work Opportunities in United States of America
|
Field of Work |
Average Salary (USD/Year) |
Employment Rate |
|
Software Engineering |
$95,000 - $140,000 |
92% |
|
Data Science & AI |
$100,000 - $150,000 |
90% |
|
Computer Science |
$85,000 - $130,000 |
91% |
|
Engineering (All) |
$75,000 - $120,000 |
89% |
|
Business & Finance |
$70,000 - $115,000 |
86% |
|
Healthcare Professions |
$65,000 - $110,000 |
94% |
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Duration:
Post-study work authorization varies by degree completion and field of study:
- Standard OPT (All Fields): 12 months full-time employment in field of study
- STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for graduates with degrees in 540+ designated STEM fields
- Total for STEM Graduates: 36 months (3 years) work authorization
- PhD STEM Graduates: 36 months total with greater flexibility
Scholarships in United States of America
|
Scholarship Name |
Administered By |
Eligibility |
Benefits |
|
Fulbright Foreign Student Program |
US Government (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs) |
Graduate students from 160+ countries with academic excellence and leadership potential |
Full tuition, monthly stipend $1,500-$3,000, airfare, health insurance, total value $30,000-$50,000/year |
|
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program |
US Government (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs) |
Mid-career professionals from developing countries with 5+ years professional experience |
Full funding for 10-month non-degree program, $3,000 monthly stipend, total value $36,000+ |
|
University Merit Scholarships |
Individual Universities (3,000+ institutions) |
High-achieving undergraduate and graduate applicants based on academic merit and test scores |
$5,000 - Full tuition annually ($65,000+), automatically considered during admission |
|
Teaching Assistantships (TA) |
University Departments (Graduate Programs) |
Graduate students in all fields with strong academic records and English proficiency |
Full tuition waiver + $18,000-$35,000 annual stipend, 20 hours/week work |
|
Research Assistantships (RA) |
University Departments/Faculty (Graduate) |
Graduate students working on funded research projects with faculty |
Full tuition waiver + $20,000-$40,000 annual stipend, health insurance |
|
AAUW International Fellowships |
American Association of University Women |
International women pursuing Master's, doctoral or postdoctoral studies in USA |
Master's: $20,000, Doctoral: $25,000, Postdoctoral: $50,000 |
|
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship |
World Bank Group |
Students from World Bank member developing countries pursuing development-related Master's degrees |
Full tuition up to $50,000, monthly stipend $3,000, travel allowance $2,500, health insurance |
|
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship |
Aga Khan Development Network |
Graduate students from select developing countries with no other funding sources available |
50% grant + 50% loan covering tuition and living costs, average $20,000-$40,000/year |
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About PFEC Global
Beginning in 2006, PFEC Global’s expertise in student migration consultancy evolved from a single Melbourne office to a multinational presence, spanning Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. We proudly represent international educational institutions, turning students' dreams into reality.