STUDY ABROAD CONSULTANCY FOR
USA

The United States facilitates top notch resources and qualitative education for wide variety of curriculums that enable students to pursue world-class education at the most renowned location. For every student aspiring education in USA it is essential to be aware of the structure of educational system in USA.

Undergraduate School

After achieving high school diploma, students will join colleges or universities to pursue their undergraduate course of study. They offer two types of degrees:

1) Associate Degree: This is a two-year program offered, as the name suggests, as an ‘Associate degree, which is of two years duration. The program is mostly offered by Community, Vocational and Junior Colleges. Completion of this program enables the students to seek a transfer into the third year of the four-year Bachelor’s degree either in 4-year colleges or universities. Taking this route to study the first two years is very inexpensive for both American and International students, since the tuition and fees are very low when compared to other types of colleges.

2) Bachelors Degree: This is a four-year program at the undergraduate level. Most international students from wealthy countries such as Japan and China prefer to start their education in USA from this level. Statistics from India indicate that less than 10% of students join at this level. This is the first degree with which most students plan their career or profession. Hundreds of ‘majors’ (or specializations) in all the fields are offered at the Bachelor’s level, which makes education an attractive proposition for students all over the world.

In the U.S, the first year of Bachelor’s degree is called the Freshman Year, the second one, the Sophomore Year, the third, Junior Year and the fourth, the Senior Year.

Professional School

For professional programs like Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy etc., US universities offer professional programs leading to degrees such as MD (for Medicine), Pharm D (for Pharmacy) Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT – for Physiotherapy) etc. These are known as the first professional degrees, completion of which entitles the students to practice as professionals in their respective fields (after meeting other requirements). Admission into most of these professional programs are based on good performance in entrance tests such as MCAT (for Medicine), PCAT (Pharmacy), LSAT (for Law) etc., after completion of a Bachelor’s degree in related subjects.

In near future, US universities are considering to convert the Business Administration program into a professional degree, by offering a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) as the first professional degree.

The main difference between Indian and American systems for study of professional programs is that, while Indians can take up professional degree programs after completion of their secondary (+2) education, students have to first complete their Bachelor’s (a four-year degree) and then take up professional degree programs.

STEM COURSES

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics included Computer Science and Allied courses
• Provides 1+2years of Post Study Work Visa
• Available for UG/PG / Doctoral STEM programs

Student Expenses

In the U.S. the university or college costs vary between different universities and the accommodation and living costs depend on the city that you choose to live in as well as on your personal lifestyle. Tuition will be the most expensive component of your educational costs. The price of tuition can range from $20,000 to $55,000 per year.

Accommodation costs will depend hugely on personal preferences and the city you reside in. For example staying on campus will usually cost you more than staying off campus. Undergraduate freshman students in some universities may be required to stay on campus for the first year which may considerably increase the cost of living. Also whether you decide to stay alone or live with mates will impact your cost.

Average Total fees per year

* All fees and other expenses are approximate and should be used as a guide only.

While it is easy for most domestic students to obtain some form of Federal (Government) Aid or university aid for their Bachelor’s level education, it is most often very difficult for international students to obtain aid in any form at Bachelor’s level. Hence, it is imperative that students who are financially sound or have brilliant academic background (including top-level scores in TOEFL/IELTS and/or SAT I and II) to consider further education at the bachelor’s level.

However, at the Master’s level, aid in several forms is available for international students. Almost 78% of students at the Master’s level in US universities get funding in some form or the other. Most Doctoral level applicants get a complete tuition waiver along with a stipend or scholarship while pursuing their PhD programs in universities abroad. It is also possible for some universities to provide just the admission and no funding at all, based on their financial constraints and funding availability.

Applicants looking for aid are required to apply well before financial aid deadlines, with proper application material, College Application Essays, Recommendations, transcripts and other specified requirements, as prescribed by universities individually.

Scholarships for International Students

• Merit Based Scholarships
• College based Tuition Waiver
• Fast web
• Assistantships
• Administrative internships
• Program related internships

F-1 Student Visa Category

The F-1 visa allows you to enter the United States as a full time student at an accredited College, University or any other academic institution or in a Language training program

Documents Checklist

• Visa Application form DS – 160 (Online fill able form)
• Sevis Fee Receipt
• Interview Appointment letter
• All Academic Documents including TOEFL, GRE, GMAT Score sheet
• Evidence of Financial Resources ( Bank statements, CA Certificate, Loan Letter (if applicable), other sources of Finance
• Work Experience Documents
• US Visa is an Interview based visa, Applicant has to apply to US embassy for their Interview, available in 11 cities

US Visa is an Interview based visa, Applicant has to apply to US embassy for their Interview, available in 11 cities

Important Parameters student should know while US visa interview session

• Student should be able to demonstrate intentions to complete the course
• Financial Capability to fund his expenses during his stay in US
• Intentions to come back to his Home Country
• Post-Graduation Plans

Post Study Work Rights

The F-1 visa allows student to work in the USA after completing their studies, Depending on their course.

OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows student to stay and work for 1 year if they have F- 1 visa.

Students, who have applied for STEM courses i.e. Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, can extend their stay in the US for an additional 2 years. This means you can continue to stay in the US for 3 years after completing your degree.