Here are our Frequently asked questions
Accreditation
Are distance learning programs a reasonable option for
international students?
Distance learning programs can be an affordable way for international
students to obtain U.S. course credit or degrees without moving to the
United States or applying for student visas. There are thousands of distance
learning programs in the United States, so you'll need to do your homework
in choosing the program that's right for you. As with any program of study,
it is important to make sure that the distance learning programs you
consider are accredited. The recognized accrediting body for distance
learning programs in the United States is the Distance Education and
Training Council. Visit their website for a list of accredited distance
learning programs in the United States. More information on accreditation.
Admissions
What are the requirements for admission to U.S.
colleges and universities?
Each institution has its own requirements for admission, so it is very
important to carefully read information available on the school’s website or
the directions on the application form before you begin. Most schools will
require some or all of the following documents: an application form that
includes important information about you, certified copies of all academic
records (diplomas, transcripts, etc.) in both the original language and
translated into English, standardized test reports (for example, the TOEFL
and/or the SAT/ACT, GMAT, or GRE), a personal essay or statement of purpose,
letters of recommendation, and evidence of financial resources to pay for
the education or a financial aid application. In addition, most schools
charge an application fee. More information about admissions requirements.
Choosing a School
Which colleges and universities are the best? Is there
a way to tell?
EducationUSA advisers like to say, “There is no best school in the U.S.,
only the best school for a particular student”. The more attention you give
to selecting the right school for your interests and personality, the more
likely you are to be accepted and receive financial assistance. Colleges and
universities look for students who will “fit in” on campus and truly want to
be part of the community. There are over 3,000 regionally accredited
colleges and universities in the U.S., and the types of academic programs
and personal development opportunities they offer vary greatly. Some of the
factors to consider when you begin your school search are: quality,
reputation, competitiveness, admission requirements, funding availability,
class demographics, living environment, location, field of study,
geography/climate, urban/rural setting, enrollment size, number of
international students, faculty profiles, potential graduate mentors,
faculty publications, research facilities, curriculum structure, and
professional accreditation.
Where can I find a searchable list of United States
institutions of higher education?
Since there are more than 4,000 accredited colleges and universities in the
United States, choosing the right school can be a difficult process. Several
companies and websites offer search engines and other services to help you
make the best choice. These include:
Peterson's Find-a-School Search Engine
College Board College QuickFinder
U.S. News and World Report College Search
College Source Online
College Opportunities On-line (COOL) - U.S. Department of Education
GradSchools.com
Education System in the United States
What is the difference between undergraduate and
graduate degrees?
The first level of higher education in the United States is called
“undergraduate,” and it leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of
Science (BS) degree. Most undergraduate programs require four years of
study, and usually a completed secondary school education is sufficient to
enroll as an undergraduate student. First-, second- and third-year students
of foreign institutions of higher education can transfer into U.S.
undergraduate degree programs. Graduate degrees include the Master of Arts
(MA), Master of Science (MS) or Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). Students who
have already received their first higher education diploma, either a BA or
BS in the United States or the equivalent, are eligible to apply to graduate
programs. The MA and MS degrees are usually awarded after two years of
study. The Ph.D. is the highest academic degree in the U.S. This degree
follows an MA or MS and typically requires at least three years of study and
a lengthy dissertation. For more information on each level of study, consult
the Undergraduate, Graduate, and Specialized Professional Study sections.
How long does it take to complete undergraduate and
graduate degrees?
Most undergraduate programs require four years of study and in some cases
give credit for time spent studying in one's home country. Master's degrees
typically require two years of study, awarded after two years of study. PhDs
usually require at least three years of study and a lengthy dissertation.
What is the difference between a college and a
university?
Degree-granting institutions in the United States can be called colleges,
universities, institutes, or other terms, and colleges and institutes are in
no way inferior to universities. As a general rule, colleges tend to be
smaller and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while a university
also offers graduate degrees. More information.
What are the different types of institutions I can
choose from?
There are four basic institutional types: state universities, private
universities, community colleges, and technical/vocational colleges. State
and private universities usually offer 4-year bachelor's degrees, community
colleges offer 2-year associate's degrees, and technical or vocational
colleges usually offer certificates. More information on these institutional
types.
Financial Aid
Does MUSEF provide scholarships?
MUSEF does not provide scholarships or other financial assistance. Advising
centers have information about institutions and organizations that do
provide financial aid and can help you compile competitive applications.
Tests
What tests must I take to be considered for
undergraduate admission?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
Almost all U.S. institutions require international applicants whose native
language is not English to demonstrate their English language proficiency by
taking the TOEFL before they are considered for admission. A new,
Internet-based version of the TOEFL test (TOEFL iBT) is being introduced
beginning in 2006. The TOEFL iBT score assesses speaking, listening,
reading, and writing.
ACT/SAT standardized tests:
Almost all
institutions require either the ACT or the SAT Reasoning Test for
undergraduate admission. ACT/SAT scores, course grades, and other
information about an applicant’s academic background help college admission
officers evaluate how well prepared the student is for college-level work.
Because courses and grading standards vary widely from school to school,
scores on standardized tests such as the ACT and the SAT help colleges
compare the ability of students from different schools in different
countries.
ACT:
The ACT is an achievement test that
measures how well students have learned the core high school subjects of
English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. It also has an optional writing
component. Actual testing time for the ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes (add 30
minutes for the optional writing component), and it is administered
paper-pencil. Visit ACT Website.
SAT Reasoning Test:
The SAT Reasoning Test is a
3-hour 45-minute long paper-pencil test that assesses how well students
analyze and solve problems – skills learned in school that are needed in
college. Visit SAT Website.
SAT Subject Tests:
The SAT Subject Tests are
1-hour, multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. Unlike the SAT Reasoning
Test that measures general abilities, SAT Subject Tests measure student
knowledge of particular subjects and the ability to apply that knowledge.
Not all colleges require SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement. Many
colleges may either require specific combinations of subjects, or permit
students to choose from among the various tests. Check the requirements of
the colleges where you might apply before deciding which subject tests you
need to take. Subject Tests fall in five subjects areas: literature, foreign
languages, history, mathematics, and sciences. SAT Website.
What tests must I take to be considered for graduate
admission?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
Almost all U.S. institutions require international applicants whose native
language is not English to demonstrate their English language proficiency by
taking the TOEFL before they are considered for admission. A new,
Internet-based version of the TOEFL test (TOEFL iBT) is being introduced
beginning in 2006. The TOEFL iBT score assesses speaking, listening,
reading, and writing. TOEFL Website.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE test
is required for students to enroll in master's or doctoral programs in the
arts, sciences, humanities, and engineering fields. It consists of two
independent tests, the General GRE and the Subject GRE. The General Test is
a computer test that measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing
skills developed over a long period of time and not necessarily related to a
particular field of study. The Subject Tests are designed to measure
knowledge and understanding of subject matter related to graduate study in
specific fields and also to assess whether a student has the prerequisite
background to undertake graduate study in a particular field. Since most
graduate departments within a university establish their own entrance
requirements, including tests, you should write directly to the universities
in which you are interested to find out whether the Subject GRE is required
and in which subject. GRE Website.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): The
GMAT is designed for business schools to assess the qualifications of
applicants for advanced study in business and management. It does not test
specific knowledge attained through college course-work or achievement in a
particular subject area. It measures general verbal, mathematical, and
analytical writing skills developed over a long period of time. GMAT
Website.
Studying at a U.S. institution is an expensive investment, but one we are
sure you will find worthwhile. For the academic year, The College Board
reported the following average annual tuition costs by type of institution:
* Two-year, Public Community Colleges: $2,272
* Four-year, Public Institutions: $5,836
* Four-year, Private Institutions: $22,218
These costs represent the cost of studies alone; when lodging, personal
expenses, transportation, and other expenses are taken into account, The
College Board suggests the following annual student budgets:
* Two-year, Public Community Colleges (commuter students): $12,294
* Four-year, Public Institutions (commuter students): $16,967
* Four-year, Public Institutions (state residents): $16,357
* Four-year, Public Institutions (out-of-state students): $26,304
* Four-year, Private Institutions (commuter students): $33,085
* Four-year, Private Institutions (residents): $33,301
(The College Board, Trends in College Pricing)
Since studying in the United States will likely cost more than it does to
study in your own country, it is important to start your financial planning
at least 12 months before you intend to study in the United States.
Financing your college education consists of:
* Compiling effective applications
* Assessing Personal Funds
* Identifying Sources of Financial Assistance
* Reducing Educational Costs
Assessing Personal Funds
Consult your parents and other family sponsors to find out how much money
they can commit each year to your education. Try to raise as much as you can
from family sources, because most scholarship awards, if available, cover
only part of the total educational and living costs and may not be available
to first-year international students.
Identifying Sources of Financial Assistance
"Be realistic about how much you need and what you can really afford."
- International studies and sociology student from Ghana.
All types of scholarships and financial aid for international students are
highly competitive and require excellent academic records. You will often
find the terms "scholarships" and "financial aid" used interchangeably, but
technically speaking, a scholarship is a financial award based on merit,
including outstanding academic performance, special talent in sports or
performing arts, or perhaps community service or leadership. Financial aid
is a "need-based" grant based on the student's financial need, as documented
by family income, assets, and other factors. Below are the main types of
financial assistance available for international students who want to study
in the United States:
Home Country Funds:
Conduct research at home to find possible funding from
local government, corporate, or foundation sources. Although these sources
are not found in all countries, you could reduce your educational cost with
scholarships from local organizations.
Funding From Colleges:
Meet with an educational adviser to learn how to
research available financial aid for international students. Careful advance
research and realistic expectations are more likely to result in success. Do
not assume that all colleges award financial aid. In fact, less than half of
the institutions offering bachelor's degrees can provide financial
assistance to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the
United States. Keep in mind that financial aid for U.S. students is separate
from financial aid for international students. Be sure to tell the
admissions office your country of citizenship and request information on
financial aid available to non-U.S. citizens If offered, financial aid is
usually made up of a number of different types of assistance, including
grants and scholarships and occasionally loans or part-time work programs.
You will discover that financial aid is very rare at state, or public,
colleges and at colleges that offer professional courses such as
engineering, business administration, and health professions. More financial
aid may be available from the private liberal arts colleges, which offer the
arts and science subjects.
As you do your research, make a table listing the colleges you would like to
attend. Write down annual costs (as outlined above), then enter the average
financial aid award and the number of awards made by each of the colleges.
Such information is available from resources in your information or advising
center. This chart can quickly allow you to see where your best chances lie,
and can help you eliminate from your list the colleges where your admission
with the needed funding is not viable.
International students often ask advisers about full scholarships, which
cover all the costs of education except for airfare. The total number of
full scholarships available each year to incoming international students in
the United States is about 1,000, offered by only about 100 colleges. To get
a full scholarship, you must be one of the top students in your country,
usually with "A"s (excellent) in almost every subject, high SAT and TOEFL
scores, and distinguished performance in other areas such as leadership and
community service. There are 20 top students from all over the world
competing for each scholarship, so you must distinguish yourself among a
pool of outstanding students.
Only a handful of wealthy colleges in the United States are able to meet the
financial need of all the students they admit. (Please note that admission
to these schools is usually very competitive.) Financial need is the
difference between what you and your family can afford to contribute and the
estimated cost of attending the college. The former is calculated on the
basis of detailed information about your parents' financial circumstances,
including supporting evidence such as bank statements, employers' letters,
and other official documents and statements. Other universities, which make
more limited awards on the basis of your financial need, will also ask to
see such evidence.
Financial assistance from colleges is awarded at the beginning of the
academic year and is rarely available for students entering mid-year in
January or at other times. More aid is available for freshman students than
for those transferring in from other institutions. Students who have already
proven themselves at a college may find it easier to obtain financial
assistance from that college than new students.
Sports Scholarships:
Some U.S. colleges offer
opportunities for gifted student athletes to play for the college team as a
means of paying for their education. See Sports Scholarships for further
details, including how to apply for a sports scholarship.
International Awards:
International students
also ask about financial assistance from foundations, organizations, and the
U.S. government. Very little aid exists through such sources, and it is
usually earmarked for advanced graduate students. Again, your educational
adviser can tell you whether there are special funds available for students
from your country.
Loans: In limited instances, you may be able to
negotiate a loan to fund part of your educational costs. Your educational
adviser may have information on loan programs for which you may be eligible.
You must usually have a U.S. citizen co-signer to act as a guarantor for any
loans from U.S. loan programs, and in most cases you must already be
enrolled in a U.S. university before you apply. Before taking a loan, make
certain you know how you are going to repay it, and how a loan will affect
your plans for graduate or other further study and for returning home.
Employment:
Current immigration regulations
permit international students to work only part-time — up to 20 hours per
week — and only on campus during their first year of study. By working 10 to
15 hours a week, you could earn enough to pay for incidentals such as books,
clothing, and personal expenses, but your campus job cannot pay your major
expenses, such as tuition or room and board. This income also cannot be used
as a source of income for any official financial statements. Campus jobs may
include working at the university's cafeteria, bookstore, library, or health
club, or within the university's administrative offices.
After the first year, you can also apply for employment as a resident
assistant (RA) in a university dormitory. RAs serve as the first point of
contact for students needing assistance or who have queries regarding dorm
life. In return, RAs receive free accommodation and sometimes a small salary
and/or meal plan.
Under current regulations, after your first year of study, you may apply to
the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for permission to work off
campus for up to 20 hours a week. You should note, however, that there is no
guarantee that this request will be granted. If you are married and are in
the United States on an F-1 student visa (see chapter 11), your spouse does
not have permission to work. However, if you are in the United States on a
J-1 student visa, your spouse is allowed to request a temporary work permit.
You should always check with your international student adviser before
considering any form of employment. More information is available in
Pre-departure Information.
Reducing Educational Costs
When planning your finances, consider these ways to reduce your costs:
Best Buys: Look for the colleges that offer you
the highest quality education at the lowest cost.
Accelerated Programs:
Completing a four-year
bachelor's degree in three years saves thousands of dollars. Students can
accelerate their programs by:
* earning transfer credit or advanced standing for college-level studies
completed in the home country (for example through A-levels, International
Baccalaureate, advanced placement exams, or courses taken at local
accredited post secondary institutions in your country, if accepted by the
U.S. institution);
* taking courses at a nearby community college if tuition is lower and
credits are transferable;
* attending classes during the summer if they are available;
* taking one additional course each semester.
Tuition Waivers:
Based on your first-year
grades, some colleges award partial tuition waivers. A superior academic
record could save you thousands of dollars.
Living Expenses: Becoming a resident assistant
in a dormitory could save thousands of dollars in living costs. Working in
the dining hall offers a modest salary plus "all you can eat" meals. Living
off campus with a relative or friend saves money if suitable accommodation
is available and public transport is efficient.
Two-year and Community Colleges: Many students
save thousands of dollars in tuition by attending community colleges for
their first two years and then transferring to four-year institutions to
complete their degree. For more information on community colleges, please
visit Community Colleges USA, the American Association of Community Colleges
(AACC) official resource for international students.
When to Send Your Inquiry | Where to Send Your Inquiry
| What to Include
Because of the work and the costs involved in compiling a good application,
most students limit their applications to between four and seven colleges.
However, you can request information from as many universities as you like.
You may have a clear idea of exactly which schools you will be applying to
and request information only from those. Or you may prefer to request
information from 10 to 20 schools that you believe meet your needs, and then
narrow down your list once you have read through the catalogs, application
forms, and other information you receive.
If you have access to the Internet, you will find that many U.S.
universities also put their college catalogs onto their websites, and some
have even stopped printing paper copies. Many also have online applications
that can be completed on the computer and sent back to the university
electronically, or the forms can be downloaded and printed. If there is an
online application, you should use it. This is the quickest method for
submitting your application. If you can download the application,
appropriate parts of the catalog, and other information from a college's
website, you will not need to contact the school directly. Also, college
websites increasingly offer other features, such as video tours of their
campuses.
If you do not have access to the Internet and need printed copies of
application materials and catalogs, contact each university by writing a
letter or by sending a fax or e-mail request separately to each school.
Include the information detailed in the section below, "What to Include," in
your written request. Or, you may prefer to submit a preliminary application
form instead; contact your nearest EducationUSA advising center for copies
of these forms.
Due to the cost of mailing to other countries, you may receive a shortened
version of course listings, and you may be asked to pay if you require the
entire catalog. Check to see if your information or advising center has
copies of catalogs you need. If you do not receive, or cannot find, all the
information you require, write or e-mail again to the international
undergraduate admissions office and ask the specific questions you wish to
have answered.
E-mail is an easy way to obtain an application and other materials, and U.S.
universities are usually quick to respond. However, sometimes you may need
to make a telephone call to follow up on a particular item. In that case,
send a fax or e-mail ahead of time, telling the appropriate person that you
will be telephoning, when you will call, and what you wish to discuss.
When to Send Your Inquiry
Send your first inquiry approximately 12 months before you plan to enroll.
Give yourself sufficient time for possible delays in international mailings,
especially if you are posting applications or requesting information in
November or December when the high volume of holiday mail will often double
the length of time mail takes to reach its destination.
Where to Send Your Inquiry
Address your requests for information to the Office of International
Undergraduate Admissions. Be brief but clear in your request. Be sure to
include the full zip (postal) code for the institution on the envelope to
ensure that your letter reaches its destination as quickly as possible. You
may also send these inquiries by e-mail.
What to Include
* name, address, age, and nationality (always be consistent in the spelling
of your name and address);
* your secondary school diploma or examination results that you have
obtained or that you will obtain;
* any postsecondary study you have undertaken (if applicable);
* the degree and subject you would like to major in (if known), and the
proposed starting date;
* how you expect to finance your studies — if you need financial assistance
from the university, inquire about the possibilities;
* results of the TOEFL, ACT, SAT, and any other admissions tests, if already
taken.
1. What type of visa do I need to become an academic
student in the United States?
Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an
F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types that are
sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S. Here is a short
description of the different visa types that involve study:
* F-1, or Student Visa: This visa is the most common for those who wish to
engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want
to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at
a university or intensive English language institute. Learn More
* J-1, or Exchange Visitor: This visa is for people who will be
participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The "J" visa is for
educational and cultural exchange programs. Learn More
* M-1, or Student Visa: This visa is for those who will be engaged in
non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the U.S.
2. What is a Visa?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of entry and
request permission from the U.S. immigration officer to enter the United
States. It does not guarantee entry into the U.S. For more information about
the definition of a visa, as well as policies and procedures regarding
visas.
3. Applying for a Visa – Key Points to Keep in Mind
In order to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you must first
have a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)-generated
document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) issued by a U.S. college or university
or Department of State-designated sponsor organization. You will be required
to submit this form when you apply for a visa. The U.S. academic institution
or program sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated
form only when you have been academically admitted to the institution or
accepted as a participant in an exchange program. The institution or program
sponsor will also send you additional information about applying for the
appropriate visa, as well as other guidance about beginning your academic
program in the United States.
Once you have all the required documentation, you may apply for the visa,
even if you do not intend to begin your program of study for several months.
It is best to apply early for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient
time for visa processing.
Planning Ahead for the Visa Process, Not Just Your
Academic Admission
One of the most important things you can do to ensure that you will be able
to arrive in time for the start of your educational program in the United
States is to plan well in advance, not only for the academic portion of your
U.S. program, but also for the visa process. This means you will need to
request and receive the appropriate visa-qualifying document (either an I-20
or DS-2019) from the U.S. institution or program sponsor well in advance of
your planned departure to the United States. You will also need to make an
appointment for your visa interview. Please consult the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate nearest you to find out how long it may take to get an
appointment.
Applying for a Visa – Key Points to Keep in Mind
Among the things you’ll need to do is pay the SEVIS fee, pay the visa
processing fee, and make an appointment for the visa interview (the
procedure will differ on all of these from one U.S. Embassy/Consulate to
another, so visit the website of the U.S. Embassy. You should also make sure
you have all the documentation you will need when you go for the interview,
including the visa-qualifying document (I-20 or DS-2019), financial support
documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa
application form. Ensure that you complete the visa application correctly by
following the Department of State website procedures carefully.
Key Information about Visas and Entering the United
States
There are two additional bits of information that are useful to know. The
first is that the U.S. Embassy/Consulate cannot issue a visa more than 120
days before the actual start of the program in the United States. However,
visa applicants are encouraged to apply for their visa as soon as they are
prepared to do so. Thus, if the college or university to which you have been
admitted states on the I-20 or DS-2019 that the program will start on
September 1, a visa cannot be issued before May 1. Second, even if you have
been issued a visa to enter the United States, you will not be allowed to
enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program, if you
are an initial entry student. Returning students do not have this
requirement. Using the earlier example, if the program of study starts on
September 1, you will not be permitted to enter the United States until
August 1 or later.
4. Where can I find more information about the visa
application process in my country?
Most of the procedures and requirements for applying for the various types
of student visas, as well as for the Exchange Visitor visa are standardized
and are described at the websites behind the “learn more” links provided
above. Some procedures vary from country to country, for example, how to pay
the visa application processing fee and how to make an appointment for an
interview. For details on applying for a Student or Exchange Visitor visa in
the country in which you are located, please visit the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate nearest you.
5. What is SEVIS?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), administered by
the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is an Internet-based system that
maintains data on foreign students and exchange visitors before and during
their stay in the United States. For more information about the SEVIS
program, visit the ICE website.
In order to enroll students from other nations, U.S. colleges and
universities must be approved by the School Certification the Student and
Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Most U.S. institutions of higher education
have received this approval, but check the list of approved schools.
6. What happens when I arrive in the U.S.?
Arriving & Studying in the U.S. - Immigration Related Information
U.S. immigration law governs the entry of all visitors to the United States,
including students and exchange visitors. It details what they are
authorized to do during their stay in the country. The Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) is the agency responsible for ensuring that these
visitors comply with U.S. law and regulations. When you arrive in the United
States, you, too, will come under the authority of the Department of
Homeland Security, and one of the three units within DHS responsible for
non-U.S. citizens: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau
of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services Bureau.
On your plane to the U.S. or when you arrive in the U.S., you will receive a
Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record). Please safeguard this form; it
contains the official record of your stay in the United States. For more
information about arriving in the U.S., see, "Arriving at a U.S. Port of
Entry --- What a Student can Expect," or, "Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry
--- What an Exchange Visitor can Expect," on the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) website.
To obtain answers to questions you may have regarding your stay in the
United States (for example, travel outside the United States, employment,
and much more) visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
website. After you arrive in the U.S., you may wish to direct your questions
to the office at your educational institution that is responsible for
services to international students. This office should be able to provide
you with the answer(s) you need or refer you to a person or office that can.
What to Do When You Arrive at the College or
University in the U.S.
Once you arrive on campus, you should report immediately to the office that
is responsible for assisting international students and scholars. It may be
called the Office of International Services, the Office of International
Education, the International Programs Office, or some other similar name.
Whatever the name, however, that office can help you with any questions or
concerns you may have about immigration rules and regulations. Moreover,
that office must report your arrival within the SEVIS system. If this report
is not submitted, you may be considered to be in violation of your status in
the United States, so be sure to make the international student office one
of your first stops on campus.
We hope that this information has been helpful to you, and we wish you good
luck as you prepare your plan to study in the United States.
