Country Overview
The United States has long been recognized as a global hub for higher education, attracting students from around the world to its diverse and prestigious institutions. As the third-largest country in the world, covering vast regions and accommodating a population of over 331 million people, the USA offers a rich tapestry of academic opportunities.
Geographically, the United States is divided into six distinct regions: the Northeast, Midwest, South, West, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific. Each region boasts unique cultural, climatic, and academic characteristics, providing students with a wide range of environments in which to pursue their education.
The size and diversity of the United States are reflected in its higher education landscape. With over 4,000 degree-granting institutions, including universities, colleges, and community colleges, the U.S. offers a multitude of academic programs spanning various disciplines. The degrees awarded range from undergraduate to doctoral, providing students with flexibility and options to tailor their educational journey according to their interests and career goals.
The United States is renowned for its commitment to research and innovation, evident in the number of Nobel laureates affiliated with its institutions. With a staggering 390 Nobel laureates in various fields, including Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economic Sciences, the U.S. continues to lead the world in groundbreaking research and intellectual contributions.
International students are drawn to the U.S. for its academic excellence, diverse culture, and vibrant student life. In the 2019-2020 academic year, the United States hosted over 1 million international students, highlighting its attractiveness as a global education destination. These students contribute significantly to the cultural richness and academic dynamism of U.S. campuses.
Safety is a paramount concern for international students, and the U.S. remains committed to providing a secure environment for its diverse student population. Higher education institutions work in tandem with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of students on and off campus.
The variety of degrees offered in the U.S. covers a broad spectrum, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, humanities, and the arts. The flexibility of the U.S. education system allows students to explore interdisciplinary studies and gain a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking and creativity. In addition to academic pursuits, the United States offers a plethora of extracurricular activities and resources to enhance the overall student experience. From sports and cultural events to internships and research opportunities, students have access to a wealth of experiences that contribute to their personal and professional development. In conclusion, the United States stands as a premier education destination, offering a diverse and enriching academic experience. With its vast size, population, and range of institutions, the U.S. continues to attract international students seeking world-class education and a vibrant cultural experience. The commitment to safety, the impressive number of Nobel laureates, and the flexibility of academic programs further solidifies the United States' position as a global leader in higher education.
Australia, a vast and diverse country, is a prime destination for international students seeking a top-notch education in a welcoming environment. With a landmass ranking as the sixth-largest globally, Australia boasts a population of approximately 25 million people. Canberra serves as the nation's capital, while its six states and two territories, including iconic regions such as New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, offer a rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures. Renowned for its stable economy, Australia's economic strengths lie in mining, agriculture, and a robust education sector. The country hosts several prestigious universities, exemplified by the Group of Eight, such as the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane stand out as top education destinations, providing a multicultural atmosphere and a wide range of courses across disciplines. With English as the primary language of instruction, Australia offers not only high-quality education but also post-graduation work opportunities and a high standard of living. The nation's commitment to research and innovation, coupled with its natural wonders and diverse climates, further enhances the appeal of Australia as an unparalleled study abroad destination.
- Fourth Largest-largest country in the world, covering an area of approximately 9.83 million square kilometers
- Population: 331 million people
- Capital: Washington DC
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Regions: The United States of America is a federal republic consisting of 50 states, a federal district (Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States), five major territories, and various minor islands. Each state has its own constitution and government, and all states and their residents are represented in the federal Congress, a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. These states are then divided into 5 geographical regions
- Northeast: This regional division has some of the country’s most populated and heavily industrialized cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.
- Southeast: Includes states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Midwest: Known for its agriculture. Includes states like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
- Southwest: Includes states like Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
- West: Includes states like Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
- The United States universities have produced 390 Nobel laureates
- Home to nearly 1 million international students
- 4,300 + Universities and colleges offer over 50,000 courses
- Most popular international student destination in the world
- 34 out of 100 top universities in the world are from the United States
- Women make up about 56% of all college students.
- The graduation rate for full-time undergraduate students is around 62%
- Community colleges enrol over 8 million students in the USA.
Education System
The American education system spans 12 years of elementary and secondary schooling before students can progress to post-secondary education. The academic year kicks off in August or September, extending until May or June, with three semesters – September to December, January to May, and a summer break for post-secondary students from June to August. Elementary and secondary education follows a common structure nationwide with minor state-to-state variations. It encompasses:
- Elementary School: Spanning 6-7 years from Kindergarten to Grade 5 or 6.
- Middle School: Covering 2-3 years from Grade 6 or 7 to Grade 8.
- High School: Extending over 4 years from Grade 9 to Grade 12, culminating in a high school diploma.
Upon completing Grade 12, students earn their high school diploma, a prerequisite for post-secondary education. Public education in the U.S. is mostly free, though incidental fees like those for field trips, uniforms, and books may apply. The U.S. hosts over 4,500 post-secondary institutions, uniquely accredited on national or regional levels rather than being centrally organized. Types of institutions include State Colleges or Universities, Private Colleges or Universities, Community Colleges, and Institutes of Technology.
Public and Private Institutions: Public institutions receive government support, ensuring affordability, with at least one state university or college in each state. Private institutions, privately funded, often have higher tuition fees, smaller sizes, and may have religious affiliations.
Types of Post-Secondary Institutions
State colleges offer a more affordable post-secondary route. They have often have a wide range of degree programs available. Students also have access to a vibrant campus life, extra-curricular activities, and state of the art teaching facilities. The largest public colleges in the US have over 60,000 students enrolled. Some state colleges available include
Private colleges offer students with smaller class sizes, that helps the students build a relationship with their professors and advisors. They have a smaller list of the degree programs they offer but students have the option to customize their degrees and will be part of more discussion based classes. Among the private colleges are the prestigious Ivy League.
Ivy League: The Ivy League is one of the most well-known groups of universities in the world. It consists of a group of eight historic universities. They are all located in the northeast region of the US. The Ivy League was originally formed in the 1950s as an athletic association. To this day it remains an athletic association, as well as leaders on the intellectual side. The eight schools include:
Community colleges are two-year associate degree programs/certifications. Throughout the years, community colleges have begun to adopt vocational oriented programs. There are two associate degrees students can take in community college. Students can enroll in an academic transfer program or direct to the workforce program. ESL or intensive english language programs are available to help prepare international students for university-level courses. Some community colleges available include
: Institutes of technology are universities that specialize in engineering, technology, applied sciences, and natural sciences. Students can attend a four-year program to receive a bachelor’s degree. Some institutions have graduate programs and also offer short-term courses. Some institutes available include
Levels of Education Qualifications
Two-year programs providing basic knowledge for entry-level positions in fields like nursing and education.
Four-year programs preparing students for diverse career paths (e.g., BA, BS, BFA, BBA, BArch)
One to two years of specialization, either thesis or research-based
Research-based, with various streams, including a distinct Doctor of Medicine for medical fields.
The United States offers a dynamic and diverse educational landscape, attracting students globally with its array of institutions, programs, and degrees.
| Rank in country | Institution |
|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| 2 | Stanford University |
| 3 | Harvard University |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
| 5 | University of Chicago |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania |
| 7 | Yale University |
| 8 | Columbia University |
| 9 | Princeton University |
| 10 | Cornell University |
| 11 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
| 12 | Johns Hopkins University |
| 13 | Northwestern University |
| 14 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
| 15 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| 16 | New York University (NYU) |
| 17 | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) |
| 18 | Duke University |
| 19 | Carnegie Mellon University |
| 20 | Brown University |
Why Study In USA
Intakes
Universities and colleges in the US generally follow three sessions of intakes in a year:
- Spring intake: This intake runs from January to May. It is the second preferred intake for students to apply and travel abroad1. If you apply for a course in spring intake, you’ll have the opportunity to complete your degree in a short time compared to other intakes and can start working towards your goal and career at an earlier stage.
- Summer intake: This intake starts around May. The summer semester lasts only two months which is why it is preferred less. Very few universities offer summer semester and fewer students enrol themselves in it. Students enrolled in summer semester will be the first ones to get placement opportunities as they will be ahead of regular fall students.
- Fall intake: This intake runs from September to December1. Fall intake in the USA is the most popular intake and most of the international students prefer this intake as it starts from August and ends in December. Due to excess enrolment, most of the universities offer all their courses during this intake.
Each university opens applications for specific courses based on their requirement and availability during each intake1. So, it’s a good idea to wait for the application to open for the course you are passionate about in your dream university, particularly in one of the intakes in the USA.
| Intake Season | Intake Month | Application Deadline (Regular Decision) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Intake | August-September 2023 | January 2023 |
| Spring Intake | January 2023 | October-November 2023 |
| Summer Intake | May 2023 | March 2023 |
Cost of Education
The cost of education in Australia varies depending on the level of study, the location of the institution, and the course being taken. According to Study Australia, the typical annual tuition fees for international students are as follows :
Undergraduate bachelor degree – AUD 20,000 (USD 13,675) to AUD 45,000 (USD 30,769) Postgraduate master’s degree – AUD 22,000 (USD 15,045) to AUD 50,000 (USD 34,192) Doctoral degree – AUD 20,000 (USD 13,675) to AUD 42,000 (USD 28,721)
It is important to note that these are approximate figures and may vary depending on the institution and course. In addition to tuition fees, students should also consider other expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance when planning their budget.
Living Expenses
Understanding and effectively managing the cost of living is a pivotal component of financial planning, significantly influencing the overall educational experience for students. Below is a breakdown of the monthly cost of living in the USA for Indian students, along with insights into the cost of living in select prominent student cities.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing (1 Bedroom Apartment) | $800 to $1,800 |
| Food | $250 to $400 |
| Transportation (Public) | $70 to $110 |
| Utilities | $270 to $300 |
| Health Insurance | $50 to $150 |
| Textbook & Supplies | $70 to $100 |
| Entertainment | $50 to $100 |
| Personal Expense | $100 to $150 |
The average monthly cost of living for Indian students in the US is estimated to be between $1,100 and $1,900. However, this can vary based on factors such as location, lifestyle choices, and individual preferences.
| City | Housing | Food | Transportation | Utilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bostan | $2,000 - $2,500 | $250 - $400 | $90 - $110 | $300 - $320 |
| New York | $2,500 - $3,500 | $300 - $500 | $125 - $150 | $320 - $300 |
| San Francisco | $2,500 - $3,200 | $300 - $450 | $90 - $110 | $340 - $370 |
| Chicago | $1,300 - $1,800 | $250 - $350 | $80 - $100 | $275 - $300 |
The cost of living in these premier student cities, including Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, is notably higher compared to many other cities in the country. International students should factor in these expenses when planning their educational journey in the USA.
Documents Required
- Application form to be completed
- Institution application fee to be paid
- Master's or Bachelor's degree certificate/ provisional
- Semester mark sheet
- Year 12-mark sheet
- Year 12 passing certificate
- Year 10 passing certificate
- Year 10-mark sheet
- Backlog Summary (if any)
- Resume/CV
- English Language Proficiency Certification: IELTS / PTE score sheet
- Statement of Purpose
- Achievements Certificates
- Passport copy
- Any other relevant certificate or document for the course
VISA Process
Australia, renowned for its world-class education system, opens its doors to international students through the Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa covers an array of study types, making it a popular choice for those seeking quality education in a diverse and vibrant environment.
- Liquid assets sufficient to fund the entire first year of duration of the program of study. Liquid assets are those financial resources which are readily available in cash or can be converted to cash easily. These include Bank Balance, Fixed Deposits, Equity and Mutual Funds, Stocks, Gold, Insurance policies and Provident Funds. For example, if they have mentioned $40,000 in your I-20 form for a 2 years master’s in US, then you will have to show at least $80,000. The $40,000 should be shown as your bank balance and the remaining $40,000 can be shown as bonds, fixed deposits, shares, debentures or mutual funds1.
- While there is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but one should have at least 10,000 USD and above which also must be reflected in the previous 6-9 months of bank statements23.
Please note that these are general guidelines and the exact amount can vary depending on the specific requirements of the university and the cost of living in the city where you’ll be studying. Always check with your university and the U.S. embassy for the most accurate information.