UNITED STATES

WHY STUDY IN USA?

USA is the land of dreams and opportunities. It is also the most popular study destination for international students, welcoming one third of all international students around the globe. More than a million international students join American Universities and colleges each year.

Top Universities in the World

The US is a world leader in the field of education with some of the best universities in the world. The QS List of Top Universities of the World features 32 American Universities in the top 100 positions. US is home to globally acclaimed Universities like Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), New York University, Cornell University, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) etc.

Home of Research and Innovation

The United States of America is the home of research and innovation. Americans have won a total of 269 Nobel Prizes for science and technology alone. UK is next in the list with 89 recipients. Things like light bulb, photographic film, nuclear fission technology, airplane, traffic light, LASER, microwave oven, nylon, modern day digital computer, Email are American inventions. American is the first and the only country to land man in the moon.

Support for International Students.

Most US Universities have an International Student Affairs Office. These office helps international students with their problems and queries. They regularly organize events and workshops to allow easy integration of international students to college. The orientation program that you will receive before starting your class will also help you get a head start to your college life. Faculty and senior students are very welcoming and warm with international students.

Job Opportunities After Graduation

Students are allowed to work full time for a year after completion of their degree at US Universities and colleges. This program is called Optional Practical Training (OPT). You can be hired as permanent employee after completing OPT by applying for H-1B visa. This visa is a temporary work permit for foreign nationals to work in specialty fields like Software, Engineering, Teaching, Biochemistry, Physiotherapy, Accounting etc. You will need a sponsorship letter from your employer to apply for H-1B visa.

Choice in Course and Cost

There are more than 4,500 Universities and colleges in USA. They vary greatly in size and type. Some of them have sprawling campuses that feel like cities while others will have no more than 20 students in a class, allowing you to know everyone in the college personally. The fee structure offered by these colleges are also different and there is a college for most budgetary needs. Thousands of courses are on offer at these Universities. You have countless options in terms of college, course and fee structure.

Financial Assistance and Scholarship

Financial assistance is available for deserving students. The most common form of financial support in US Universities is being appointed research assistants for professors. This is considered very prestigious and the students receive stipends and partial or full tuition fee waiver. There are Government Scholarships like Fulbright Scholarship and Humphrey Fellowship Program. University funded scholarships like American University Scholarship, Clark University Scholarship, Columbia College Scholarship are also available.

State of Art Facilities

American Universities have the best infrastructure, faculty members, resources and research facility in the world. They are very well funded. Harvard University has an endowment of $37 billion, Stanford University has $24.8 billion endowment, MIT has $14.8 billion, Princeton University has $ 23.8 billion and likewise for other Universities in the US. No wonder great discoveries and inventions like antibiotics, plastic, DNA structure, Google, FM radio, Quantum Electrodynamics etc. took place at American Universities.

Chance to Work with Leading Companies

There is limitless career possibilities for graduates in the US. The US is one of the largest job markets in the world, offering highly paid jobs in many fields. US is home to large multinational corporations like Google, Microsoft, General Motors, Disney, Ford, IBM, General Electric etc. It also houses head offices of international organisation like UN, World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). You will have immediate opportunity to apply at these leading private and public institutions.

Cultural Diversity

United States is the most diverse country in the world, attracting immigrants and students from across the globe. Universities and colleges in the US have students of various backgrounds and origin. The country is very welcoming and supportive of international students. 350 different languages are spoken in the US. Studying in a multicultural environment will allow you to learn a great many things about the world and its people. It will help you become a truly global citizen and will prepare you for a career in any part of the world.

STUDY IN USA FAQ

There are so many colleges and Universities in USA. Which is the best one for me?

The best fit educational institution for you depends upon the availability of the course you wish to take, cost, location, probability of finding jobs suited for your skills etc. You must research a lot before choosing the best Universities and colleges in USA for you. Do not forget to check if or not the institution of your choice is accredited by the Department of Education by visiting this Database of Accredited Post Secondary Institutions and Programs.

What difference is there between a college and a University?

Colleges are those educational institutions that only offer undergraduate degrees but Universities offer graduate degrees too.

What is the cost of studying in USA?

Cost of studying in USA varies greatly between Universities and colleges. It can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $50,000 per year.

What is the cost of living in USA?

The cost of living in USA for students is generally $8,000 to $12,000 per year. This estimate covers accommodation and food. You will need more money for course books, travel and entertainment.

Can international students in USA work while studying?

You cannot work off the campus for the first year. However, you are eligible for on campus jobs. You can work outside campus after one year. The limit is 20 hours per week. You can work more during session breaks and holidays.

Can I get a loan while studying in USA?

It is close to impossible for international students to get educational loans in USA. It is advisable that you apply for the loan at your home country and not in USA.

What about financial aid and scholarships?

Outstanding students are chosen as research assistants for professors. You will be paid for this work and will also be waived of your tuition fee (Either full or partial). You will also be provided a waiver on tuition fee if you display exceptional academic performance during your study. Sports is a matter of pride for American Universities and you will be provided free education if you are good at some selected sports. This is however decided before you attend the college and it is generally difficult for international students to get sports scholarships in USA.

There are scholarships like the Fulbright Scholarship, Humprey Fellowship and the Tortuga Backpack Study Abroad Program for international students. Individual Universities also have their scholarship programs like the Harvard University Scholarships, Clark University Scholarships, Chicago College Scholarships etc.

Can I do a credit transfer from Nepal to a US University?

It's not impossible but it will be very difficult given the difference in the quality of education between USA and Nepal. Some Universities allow you to do so but you won't be able to transfer all your credits. The amount of credit you are allowed to transfer depends upon the similarity of the course in Nepal with the one you will be taking in USA, the reputation of your educational institution in Nepal, your performance etc. Contact the Universities for more details.

What is a community college?

Community colleges in USA are state funded schools that provide two year courses for high school graduates. You must join a college or a University to complete the undergraduate degree after attending a community college.

Can I transfer to a University after attending community college?

You can but it depends upon many factors decided by the University you wish to transfer to. It is generally advisable to start correspondence with Universities much earlier into your course at the community colleges.

Do I need to take language tests like TOEFL?

If you are coming to study in USA from a non English speaking country, then you must take the TOEFL test. It's mandatory for Nepali students. Normally, you must secure at least 90 marks in your TOEFL exam. For admission at better Universities, you will need to score 100 or higher out of the 120 full marks of TOEFL iBT test.

Who needs to take exams like GRE, SAT and GMAT?

GRE is required if you are planning to attend graduate courses in USA. GMAT is required for those who wish to graduate in Management. SAT is required for those who wish to take undergraduate courses. Few Universities will accept you without these exams but it is generally required for good educational institutions. The score of these examinations are a big factor in consideration for admission at reputed Universities.

What is GPA?

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numerical indicator of your educational performance. The highest value of GPA is 4.0.

What are letter grades like A, A+, A-, B, B+ etc?

They are the metric of your performance. Your teacher will distribute you letter grades. This will then be converted to GPA.

Is health insurance manadatory before coming to US for study?

It is not compulsory to purchase a health insurance plan before coming to USA on a F1 visa (Study visa). However, it is advised that you have one as medical cost in USA can be very high without an insurance. Doctors and hospitals might also refuse to admit a patient without an insurance coverage. Some Universities have health insurance plan included in their tuition fee while you will need to make your own arrangements in other cases.

Will I get a visa if I have a criminal record?

You won't. You will need a clean criminal record to get a visa for the United States.

What is the application fee for student visa?

The visa application fee is $160. You will also need to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee of $200 apart from the visa application fee.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST FOR USA STUDENT VISA

Students applying for Canada student visa from Nepal must have the following documents with them at the time of visa application:

Passport valid for your entire duration of study in USA.
Couple of passport size photographs.
Birth Certificate.
Citizenship Certificate.
All Academic Transcripts and Character Certificates till date.
Police Record.
Proof of finance. This must either be in the form of bank balance, source of income or sponsorship. The bank balance must show good transaction history and you will need a relationship certificate if the bank balance is in the name of your parents. You will need a certified property valuation report if fixed asset is one of your proof of finances. Tax clearance report is necessary for income sources. You will need a letter of intent from the person or organisation who is sponsoring your study in USA, in case you are about study with sponsorship.

Certification of TOEFL score.
GRE/GMAT certification for graduate students.
SAT Certification for undergraduate students.
I-20 letter from your college or University in USA.
Receipt of payment for visa application fee and SEVIS fee.
Recommendation letters.
Statement of purpose.
Certificates for extracurricular activities and social works, if any.

FACTS ABOUT USA

Washington D.C. is the capital of USA. New York is the largest and most populous city. Philadelphia was the temporary capital of USA following independence until the construction of Washington DC was completed.
The total area of USA is 9,833,580 square km. It is the third largest country in the world.
The population of USA is 325 million. It is the third most populous country in the world.
The total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United States is $ 19.3 trillions. Its nominal per capita GDP is $59,501, one of the highest in the world.
USA is the richest country in the world with 33.4 % of total global wealth.
US Dollar is the currency of USA. It is the most widely accepted currency in the world. It is the default currency for international trade and finances.
Mount McKinley (6,194 m) in the state of Alaska is the tallest mountain in USA.
The tallest mountain in the world, if measured from sea floor, lies in USA. It's Mount Mauna Kea in Hawaii.
Alaska is the largest state in USA. It was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million.
Rhode Island is the smallest US state.
USA is the only country to land man on the moon. The first landing took place on 21st of July, 1969 when Neil Armstrong touched the surface of the moon.

The Statue of Liberty is a gift from the French people to the people of USA. It was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the Eiffel tower in Paris.
Pentagon, headquarter of the US Department of State, is the largest office building in the world by area. It covers an area of 600,000 square meter.
Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in USA.
The national anthem of USA is 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.
The flag of USA is nicknamed 'Old Glory'. It is also called 'The Star Spangled Banner' and 'Star and Stripes'.
Americans eat over 100 acres of pizzas each day. Three billion pieces of pizza are consumed in USA each year.
Bald Eagle is the national bird of USA. Its national animal is the American Bison.
There is no official language in USA. English and Spanish are the most commonly used ones.
USA has won the most number of medals in summer Olympics.
Eight US Presidents were born in Virginia, the most from any single state.
USA has the largest population of tigers in the world. There are 5,000 captive tigers in USA. This number is larger than the total number of tigers in the wild in the world - 3,200.

APPLY FOR USA