International Students: Welcome To Us Universities Or Not?

The United States is a popular study destination for international students, with over one million international students in the country. US universities offer a range of benefits, including career support and cultural diversity. The application process for international students can be exciting but also daunting, as they must consider various factors such as language proficiency, transcript evaluations, legal documents, campus culture, and financial planning. The acceptance rates for international students vary across US universities, with an average of 42.5% for fall 2022, but some institutions have significantly higher rates, such as the University of Mississippi with a 98% acceptance rate.

Application requirements for international students

International students need to allow plenty of time to apply to US colleges and universities. The process can be lengthy, and it is important to meet application deadlines, which may be up to ten months before the beginning of the school term.

Research the Best Universities and Colleges

Begin by researching the best universities and colleges. The U.S. Department of Education College Navigator site is a good place to start looking for associate's, bachelor's, and advanced degrees. Other sites, like College Board's Big Future, allow you to search for undergraduate colleges across different programs, features, and characteristics.

Choose a University Program

When choosing a university program, consider the type of degree you want to pursue, the location, the climate, the tests required, costs, scholarships, internships and job placement rates, and international student services.

Application Requirements

Once you have selected a program and a shortlist of universities, it is time to begin applying. Applications can be completed online through each school's website or a third-party system like the Common App.

Undergraduate Student Applications

While every US university has its own admissions criteria, there are several common requirements they share. In general, American universities require the following from international student applicants:

• Personal information
• Standardized test scores
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, PTE Academic)
• Copy of your valid passport
• Information on extracurricular activities

Some colleges and universities may also require proof of financing and a resume.

Graduate Student Applications

• Academic transcripts from your bachelor’s degree studies
• TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, or PTE Academic
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendations from professors
• Copy of your valid passport
• Proof of finances

Student Visas

Once you have decided where to study, the next step is to apply for a student visa. There are three main types of visas:

• F-1: This visa permits you to study at US universities or colleges with funding from friends, family, or yourself. You are also permitted to work part-time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
• J-1: With this visa, you can participate in study- and work-related exchange programs at US colleges or universities approved by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Your program must be funded by an educational or nonprofit sponsor.
• M-1: If you want to pursue vocational studies, you can apply for an M-1 visa, which permits you to study at institutes certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Program funding may come from friends, family, or yourself.

Prepare for Departure to the US

While you are making arrangements for your visa, it is time to think about travel and arrival on campus. Your US college or university will tell you when you need to arrive for the beginning of the academic term or an optional orientation. Consider arriving early to give yourself time to prepare.

Housing for International Students

Many universities offer on-campus housing in dormitories, or have both on- and off-campus options including apartments, complexes, and shared houses. Carefully research each option prior to leaving and choose the one that best suits your needs.

English proficiency tests

Cambridge English: C1 Advanced

The C1 Advanced test, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is administered by the University of Cambridge. It consists of four sections: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The test is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats, with each section lasting around an hour or more. The reading passages may include excerpts from books, magazines, journals, and other texts, while the writing section requires the production of two different pieces, such as essays, letters, or reports. The listening section consists of four recordings, including conversations and monologues, and the speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner and another candidate.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS exam is produced and managed by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. It consists of listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections, with the entire test lasting two hours and 45 minutes. The IELTS is intended for new English speakers and assesses their proficiency in academic and general contexts. Each section is graded on a 0-9 scale, and the scores are averaged to give a comprehensive result. The listening section includes conversations and monologues, while the reading passages cover a range of text types. The writing section requires responses to two task-based questions, and the speaking test consists of three parts, including a face-to-face interview.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The TOEFL is produced and governed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is widely accepted by US universities. It consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The TOEFL iBT paper-based edition takes three hours to complete, while a shortened version introduced in July 2023 takes less than two hours. The reading section assesses comprehension through multiple-choice questions and sentence insertion tasks. The listening section focuses on understanding attitudes, inferences, and connections, while the speaking section measures English-speaking skills in academic and non-academic settings. The writing section evaluates integrated and independent writing abilities.

Other Tests

While Cambridge English, IELTS, and TOEFL are the most common tests, other options are gaining popularity. These include the iTEP, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Qualifications B1 Preliminary and B2 First, and the Duolingo English Test. The Duolingo test, in particular, has gained traction among universities during the pandemic and offers a fun, app-based approach to practicing and improving English skills.

Preparation Tips

When preparing for English proficiency tests, it is essential to research the exam structure and format, take practice tests, and use apps and online tools. Watching English movies and TV shows can also help improve comprehension and understanding of tone and context. Additionally, practicing with another person before taking the test can be beneficial, especially for exams with face-to-face interviews.

In conclusion, English proficiency tests are a crucial aspect of the application process for international students wishing to study in the US. These tests ensure that students have the necessary language skills to succeed academically and socially in a new cultural environment. By understanding the specific requirements of their chosen universities and practicing accordingly, students can increase their chances of achieving the required scores and gaining admission to their desired institutions.

Acceptance rates for international students

The acceptance rates for international students at US universities vary significantly, with some institutions being highly selective and having low acceptance rates, while others have higher acceptance rates, making them more accessible to a wider range of applicants.

Average Acceptance Rates

The average acceptance rate for international students at US universities is around 65-67%. However, it's important to note that this rate can vary depending on the university and the specific program being applied to.

Competitive Universities

Some of the most competitive universities, such as Harvard University, have extremely low acceptance rates, which can be as low as 3%. These universities often have rigorous admissions criteria and highly selective processes.

High Acceptance Rate Universities

On the other hand, many universities in the US offer higher acceptance rates, which can be above 70%, and some even have rates of 90% or more. These universities typically focus on providing wider access to education and may be public or less selective private institutions.

For example, the University of Mississippi, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Utah had acceptance rates of 98%, 97%, and 96%, respectively, for international students for fall 2022.

Additionally, certain universities are known for their diverse student bodies and high proportions of international students. Here are some examples:

• Illinois Institute of Technology: Ranked 15th in the world for the proportion of international students, with a perfect score in the 'International Students' indicator.
• Carnegie Mellon University: Ranked 24th for the proportion of international students, with a near-perfect score.
• Stevens Institute of Technology: Ranked 51st for the proportion of international students, with students from over 50 countries.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Ranked 65th for the proportion of international students, with 3,289 out of 11,331 students being international.
• Northeastern University: Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University has 3,400 international students out of a total of 18,000 undergraduates.

Factors Affecting Acceptance Rates

It's important to note that acceptance rates can fluctuate from year to year and may be influenced by various factors, such as the number of applicants, the selectivity of the university, and changes in admissions policies.

Additionally, while high acceptance rates can increase the chances of admission, they do not guarantee it. A well-rounded and strong application is still crucial for improving one's chances of being accepted to any university, regardless of its acceptance rate.

Visa application processes

To study in the US as an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa. The US government offers three types of student visas: F, J, and M. Each visa type is suited to different educational programs and purposes.

F Student Visa

The F visa is for international students pursuing full-time academic studies at an accredited US college or university. This includes language training programs that culminate in a degree, diploma, or certificate. To be eligible for an F visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
• Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
• Enrolled as a full-time student
• Proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies
• Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up

M Student Visa

The M visa is for international students pursuing full-time vocational studies or other non-academic programs (except language training). Similar to the F visa, the M visa requires you to be enrolled as a full-time student at an approved institution.

J Exchange Visa

The J exchange visitor visa is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs. This includes visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.

Visa Application Process

To apply for a US student visa, you should follow these general steps:

• Research and choose an SEVP-certified educational institution.
• Apply and gain acceptance to the chosen institution.
• Receive Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution's international student office.
• Visit the US Department of State's website for information on consular affairs and US embassies/consulates.
• Apply for the appropriate student visa (F, J, or M) on the US Department of Homeland Security website.
• Prepare for your visa interview, gathering necessary documents and photos.
• Attend the visa interview and pay the required fees.
• Receive your visa and plan your travel to the US.

It is important to note that the visa application process may vary slightly depending on your country of origin and specific circumstances. Additionally, you should allow sufficient time for processing and be aware of any specific requirements or restrictions associated with your chosen visa type.

Costs of studying at US universities

The cost of studying in the US varies depending on the type of university, degree, and location. Tuition fees are the primary expense for international students, with public universities generally being cheaper than private universities.

Tuition Fees at Public Universities

Public universities have cheaper tuition rates than private universities. The cost of studying at a public university in the US can range from $6,000 to $20,000 per year for a community college degree, $20,000 to $40,000 per year for a bachelor's degree, $20,000 to $45,000 per year for a master's degree, and $28,000 to $55,000 per year for a doctoral degree. The average annual tuition fee for public universities is between $8,000 and $35,000.

Tuition Fees at Private Universities

Private universities have higher tuition fees, but they are generally smaller and have a more diverse student population. The average annual tuition fee for private universities is between $25,000 and $55,000.

Undergraduate Degrees

The average cost of a four-year bachelor's degree for international students in the US is $30,000. The cost can vary depending on the institution and degree program.

Master's Degrees

A master's degree in the US costs between $20,000 and $35,000, depending on the university and the specific program.

Living Costs

The average cost of living in the US is approximately $1,500 per month or $10,000 per year. This includes accommodation, meals, transportation, books, clothing, and leisure activities. On-campus accommodation costs around $800 to $900 per month, while off-campus rentals can range from $300 to $3,000 or more per month. International students are required to live on campus during their first year and must have health insurance.

Additional Costs

Other costs for international students include textbooks and fees, which can average between $500 and $1,000 per year, and travel costs to and from the US. The cost of a US student visa is $160, with additional costs ranging from $160 to $510 depending on the type of visa.

Scholarships and Funding

The US government and many US universities offer scholarships to international students based on merit, need, sports, and extracurricular excellence. Funding opportunities are also provided by universities, with many of the most prestigious universities offering generous financial aid packages.

While studying in the US as an international student can be expensive, there are various funding options available, including savings, family help, grants, scholarships, international student loans, and work income.

Frequently asked questions