Uk Students Studying In The Us: What's Possible?

Studying in the US as a UK student is a popular choice, with over 10,000 UK students enrolled at American universities in 2021/22. The US is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Princeton, which offer leading research, excellent teaching, and outstanding job prospects. However, the application process for international students can be complex and costly.

The US application process differs significantly from the UK's UCAS system. There is no centralised system, so students must apply directly to each university, and there is no limit to the number of universities to which one can apply. The application typically involves submitting various documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and passing admissions tests like the SAT or ACT. International students also need to obtain a student visa, which requires proof of funding, intent to depart after course completion, and a visa interview.

While studying in the US offers attractive opportunities, it is essential to carefully consider the financial implications. Tuition fees and living costs can be significantly higher than in the UK, and scholarships or financial aid may be necessary to make it a viable option.

Application process

The application process for US universities differs from the UK's UCAS system, where there is no centralised system in place. Instead, you will need to apply directly to each university through their own portal.

Firstly, it is recommended that you shortlist around 20 universities and then apply to no more than 8 of them. You will need to contact the international admissions office at each university to check that you are eligible and have the correct information.

Each university will have its own list of required documents, but some standard requirements include:

• A college admissions essay
• References from teachers
• A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English isn't your native language
• A written piece of marked work
• SAT/ACT test scores

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing) are standardised tests used for university admissions in the US. They cover core subjects such as Maths, English and Science, and universities should accept both tests. The tests cost between £90 and £150 to sit and take place in the UK several times a year.

You will also need to research each university's application deadlines and fees. Application fees tend to be between $30 and $100 per university.

Finally, once you have been accepted to a US university, you will need to apply for a US student visa. You will be given a Form l-20, or a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status, which you will need to apply for an F-1 student visa. The application process includes an online form, an interview, and a fee of around £135.

Costs

The cost of studying at an American university can be high, with tuition fees sitting between £3,500 and £35,000+ every year. The cost varies depending on the type of university and length of the degree. Public two-year colleges are the cheapest option, with fees of around £3,080 per year, while private non-profit four-year colleges can charge upwards of £31,440 per year. Most undergraduate courses in the US are four years long, so this is a significant expense.

On top of tuition fees, there are living costs to consider. These are likely to be between £13,500 and £16,000 per year, including accommodation, transport and other expenses. This means total annual expenses for a UK student studying in the US could be anywhere from £17,000 to £51,000+.

UK students are not eligible for UK Student Loans to fund their studies in the US, so alternative funding sources must be found. Many US universities offer scholarships to international students, which could be based on financial need, academic merit or sporting ability. Financial aid packages are also often available, particularly from the most prestigious universities.

US Student Loans are another option but should be treated as a last resort due to unfavourable terms and conditions. Part-time jobs can also help to fund studies, but working hours for international students are restricted, and the pay is unlikely to cover all expenses.

There is also a cost to applying to US universities, with fees of around $30-100 per application. A US student visa is also required, which has a non-refundable fee of $160, and there is a $350 charge to register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Student visas

As a UK student, you will need to apply for a US student visa if you plan to study in the US for longer than six months. You can only apply for a US student visa once a university has accepted you.

Once accepted, your university will send you a Form I-20, also known as a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status, which you'll need to apply for an F-1 student visa.

The first step is to complete the online application form, which you'll need to print out and take with you to the interview you'll be asked to schedule. You'll then be asked to pay a fee of around £135 via the Official Department of US Visa Appointment portal.

US Embassy or Consulate interviews are required for applicants from the UK (even if you are not a UK national). During the interview, you may be asked to prove you have enough money to cover your stay (including tuition fees) in the US and provide an address you intend to return to once you've completed your degree.

Successful applications typically take between five and seven working days to process. You are advised not to book any flights or make any travel arrangements before receiving confirmation that your visa application has been successful.

UK Student Visa for US Citizens

US citizens can apply for a UK Student Visa if they are aged 16 or over. To be eligible, you must have received an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor.

The UK Student Visa covers your course length and a short period after. It can be extended or switched if you wish to remain in the UK for further study or work once your course is finished.

The current fee for a UK Student Visa is £348 if applied for from outside the UK. If you opt to switch to the Student Visa from another immigration permission inside the UK, the fee is £475. There is also an annual immigration health surcharge of £470 per year.

Required Documents for a UK Student Visa

When you submit your application, you will need to provide a portfolio of information and documents that demonstrate your eligibility for the visa. This includes:

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation
• The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
• Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you are under 18 years old
• Proof of your relationship to your parent and guardian if you are under 18 years old
• Any documents not in English or Welsh must be translated by an accredited translator and include both the original and the translated version

Application Process and Fees

You must apply for the UK Student Visa online. Typically, you can expect to receive a decision within three weeks of the date your application is received.

Qualifications and exams

US universities will require international students to take either the SAT or ACT exam before applying. These are standardised admissions tests used to assess your knowledge in core subjects such as Mathematics, Science and English. The SAT focuses on Maths and English, while the ACT includes Science. You are usually free to take either test, but for science-based degrees, it is best to take the ACT to showcase your scientific knowledge.

The SAT has been around since 1926 and is marked between 200-800 points, with 10-mark increments for various questions and higher marks for essay questions. The ACT, introduced in 1959, is scored between 1 and 36 points, with questions often worth around 1 point each.

Both tests are valid for five years, and you can re-sit multiple times. Registration deadlines are generally five weeks before the test date and tests cost between £90-£150. Testing takes place in the UK several times a year, but spaces fill up quickly, so it is a good idea to sign up early.

To apply to a US university, you will need to submit academic records and transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement or admissions essay. You will also need to prove you can cover the costs of university.

US universities value extracurricular activities and will want to see evidence of your involvement in clubs, sports, and other activities. They are also interested in your essays and personal statements, which should showcase your personality and tell a compelling story.

You will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency if English is not your first language. This could be in the form of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Scholarships

While studying in America can be more expensive than in the UK, there are many scholarships and bursaries available for international students. The cost of American university fees varies depending on the type of degree and institution chosen.

Where to Find Funding

The best place to start looking for funding is the university you're applying to. Many American universities offer scholarships to international students, which fall into one of the following categories:

• Needs-based scholarships – contingent on your parents' income
• Niche scholarships – awarded to targeted students according to a skill they possess, their background, or their area of study
• Merit-based scholarships – awarded to students with outstanding results in a particular area of study
• Sports scholarships – awarded to students that excel at a particular sport

According to the Education Data Initiative in 2021, 83.8% of undergraduates at American universities received financial aid in some form.

Undergraduate Funding

Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries for international students are less common than for postgraduate studies, but they do exist. Funding for international undergraduate students in the UK can be split into two categories:

• Funding offered by UK universities themselves
• Funding offered by third parties, usually governments or organisations in the student's home country

Postgraduate Funding

The UK government runs a variety of scholarship programmes to financially support international students who need help funding their studies in the UK. The three main UK government scholarships on offer are:

• GREAT Scholarships – scholarships to UK universities across a variety of subjects, for students from 18 countries
• Chevening Scholarships – offers fully funded master's degrees in the UK
• Commonwealth Scholarships – given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage

Other Scholarships

There are also many other scholarships offered by various institutions and organisations, such as:

• Global Wales Scholarships for International Students – offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students
• British Council scholarships for women in STEM – scholarships for women undertaking master's degrees in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics course at one of 19 UK universities

Frequently asked questions