USA
Overview
There is a reason why the United States (US) has the highest number of international students in the world, approximating more than 1 million annually.
In higher education, America continues to thrive – the #1 university in the world, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is in the USA, five of the top 10 universities in the world are in the USA.
However, as the 4th largest land area in the world, the US is truly a melting pot of cultures – with people from all nations coming to this country. The birthplace of the American dream and home to several of the world’s greats in different industries, the US is a definite force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, when it comes to higher education, the country’s institutions host thousands of academic programmes. This flexibility and freedom for students to choose and arrange their timetable as they see fit makes studying the US ideal for any student.
In addition to that, the US boasts the world’s best universities, with top-quality systems and programmes.
In this guide we tell you why – read through and find out, and possibly choose the US as your study abroad destination
Why study in USA
Higher education institutions in the US offer some of the most diverse and interesting of courses – there’s something for everyone, in the US.
However, some of the most popular courses international students in the US tend to enroll in are Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Business and Management.
Tuition Fees?
While amongst the best in the world, private universities in the US are notorious for their steep tuition fees and tend to be amongst the most costly to attend. Most times, however, the cost of such an education is worth it. You can decide on the approximate prices listed below, per year:
The following table is for international students (average tuition fees per year as of 2019).
| Study level | USD |
| Bachelor’s degree | 25 – 70,000 |
| Masters degree | 30 – 60,000 |
| PhD | 28 – 50,000 |
Language requirement
For admission into a US university, students are required to complete a certain number of tests prior to applying. The popular MUET examination cannot be used to apply for a US university. Instead, the below tests must be completed:
Completion of the SAT/ACT tests
Completion of the TOEFL test
Grade requirements for such tests usually depend on the university itself – prospective students must ensure that they check through their university beforehand and achieve the required test scores.
Typical acceptance
These typically differ according to the university and the course you are applying for.
For example, if you hope to study an Engineering degree in the US, you should have ideally studied Maths during your STPM and achieved a good grade. Without this prerequisite, you may be unable to study an Engineering degree.
To pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the US, Malaysian students must have completed the following qualifications:
SPM (Form 5)/UEC with a minimum of 4 passes
STPM with a minimum of 2 passes
Other pre-university qualifications such as the O-Level and A-Level examinations would require you to have a minimum of 3 O-Level passes and 2 A-Level passes.
Students should also note that these are the very minimum of academic entry requirements – the more high-ranking and elite the university, the more higher grades are required.
Student visa
Applying and receiving a student visa for study in the US can be a bit strenuous and lengthy — but it is always well worth the effort. Much of what you will need to present to start your visa application process is dependent on your country, so you must ensure your personal requirements beforehand.
Once you are accepted into your university of choice, you will receive an offer letter along with a Form I-20 or DS-2019. It is integral, however, that your university is a certified and accredited institution by the Student Exchange and Visitor Programme (SEVP).
Fill these out, and then you must proceed to visit your local US Embassy for an interview to apply for the F-1 non-immigrant visa, where you must remember to bring:
Your passport, which does not expire until six months after the end of your degree
Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, filled in online with a photo attached and fees paid beforehand
Form I-20/DS-2019, and any other forms provided by your university
Your offer letter from the university
Proof of financial stability throughout the course of your degree
Academic transcripts and certificates
Your intention to leave the USA upon completion of your degree
Other forms and requirements based on your country
The decision to provide you with a visa is dependent on your interviewer, and you will receive your student visa no more than 120 days before your degree’s start date — though you are not allowed to travel to the USA until 30 days before the commencement of your degree.
When to apply to USA
The student should apply before six month of registration day
