Why USA
Study in USA
The United States of America (USA) hosts the most number of international students in the world every year due to its quality education, unique curriculum, multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities. It offers:
1. Flexible education system
Students have the freedom to select from a range of courses and programs in various universities and colleges. At the undergraduate level, one can pursue different courses before selecting a major at the end of the second year, which helps to explore subject interest. Similarly, for graduate studies, students can choose preference to focus on the ideas you want for dissertation.
2. Academic excellence
As per the QS World Ranking 2019, 33 of the top 100 universities are from the US. Similarly, Times Higher Education Ranking has also ranked seven of the American universities in its top 10 list of universities. The US has some of the finest universities, a lot of which consistently rank in the world university rankings. American institutions are also known to have high academic standards, follow rigorous practices to maintain quality and are well-supported to be able to offer excellent education to its students.
3. Excellent support system for international students
American universities understand the struggles of international students and therefore conduct regular orientation programs, workshops and trainings to offer assistance. In fact, the international student office helps students to get accustomed to a new kind of lifestyle – whether it is an academic query, cultural or social, the staff will be there to assist you round the clock.
4. Lively and vibrant campus life
It’s a known fact that campus life of the US is matchless. Irrespective of the university, one will find himself in the midst of new cultural experiences and the American way of life.
5. Cultural diversity
These days employers prefer students with a multi-cultural background, which one would get a great taste of in the US. The US has a diverse environment including different cultures, races and ethnicities; and there is acceptance among all communities and no room for any sort of discrimination. Hence it provides a rich and stimulating education experience with strong personality traits and skills that will be valuable in the international market.
Why USA
Studying in the USA offers the wonderful avenue of growing academically, culturally and socially. It is truly a land of opportunities and is home to diverse ethnicities, highest number of top ranked universities, and picturesque landscapes.
One of the most attractive features of the U.S. higher education system is the flexibility it provides through the number and diversity of institution types it encompasses. This diversity offers students options to specialize in a variety of academic disciplines and even gain employment training. More than 4,500 accredited institutions make up U.S. higher education in the United States. Unlike many countries, U.S. higher education institutions are not centrally organized or managed, but are accredited on a national or regional level by independent accrediting bodies. A variety of institution types offer higher-education degrees. Private colleges and universities are funded by a combination of endowments, gifts from alumni, research grants, and tuition fees.
The U.S. academic calendar typically runs from September to May and can be divided into two academic terms of 16-18 weeks known as semesters. Alternatively, some schools may operate on a quarter or trimester system of multiple terms of 10-12 weeks.
With the variety of available U.S. higher education options, students are sure to find the right fit for their academic, financial, and personal needs.
University Selections
English Language Requirements
US institutions expect strong English language abilities from their students. They want to be sure that you can cope with the demands of degree-level study. The requirements are as follows:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are the most common language requirements for American universities.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam scores are the most common language requirements for Canadian universities.
- Most North American universities will accept either test as proof of your English language ability. You can take TOEFL and IELTS exams at testing centers worldwide.
Academic Requirements
As a primary step, you must first apply and be accepted by a US school or university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution’s international student office, which is a paper record of your information in the database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Documents required for a US student visa:
When applying for your student visa for the US, you will generally need:
- A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country specific agreements)
- Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
- Application fee payment for the SEVIS
- Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Your photograph in the requested format, and number
Some additional documents that might be required include:
- Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates
- Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the US. This may include:
- Bank statements
- Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs
- A scholarship program
- Evidence that you will leave the US once you have completed your course of study. This can be in the form of an air ticket out of the US to your home country
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the US embassy or consulate.
Indian Equivalent Degree:
In the US, it takes a duration of 4 years to acquire an equivalent bachelor’s degree, for this reason, getting into a United States college will require an Indian degree evaluation in USA completed before you apply. The higher education system in India is created off the British model, where a three-tier degree setup (bachelor, master, and doctorate) is applied. This system is also consistent with the US system but doesn’t share similarities in program duration with the Indian system.
USCES.org has been around the block for over 17 years as a well respected organization with focus on evaluating international credentials. According to USES requirements which are in sync with the educational authorities in the US, a 3-year Indian bachelor’s degree can be seen as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree if:
- Firstly, if the degree in view has been acquired in Division I
- Secondly, if the awarding institutions have been duly accredited by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with at least an “A” grade.
And if you have merited a bachelor’s degree, like a B.Sc. or B.Com., with Division I from NAAC accredited universities with a “A” grade at least, then WES or other degree evaluation agencies may automatically evaluate your degree as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from the U.S.
Some of the following universities in the US that accept candidates with three-year bachelor’s degrees and of course, Indian degrees:
- Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
- Darden School of Business, University of Virginia
- Northwestern University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University
- Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College
Education System
US provides a diverse range of courses for all study levels like
- Elementary school
- Middle school/Junior high school
- High school
- Higher education
|
Qualification |
Duration |
Description |
|
Associate degree |
2 years |
Job oriented programs that allow a graduate to launch a career, it is also equivalent to first two years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree |
|
Bachelor’s degree |
3 to 4 years |
Undergraduate degree that includes core courses, major, minor and elective. The four years are known as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior. |
|
Master’s degree (Professional) |
1 to 3 years |
Leads students from first degree to particular profession; duration depends on field of study |
|
Master’s degree (Academic) |
2 years |
Generally awarded in traditional disciplines of humanities, arts, and science; may lead students to doctoral programs |
|
Doctorate or PhD |
5 to 8 years |
Completed under the supervision of faculty advisor, PhD is awarded on completion of dissertation and successful defence before a panel of faculty members |
Types of institutions
There are various types of institutions in the US that provide quality education. These can be categorized into:
Colleges: Smaller than the universities, colleges generally provide undergraduate degrees. Community colleges, an affordable study option in the US, offer two-year associate degrees after which you can continue your studies in the university for another two years to gain an undergraduate degree.
Universities: There are mainly two types of universities in the US:
- Public universities: Mostly state universities, established and run by the state government
- Private universities: A mix of profit and not-for-profit supported by tuition fee and donations; approximately 20% of students attend private universities
Scholarships
Studying in the US can become quite an expensive affair, but if you plan well in advance, you can apply to a range of scholarships offered by the American universities and colleges. Open to meritorious international students to help them fund their studies, these can be partial or fully paid, depending on the criteria, course and the institution. Many scholarships and bursaries are also offered by the American government and various private and public establishments as well. When applying to any of these scholarships, make sure you check the criteria carefully, along with the application closing date.
Criteria for applying to scholarships: The most important criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score; however, it also depends on factors such as your chosen destination, subject and level. In some scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to advantage. Keep in mind that every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. While in some, a mere application may suffice, while for others you may have to fulfill several other conditions. For instance, in research centric programs, you may have to submit written assignments. Do not hesitate to contact the university admission centre if you have any doubts.
Amount of money available through scholarships: The amount of money available and the type of award varies between institutions. Certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of living expenditures. A student may experience higher competition when he/she applies for government scholarships in comparison to the university scholarships. Hence it is suggested to start with the procedure about 8-12 months before start of preferred intake.
An overview of some of the popular government-funded scholarships a student can apply to as an Indian student.
|
S.No. |
Name of the scholarship |
Description |
|
1 |
Foreign Fulbright Student Program |
Applicable for international students who are applying to master’s or PhD programs; this scholarship covers tuition fee, health insurance, textbooks, airfare, and living costs. |
|
2 |
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation |
Awarded to Indian students applying to master’s programs in the US with strong academic scores in the fields of social science, pure science, applied sciences, law, architecture, humanities, and management. |
|
3 |
Humphrey Fellowship Program |
This fellowship is granted to experienced professionals with a potential for leadership and dedication towards public service. Granted for a year, this program covers all expenses. You don’t get to choose a university for yourself; instead, you are assigned the most appropriate host institution as per your skills and interests. |
|
4 |
Microsoft Scholarships |
Applicable to students applying to undergraduate programs of 4-year duration in computer science and related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines who show outstanding academic excellence, leadership skills and a demonstrated passion towards technology. |
|
5 |
Inlaks Scholarships |
Available to Indian citizens under the age of 30 enrolling for graduate courses in various fields and is awarded by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation. |
|
6 |
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship |
Grants students studying/involved in areas like economic and community development, peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment. |
Apart from this, most American universities and colleges also have their own list of scholarships for Indian students.
Courses
A range of STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), along with other diversified streams and specialisations are available in the US
Universities
Please find below the list of institutions we represent in the US:
- Claremont Graduate University
- Brandeis International Business School
- University of Nebraska
- University of St. Thomas
- University of Maryland
Educational Institutions
Please find below the list of institutions we represent:
- Oxford Brookes University
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Sunderland
- Bath Spa University
- University of Hertfordshire
- London South Bank University
- University of Chester
- University of West London
- Middlesex University
- Robert Gordon University