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Study in the United States
The widest choice of universities and subjects, flexible liberal-arts degrees and world-leading research.
Main and well-known universities
Examples of leading and popular universities. Uniaway is independent and listing a university does not mean a partnership.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Johns Hopkins University
- Cornell University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Michigan
- New York University (NYU)
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Northwestern University
- Duke University
- University of Southern California (USC)
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Texas at Austin
- Boston University
- Arizona State University
- Purdue University
Popular courses
Computer Science & AIBusiness & MBAEngineeringData Science & AnalyticsBiological & Health SciencesEconomics & FinanceMedia & CommunicationsLiberal Arts
Intakes
| Intake | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fall (August/September) | Main intake; many deadlines between November and February. |
| Spring (January) | Smaller intake at many universities. |
| Summer (May/June) | Limited, mostly graduate programmes. |
Typical costs
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Tuition – public universities (international) | US$25,000–US$45,000 per year (≈ £19,000–£34,000) |
| Tuition – private universities | US$40,000–US$65,000+ per year (≈ £30,000–£49,000) |
| Living costs | Roughly US$12,000–US$25,000 per year depending on city (≈ £9,000–£19,000) |
| Visa costs | US$185 visa fee + US$350 SEVIS I-901 fee (a separate US$250 visa integrity fee is in law; check whether it is being collected) |
GBP figures are approximate, using rough exchange rates, and are for guidance only.
Typical English requirements
| Test | Typical range |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | UG ~79–100; PG ~80–105 |
| IELTS Academic | UG 6.5–7.0; PG 6.5–7.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | Widely accepted, roughly 105–130 |
| PTE Academic | Accepted by a growing number, roughly 58–70 |
Ranges are typical. Each university and course sets its own scores, and some students can be exempt.
Typical academic entry requirements
- Undergraduate: high school diploma/transcripts; SAT/ACT optional at many universities but required at some; essays and recommendation letters.
- Postgraduate: a recognised bachelor's degree (a 3-year degree may need checking); GRE/GMAT for some programmes; statement of purpose and references.
- Strong financial documents are needed for the I-20.
Post-study work rights
OPT (Optional Practical Training): up to 12 months of work related to your field after graduation, with a possible 24-month STEM extension for eligible STEM degrees. During study, on-campus work is usually limited to 20 hours a week in term time. Rules can change, so check current DHS guidance.
Visa overview
- Visa: F-1 student visa.
- Your university issues a Form I-20 once you show proof of funds for at least the first year.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fee and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
- Show strong ties to home and a clear study plan; social media details may be requested.
Official sources
Please note: Information is general, correct as of October 2026 and can change. Please confirm details with a Uniaway adviser and the official government website. This is not immigration or legal advice.