Students who are interested to begin their tertiary education in the US have an array of options from associate degrees, technical certificates to bachelor degrees. 

 

For those who have just complete Grade 11 high school such as IGCSE, they can begin their studies at a community college and earn an associate's degree after 2 years. This is equivalent to having completed the first 2 years of a bachelor's degree. They can then transfer to one of over 4,000 universities in the US to complete year 3 and 4 to earn a bachelor's degree.

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Students also have the option to attend a 4-year university after Grade 11 via direct entry or pathway programmes. However, those who are aiming to apply to top-ranked or ivy league universities should consider either the community college transfer option or apply to these universities after completing IB or A-levels with outstanding results. 

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Students who are interested in pursuing their studies in the US need to show proof of funds to cover at least 1 year of tuition and living expenses. Depending on the location and choice of university, the amount can range between USD20,000 to USD70,000 upwards a year. 

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Many colleges and universities in the US offer scholarships to international students, largely on merit basis. Scholarships will be offered as a deduction from tuition fees and students are required to fund the balance with family savings, education loans from their home country or supplement with other scholarships they can obtain from private or public entities. 

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Proof of funds can be substantiated with either a bank statement or bank confirmation letter. This is a necessary step before an I-20 will be issued by the college or university. An I-20 proves that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the US and is required for visa application.

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In the U.S, colleges and universities establish their own admission requirements. Some applications are made directly to the school while some universities require students to submit their applications via platforms such as the Common App.

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Standardized tests - Some universities require students to take one or more standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Plan to take your tests in advance so your scores are available when you submit your application.

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Proof of English proficiency - most universities require students to be proficient in English as part of their admission profess. This can be satisfied by an English test such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo, which can be taken in your home country. 

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Foreign diploma and credit recognition - students who are interested to transfer academic credits from previous studies are advised to have their credentials evaluated by an independent body such as WES (World Education Services) www.wes.org for US course equivalency. 

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Most university applications in the US require an application fee that will range from USD50 upwards. You may be able to get application fee savings by working with an education agent. 

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Once you have received your Acceptance Letter and I-20 document, you are ready to lodge a visa application. 

 

All international students will require an F1 visa to begin their studies in the US. 

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The steps to obtain an F1 visa are:

• Complete a Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form online

• You will need a valid passport and a photograph according to the US visa specifications

• Pay a non-refundable visa application processing fee of USD185

• Pay SEVIS fee of USD350 and present your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt

• Pass a visa interview at the US Embassy in the country you are located at. Students who are under 18 of age should be accompanied by their parent in the interview. You must attend the interview with a list of supporting documents such as your I-20 and proof of funds document. 

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You will be informed of the outcome of your visa application during the visa interview. Your original passport with the visa vignette will be returned to you within 5 days after the interview. 

Once your visa is approved, you may proceed to make flight, airport transfer and accommodation arrangements. Some universities require students to provide immunisation records and fulfil health requirements as a part of their enrolment process. You should also bring your original transcripts with you to the US in case they are required by the university. 

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