GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- TOEFL Score of 500 Minimum needed
(SAT or GRE helps to procure Visas very easily)
- Tuition fees varies widely among colleges and universities which can be $ 3,000 per quarter up to $ 5,000 per semester depending on how many credit hours a student will take
- International Students are not allowed per-time study, foreign students must take full-time classes
- The best time to enrol is the Fall Session which starts in September
- Undergraduate students should take SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) which helps to get a F-1 student Visa very easily provided with good sponsorship documents
- Graduate students are advised to take GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) in order procure student Visas very smoothly.
- ExpoTech can arrange scholarship for students with high score in TOEFL and SAT/GRE/GMAT.
STUDYING AND LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES:
With a total population of 340 million people (339,996,563 in 2023), six different time zones, 50 states, one federal district and 5 self-governing territories, America is one of the biggest country in the world which is only slightly smaller than the entire continent of Europe.
With the number one economy in the world, US is the leading political, cultural and scientific force internationally as being in the forefront of many modern discoveries and developments. A qualification earned at a US institution will be highly regarded by any employers around the world. There are over 5,000 higher educational institutions in the US, all providing world-class degree programmes.
There are scholarships available for academic or sport excellence. Please ask our advisors if you are interested in scholarships. In addition to tuition fees and living costs, all international students are required to purchase health insurance as well as dental insurance. The international students’ office will guide all incoming foreign students regarding these issues as well as housing both in dorms and outside. The cost of living expenses are depended on different cities and states as it may vary widely. For graduate students, there are graduate teaching assistance (GTA) jobs available if an international student has good command in English Language and good Teaching Skills. Even some universities have training available on how to teach undergraduate students especially Freshman.
The USA is globally renowned for its standard of education and degrees earned in the country have an excellent international reputation, so it’s not hard to see why almost a million foreign students choose to study in America.
You’ll have the pick of thousands of institutions and degrees, as well as the opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons by experiencing American campus life. You can also give your CV a boost by getting involved in the huge variety of clubs and organisations on offer, including sports.
We all know that the USA has 50 states but did you know that it also spans six time zones? Just like the country, it’s fair to say that your study options are vast and in your spare time there’ll be lots to explore. If you’d like to study in America but have your sights set on a less obvious destination, then consider:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Portland, Oregon
- Seattle, Washington.
American universities
The country has one of the largest education systems in the world with an estimated 4,000 institutions.
While English is the main language in the USA, you’ll have to get used to the differing academic terminology. Universities are generally known as colleges, of which there are two main types:
- Public colleges – large, state-funded institutions that have lower tuition fees but more students. International students pay higher fees.
- Private colleges – smaller universities funded by private donations, tuition fees and grants. The opposite of public colleges, they have higher fees but fewer students. Overseas students pay the same fees as state residents.
Eight institutions make up the American Ivy League, a group of prestigious colleges:
- Brown University (Rhode Island)
- Columbia University (New York)
- Cornell University (New York)
- Dartmouth College (New Hampshire)
- Harvard University (Massachusetts)
- University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
- Princeton University (New Jersey)
- Yale University (Connecticut).
Four of the top ten universities in the world are USA institutions according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. These include:
- 1st – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- 4th – Harvard University
- 5th – Stanford University
- 10th – University of California, Berkeley (UCB).
The University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University rank 11th, 12th and 13th respectively.
The academic calendar in the USA is split into two semesters; fall (autumn) runs from mid-August to December, and spring runs from January to May.
Degree courses in the USA
There are two types of undergraduate degree on offer in the USA:
- Associate degrees – take two years to complete and are usually studied at technical, community or junior colleges. Students can study for an associate qualification in a range of subjects and then transfer to a Bachelors programme to complete an additional two years of study to gain a full Bachelors degree.
- Bachelor’s degrees – take four years to complete. They differ from UK undergraduate degrees in that students study a variety of subjects before deciding on which to focus on in the final two years, known as a ‘major’. Students may also gain a ‘minor’ qualification by completing classes in an additional subject alongside their ‘major’.
For entry onto a Bachelors degree you’ll need at least five GCSE passes and two A-levels. For Bangladeshi students it will be HSC certificate, TOEFL and ideal will be SAT. To ensure that your chosen university recognises your qualifications you’ll need to MAKE AN APPOINTMENT with ExpoTech BD Limited.
Be aware that some subjects, such as medicine and law are not available at undergraduate level in the USA. You can study pre-med and pre-law courses but these are preparatory qualifications. To qualify and practice as a doctor or lawyer you’ll need to study these subjects at graduate level.
You can search for US undergraduate degrees by field of study and location at International Student School Search.
Masters degrees
Known as ‘graduate degrees’ in the USA, around 1,000 colleges offer programmes in a variety of subjects.
There are two types of graduate degree, most courses take two or three years to complete although one-year options are available in some instances:
- Academic/research – academic graduate degrees generally lead to a career in academia or research.
- Professional – these are designed to prepare students for particular professions.
The most common types of Masters are Masters of Arts (M.A) and Masters of Science (M.S). Study at this level is self-directed and culminates in the submission of a thesis.
Unlike in the UK and Bangladesh, there are no pure research graduate programmes on offer. Instead, students learn through a combination of taught and research components. Students are also assessed on a more regular basis in the USA. Instead of undertaking a small number of large assessments you’ll face more frequent, smaller assessments.
However, applying for an American Masters degree follows a similar process to the UK. You will need a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree from a recognised institution. It is worth remembering that there is no official conversion rate between UK A-level/degree results, Bangladeshi HSC and US grades. Most institutions will have their own policy so it’s vital to get in touch with ExpoTech before you apply.
You can search for US Masters Degrees by field of study and location at International Student School Search.
PhDs
A Doctoral degree is the highest qualification a student can achieve in the USA. They typically take four to six years to complete.
To be awarded with a PhD you’ll need to pass comprehensive examinations and produce original research, usually in the form of a dissertation.
Commonly studied subjects include anthropology, biology, education, engineering, psychology and sociology.
Course Fees
Make no mistake, studying in the USA is expensive, so any decision to study here should not be taken lightly.
Per year, undergraduate tuition fees can range from $5,000 to $50,000 – around £3,820 and £38,204 respectively, per year (don’t forget that Bachelors courses typically last four years in the USA). You’ll then need to take into account living costs. At top tier universities it’s estimated that fees and living costs combined cost undergraduate students around $60,000 (£45,845 / 65 Lacs Bangladeshi taka) per year, however it’s possible to study in America and pay lower fees.
Public universities cost less than private institutions and fees vary depending on what and where you study. Public universities charge two sets of fees: a lower rate applies to in-state students, while a higher rate is charged for all out-of-state students (this applies to international students too).
Private institutions don’t differentiate between out-of-state and domestic students and charge the same rate for all, although fees are higher than at public universities.
Fees for graduate programmes vary widely depending on your chosen subject and institution. For example, course fees and living costs at a top ranked institution could cost as much as $70,000 (£53,486) but financial help is available depending on your circumstances. To find out exactly how much your postgraduate course costs, contact your university.
While tuition fees are pricey the annual cost of living is generally much lower than in other countries such as the UK or even Bangladesh. If you’re looking to cut costs as much as possible it might be helpful to know that the Midwest region generally has lower living costs than places in the East and Northeast of the country.
Funding to study in the USA
The vast majority of students studying at American universities receive financial aid of some kind and each year international students receive a significant amount of financial support.
Funding for overseas students does exist and generally differs between institutions. Some provide scholarships covering the entire cost of study, while others contribute towards the overall cost. Common sources of funding include:
- Needs-based financial aid – if your family income falls below a certain amount then many institutions can assist with tuition fees and accommodation.
- Merit scholarships – for those with outstanding talent or excellent grades in a specific subject.
- Sports scholarships – for talented sportsmen and women. You need the required grades as well as sporting excellence.
The Fulbright Commission offer a number of postgraduate scholarships to UK students looking to pursue a postgraduate degree each year, known as ‘Fulbright Awards’. Awards vary from the ‘All Disciplines Award’, which can be applied to any Masters or Doctoral degree at any accredited US university, to specific awards such as those focused on journalism or medicine. There’s also the Fulbright Opportunity Fund, which aims to increase the participation of underrepresented groups. To find out more, see Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships to the USA.
A number of institutions also set aside a significant sum to assist international undergraduates. To find out what help you can receive, check with your chosen institution.
Student Visas
Any foreign national looking to enter the USA will need a visa.
The F-1 non-immigrant visa is the most common type for those wishing to study in the USA at an accredited college or university. You’ll need to have been accepted and approved on your course before applying for one. You will then register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and there is a $350 (£267) fee for this.
You will also need to make an appointment for a visa interview with the US embassy in your country. You’ll need to bring the following:
- your passport
- your visa application form
- financial documents.
The earlier you start this process the better – F-1 visas can be issued 120 days before your course start date. However, you won’t be allowed to enter the US more than 30 days before your course start date.
US visa requirements can be complicated so for a complete guide visit the US Department of State – Student Visas.
Due to the changeable nature of immigration laws, nationals of predominantly Muslim countries will need to keep a close eye on any rules or restrictions that may affect them entering the USA.
How to apply
It can take longer to apply to a US institution due to the various stages you must negotiate. It’s advised that you apply 12 to 18 months in advance. There’s no limit on the number of universities you can apply to, but the Fulbright Commission recommends that you apply to no more than six institutions. This will allow you enough time to focus on each application while giving you an increased chance of success.
There is no central organisation that facilitates applications to American universities. To study in the USA, all students must apply directly to their chosen institution and sit a multiple choice admission exam. Most universities require students to sit SAT or ACT exams. They can be taken in test centres around the UK and cost roughly £50 each.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide:
- an application form
- a personal statement
- transcripts of academic records
- two or three recommendation letters
- admission exam scores.
For graduate programmes you may have to provide a research statement and CV and also attend an interview.
All students must pay an application fee to each university, usually $50 to $100 (£38.15 and £76.30 respectively).
Application deadlines for postgraduate study vary but most fall between November and February.
Language requirements
Courses in the USA are taught in English. If English is not your first language then you will be required to sit an English language proficiency test. The TOEFL and IELTS tests are widely accepted.
Learn about the variety of options available and how to identify an institution that best fits your needs.
Need funding? Explore options or check out many university financial aid opportunity list. Also, Bangladesh Bank Student Loan scheme.
Plan ahead and know the documents and requirements to apply for your program. ExpoTech will help you.
Become familiar with U.S. student visa requirements and allow plenty of time to prepare your application.
Pre-departure information including gathering documents for arrival and immigration compliance.
International students often underestimate the amount of time required to apply for admission to a college or university in the United States. You can avoid this mistake by setting a schedule for yourself that begins well in advance of the time that you plan to begin your studies.
When setting your timetable, always remember that starting the process early is the best way forward. You will need to allow yourself sufficient time to thoroughly research the institution and/or program that will best serve your academic and professional goals. Then you must meet the application deadlines of the universities to which you apply, which may be up to ten months before the beginning of the school term.
Especially for schools with competitive admissions, the application process takes a significant amount of time and effort. You will need to write personal statements and request recommendations from teachers or others who know you well. Even if you are applying on line via the Common Application, you will want to get started early. University websites and other academic Internet sites may provide quick and convenient access to the required application forms, but you still need time to research your options, contact teachers and institutions to provide recommendations and transcripts, and sign up for required entrance exams in time to meet application deadlines.
Application Timeline
This application timeline will provide you with detailed information about the steps you should take and when you should take them in order to plan your approach to studying in the USA. The plan starts 18 months before you wish to study, so you need to get planning soon! Of course, if you don’t have that much time you can still jump in and catch up – but there earlier the better!
Most U.S. colleges and universities require that you take one or more standardized
admissions tests in order to gain entrance into their programs. SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, TOEFL, IELTS – it’s like alphabet soup! We can provide you with further information about the various tests, what you need to do in order to prepare for, sign up for and do well on the appropriate standardized tests.
Credential Evaluators
School curriculum varies by country, not only in language but also in practice. Many schools accepting students from other countries require the official status of your school and need to verify the authenticity of documents. This is where credential evaluators come in. Your school may require you to submit transcripts to a credential evaluator who will examine your credentials and translate the documents into your host country curriculum for review.
Anyone who will be studying in the United States could be issued one of the three following visa types for international students: F1 Visa, J1 Visa or M1 Visa. You may be asking, “What visa do you need to work as an international student in the US?”. The F1 and J1 Visas allow for the possibility of employment but does not guarantee it. The M1 Visa, however, does not allow for the possibility of employment. We’ve broken down each of these three types of international student visas so that you can get familiar with them and how they will impact your life in the US.
Types of International Student Visas
F1 Visa
Academic Studies
The “F” visa is for academic studies. An F1 visa is issued to students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program. F1 visas are by far the most common form of international student visa in the U.S. F1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. F1 status allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). Additionally, students can work on optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year after completion of their academic program. Students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status).
J1 Visa
Practical Training
A J1 visa is issued to students who need to obtain practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. J-1 student status allows for similar employment as the F1 visa, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor.
M1 Visa
Non-Academic /
Vocational Studies
An M1 visa is issued to a student who is going to attend a non-academic or vocational school.
M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. The M-1 student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.
Living with your Student Visa in the USA
As you begin to think about funding sources for your educational and living expenses in the United States, remember that you cannot count on working in the United States unless you have been granted a teaching or research assistantship. Immigration regulations are very strict with respect to working while carrying a student visa, and when you submit evidence of your financial resources, you cannot rely on potential income. The income on which you base your application must be assured, and it must be equal to or exceed the costs of the first year of your studies.
Careful long-term and short-term planning is necessary to ensure that you will have a rewarding educational experience in the United States. If you are realistic about your financial needs, you will be better able to enjoy the exciting academic and cultural experience of living and learning in the United States.
How Long You Can Stay in the US After Graduation
Per US immigration law, students with F visas must leave the US within 60 days after the program end date that is listed on Form I-20. Students with J and M visa status must leave the US within 30 days after the program end date that is listed on Form I-20. However, if you wish to extend your stay in the US, you may request a visa extension through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Before requesting a visa extension, we recommend exploring your visa options after graduation.
How You Can Change Your Visa Status
While living in the US, your plans may change and you might have to change your visa status. If you wish to do this at any time while living in the US, you do not have to apply for a new visa. You must request to change your non-immigrant status through USCIS. We recommend that you notify your Designated School Official (DSO) about your desire to change as it’s important that your school is aware of any changes to your non-immigrant status, and your DSO can help you through the process.
Admission requirements in the USA for international students
In the USA, admission requirements differ from university to another and by major. In general, however, international students must submit the following when applying to universities in the USA:
- Transcripts for your university courses or degree
- English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL
- Work experience and samples (if needed)
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letter
The cost of studying in the USA for international students
The cost of studying in the USA will depend on the type of degree you pursue and the university or school you attend. About $8,000 – $55,000 (indicative) per year is needed to cover annual tuition fees and living expenses.
| Degree Type | Annual Tuition fees in USD (indicative) |
| English language studies | $8,400 to $24,000 |
| Community colleges | $6,000 to $20,000 |
| Undergraduate degree | $16,000 to $50,000 |
| Graduate programs | $20,000 to $45,000 |
| Doctoral degree | $28,000 to $55,000 |
Scholarships to study in the USA for international students
Check out these 5 competitive scholarships in the USA for international students:
| Scholarship Name | Value |
| YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship | Up to 50% of fees |
| Plater International Scholars Program | Up to 27,000 USD |
| Saluki Gold Scholarship | Up to 14,000 USD |
| Diana T.Y. Chung and Henry WS Chung Memorial Scholarship Endowment | Up to 1000 USD |
| International Baccalaureate | Up to 1000 USD |
Student visa requirements in the US for international students
There are 3 different categories of student visas available in the USA for international students, and they are:
| Visa Type | Description |
| F Student Visa | For studying at a recognised American college or university or at an English language institute.
The requirements are as follows: 1. A valid passport |
| J Exchange Visa | For participation in a high school or university exchange program. |
| M Student Visa | For non-academic, vocational, or training studies in the USA. |
Get to know the US education system
As you begin your school search, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the American education system. It will help you narrow down your choices and develop your study plan.
If you hold a F-1 Visa, you are allowed to work in the United States when authorised by a designated school official, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
When you arrive in the United States, it’s a good idea to get yourself sorted with insurance. Be sure to shop around to find the best policy to suit your needs.
Moving to a new country isn’t always easy. That’s why most universities, colleges and education institutions offer dedicated support services to help international students adjust to life in the UK and make the most of your study (and holiday) time.
Your day-to-day living expenses will vary depending on what state or city you live in. The average annual cost of study, including tuition fees and living expenses is around USD$35,000 per year. However, this can rise dramatically with some private institutions charging USD$35,000 or more for tuition fees alone, so it is important to do your research.
Depending on what you need – and your budget – you will find various options for living on or off campus.
Washington DC, is known for being where it’s happening. ‘It’ can be almost anything: history, culture, art, food, and politics – you name it.
New York City is a city that’s famous for its bustling, busy atmosphere – and for good reason.
City of Angels. Tinseltown. La-La Land. Whatever you call it, you probably already have an idea of what Los Angeles has to offer.
Ask any Bostonian their favorite thing about the city and you’re destined to get dozens of different answers – depending on which neighbourhood they live in, the time of year, and what the weather is like that day.
Seattle is one of the fastest growing cities in the US, a unique spot nestled between water and mountains, yet a thriving and busy city.
Academic Year – Resident Undergraduate Student Tuition and Fees
| Campus |
2022-23 |
2023-24 | Change |
% Change |
| University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) |
$19,434 |
$20,366 | $932 |
4.8% |
| Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ) |
16,263 |
17,239 | 976 |
6.0% |
| Illinois State University (Normal, IL) |
15,733 |
16,021 | 288 |
1.8% |
| Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) |
15,883 |
15,463 | (420) |
-2.6% |
| George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) |
13,402 |
13,812 | 410 |
3.1% |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County |
12,606 |
12,952 | 346 |
2.7% |
| Comparison Average |
$12,451 |
$12,740 | $289 |
2.3% |
| University of Colorado at Denver |
11,800 |
12,366 | 566 |
4.8% |
| Arizona State University at Tempe |
11,618 |
12,052 | 434 |
3.7% |
| University of Texas at Arlington |
11,314 |
11,314 | 0 |
0.0% |
| Cleveland State University |
10,430 |
10,638 | 208 |
2.0% |
| State University of New York at Albany |
10,468 |
10,468 | 0 |
0.0% |
| Georgia State University at Atlanta |
10,268 |
10,268 | 0 |
0.0% |
| University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee |
9,620 |
10,020 | 400 |
4.2% |
| North Carolina State University |
9,128 |
9,105 | (23) |
-0.3% |
| University of Nevada at Reno |
8,797 |
9,012 | 215 |
2.4% |
| California State University |
$7,524 |
$7,622 | $98 |
1.3% |
