Cost of Studying and Living in the United States

The currency used in the US is the United States Dollar (USD/$).

Due to its popularity as an international study destination, America is among the most expensive countries for international students. However, you will be receiving high quality education from world renowned institutions. Depending on your course of study or degree programme, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $60,000 per academic year. The average annual tuition fees are around $30,000 for international students, with a postgraduate degree costing more than an undergraduate degree.

Your cost of living will be highly dependent on the area in which you choose to study. If you choose to live in a big city such as New York City or Los Angeles, this will cost more than a smaller city or town. You should budget between $1,000 and $5,000 per month. This should cover your rent and utilities, groceries, travel and any additional study expenses.

Although the US is known for its higher tuition fees, international students also have access to financial help. Some universities might offer scholarships to cover your entire course costs, or contribute to overall costs. These scholarships are normally awarded for academic or sport excellence, as well as lower income families. If you cannot get a scholarship, you may be eligible for financial aid. Check out our scholarships and funding section for more information.

As well as tuition fees and living costs, you should be aware that you need to purchase health insurance for the duration of your studies in America. There is no national health provider, as the health system is private. If you do not have health insurance, any medical attention you might require will be extremely expensive. Your institution will be able to provide you with more information about this.

Visas

Any international student wishing to study in the USA will be required to obtain a student visa. This will be an F-1 or M-1 visa, depending on the type of institution you will be studying at. If you wish to study at a university or academic institution, you will need to obtain an F-1 visa. If you wish to study a course that is not principally academic, or is offered at a vocational institution, such as a business school, you will need to obtain an M-1 visa. You will need to have been accepted by an approved institution before you are able to apply for a visa. You will then need to register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and this generally costs $200. As part of the visa application process, you will need to make an appointment for an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country.

For information about the location of the US Embassy or Consulate in your country, as well as more detailed information about student visas, please visit the US Embassy website.

Language

The US does not have an official language, but its national language is English. However, due to the diverse nature of the USA, you will hear a wide range of other languages being spoken.

Courses at American universities are taught in English. It is likely that you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as part of your application. The level of language proficiency will depend on where you choose to study. If you do not meet the required standards for your course, it is common for institutions to offer English language courses to help you improve.

If your native language is not English, you should make the most of your opportunity to learn a language as you study. Communicating with locals and other students is the perfect way to practice. Having advanced ability in English is a great skill to add to your CV/resume.