International Students (USA)
International Students: Studying in the USA
For international applicants — applying to US universities, the I-20 and SEVIS, the F-1 visa interview, proof of funds, and English-test requirements.
Applying to US universities as an international student involves navigating both the academic admissions process and a set of legal and documentary requirements unique to studying abroad. From choosing and applying to SEVP-certified universities through centralised platforms, to receiving your I-20, paying the SEVIS fee, preparing for your F-1 visa interview, and demonstrating the financial resources to cover your cost of attendance — each step has official rules set by the university, the US Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security.
This hub brings together the essential guides for international applicants: how the US application process works, what the I-20 and SEVIS system are and why they matter, how to prepare for the F-1 visa interview, what financial documentation is required, and how to find and meet the English proficiency requirements for the universities on your list. All information here reflects stable, official facts — always verify current requirements directly with your university and at the official US government sources before taking action.
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Tests this hub covers
TOEFL iBT
ETS (Educational Testing Service) · Offered more than 170 times a year at test centres (Home Edition: 24 hours a day, 4 days a week)
IELTS
British Council / IDP IELTS / Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Year-round (test dates and session times vary by test centre)
Duolingo
Duolingo, Inc. · On demand, online at any time, though not in every country (up to 3 test purchases in any 30-day period; wait for your result before retesting)
PTE Academic
Pearson · Regular test dates at 500+ test centres in over 115 countries (check availability at your nearest centre)
SAT
College Board · 8 weekend test dates a year (2026–27: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, May, Jun; same for U.S. and international)
ACT
ACT (ACT Education Corp.) · 7 test dates a year, in the U.S. and outside it (2026–27: Sep, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul; most non-U.S. dates are two-day windows)
Guides for United States
20 of 20 guides in this hub are for the United States.
MS in USA: Application Guide
What the US master's application involves — the SOP, transcripts, English tests, the GRE question, funding options, and how to verify requirements — for international applicants targeting STEM and other fields.
Read guideLLM in USA for International Lawyers
The Master of Laws (LLM) in the United States for foreign-trained lawyers — eligibility, application process, typical program structure, English proficiency requirements, and US bar exam considerations. Guidance only; not legal or immigration advice.
Read guideThe Complete Guide to Applying to US Colleges
The US college application process — from building a college list and standardised testing to submitting your application, financial aid, and making your final decision.
Read guideJ-1 vs F-1 Visa, Explained
The official differences between the F-1 student visa and the J-1 exchange visitor visa for studying in the USA — who each serves, how they are sponsored, and the two-year home-residency requirement.
Read guideMerit Scholarships vs Need-Based Aid
The difference between merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid in the U.S. — how each works, who qualifies, how they interact, and what to watch out for including scholarship scams.
Read guideOn-Campus vs Off-Campus Housing: How to Choose
Living on campus versus renting off campus at a US university — trade-offs on cost, convenience, community, and independence — so you can decide what fits your situation.
Read guideHow to Apply to US Universities as an International Student
The US university application process for international students — from choosing schools and preparing documents to submitting applications and receiving an admission decision.
Read guideThe I-20 and SEVIS, Explained
What the Form I-20 is, how it is issued, what SEVIS is and why the fee is required — essential information for every international student planning to study in the United States on an F-1 visa.
Read guideF-1 Visa Interview Preparation
What to expect at the F-1 student visa interview — the documents to bring, the types of questions typically asked, and how to present your study plans clearly and honestly.
Read guideProof of Funds for the F-1 Visa
What financial documentation you need to obtain an F-1 student visa for the US — the types of documents accepted, what they need to show, and how to approach the requirement honestly.
Read guideOPT and CPT, Explained
A plain-English guide to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 international students in the USA — what each is, how they differ, and how to plan ahead.
Read guideThe STEM OPT Extension, Explained
What the 24-month STEM OPT extension is, which degree fields qualify, what E-Verify means for employers, and how to plan your application — official USCIS guidance for F-1 students.
Read guideCredential Evaluation for US Admission
What credential evaluation is, why US universities require it for international applicants, which evaluation services are widely recognised, and how the process works.
Read guideOn-Campus Jobs for International Students
How on-campus employment works for F-1 international students in the USA — what is allowed, the hour limits that apply, where to find positions, and what to do before you start work.
Read guideStudent Health Insurance in the USA: What You Need to Know
How health insurance works for students in the USA — university-sponsored plans, waiver options, and why coverage matters — without medical or insurance advice. Always verify details with your university and a qualified adviser.
Read guideCampus Jobs and Work-Study: Working While Studying in the USA
The Federal Work-Study program and on-campus employment at US universities — how they work, who is eligible, how much you can earn, and what rules apply to international students.
Read guideInternational Student Guide to Studying in the USA
Students outside the United States — covering the application process, F-1 visa, English proficiency requirements, costs, arrival, and life as an international student.
Read guideStudying in the United States
Continue exploring the United States
Universities, entrance tests, costs and visa facts for the United States — all in one place, each linked to its official source.
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