The United States of America, also known as the USA, the US or America, is one of the most popular destinations for international students. The US has one of the largest education systems in the world. This makes it a powerhouse of international education and research. From Hollywood, to some of the world’s most prominent technology companies, the country’s influence is seen and felt globally.
With around 4,500 higher education institutions, all providing world-class degree programmes, it is no wonder that just over 1.1 million international students choose the US as their study destination each year. Higher education is delivered in institutions referred to as colleges, which are split into two main types. Public colleges are state-funded, have lower tuition fees and a larger capacity for students. Private colleges are funded by donations, tuition fees and grants, meaning that they have higher tuition fees, but fewer students.
Many of the colleges or universities in the US are leaders in numerous ranking tables. This means that a qualification earned at a US institution will be highly regarded by employers worldwide. In the 2023 QS World University rankings, the US has 5 institutions in the top 10. It also occupies 26 spots in the top 100. The highest ranked university is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which takes first place. It is followed by Stanford University and Harvard University in third and fifth place respectively.
Throughout the US, there are numerous interesting and welcoming cities. These include New York City, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago and Seattle, among others.
International students wishing to attend university in the USA will need to obtain a visa. More information about this can be found in our USA Student Visa Guide.
Columbia University, School of Professional Studies United States
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College of Charleston United States
Find out moreCan I get free tuition in the USA?
Most universities and colleges in the USA charge tuition fees for international students. However, the resources available for financial aid, such as scholarships and grants, are plentiful. For more information about scholarships in the USA, take a look at our How to Get a Scholarship for the USA page.
Can I study as an international student in the USA?
The USA is a fantastic country to study in as an international student. Many of the big cities are incredibly diverse, and the universities are highly popular with international students. This popularity means that they will have a large international community waiting to welcome you.
Do I need IELTS to attend college in the USA?
If your first language is not English, you will likely have to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Most universities and colleges in the USA accept TOEFL and IELTS qualifications.
Capital City | Washington D.C. |
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Currency | USD, U.S. Dollar |
Language(s) | English |
Universities on StudyLink | 72 universities |
Major Student Cities | New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles |
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