Study in USA

Home to some of the top universities in the world, the United States has a lot to offer international students in terms of education. With the growing demand for professionals in all possible fields, the universities in the United States offer some of the most innovative courses in the world. Here are some of the popular courses to study in USA as an international student.

Business Management: More than 20% of international students opt for a career in business and related fields, and the US is one of the sought-after destinations where they can pursue a career in business. This course effectively provides insights into some of the important sectors in business, such as Accounting, Computing, Organisational Behaviour, Law, Marketing and Psychology, and so on. 

Life Science: The United States is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, and most universities majorly contribute towards some of the revolutionary developments in fields such as medicine, artificial intelligence, agriculture, business, and education. After the completion of this course, one can expect numerous career opportunities that are related to the field. 

Engineering: Programs in electrical, mechanical, civil, computer, and aerospace engineering are highly sought after for their reputation and potential career opportunities. Computer Science and Information Technology: With the tech industry's rapid growth, computer science and IT courses are in high demand, offering opportunities in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and more.

Computer Science and Information Technology: This has always been one of the popular courses to study among international students and is considered a competitive program in USA. The universities in USA offer a broad range of specialisations in this field, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, information technology, virtual reality, data science, and so on.

The United States is one of the sought-after destinations for pursuing your higher education, considering the fact that the country has some of the best universities in the world to choose from. Choosing the right university to study at could be a tiring process, especially if you have to pick from nothing but the best universities. To simplify this process for you, here is a list of some of the top universities in USA and the things that make them stand out from the rest.

Once you are done choosing the perfect course for and the university that you want to study at, the next step is to understand the requirements for the particular course at your chosen university. The entry requirements differ according to the university, and it is important to meet the requirements in order to be qualified as an applicant. 

Here are some of the important eligibility requirements that are considered mandatory to study in USA: 

1. Entrance tests: Certain degrees require you to submit the scores of related entrance tests that will help weigh your calibre as a student. Some of the entrance tests that are accepted by universities in the United States are SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. 

2. English Language Proficiency tests: A certificate to show your English language proficiency is considered a mandatory requirement to be met by international students to study in USA. TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE are some of the most commonly accepted tests by universities. 

3. Required documents: Paperwork is a mandatory requirement that has to be met when it comes to studying in USA. Some of the documents that are required are an acceptance letter from your university, a valid passport and student visa, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation (if required), and financial proof. 

4. Intent to return: Students must prove that they have strong ties to their home country and intend to return after completing their studies in the U.S. This helps assure the U.S. authorities that the student plans to use their education to contribute to their home country's development.

In the United States, international students have the opportunity to apply for admission in various intakes throughout the year. The intakes are essentially specific periods when universities and colleges accept applications for different academic sessions. The main intakes available in USA for international students are:

Spring Intake:

• Application Timeline: January to May
• Benefits: The Spring or January intake is the second preferred intake for international students to apply and travel abroad. It provides ample time for preparation and allows students to explore universities and courses. It offers an opportunity to complete the degree in a shorter time compared to other intakes.

Summer Intake:

• Application Timeline: Starts around May or June
• Benefits: The Summer intake is the last application intake, and only a few universities open selected courses for applying. It is a great opportunity for students to secure admission as there are fewer applications during this intake, increasing the chances of acceptance.

Fall Intake:

• Application Timeline: September to December

Benefits: The Fall or Autumn semester admissions are the most popular among international students. Almost all US universities admit the first batch of undergraduate freshers during this season and offer a wide range of courses and slots to apply for.

Tuition Fees: The cost of tuition fees can vary significantly depending on the university, study level, and program chosen. On average, tuition fees for international students in USA can range from $15,000 to $50,000 per year. It's essential to check the specific tuition fees for each university or college as they can differ considerably. 

English Language Programs: For students interested in English language programs, the cost can vary based on the institution and course duration. Studying English in USA for six months can cost between $12,000 to $20,000, including housing and living expenses. ESL programs offered at universities are generally priced per semester.

Apart from these expenses, here is the data for some of the other essentials that you might have to spend while living in USA:

International students who are highly determined and eligible are provided with a variety of opportunities for financial aid and scholarships based on their requirements. Many US universities offer scholarships to study in USA and grants specifically for international students to help ease the financial burden. Additionally, there are various external scholarship options available from organisations and governments that support international education. Here are the available types of scholarship for Thai students in USA. 

• University Scholarships

  • Universities offer a variety of scholarships tailored for Thai students.
  • Awards can be based on academic merit, extracurricular achievements, and specific criteria set by the institution.

• Financial Scholarships

  • Specifically designed for students with financial needs.
  • Many universities offer needs-based scholarships to support international students.

• Merit Scholarships

  • Recognizes students with academic excellence, outstanding talents, or significant contributions to their community.
  • May also be awarded for athletic achievements.

• Country-Based Scholarships

  • Aimed at students from specific developing countries, including Thailand.
  • Helps to support and encourage their educational journeys in the USA.

• Government-Funded Scholarships

  • Sponsored by the United States government.
  • Designed to foster international relations and support Thai students in their studies.

• Privately-Funded Scholarships

  • Funded by private businesses, organizations, or individual donors.
  • Often targets specific countries, minority groups, or particular areas of study.

The US has consistently been a top destination for international students due to its world-renowned universities, diverse academic programs, and opportunities for research and professional advancement. As of 2022, there were more than a million enrolled international students in USA, accounting for nearly 6% of the total student population in the country. Here is what it is like to study and live in USA as an international student

• World-Class Universities

  • The USA is home to some of the highest-ranked universities globally.
  • These institutions are recognized for their unparalleled teaching techniques and state-of-the-art research facilities.

• Cultural Melting Pot

  • The influx of international students makes the USA a hub of rich cultural diversity.
  • Studying here offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in varied cultures and traditions.

• Diverse Academic Offerings

  • The US provides an extensive range of programs spanning from undergraduate to doctoral levels.
  • Popular fields of study include STEM, business, management, humanities, arts, and social sciences.

• Holistic Education Approach

  • American education emphasizes a well-rounded curriculum.
  • Students benefit from foundational courses across various subjects, allowing them to explore and make informed academic and career decisions.

• Supportive Student Communities

  • Most US universities have dedicated communities to assist international students during their academic journey.
  • Beyond academics, various clubs and societies offer opportunities for extracurricular engagement and networking

As an international student studying in the United States, there are post-study work opportunities available that allow you to gain practical experience in your field of study after completing your degree. An opportunity to work in USA can be beneficial for career advancement and enhancing your skills in a real-world setting. Let's explore the post-study work opportunities for international students in USA. 

There are different types of student visas that are available for international students who are willing to extend their stay in the United States after their education. 

F-1 Visa: This is a non-immigrant visa that is issued by the US for international students who are willing to pursue a full-time degree in the country. This is especially for students who are attending a university, taking up an English language course, and so on. With this visa, international students can work in USA after their education. 

M-1 Visa: This is another non-immigrant visa that is provided for international students that is not fully academic. International students who are enrolled in various vocational programs can also apply for this visa and extend their stay in the country post their education. 

Here are some of the in-demand jobs that are there in USA and their approximate annual salary for each of them.