In the America, there are three types of student visas like; F, J, and M. If you apply for any of these visas, you need first to apply and get accepted by a U.S. Institute that is authorized by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). The most popular one visa is F-1 student visa.
In all cases, complete the DS-160 Visa application form online, selecting your preferred application location and ensuring you have all the necessary documents for the application.
Studying in the USA without taking the IELTS exam is possible, and here's how:
If your previous university provides a letter stating that you studied in English; it can be accepted instead of an IELTS score.
Having English as a core subject in high school can exempt you from the IELTS requirement.
If the official language of your last educational institution was English, you might not need to take the IELTS.
Some universities may offer preparatory courses, like IELP (Intensive English Language Program), which could replace the need for IELTS.
Select a university and check their admission criteria.
Apply directly online to the chosen university.
After submitting all required documents, you might be called for a personal interview.
Once accepted, pay the initial tuition fees with the acceptance letter.
Apply for a study permit. Applying for a USA study permit without IELTS is possible if you have good grades and meet other requirements.
Name of the Institutions |
Alternative Examination |
|---|---|
| University of Delaware | English Language for International or ELIPTE or Duolingo |
| University of Arkansas | PTE, Duolingo or iTEP along with Cambridge Assessment English |
| National Louis University | PTE |
| University of North Alabama | TOEIC |
| California State University Northwood University |
Cambridge English Test, IB, ELS or PTE Academic |
| University of New Orleans (UNO) | English Language for International or ELI |
| Rice University | Duolingo |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Duolingo PTE, Cambridge English Scale, or the Duolingo |
The USA, with an IELTS study permit process, is simple. The student visa procedure is possible if you have previously studied English or possess an International Bachelor's qualification. However, if you do not meet these criteria or hail from an English-speaking nation, you will have to face several questions during your visa interview. The following documents are needed to be submitted on your part:
Suppose you want to go to universities in the USA without taking the IELTS test. In that case, there are many choices: the University of New Orleans, the University of Colorado, the State University of New York, California State University, the University of Arkansas, and more. If you finished high school or have a bachelor's degree in English, you don't need to take a language test to study at these universities. Also, if you did a program in the USA for at least a year or joined some Intensive English Learning Programs like IELP, you can get into a university in the USA without IELTS.
Once you enter a university in the USA, you must apply for a student visa to move to the country. If International students have an international baccalaureate degree or have studied English before, they can apply for a USA study permit without IELTS. But if you don't meet these conditions, you might have to undergo a visa interview, especially if you are attending a highly-ranked university. Here are the documents you need to study in the USA without IELTS:
| Scholarship Name | Who is Eligible? | Benefits/Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | International Students for Graduate programs. | Includes travel, housing costs, health insurance, and tuition costs. |
| United World Colleges International Youth Scholarships | International students are pursuing a bachelor's degree in the USA. | A full or partial fee waiver depends on the funds available. |
| Rotary Peace Fellowships | Students abroad are enrolled in a certificate or master's program in peace and conflict resolution. | Includes all costs associated with fees, housing, transportation, and internship and field study expenses. |
| PEO International Peace Scholarship For Women | Female enrolling in graduate programs. | $10,000 -$15,000 |
| Clark Global Scholarship Program | A full or partial fee waiver depends on the funds available. | $15,000-$25,000 |
| Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships | Those Enrolled in Undergraduate and Graduate Programs | $15,000-$25,000 |
| General Scholarships | Awarded Individual institutions may give fully-funded scholarships for both graduate and undergraduate study. These scholarships are available from most universities, including Stanford, Yale, and Harvard. | Varies depending on the university |
Scholarships in the USA without IELTS cover all degrees and majors; some are open for exchange program students. Various scholarships are available that don't require IELTS scores or any alternative language proficiency test. Here are some examples:
Government-funded program for students with a demonstrated interest in becoming future leaders and positively impacting the world.
The cost of studying in the USA can rely on factors such as the choice of institution, program, location, and living expenses. Here are some general estimates:
The University and the program you select and enroll in will determine the tuition cost in the USA. Your expenses are notably decreased if you enroll in public colleges in the USA. In contrast, private universities in the USA have higher tuition costs than public universities.
The following table gives you a range of the cost to study in Public U.S. Universities as per the degree you choose:
| Course Level | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Bachelor in US | 8,000 - 35,000 USD /Year |
| Masters in US | 10,000 - 35,000 USD /Year |
The following table gives you a range of the costs to study in Private US Universities as per the degree you choose:
| Course Level | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Bachelor in US | 25,000 - 50,000 USD /Year |
| Masters in US | 22,000 - 55,000 USD /Year |
The estimated annual living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal costs, can range from U.S. $10,000 to U.S. $20,000 per year, which averages around U.S. $1000 to U.S. $1500 per month—the cost of living for Students in the USA based on the cities or region.
| Expenses | Average Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Apartment housing, including utilities | INR 14,30,000 /year |
| Food | INR 5,40,377 /year |
| Hostels | INR 6,30,000 - INR 10,00,000 /year |
| Food for Hostellers | INR 2,06,756 /year |
| Books and supplies | INR 75,000 /year |
International students have health insurance, which can cost around U.S. $500 to U.S. $1,500 per year.
Textbooks, supplies, visa fees, and other unexpected expenses can vary, but you should budget an additional US$ 1,000 to US$3,000 per year.
It plays a crucial role in studying in the USA. SEVIS fees amount to $350 for F and M visa applicants and $220 for J visa applicants. This fee contributes to the maintenance of the SEVIS system.
Securing a student visa is pivotal for international students. The U.S. student visa (F or M) application fee is $160. It's important to note that this fee is not returnable, regardless of whether the visa is approved or denied.
Applying to universities often incurs application fees. The average application fee for U.S. universities ranges from $50 to $100 per application. Students need to consider this cost when applying to multiple institutions.
Various expenses arise in the USA after arrival. The post-arrival costs include tuition fees and the day-to-day cost of living. Tuition fees are typically paid at the beginning of each semester. The average cost to study in the USA is INR 37,40,000/year. Moreover, students should budget for living expenses based on their chosen city and lifestyle, which ranges between INR 8,30,000 and INR 16,60,000/year.
In short, the total cost of studying in the USA can range from approximately U.S. $20,000 to U.S. $60,000 per year. Researching and considering the specific costs associated with your desired institution and location is essential. Additionally, scholarships, grants, and financial aid may help reduce the overall cost.
If you are planning to study in the USA and require financial assistance, one option is to apply for an education loan. Here's some information about education loans for learning in the USA.
Private Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutes offer these loans. Personal loans usually have higher interest rates, and its eligibility depends upon credit history and income. You may need a co-signer, mainly if you are an international student.
The American Department of Education offered Federal Student Loans, particularly with lower interest rates and approved repayment terms. Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a must to apply for federal student loans.
Research various loan options, their terms, interest rates, repayment options, and eligibility criteria. Check if your institution offers any scholarships or financial aid opportunities.
Calculate the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other educational expenses to determine the loan amount you need.
Compare different loan companies and select one with suitable loan terms and conditions.
Typically, you must provide documents such as proof of enrollment, financial statements, passport, visa, and co-signer information (if applicable).
Complete the loan application form and submit the documentation to the lender.
The lender will evaluate your application, creditworthiness, and eligibility. You will receive the loan amount through disbursements directly to your educational institution if approved.
Financial institutes make sure earlier, if you are a capable student who can pay back the loan amount. Here are some necessary documents:
You have to read thoroughly all the terms and conditions of the loan before signing any agreement. Confirm you understand the interest rates, repayment terms, grace periods, and associated fees. It is recommended to research and compare different loan options, consult with financial aid offices at your educational institution, and seek guidance from a financial advisor to make informed decisions regarding education loans for studying in the USA.
The part-time job salary for international students in the USA is 7.5 USD per hour, up to 20 USD per hour. International students studying in the USA can work part-time on campus. Here are some part-time job opportunities for international students in the USA:
Students in F-1 and J-1 status must be full-time and may work on-campus for up to 20 hours or in the "practical training." Universities and colleges often have various on-campus job opportunities for students. These may include positions in libraries, computer labs, administrative offices, research labs, and food service areas. Check your institution's career center or student employment office for available positions.
Some graduate students may be able to work as teaching or research assistants within their department. These positions often provide a stipend and valuable experience in their field.
If you excel in specific subjects, consider becoming a tutor. Many institutions have tutoring centers where students can seek academic support.
Look for internships related to your field of study. Some companies and organizations offer part-time internships during the academic year, allowing you to gain practical work experience.
These jobs generally pay a minimum or a little higher, depending on the university and the specific role.
Off-campus jobs for, Indian students in the U.S. on a student visa are generally only allowed to work off-campus under certain circumstances, such as through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. These programs allow students to work off-campus in their field of study for a certain period after completing a specific academic requirement. International students need to consult with their designated official school or an immigration advisor to ensure that they respect with visa regulations. The pay for off-campus jobs can vary widely depending on the industry, location, and the specific position. Before pursuing such opportunities, students must research and understand off-campus work's legal and financial implications.
Various restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and hotels hire part-time employees. These jobs may include servers, baristas, cashiers, or hotel staff positions.
Consider freelance work opportunities that allow you to work from anywhere. These may include graphic design, content writing, virtual assistance, or language
If you describe financial need, you may be eligible for work-study programs.
Remember that as an international student, there may be specific rules and regulations regarding employment. Ensure you know any limitations and obtain the necessary work authorization or work visa if required.
You can also contact your institution's international student office or career center for guidance on part-time job opportunities and any specific regulations that apply to your situation.
Job search goes differently than you plan. Successful searches require preparation for U.S. employers' cultural expectations and addressing potential concerns.
Finding the right words to express yourself professionally in a language that is not your first language can be difficult. Take advantage of all your campus resources (Career Services Network, English Language Center, OISS programs) to practice your English and the vocabulary you need to make a positive impression on an employer in the U.S.
When your student work eligibility expires to continue working in the U.S., your employer must sponsor you for a 'change of status' to a work visa. The transition to another visa status requires careful planning well in advance of the expiration of your current immigration status. Not all employers have an immigration department. Therefore, you must be aware of the time it will take to change your status and be proactive in ensuring your employer is aware. Because of this and the costs of changing an employee's immigration status, some employers hesitate to hire international students. This is why you must be prepared to describe what you can bring to the organization and the benefits of hiring a non-U.S. citizen.
Some employers fear international employees will return to their home country soon after the employer has invested time, money, and training resources and possibly sponsored them for a work visa. It is essential to show the employer your loyalty to the company and how you are an asset to its overseas operations.
Some Americans feel employers are taking jobs away from U.S. citizens by hiring international students. Due to the current economy, this sentiment may be more pronounced right now. You should demonstrate how your skills and knowledge will benefit the company. Suppose you are pursuing a degree in any science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field. In that case, you should also arm yourself with statistics showing that international students are the majority of graduates in many fields.
International students often limit their job search to the east or west coasts (California, Seattle, Boston, New York, Washington D.C., etc.). The competition for these jobs thus becomes very intense. Be open to all locations, especially Southeast Michigan. Michigan is the first state to create a program to recruit international students to live and work in Detroit. The Global Talent Retention Initiative of Southeast Michigan (GTRI) is being developed to connect Motor City employers with international students seeking internships and full-time employment during their practical training.
