A Complete Guide to Study in USA: Eligibility, Scholarships, and Application Process

Many students who look for international studies always dream to study in USA. USA is highly recognized for its high standard of education, updated research facilities and providing scholarships and funding opportunities for international students. The USA is one of the cherished study destinations globally with its high-ranked top universities with high level global rankings.

This blog post provides a complete guide to study in USA for higher education, especially focusing on postgraduate programs like Master’s and PhD.

Table of Contents

Why Study in USA for Higher Education?

The students who is blessed with the education degree from USA are universally recognized and accepted. This degree can boost your career in the highly competitive era. In the USA, the students can have the wide range of study in STEM fields like science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

study in USA eligibility, scholarships, admission

Minimum Eligibility for Applying

The most prime factors that help to get admission in most of the U.S universities and study in USA are –

Academic performance
English proficiency
GRE score (optional in many universities)

Students who are willing to take undergraduate programs, should secure good score in IELTS/TOEFL and SAT and should possess good marks in school and college levels.

For postgraduate programs (Master’s or PhD):

A minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4 is generally acceptable for mid-tier universities.
Some universities even accept students with a CGPA below 3.0.
IELTS band score of 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL score around 79 is usually needed.
A GRE score above 300 is considered competitive, although it’s no longer mandatory at many institutions.

Note: Studying in the USA without scholarships or funding can be very expensive for middle-class or lower-middle-class families. The USA offers a various scholarships and financial aid options for international students. Among the notable scholarships options, offered by USA are:

USA Colleges and Universities

USA foundations and private sources

USA government and binational agencies

International organizations

Governments and private organizations in candidate’s home country.

Scholarship and Funding to Study in USA

Securing a scholarship or funding depends on various factors and differs from one university to another. However, some common requirements are:

For Master’s programs: CGPA of 3.5+ in Bachelor’s degree
For PhD: Good academic record in both Bachelor’s and Master’s (ideally CGPA 3.5+)
IELTS 7.0+, TOEFL 93+, or GRE 310+ increases your chances
A strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR) are critical
Prior research experience or published papers can significantly boost your profile

Avoid copying SOPs from others. A plagiarized SOP can result in immediate rejection. Make sure yours is unique and personalized.

Types of Scholarships in the USA

The USA universities provide funding mainly through:

Teaching Assistantships (TA)
Research Assistantships (RA)
Departmental Fellowships

The students are benefitted through these scholarships in the following ways:

Monthly stipend
Tuition fees
Health insurance

Selecting the Right University

Colleges and universities of United States require candidates to submit separate financial aid application forms in addition to the regular application for admission. To be eligible for an award, you must meet the criteria set by the institution for aid as well as for admission. The USA is throbbed with the bunch of universities. There are approximately 4300 universities in the USA. Getting financial aid to study in USA along with your selective colleges or universities is a strategic step that you must take very consciously as early as possible because getting admission as well as scholarship to study in USA is very competitive.

Check if your preferred subject or program is offered
Review the minimum eligibility criteria and funding opportunities
Visit each university’s official website for accurate and updated information
Create a shortlist of universities based on your profile and funding availability

Application Process to Study in USA

After a careful consideration and shortlisting the universities with your desired courses and research field, reach out via email to professors whose research interests match yours. It is necessary to attach your CV along with research interest, and academic documents. If a professor is interested, you may receive an online interview or Zoom call followed by a funding offer.

Alternatively, you can apply through the central university portal, where your application will be reviewed for scholarships. Based on qualifications, shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, and funding is granted based on performance.

When to Apply?

There are two major intakes in the USA:

Fall Semester (August to December)
- Application Period: October to February
- Main intake with higher chances of funding
Spring Semester (January to May)
- Application Period: July to September

Application Fees to Study in USA

Each university charges a different fee. Typically, the application fee ranges between $35 and $125 per university.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning to study in USA for higher education, then you require serious thought, time, effort, and careful organization. At first it needs a proper self-assessment of your needs, likes and dislikes, strengths and weakness, educational objectives and financial support because studying in the USA opens up a world of opportunities.

When you are making this evaluation, the facts you will take into consideration like institution’s location, size, prestige, student life, facilities, programs of study, cost and of course its ability to offer financial assistance. It is necessary to improve your academic record, building a unique SOP, and contacting professors well in advance. With dedication and the right strategy, your dream to study in USA can become a reality.

FAQs

Q: Is GRE (Graduate Record Examination) mandatory for study in USA?
A: Although, GRE (Graduate Level Examinations) is one of the parameters in the United States for admission to graduate and business schools, many universities have made GRE optional. However, a good score can strengthen your application, especially for funding.

Q: Can I study in the USA without IELTS?
A: Some universities accept alternate English proficiency proofs, but IELTS/TOEFL is widely accepted and often required for visas.

Q: How much does it cost to study in the USA without a scholarship?
A: It can cost $30,000–$60,000 per year, depending on the university and course.

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