Studying in the USA: What you need to know before applying

Studying in the United States for international students is distinguished by its extensive academic foundation. It is home to the largest concentration of universities in the top 100 global rankings (QS, THE).

Why the US remains one of the most popular study destinations

System flexibility

Unlike European universities, in the US, students don’t have to choose a specific major until their sophomore year. This gives them time to identify their interests.

Career elevator

Universities collaborate closely with industry giants—from Google and Apple to leading medical centers and investment banks. Access to internships is available from the first year of study.

International recognition

A degree from an accredited American university is the “gold standard” that opens doors to companies around the world.

Research potential

Even at the undergraduate level, students have access to laboratories and grants, participating in real scientific discoveries.

How the US higher education system works

Bachelor's degree

The program lasts four years.
Its main feature is the system of “Majors” (the main specialization) and “Minors” (minor).You can study bioengineering and take courses in art history or psychology. Particular attention is paid to extracurricular activities. Grades aren’t the only thing that matters during admissions. The admissions committee needs to understand who you are outside of work.

Master's degree

Studying takes between 1 and 2 years.
Master’s programs in the US for international students are divided into academic programs (Master of Arts, Master of Science) and professional programs (MBA, LLM, MPH).The focus shifts to in-depth specialization and networking. Applicants are often required to have relevant work experience or research publications.

Types of universities

Private Universities: Private universities, such as Harvard or Stanford. They are typically more expensive, but have funds for scholarships.
Public Universities: State universities. Large, with strong sports teams and affordable tuition for local students, but often with limited funding for international students.
Liberal Arts Colleges: Small colleges focused on undergraduate studies and close interaction with professors.
Community Colleges: Two-year colleges. A budget-friendly option: after two years of study, you can transfer to the third year of a prestigious university.

What is important to determine before starting preparation

Before deciding on admission to a US university, you need to check the following checklist:

Determine your level and major
Should you apply for an undergraduate degree after high school or pursue a graduate program after receiving an education in your home country?
Geography
Where would you be more comfortable living and studying? Which state? Are there any health issues related to the climate?
Budget
How much are you willing to pay for tuition? Do you need full funding or a scholarship?
Career goals
What do you plan to do after graduation? Will you stay for an internship or return home?

Remember: your strategy will be radically different depending on whether you want an Ivy League school or a strong regional university.

Basic requirements for admission to US universities

Academic performance

The main criterion for admission is the GPA (Grade Point Average). This is the average grade point of your high school diploma or certificate. American admissions committees also evaluate the difficulty of the program. If you chose the most challenging courses and succeeded in them, this is a huge plus.

English language

International certificates are required to confirm language proficiency:

TOEFL: The traditional choice for the US.
IELTS: Accepted by 95% of universities.
Duolingo English Test: Popular due to its accessibility and fast results. Top universities typically require a TOEFL score of 100+ or an IELTS score of 7.5+.

Standardized tests

SAT/ACT: Tests of logic and scholastic knowledge for undergraduate students. Despite the test-optional policy at many universities, a high score still represents a significant advantage.
GRE/GMAT: Required for most graduate and business programs/

SAT, ACT, and TOEFL tests for the US require systematic preparation at least six months before the exam.

Extracurricular profile

In the US, there’s a system called Holistic Review. The university cares about what you do in your free time. Leadership, volunteering, starting your own startup, playing professional sports, or playing the violin—all of these things shape your “personal brand.”

What documents are needed for admission?

The list of documents required for admission to the US should be taken seriously:

Application form. Usually submitted through the Common App or Coalition App.
Transcripts. Grade transcripts for the last 3-4 years.
Diplomas/Certificates. With official translations.
Essays. Personal Statements and supplementary essays.
Letters of recommendation. From teachers, professors, or employers.
CV/Resume. A brief history of your achievements.
Portfolio. For creative majors.
Financial documents. Proof of ability to pay for tuition or an application for financial aid.

Essays and Recommendations: Why They're So Important in the US

Grades and tests will help form the basis of your application, while essays and recommendations will complement it.

Personal Statement. This is your personal story. This section is not suitable for quoting from a resume. In it, you need to showcase your personality, values, and how you overcame challenges.
Recommendations. In the US, they carry enormous weight. The letter should be vivid, supporting your qualities with specific examples.

Typical mistake: Starting to write an essay a week before the deadline. Strong texts require 5-10 drafts and deep reflection.

How to choose a university in the USA

We’ve identified three key factors for you to consider for rational preparation:

Academic Program: Does the university have strong labs in your specific field? What percentage of graduates find employment in the first year?
Budget: Research the cost of tuition at a specific university in the US. Private universities may provide financial support, and some offer tuition free of charge.
Chances of Admission: Divide the list by:

Reach (Dream) – where the chances are 5-10%.
Match (Match) – where the chances are average for this university.
Safety (Backup) – where you’re almost guaranteed to get in.

How much does it cost to study in the USA and how to reduce expenses?

The average cost ranges from $25,000 to $85,000 per year (tuition and living expenses). However, scholarships at US universities make this education accessible to everyone. The following types of scholarships are available in the US:

Need-based aid

Need-based financial aid. If you’re talented but your family has limited financial resources, the university can cover up to 100% of your expenses.

Merit-based scholarships

Scholarships for outstanding achievements, such as academic, athletic, or creative.

Grants and assistance

This is especially relevant for master’s and doctoral students (Research/Teaching Assistantships). Tuition and accommodation are often covered.

Deadlines and preparation calendar

Applying to the US after high school or university takes time. The ideal start is 18-24 months before the start of your studies.

Early Decision (ED). Submit your application in November, with a decision in December. This is a binding process: if you’re accepted, you’re obligated to attend that university and withdraw your applications from other universities.
Early Action (EA). Also submit your application in November, but the decision is non-binding. You can compare offers from different universities until May of the following year.
Regular Decision (RD). This is a standard round with deadlines in January-February.

Results are received in March-April. The final admissions decision must be made by May 1.

Approximate preparation calendar for fall 2026 admission:

18-24 months before: Determine your goals, major, and budget. Begin researching universities.
12-18 months before: Take language tests (TOEFL/IELTS) and standardized exams (SAT/ACT).
Summer–Fall 2025: Compiling a shortlist of universities, writing essays, requesting letters of recommendation.
November 2025: Deadlines for the ED and EA rounds.
January 2026: Deadlines for the RD round and financial aid applications.
March–April 2026: Receiving decisions from universities.

Common mistakes when applying to the USA

Many talented students are rejected due to:

Late start: Not having time to retake tests or polish their essays.
Focusing solely on rankings: Ignoring universities that are a perfect fit but not in the top 10.
Weak essays: Using clichés or retelling biographies.
Lack of a financial strategy: Applying to universities that don’t provide aid to international students without a personal budget.

Haphazard, last-minute application: Lack of a plan or strategy, submitting documents late and in a rush.

What really increases your chances of admission

Time reserve

Starting early allows you to work systematically on your application. You’ll have the opportunity to retake tests to achieve the perfect score and carefully edit your essay.

Academic foundation

A high GPA combined with a choice of challenging courses demonstrates intellectual maturity. Universities seek students who are unafraid of serious challenges and prepared for intensive learning.

Focus on uniqueness

Deep involvement in one or two areas of activity is valued much more highly than superficial participation in a dozen different clubs.

Talent presentation

Properly presenting your achievements in motivation letters helps the admissions committee see a vibrant and motivated person behind the dry numbers.

Strategy

Success depends largely on the ability to compile a list of educational institutions of varying difficulty levels. A well-thought-out funding plan and strict adherence to all deadlines minimize risks and pave the way to the coveted grant.

Want to understand how to build a US admissions strategy tailored to your specific profile?

Admissions is always an individual journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all list of universities that’s right for everyone. We’ll help you clearly assess your chances, select the universities that will provide the most funding, and create an application that will make you stand out from thousands of applicants.

Start your journey to an American education with a free profile assessment consultation!

Universities

USA

A private research university in the United States, founded in 1636. Considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world, it is known for its strong programs in law, business, medicine, engineering, and social sciences, its high student selection rate, and its robust financial aid system.

Bachelor's degree: $80,000 – $87,000 per yearMaster's degree: $62,000 - $70,000 per yearDoctoral studies: from $30,000 - $60,000 per year

USA

Georgetown University is a prestigious private research university in Washington, DC, USA, known for its strong programs in international relations, business, law, politics and social sciences, with a vibrant international student environment and a campus in the historic Georgetown district.

Bachelor's degree: $74,520/yearMaster's degree: $60,000–68,000/yearPhD: $33,000–35,000/year

Free University of Amsterdam

Netherlands

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a public research university in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with approximately 25,000 students. Its strengths include economics, business, law, psychology, social and natural sciences, and medicine. It has a modern campus in Amsterdam-Zuid and offers a variety of scholarships for international students.

Bachelor's degree: €8,000 – €13,000 per yearMaster's degree: €22,000 – €34,000 per yearPhD: about €8,000 per year

Netherlands

Erasmus University Rotterdam is a prestigious research university in the Netherlands, renowned for its strong programmes in economics, business, social sciences and health sciences, as well as its international learning environment and high level of academic research.

Bachelor's degree: €11,400 – €14,000 per yearMaster's degree: €19,950 – €25,800 per yearPhD: around €8,000 per year

United Kingdom

Bachelor's: £42,700 – £45,500 per year (Medicine £58,600)Master's: about £40,000 – £50,000 per yearPhD: about £26,500 – £32,300 per year

USA

A leading U.S. research university and a global leader in medicine, biotechnology, and international relations. Distinguished by a strong focus on research, practice, and interdisciplinary studies

Bachelor's degree: $63,340 per yearMaster's degree: $65,956 per yearDoctoral studies: about $65,000 per year

Germany

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is Germany's leading public technical university in Munich, known for its strong programs in engineering, computer and natural sciences, high level of research and excellent graduate employability opportunities.

Bachelor's degree: semester fee €85 – €100Master's degree: semester fee €85 – €100PhD: semester fee €85 – €100

USA

One of the most prestigious universities in the United States, part of the Ivy League. Strong in natural sciences, engineering, economics, and the humanities. Known for a high level of academic support and generous scholarships

Bachelor's degree: about $60,000 per yearMaster's degree: average $58,000 per yearDoctoral studies: free*

France

Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL) is a prestigious public research university in Paris, uniting France's leading universities and research institutes. The university is renowned for its high-quality education, strong programs in science, engineering, economics, and the humanities, as well as its strong international reputation and excellent career prospects for its graduates.

Bachelor's degree: approximately €2,770 per yearMaster's degree: about €3,770 per yearPhD: about €494 per year

United Kingdom

Oxford University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, founded in the 12th century. The university is renowned for its strong programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, high-quality academic research, and international recognition.

Undergraduate: £28,000 – £45,000 per yearMaster's: £28,000 – £48,000 per yearPhD: £26,000 – £35,000 per year

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USA

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a leading private research university in the United States, located in Cambridge, near Boston. MIT is a global leader in engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, economics, and fundamental science. The university is known for its strong focus on practice, scientific research, startups, and technological innovation.

Bachelor's: $66,720 per year (tuition, 2026/27)Master's: $66,720 per year (standard graduate tuition)PhD: usually fully funded (tuition + stipend)

Utrecht University

Netherlands

Utrecht University, or Universiteit Utrecht, is one of the most renowned research universities in the Netherlands, consistently chosen by international students seeking academic excellence and international careers. Utrecht University is attractive for its combination of a strong research foundation, a large number of English-taught programs, and a relatively transparent admissions system.

Italy

One of the oldest universities in Europe with strong traditions in science, medicine, and the humanities. Attractive due to its combination of academic quality, affordable tuition, and student life in Italy

Bachelor's degree: from €2,000 to €4,500 per yearMaster's degree: from 3,000€ to 6,000€ per yearDoctoral studies: from 1,500 to 3,000 € per year

United Kingdom

King's College London is a public research university in London, England, with a long academic history and high level of research activity. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, an association of leading British research universities.

Undergraduate: £24,000 – £40,000 per yearMaster's: £23,000 – £40,000+ per yearPhD: £28,150 – £32,600 per year

Netherlands

A modern university in the Netherlands, known for its innovative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. Popular among international students, especially in business, economics, law, and healthcare

Bachelor's degree: from €9,000 to €15,000 per yearMaster's degree: from €10,000 to €18,000 per yearDoctorate: free or about €2,500 per year

USA

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university in Pittsburgh, USA. Known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, arts, and social sciences. CMU is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, cutting-edge research and preparing students for successful careers in science, technology, business and the creative industries.

Undergraduate: $90,000–$95,000 per yearMaster's degree: $90,000–$100,000 per yearPhD: about $90,000–$100,000 per year

Columbia University

USA

A prestigious Ivy League university located in the heart of New York City. Offers strong programs in business, journalism, international relations, and engineering, as well as broad career opportunities

Bachelor's: $72,800 per year (tuition, 2026/27)Master's: $50,000–$70,000 per yearPhD: usually fully funded (tuition + stipend)

South Korea

Korea University is one of the leading private universities in South Korea, founded in 1905. It is included in the unofficial top three of SKY – the association of three of the country’s most prestigious universities together with Seoul National University and Yonsei University. It attracts foreign students with strong programs in engineering, computer science,…

Bachelor's degree: from $7,550 to $10,160 per hourMaster's degree: $9,000 to $13,000 per hourDoctoral studies: from $8,000 to $12,000 per hour

USA

Cornell University is the only Ivy League university founded on the principle of educational access for all. Since its opening in 1865, it has combined research rigor with a practical focus, offering programs ranging from engineering and medicine to hospitality and architecture. Admission to Cornell requires strategy: the competition is fierce, but its application approach…

Bachelor's degree: $49,816 to $73,946 per yearMaster's degree: from $20,800 to $88,934 per yearDoctoral studies: $20,800 per year

USA

Dartmouth College is one of eight Ivy League universities and one of the oldest universities in the United States, founded in 1769. Despite the college status in its name, Dartmouth is a full-fledged research university with professional schools of business, medicine, and engineering. Its key feature is its small size and exceptional academic quality—approximately 4,570…

Bachelor's degree: $71,265 per yearMaster's degree: from $74,868 to $88,000 per yearDoctoral program: Fully funded - stipend of $49,862 per year + tuition and insurance coverage

USA

The University of Chicago (UChicago) is one of the most intellectually demanding universities in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UChicago ranked #13 in the world — jumping 8 spots from #21 last year. UChicago consistently ranks among the world’s top 3 in economics and social sciences, and rightfully in the top…

Undergraduate: $73,266 per hourMaster's degree: about $68,652 per hourDoctoral studies: most PhD programs are fully funded

William Marsh Rice University

USA

Rice University is one of the leading private research universities in the United States. Small in size (approximately 4,789 undergraduate students), but with a global reputation in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, and music. Located in Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, it is close to the world’s largest medical complex and NASA Johnson…

Bachelor's degree: $71,140 per yearMaster's degree: from $57,030 per yearDoctoral studies: Most PhD programs are fully funded

Peking University

Canada

Bachelor's degree: 26,000 to 45,000 RMB per year (approximately 3,600–6,300 USD)Master's degree: from 29,000 to 188,000 RMB per year (about 4,000–26,000 USD)Doctoral studies: 32,000 to 60,000 RMB per year (approximately 4,500 to 8,400 USD) – most PhD students receive funding through CSC or university scholarships

China

Bachelor's degree: 24,800 to 30,000 RMB per year (approximately 3,400–4,200 USD)Master's degree: from 28,900 RMB per year (about 4,200 USD)Doctoral: 45,500 RMB per year (approximately 6,600 USD) – most PhD students receive funding through SJTU Fellowship or CSC

Singapore

Bachelor's degree: SGD 26,200 to SGD 49,950 per yearMaster's degree: from 21,800 to 72,000 SGD per yearDoctoral degree: SGD 13,700 to SGD 40,300 per year

Tsinghua University

China

Bachelor's degree: from 26,000 RMB/ to 45,000 RMB/yearMaster's degree: from 29,000 RMB/ to 120,000 RMB/yearDoctoral studies: 29,000 to 45,000 RMB/year – most PhD students are funded through CSC, Tsinghua Fellowship, or professorial grants

Ewha Womans University

South Korea

Ewha Womans University is the world’s largest women’s university, founded in Seoul in 1886. In 1946, it became the first institution of higher education in South Korea to receive government accreditation. Today, it is a private research university with over 16,000 female students, 11 colleges, 15 graduate schools, and 66 research institutes.

Bachelor's degree: 15,300,000 to 20,000,000 KRW per year (~11,200–14,600 USD)Master's program: 16,000,000 to 22,000,000 KRW per year (~11,700–16,000 USD)Doctoral program: 16,000,000 to 22,000,000 KRW per year (~11,700–16,000 USD)

Wellesley College

USA

Wellesley College is a leading U.S. women’s college and one of the most renowned liberal arts colleges in the world. Its alumnae include Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, journalist Diane Sawyer, and stateswoman Soong Mei-ling. Wellesley offers students a unique opportunity: cross-registration at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), providing access to its…

Bachelor's program: $72,570/year (2026–27 tuition); COA ~$96,136/year (direct costs)

USA

A popular destination for studying abroad. Prestigious universities, a flexible education system, a wide selection of programs, and broad career prospects