Types of Degrees
- Offered by community colleges.
- Can lead directly to employment or transfer to a bachelor’s program.
- Offered by universities and liberal arts colleges.
- Degrees include BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), BBA, etc.
- Includes general education + major specialization.
- Specialized study, either coursework-based (e.g., MBA, MS) or research-based (e.g., thesis programs).
- Entry requires a bachelor’s degree.
- Advanced research and dissertation work.
- Often required for academic or high-level research careers.
Community Colleges:
2-year associate degrees, affordable, with transfer pathways to universities.
Liberal Arts Colleges:
Focus on undergraduate education with small class sizes.
Public Universities (State-funded):
Lower tuition for residents, large campuses (e.g., University of California system).
Private Universities:
Independently funded, may include Ivy League schools (e.g., Harvard, Yale).
Flexible Curriculum:
Students can choose elective subjects and often change majors.
Credit System:
Based on semester hours; students must complete a set number of credits to graduate.
Academic Calendar:
Usually semester-based (Fall, Spring), or quarterly at some institutions.
GPA (Grade Point Average):
4.0 scale system used for evaluating academic performance.
Strong Focus on Research & Innovation:
U.S. universities lead in global research outputs and industry partnerships.
Cultural Diversity & Global Networks:
With over 1 million international students, the U.S. is a global academic hub.
Downloads
| Rank | University Name | U.S. News National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins University | #6 |
| 2 | University of Washington | #46 |
| 3 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | #58 |
| 4 | University of Illinois Chicago | #80 |
| 5 | University of Arizona | #109 |
| 6 | University of Oklahoma | #132 |
| 7 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | #136 |
| 8 | University of Utah | #136 |
| 9 | University of Kansas | #152 |
| 10 | University of Colorado Denver | #244 |
| 11 | University of Texas at San Antonio | #280 |
| 12 | University of South Carolina | #124 |
| 13 | University of Nebraska Omaha | #263 |
| 14 | University of New Hampshire | #133 |
| 15 | University of Dayton | #127 |
| 16 | University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa | #170 |
| 17 | University of Central Florida | #137 |
| 18 | University of California State University Long Beach | #133 |
| 19 | University of California State University San Marcos | #151 |
| 20 | University of California State University East Bay | #331 |
New Zealand Student Visa – Process & Requirements
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who wish to pursue full-time academic studies in the United States.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Admission Offer (I-20 Form):
- You must be accepted by a SEVP-approved U.S. school.
- The school will issue you an I-20 form, which is required to apply for the visa.
Full-Time Enrollment:
Must be enrolled as a full-time student during the academic year.
English Language Proficiency:
Must demonstrate proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc., unless waived by the institution.
Proof of Financial Support:
- Must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses (Approx. $10,000–$15,000/year)
- Travel and personal costs
Ties to Home Country:
Must demonstrate strong intent to return home after studies.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- I-20 form (issued by U.S. university)
- DS-160 confirmation (visa application form)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letter)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English language test scores
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Statement of purpose (sometimes needed for visa interview)
Visa Application Process
- Apply and receive admission from a SEVP-approved U.S. institution.
- Receive your I-20 form from the school.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) at www.fmjfee.com.
- Complete the DS-160 visa application form online: https://ceac.state.gov
- Pay the visa application fee ($185).
- Schedule and attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Attend biometric appointment (if required).
- Get the visa decision (issued in your passport if approved).
When to Apply
- You can apply up to 365 days before the start of your course.
- You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the course start date.
Work Rights with F-1 Visa
- On-campus work: Up to 20 hours/week during school; full-time during breaks.
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Internship/training during study.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): Up to 12 months after graduation (STEM fields: up to 36 months).
Cost of living & accommodation
| Type of Housing | Estimated Cost (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Dormitory (shared) | $600 – $1,000 |
| Off-Campus Shared Apartment | $700 – $1,200 |
| Private Studio or Apartment | $1,000 – $2,000+ |
| Homestay with Local Family | $800 – $1,200 (includes meals) |
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| Food & Groceries | $250 – $500 |
| Transportation (local) | $50 – $120 (student passes) |
| Utilities (if not included) | $100 – $200 |
| Internet & Mobile | $40 – $80 |
| Books & Supplies | $50 – $100 |
| Health Insurance | $80 – $200 (varies by plan) |
| Personal & Leisure | $100 – $300 |
Total Monthly Estimate
- Smaller towns/campuses: $1,200 – $1,800/month
- Urban universities (NY, CA, MA): $1,800 – $2,500/month
Annual Living Cost (for Visa Purpose)
- Minimum Required Proof for Visa (F-1):
- $10,000 – $15,000/year (varies by university)
Many universities estimate - $18,000 – $25,000/year for I-20 issuance.