Study Overseas - An Australian Government Initiative

Study Overseas - An Australian Government Initiative

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United States of America (USA)

America is a nation of great diversity. It is made up of many different subcultures and belief systems. All states have something to offer the international student.

For general information and statistics about the United States visit The World Fact book. For information specifically on Education visit: Education USA

Planning your studies in the USA

Education USA, provides practical information to prepare your transition from Australia to the U.S.A.

Links to United States Government websites

Australian embassy and consulates in the United State

Further Information

International students from abroad are welcome to apply for library cards at the local public library. Internet access and landline phone connections are the standard at American universities both on campus and at your on-campus residence.

Tertiary Studies in the USA

Post-secondary education, also known as college or university in the United States typically consists of four years of undergraduate study although many students also pursue two-year associate degrees at community colleges and transfer into four-year colleges on completion of their two-year qualification. Unlike the Australian educational system, U.S. students generally take “broad field” courses before committing to their specific area of study or major. Following the bachelor’s degree, students can pursue postgraduate study at either public or private institutions. Professional subjects such as law and medicine are studied at the postgraduate level. Master’s degrees typically take two years to complete and PhD’s take between four and seven years to complete. The academic year runs from August/September to April/May.

Extensive summary of U.S. educational system and curriculum. http://www.college.gov/

Fees and funding

U.S. university tuition differs depending on the type of institution you plan on attending. Australian students enrolled in a U.S. exchange program pay their home tuition rather than the American tuition fees. You will need to budget for living and travel expenses.

Average annual cost of an American college students’ tuition. http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/4494.html

Scholarships

American scholarships for international students are competitive and you should begin researching funding sources a year in advance of studying in the U.S. The websites provided have many online resources related to financial aid. The Education USA advisors located at the US Embassy in Australia can provide information on available funding. For contact information, please visit the USA Education website (see links) or the office location closest to you.

Australian institutions may also provide travel grants and scholarships for study abroad.

List of and links to universities in the United States

A number of websites offer comprehensive state-by-state listings of major universities across the U.S. The Education USA website lists accredited US institutions:

List of and links to VET or technical colleges in the USA

American Association of Community Colleges website provides a thorough listing of community colleges along with enrolment statistics. http://www2.aacc.nche.edu/

Living in the USA

Visa and entry

All international students must have a student visa. The type of student visa will depend on the type of study.

F-1 Visas are for non-US citizens enrolling in full degree or language training programs.

J-1 is known as the Exchange Visitor Visa. An exchange visitor is one who participates in an established J Exchange program pre-approved by the U.S. Department of State.

M-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows foreign students wishing to pursue vocational or non-academic studies, other than language training, to enter into the U.S.

Details on how to apply can be found on the US Dept of State’s website.

Simplistic instructions for acquiring a student visa can be found at the USA Student Visa website.

Managing and accessing money – banking

University credit unions will accommodate international students with necessary bank accounts.

Virtually all U.S. cities have ATM’s so dollars can be withdrawn from an Australian bank account. Major cities also have currency exchange booths. Popular credit cards include Visa & MasterCard. Reliable and secure internet facilities are also available for your online banking needs.

Accommodation

The two most popular options for students are dormitories and off-campus apartments.

Many Australians find the experience of living in the “dorms” one of the most enjoyable and distinctive characteristics of the American higher education culture. Check your host school’s website for detailed information on on-campus living.

Off-campus apartments may provide you with a quieter environment, along with more independence.

Information regarding various on-campus living options available at College Board.

Best free online resource for local off-campus living. Categories include: private apartments, shared living, sublets and you can even post a wanted add.

Health care and insurance

The United States government mandates health insurance for holders of the J-1 exchange visitor visa. There are however, no specific requirements for health insurance for F-1 and M-1 student visas. Nearly all U.S. institutions have minimum health insurance requirements for their international students. Please contact your host institution’s international student services department for more details.

Reasons and requirements for health insurance while in the U.S. Education USA

Health care and insurance

The United States government mandates health insurance for holders of the J-1 exchange visitor visa. There are however, no specific requirements for health insurance for F-1 and M-1 student visas. Nearly all U.S. institutions have minimum health insurance requirements for their international students. Please contact your host institution’s international student services department for more details.

Reasons and requirements for health insurance while in the U.S. Eduacation USA 

Conditions regarding working in country

Policy concerning employment while studying in the United States changes frequently. It is advisable to contact your host’s international student services department or the Department of State’s website before committing to any kind of employment.

Site and legal information