Guide for International Students Pursuing Higher Education in the United States

Introduction

Welcome and congratulations on your decision to pursue higher education in the United States of America (USA)! This guide is designed primarily for international students who are seeking to further their studies in the United States.

We hope the following steps will assist you throughout the application process to colleges and universities in the US.

A. Undergraduate/Bachelor’s Degree Application

A.1 Prerequisite

To continue your undergraduate or bachelor’s degree studies at US educational institutions, you must have completed 10 years of prior schooling or education. The US considers qualifications such as 10+2/O and A levels to be equivalent to high school. Additionally, depending on the major you wish to pursue, colleges and universities may require you to meet a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA). Please consult each institution’s website to confirm their specific GPA requirements.

Once you have the prerequisite education and meet the minimum GPA requirement, you can begin applying to colleges and universities in the US. Generally, most institutions require the following steps:

  1. Find suitable colleges or universities. Search for colleges and universities.
  2. Submit a completed application. Check the institution’s website for details.
  3. Write and submit a personal statement or essay. Refer to the college’s website for required details.
  4. Provide three (3) recommendation letters from teachers who know you well.
  5. Submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
  6. Pay the application fee. Refer to the admissions website for fee details.

B. Graduate/Master’s Degree Application

B.1 Prerequisite

To pursue a master’s or graduate degree in the US, you must have four years of prior undergraduate or bachelor’s studies. Graduate schools also have minimum GPA requirements, so check their websites for specific criteria.

Selecting the right school for your educational and career goals is crucial. Depending on the state and institution, ensure the colleges and universities you are considering align with your interests, academic background, and future aspirations.

In general, most colleges and universities require the following steps:

  1. Find suitable colleges or universities. Search for colleges and universities.
  2. Submit a completed application. Check the institution’s website for details.
  3. Write and submit a personal statement or essay. Refer to the college’s website for required details.
  4. Provide three (3) recommendation letters from professors who know you well.
  5. Submit standardized test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS, and AND GRE or GMAT.
  6. Pay the application fee.

C. Application Timeline

After identifying schools that align with your educational goals and interests, it is important to apply as soon as possible. Preparing a competitive application packet requires significant time and effort, especially for competitive schools which often have earlier deadlines. As a general rule, begin the application process at least one year in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.

Writing personal statements and requesting recommendation letters from teachers or professors takes time. Colleges and universities also require standardized test scores such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), depending on your chosen school and major. Likewise, international students must provide scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Standardized Tests

Most U.S. colleges and universities require applicants to take one or more standardized admissions tests. These may include the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, TOEFL, and IELTS. Please check the admissions page of your chosen institutions for specific test requirements.

For appointments and more information, visit: TOEFL,, GRE, and IELTS.

D. Sources of Financial Aid

D.1 International Student Loans

International students can apply for loans to help finance their studies in the USA. To qualify for loans from US financial institutions, your application must be cosigned by a US citizen or permanent resident. Applicants with family or relatives in the US who are citizens or permanent residents should seek out financial institutions and explore available financing options.

D.2 International Scholarships

There are many scholarship websites available online, but not all are legitimate. Exercise caution when searching for scholarships, as some sites may attempt to scam you.

One of the best ways to learn about scholarships for international students is to contact the admissions office of the universities or colleges to which you are applying.

For graduate schools, and depending on the major you are planning to pursue, several global financial institutions offer scholarships. For more information, visit the following institutions:

Additional Support

Applying to colleges and universities in the USA can be confusing, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process and educational system. For further assistance in finding the right schools or help with the application process, please reach out to Gyanendra Chaudhary at gyanchau@gmail.com or contact Tharus and Friends Association at tharusandfriends@gmail.com.