THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

For many years the United States has remained the main point of attraction for students from all over the world. People come here for world-class higher education, for a unique school system that prepares pupils for admission to the best American universities, and for the chance to build a career in global companies. In recent years, however, the situation has been changing: high costs, a complicated visa policy and growing competition from Europe and Asia are prompting many to reconsider their plans. Even so, the USA remains among the top destinations for study.

What people usually come to study

For schoolchildren. American private boarding schools are the path into the top universities of the USA. The system includes Middle School (grades 5–8, ages 11–14) and High School (grades 9–12, ages 14–18). On finishing, graduates receive a US High School Diploma, which is recognised by all American universities. Many schools offer advanced Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the exam results of which may be counted by universities as first-year credits. Unlike British boarding schools with their centuries-old traditions, American schools are more modern, placing emphasis on sport, leadership and extracurricular activity. Pupils live in on-campus residences — most often in twin rooms; older pupils may apply for single ones. The schools are mostly located in the suburbs and have huge campuses with fields, swimming pools and theatre studios.

For students. America remains the world leader in hosting international students. In the 2024/2025 academic year, 1 177 766 international students studied here — 4.5% more than the previous year. Foreigners make up 6% of the total number of students at American colleges and universities. The largest group is students from India (363 019 people), with China in second place (265 919). The most popular fields are STEM subjects (more than half of all international students), business and Master’s programmes. Interest in computer science and data analysis has grown especially.

Features of studying

Secondary education. In American boarding schools life follows a strict routine. Lessons run from morning until lunch, after which there are compulsory sports practices or creative activities. In the evening — time for homework under a teacher’s supervision. At weekends excursions, sports tournaments and volunteer projects are organised. Pupils live in residences, most often two to a room; in the senior grades single rooms are possible. Nurses and school doctors work on campus, and each pupil is assigned an academic advisor who helps with choosing subjects and adapting. Classes are small — 10–15 people — which ensures an individual approach.

The main difference between American and British schools is the enormous attention to extracurricular activity. To get into a good university, top grades alone are not enough: you need sporting achievements, leadership positions in clubs, volunteering. The schools understand this and actively help pupils build such a portfolio.

Higher education. A Bachelor’s in the USA lasts 4 years, a Master’s — 1–2 years. The system is notable for its flexibility: students can choose courses from different disciplines and even change their major during their studies. Great attention is paid to practical skills and research work. A distinctive feature of American higher education is the strong support for international students: most universities have international student services offices that help with housing, visa matters and adaptation.

There are two main types of universities in the USA: private (for example, Harvard, Stanford, MIT) and public (the university systems of California, Texas, Florida). Private ones are usually more expensive but offer more scholarships; public ones are cheaper for state residents, but for foreigners the difference in price may be small.

Visa requirements

To study in the USA, international students need an F-1 visa (academic study) or an M-1 visa (vocational training). The process of obtaining one consists of several stages.

The main requirements:
- Confirmation of enrolment from a licensed educational institution, which issues Form I-20.
- Payment of the SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) — 350 dollars.
- Completion of the online DS-160 form.
- Booking an interview at the US embassy.
- Proof of financial means: bank statements, certificates of parents’ or sponsors’ income, confirmation of a scholarship. The sum must cover at least the first year of study and living costs (often 50 000–70 000 dollars).
- Demonstration of ties to your home country (the intention to return after studies — a formality, but important for the interview).

New rules and trends for 2025–2026: In 2025 the administration tightened checks for students from certain countries, especially China and Russia. Interviews have become more frequent, and refusals of student visas for Russian citizens, by unofficial accounts, have reached 30–40%. Additional requirements for proof of funding have been introduced: now you are often asked to show not only the first year but also evidence of funds for the entire period of study.

Timeframes: It is best to apply for the visa 4–6 months before the start of your studies. Processing can take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on how busy the embassy is.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Degrees from American universities are valued all over the world and open the doors to any international company.
• A flexible education system: you can change your major, choose courses from different fields, combine a Bachelor’s with a Master’s.
• A huge choice of programmes — from artificial intelligence to costume design.
• A strong scientific and research base, the best laboratories, Nobel laureate professors.
• The chance to work in your field during studies (CPT, OPT) and to stay for a time after graduation.
• A multicultural environment; English becomes second nature.

Cons:

• A complicated visa system. Refusals of student visas for citizens of Russia and some other countries are high. Embassies operate with restrictions.
• It is hard to stay after studies. The H-1B is a lottery with low odds, and immigration policy is tightening.
• High competition: getting into a top university is extremely difficult; you need not only to study well but also to have a strong extracurricular portfolio.
• The absence of free healthcare. Insurance is mandatory and costs 1 500–3 000 dollars a year, and any visit to a doctor means significant expense.