The United States remains the country with the largest number of international students — as of the 2024/25 academic year, their number had recovered to 1.177 million. The reasons are enduring: quality of education, flexible programmes, and post-graduation work opportunities. But the decision to study is not just about choosing a country; it is about understanding how the system works, what it demands, and what it delivers.
How the System Works
American schools and universities operate differently from most countries. There is no single national curriculum here: each state sets its own requirements, and schools within a state may follow different models. Education is divided into three stages. Elementary school usually covers kindergarten and grades one through five, where almost all subjects are taught by a single teacher. Middle school covers grades six through eight: subject-specific teachers appear, along with the first electives. High school is grades nine through twelve, where students accumulate credits by choosing courses based on their interests and level of difficulty.
Higher education is divided into colleges and universities. The difference is not in quality but in scale: colleges mainly offer bachelor's programmes, while universities add master's, doctoral, and research programmes. There are about 4,000 higher education institutions in the country, and around 280 universities are included in global rankings.
What American Education Offers
The main difference from the European model is the degree of freedom. At an American university, students choose a quarter to a third of their courses independently, depending on the programme. This allows them to try different fields before settling on a specialisation. As a result, graduates gain not only specialised knowledge but also a set of skills that help in their careers: the ability to build an argument, work in a team, and analyse information.
The second benefit is practical experience. Many programmes are created in partnership with companies that are interested in specific specialists. Students do internships, participate in projects, and gain access to equipment that is hard to find in other countries. International students on an F-1 visa can work on campus from their first year, and after graduation they can take part in Optional Practical Training (OPT). For STEM graduates, a 24-month OPT extension is available, giving up to three years of work in their field in total.
The third advantage is the environment. American university campuses are not just academic buildings. Hundreds of clubs, sports teams, and student organisations operate here. International students gain access to a community that helps them adapt and expand their network.
What Changed in 2026
From 15 September 2026, new rules for the F-1 visa came into force, changing the usual arrangement. Previously, a student held "duration of status" — meaning they could stay in the country as long as they were studying. Now the visa is issued for a fixed period: no more than four years, with a specific date on Form I-94. If the programme lasts longer, a status extension will be required. The grace period after completing studies has been cut from 60 to 30 days. In addition, during the first academic year, there is a restriction on changing programme or level of study.
These changes should be taken into account when planning. They don't rule out studying in the US, but they require a more careful approach to deadlines and documents.
How Much It Costs
Tuition at American universities ranges from about $15,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on the institution's status and the programme. At public universities, prices for international students are lower than at private ones. For example, at the University at Buffalo, a year of undergraduate study for an international student costs about $16,500. At private universities, the figures are higher: a year can reach $60,000 or more, and at elite private institutions — up to $95,000. Accommodation, meals, insurance, and textbooks add several thousand more to this sum.
Many universities offer scholarships for international students — from $5,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on academic performance. Fully covering expenses is rarely possible, but partial support is available.
How to Apply
The admissions process takes from one to two years. The basic set of documents includes a diploma or certificate with a transcript, language exam results (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), letters of recommendation, a motivation essay, and a CV. For undergraduate programmes, the SAT or ACT may be required; for master's programmes, the GRE or GMAT, depending on the programme. Many universities maintain a Test-Optional policy, but some leading institutions have reinstated mandatory testing.
There's also an interview, which may take place online or on campus. After enrolment, the university issues Form I-20, on the basis of which the student applies for an F-1 visa. To do this, you must confirm financial capacity — showing that the family or sponsor has funds for the first year of study.
Admission to the US is a process that requires time and planning. But for those willing to invest, the system offers what is rarely found in other countries: flexibility in choosing a path, access to research from the early years, and the opportunity to stay and work after graduation.