The USA is the dream higher study destination for many Bangladeshi students. The USA is home to some of the best universities in the world and provides high-quality education to international students. Students choose US universities not only because of the quality of education but also because of advanced research facilities and excellent career opportunities.
This article discusses why students choose US universities, popular universities and courses, living costs, visa types, scholarships, and the application process. Obtaining a student visa to study at US universities is challenging but achievable. Any student can pursue their dream degrees from US universities if they are determined and follow the proper guidance.
Table of Contents
Why Study in the USA
There are numerous reasons why international students choose the USA as their study abroad destination. Some of the reasons are described in detail in the passages below.
Top-Ranked Universities
The USA is home to many globally renowned universities. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, University of California, Cornell University, University of Chicago, Princeton University, and Yale University consistently rank among the top 25 universities in the world. All of these top-ranked universities encourage international students to study in the USA.
Variety of Courses
US universities offer a variety of courses catering to students from all disciplines. Popular subjects for international students include Business Management, Biology, Medicine, Law, Social Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Fine Arts, Public Health, Mathematics, Finance, Economics, etc. The variety of courses US universities offer attracts international students from all backgrounds, as they can pursue their dream subject in the USA.
Career Prospects
US university graduates enjoy high employability because their degrees are valued across various workplaces and industries. They have an employment rate exceeding 80%, with some graduates achieving rates above 90%. This is another factor that draws international students, including those from Bangladesh, to choose the USA for higher education. Additionally, universities provide extensive networking opportunities and internships to assist students in securing their career paths.
Research Career
The USA is recognised as the most prominent hub of creativity, innovation, and research. The world’s best research labs and organisations are based in the USA. The USA invests more money than any other nation in researching and developing new technologies. Students who wish to pursue a research career should consider the USA as their study abroad destination because it is far ahead of other countries in conducting meaningful research.
Scholarships
US universities also offer numerous attractive scholarships to help international students better finance their education. Some popular scholarships include Fulbright Scholarships USA, Stanford University Scholarship, Onsi Sawiris Scholarship, Rotary Peace Fellowship, Berea College Scholarships, University of Memphis Scholarships, and so on. These scholarships help international students pursue their dream university without the financial hardship.
International Student Community
The USA has one of the largest international student communities in the world, with over a million international students enrolled in various universities. The USA offers different types of support for these students, such as dedicated student service organisations, international student offices, and other institutions that assist them in having a smooth educational journey in the country. This excellent support system encourages international students to apply to US universities.
Popular Universities in the USA for International Students
Numerous universities in the USA attract hundreds of international students each year. Some of these are listed below.
- Princeton University
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- New York University
- Yale University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Michigan
- University of Chicago
- University of Washington
- Arizona State University
- Northeastern University
- Duke University
- California Institute of Technology
- Columbia University
Popular Courses in US Universities for International Students
International students study various subjects at US universities. Some of the most popular courses for international students are listed below.
- Engineering
- Business Management
- Finance
- Biology
- Nursing
- Fine Arts
- Economics
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Medicine
- Environmental Law
- Computer Science
- Social Science
- Political Science
Popular Cities in the USA for International Students
Some of the most popular cities in the USA for international students are listed below.
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Chicago, Illinois
- San Francisco, California
- New York
- Washinton DC
- Houston, Texas
- Seattle, Washington
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Austin, Texas
- Dallas, Texas
- Los Angeles, California
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Can You Study in the USA Without IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes, you can study in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL because many universities accept other proof of English proficiency, such as an MOI certificate, the Duolingo English Test, and the Pearson Test of English. Be sure to review the university requirements to determine if any specific university accepts alternatives to IELTS or TOEFL. However, you will have the most options if you complete the IELTS or TOEFL before applying to US universities.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in the USA?
The cost of studying in the USA varies depending on the university, courses, and the city where the university is located. Tuition fees for attending a US university range from $10,000 to $55,000. For international students, accommodation costs in the USA are approximately $6,000 to $14,000 annually. Additional costs include a visa fee of $ 160, $500 to $1000 for study materials, $3000 to $500 for clothing, and $2000 for other annual expenses.
Types of USA Study Visa for Bangladeshi Students
There are three types of study visas for Bangladeshi students. All of these are discussed in detail in the passages below.
F Visa
This type of visa is the most common for international students studying in the USA. There are three types of F visas for international students. The F-1 visa is for full-time international students studying at US universities. The F-2 visa is for dependents of F-1 visa holders, and the F-3 visa is for border commuters. Students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week or less on campus. Students can obtain permission from the authorities to work longer hours and be off-campus.
M Visa
An M visa is for international students pursuing non-academic or vocational studies at U.S. universities. There are three types of M visas: M-1, M-2, and M-3. M-1 visas are for students engaging in vocational or non-academic studies; M-2 visas are for dependents of M-1 visa holders, and M-3 visas are for border commuters.
J Visa
This type of visa is for international exchange students participating in cultural exchange programs. J visa holders stay in the USA for a short period, such as two semesters. There are two types of J visas: the J-1 visa for exchange students and the J-2 visa for dependents of J-1 visa holders.
How Much Does It Cost for a US Student Visa for Bangladeshi Students?
It costs $160 to apply for a US student visa for Bangladeshi students; however, the cost may change over time due to various factors.
How to Apply for a USA Student Visa for Bangladeshi Students?
The process of applying for a student visa for Bangladeshi students is discussed below.
Step 1: Apply to a university in the United States, ensuring it is SEVP-approved. This will register you for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee after being accepted.
Step 2: The university will issue the I-20 form to you, and you must fill it out.
Step 3: Visit the US Embassy with all necessary documents, including the I-20 form.
Step 4: Ask the visa authority which form is appropriate for you. Generally, it will be an F-1 or M-1 visa form.
Step 5: Complete the visa application online following their guidelines.
Step 6: Attach all necessary documents.
Step 7: Get selected for the interview.
Step 8: Attend the interview.
Step 9: Receive your student visa to study in the UK.
Note that the forms and the process can vary depending on various factors, so ask the US embassy about your visa processing to get the most accurate information regarding your student visa.
English Language Requirements for the USA Student Visa
US educational institutions typically require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, although this can vary from one university to another. For TOEFL, the minimum requirements are 80 for undergraduate, 90 for postgraduate, and 100 for PhD programs. Many universities also accept MOI, the Duolingo Test, and PTE Academic as language proficiency tests.
Common Visa Interview Questions for Bangladeshi Students
Here are some of the most common visa interview questions the authorities ask Bangladeshi students when they apply.
- Why did you decide to study in the US instead of other countries?
- Why did you choose this university over all the other?
- Why did you choose this particular subject?
- How will you afford tuition and other expenses?
- Will you leave the United States after graduation?
- How did you fare as a student in the previous exams?
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Go to the USA From Bangladesh to Study?
To study in the USA from Bangladesh, students must apply through SEVP or the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Students have to apply for an F-1 visa to pursue academic studies. The process includes applying, paying the visa fee, scheduling an interview, gathering the required documents, and attending the visa interview.
Can I Get a 100% Scholarship in the USA?
Yes, you can receive a 100% scholarship to study in the USA, which covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and other costs. These scholarships are primarily provided by universities and awarded to students based on merit and financial need. Yale University, Stanford University, and the Fulbright program offer this type of scholarship.
Is IELTS mandatory for a US Student Visa?
No, IELTS is not mandatory for a US student visa, and many US universities accept MOI, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and other language proficiency certificates. However, IELTS is the most common requirement for US universities. You will have more university options if you take the IELTS exam.
What GPA Is Required for a Full Scholarship in the USA?
GPA requirements for a full scholarship in US universities vary based on university, subject and competition. Overall, you can get a scholarship to study at US universities if you have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Make sure to review the scholarship requirements to determine what GPA is required to receive it.
Which State Is the Best for Bangladeshi Students in the USA?
There is no single objectively best city for Bangladeshi students in the USA, and it depends on various factors such as university, environment, culture, etc. The USA’s most popular cities for Bangladeshi students include New York, Massachusetts, and California.
Which University in the USA Gives a Full Scholarship?
Universities that provide full scholarships are Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, and Duke University.
Is It Hard to Get a Scholarship in the USA?
Yes, getting a scholarship in the USA is generally quite difficult because scholarships are limited, and many applicants try for them.
Where Do Most Bangladeshi Students Live In the USA?
Most Bangladeshi students live in New York City. New York City has the largest Bangladeshi population in the United States, including Bangladeshi students.
Conclusion
Studying in the USA has numerous benefits, such as world-class education, diverse courses, and strong career opportunities. Any student can achieve their dream of studying at a top US university if they follow the correct planning and guidance. Getting a student visa to study in the USA is complicated, but it is worth the trouble.