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University of the Incarnate Word
Study in the USA
Study in the United States
Choose from thousands of campuses
The United States has thousands of colleges and universities, from large research universities to small liberal arts colleges. You can explore subjects before you specialise and build practical experience into your degree.
Tell us your course and budget in PKR. A UniDirect counsellor will help you shortlist programs, apply, and prepare for your F-1 student visa.
Why the USA
Six reasons students choose the USA
Choice of campuses and courses
From big city universities to small college towns, there is a campus for most goals and budgets. Many US colleges let you start without a fixed major.
A flexible degree
A US bachelor's degree usually takes four years and includes courses outside your major. That gives you time to explore before you specialise.
Hands-on learning
US universities are known for research and practical learning, including labs, projects and internships. What is offered depends on the university and program.
Work on campus
F-1 students can usually work on campus for up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session, and more during official breaks. Rules and limits apply.
Work after graduation
F-1 graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in their field. Some STEM graduates can apply for an extension. Eligibility is set by US immigration authorities.
Entry tests vary
Some universities do not ask for SAT or ACT scores. Others do, and some graduate programs ask for the GRE or GMAT. Each program page lists what applies.
Explore programs in the USA
Explore more programs →How to apply to study in the USA
Your counsellor guides you through each step. This is the usual order.
Create your profile
Tell us your course, intake, grades, English level and budget in PKR.
Speak to a counsellor
We shortlist programs you can realistically get into and compare them with your other options.
Apply early
Most students start in the fall, and deadlines are often many months before. Start at least a year ahead.
Accept your offer and get your Form I-20
After you accept, the university issues a Form I-20. You need it for your visa.
Pay the SEVIS fee and complete the DS-160
These are the official steps before you can book your visa interview.
Attend your visa interview
We help you prepare. Your visa is decided at the interview, not by the offer.
Check before you apply
- Visa.An offer does not guarantee a visa. Rules and processing change, so confirm current requirements on the official US government websites.
- Cost.US tuition and living costs are among the highest of the countries we cover and vary widely. Your Form I-20 shows an estimated first-year cost, and you will need to show how you will pay.
- Work.Work rights for F-1 students are limited and set by US immigration authorities. Do not plan to pay tuition from work income.
- English.Universities commonly accept tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo, but each one lists its own. Your offer letter is the list that matters.
FAQ’s
Questions about studying in the USA
It depends on the university. Some do not ask for them, others do. Graduate programs may ask for the GRE or GMAT. The program page lists what applies.
A bachelor's degree usually takes four years. A master's degree often takes one to two years, depending on the field.
It varies widely by university and city. Each program page shows the published tuition in the university's currency, with a switch to an approximate PKR figure. Living costs come on top.
F-1 students can usually work on campus for up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session. Other work needs separate authorisation. Confirm current rules with your university's international student office.
Many F-1 graduates apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in their field, and some STEM graduates can apply for an extension. Eligibility and rules are set by US immigration authorities and can change.
Most students start in the fall, in August or September. Some universities also offer a spring start. Deadlines are often many months earlier, so start early.
Not sure the USA is the right fit?
Tell us your course, your budget in PKR and where you want your career to go. A counsellor will compare the USA with the other countries we cover.
Start your journey