All You Want To Know About United States Of America !

• Why United States Of America?

  The US education system is known for its high quality, with many of the world's top universities located in the US. American universities are renowned for their rigorous academic standards, diverse student population, and cutting-edge research opportunities. This can provide Pakistani students with access to a world-class education and the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge. Furthermore, students can choose from a variety of majors and minors, and can often customize their programs to suit their specific goals and interests. This can help students to develop expertise in their chosen field and pursue a career that they are passionate about. Secondly, studying in the US can provide Pakistani students with a unique cultural experience. Students can meet people from all over the world, experience different cultures and perspectives, and develop valuable cross-cultural communication skills. American universities offer many opportunities for networking, both with other students and with professionals in various fields. Students can build valuable relationships with professors, peers, and alumni, which can help them to succeed in their careers.

• Eligibility

  The grades needed for securing funding for an undergraduate degree in the US is a minimum of around 80-82% in the Pakistani education system. Additionally, standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT are often required for scholarship applications. The minimum scores required for these tests also depend on the specific scholarship or funding program, but typically a score of 1200 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT would be considered competitive for most programs. It is worth noting that academic performance is just one of the many factors that are taken into account when evaluating scholarship applications. Other criteria, such as extracurricular activities, community involvement, and leadership skills may also be considered.

• Intakes and Admission Deadlines

  US is a minimum of around 80-82% in the Pakistani education system. Additionally, standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT are often required for scholarship applications. The minimum scores required for these tests also depend on the specific scholarship or funding program, but typically a score of 1200 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT would be considered competitive for most programs. It is worth noting that academic performance is just one of the many factors that are taken into account when evaluating scholarship applications. Other criteria, such as extracurricular activities, community involvement, and leadership skills may also be considered. Intakes and Admission Deadlines In the US, there are typically two main study intakes for international students: fall and spring. The fall intake is the most popular and typically begins in late August or early September, with applications due in the preceding January or February. This intake is preferred by most international students because it offers more options for courses and greater access to scholarships and funding opportunities. The spring intake, on the other hand, typically starts in January or February, with applications due in the preceding September or October. While this intake may offer more flexibility for students who may have missed the fall deadline, there are typically fewer course options available, and scholarships and funding opportunities may be more limited.

• Part-time Work and Post-study Work Opportunities

  International students studying in the US on an F-1 visa are generally permitted to work part-time on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year (when classes are in session). During breaks and holidays, such as the summer or winter breaks, international students can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) on campus. Off-campus employment is also possible, but requires specific authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the student's designated school official (DSO). Students can apply for either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain off-campus work experience. CPT allows students to work off-campus in a job related to their field of study while still enrolled in school, while OPT allows students to work off-campus after graduation for up to one year (or up to three years for STEM students). International students who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a US institution may be eligible for post-study work opportunities in the US. There are several options available depending on the student's qualifications and career goals. One of the most common options is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows eligible students to work in their field of study in the US for up to 12 months after graduation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students may also be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT, for a total of 36 months. Another option is the H-1B visa, which allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. This visa is particularly popular among international students with technical or scientific degrees, as it allows them to work in their field of study for up to six years.

• Study and Living Costs

  On average, international students can expect to pay around $25,000 to $50,000 per year for undergraduate programs, and $30,000 to $70,000 per year for graduate programs. However, some prestigious universities may charge significantly higher fees, up to $70,000 or more per year for undergraduate programs and $80,000 or more per year for graduate programs. Significant financial aid, up to 85%, is available for international students at the undergraduate level and limited financial aid, about 35% - 45%, is available at the postgraduate level. The total yearly living costs for an international student in the US can vary widely depending on several factors such as the location of the institution, lifestyle, and personal preferences. However, on average, international students can expect to spend around $15,000 to $25,000 per year on living expenses.

• Visa Ratio and Taking Family Along

  The visa ratio for the US is good. In general, family members of international students who are planning to study in the US are not eligible to accompany them on a student visa. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of F-1 or M-1 visa holders may be eligible to accompany or join the student in the US on an F-2 or M-2 dependent visa. However, they are not allowed to work while in the US and may only engage in full-time study at an academic institution if they change their status to an F-1 or M-1 visa. It is important to note that F-2 and M-2 visa holders do not have access to certain benefits, such as work authorization, Social Security numbers, or driver's licenses in some states. They may also be subject to certain restrictions, such as travel limitations and visa renewal requirements.