USA is the world’s fourth largest country by area and third largest by population, it’s a world leader across the fields of business, technology and scientific development. Its immense global influence also extends into the cultural domain, thanks to the continued strength of exports such as the Hollywood film industry, along with swathes of successful international retailers and brands.

More than 886,000 international students currently study in the US on bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs, across 50 states and one federal district. That might sound like a lot of international students to accommodate, but this vast nation is certainly not short on space, either in terms of acres or degree-granting institutions, of which there are around 4,500. Combining quality with quantity, the US claims an impressive 154 entrants 2015/16 – giving it significantly more internationally ranked universities than any other nation (next closest is the UK, with 71).

The country’s high quality of living comes with relatively low living costs (especially in the context of other similarly developed nations), while it’s resilient economy offers promising employment prospects, both during studies and post-graduation.

Finally, the sheer range of programs available, and the thousands of funding opportunities for excellent candidates are two of the main reasons for the popularity of study in the US.

USA is the third most popular destination among international students in the world. It is estimated that around 4% of the overall US student population are internationals, and at graduate level this percentage rises to as much as 15%. USA is an attractive place to study and their university degrees are highly respected by employers worldwide. There are two main types of higher education institution in the US: private universities and public universities. While many of the best-known US universities – including the eight prestigious ‘Ivy League’ institutions – are private, there are also plenty of high-performing public universities, such as the University of Los Angeles, California (UCLA) and the University of Michigan. In practice, the experience (and cost) of studying in either the public or private sector is likely to be similar.

Choosing the right type of university largely comes down to what you would like to study. USA is home to around 425 higher education institutions. Together, these universities offer a total of over 18,000 degree programs.

For both undergraduate and postgraduate studies you will need to provide proof of your English language proficiency, if English is not your first language. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the most common test considered by US universities, while the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also commonly accepted. It’s always wise to check which tests are accepted by your chosen institutions before signing up to take the exams.

While the most generous funding packages are often found at the top end of the private sector, many public universities offer alternative support. An example is the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) scheme, which allows students with F-1 visas to gain paid, off campus internships to support their studies. Further external funding options include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, a funding initiative led by the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Five major US universities offer entirely “need-blind” admission for both domestic and international students. This means they pledge to offer sufficient financial assistance for all students who are selected for admission, regardless of their financial situation. These five universities are Harvard, Amherst, Yale, Princeton and MIT. Please note that this does not mean your tuition fees will be fully paid, as you will still be expected to make a reasonable financial contribution.

The one fly in the ointment of US education is that tuition fees are not cheap. Private US universities often have just one rate which applies to all students, regardless of nationality. At public institutions, international students and outof- state residents should expect to pay more than in-state students (students who are US nationals and residents of the state where the university is based). HSBC estimates the average yearly cost of university fees in the US is $24,914. Fees towards the lower end of the spectrum are most likely to be found among public institutions, within state university systems. College Board reports that annual tuition fees at state colleges for 2014/15 average $9,139 for state residents and $22,958 for everyone else. This compares to an average cost of $31,231 at private non-profit colleges. The cheapest options of all are two year community colleges, where average fees for 2014/15 are just $3,347. However, these institutions usually only offer associate’s degrees – you would need to go elsewhere to complete a full bachelor’s degree, masters or PhD.

All US universities are now legally required to include a fees and financial aid calculator on their websites, allowing students to get a rough idea of how much their intended course of study would cost, and what aid they may be eligible for. These “net price calculators” can be accessed via the government’s College Affordability and Transparency Center, which also provides details of the US universities with the highest and lowest tuition fees and net costs. Living costs Depending on where you decide to study, the cost of living in the US can vary considerably. Believe it or not, living costs in the US are typically lower than those seen in Australia, Canada, Singapore, the UK or France, with HSBC giving an annual average estimate of $11,651. Suburban and rural areas in the South and Midwest generally have the lowest cost of living, with big cities bringing considerably higher expenses regardless of which state they’re in. To cover living costs, international students are often able to seek work on campus, but work off-campus is restricted by visa regulations.  

A giant in the manufacturing, technology, healthcare, energy and aerospace industries, the US continues to be a significant global exporter of electronics, machinery, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, air- and spacecraft and oil. For graduates, this means great opportunities not only to get hired, but also to be at the forefront of global innovation within your field. Your chosen career path may also affect whereabouts you choose to stay after your studies. If you’re keen to be at the heart of the IT and tech sectors, you’ll no doubt have an eye on California’s ‘Silicon Valley’, located in the San Francisco Bay Area – where juggernauts such as Facebook and Google famously flourished. Media and arts graduates, meanwhile, may gravitate towards the stage lights of Broadway or the star-paved streets of Hollywood, while hopeful politicians may be drawn to political center DC. Those with a focus on financial services may also be convinced by DC’s strong economy, or else head for the bright lights and world-class financial districts of cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. After graduation, F-1 visa holders are generally entitled to stay in the country for up to one year of post-graduation practical training. In order to do this you’ll need to apply for a change in visa status within 60 days after graduation, or risk being deported. There are two types of practical training – optional (OPT) and curricular (CPT). Both can be completed either during your degree or after graduation, but must not exceed 12 months and must be in a role directly related to your field of study. Some lucky STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students may also be eligible to extend their practical training period by an additional 17 months. There are a number of schemes for students, graduates and professionals to help make the transition into employment easier. The Fulbright Commission, for instance, offers short-term work opportunities for internationals, including internships and trainee programs lasting up to one year. Volunteer work may also boost your graduate profile, with providers such as BUNAC, Real Gap and Gap 360 providing working experience on ranches, national parks, constructions sites, summer camps and more.Europe’s largest economy and most industrialized nation, Germany