Study Destinations - United States

• The United States comprises fifty states and one federal district, with Washington, D.C. serving as the capital.
• The country maintains a prestigious academic environment, hosting several of the world’s leading universities and offering extensive educational resources.
• According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, American institutions occupy multiple positions within the global top ten.
• The American education system is diverse and flexible, providing various academic pathways that are widely recognised internationally for their high quality.
• The transport infrastructure is highly developed, including extensive rail, bus, and underground (subway) networks.
• Students are eligible to apply for various travel cards or purchase discounted tickets, facilitating convenient travel across major cities.

• The climate in the United States is highly varied due to its vast geographical area.
• Northern regions experience cold winters with frequent snowfall, while southern areas remain relatively warm.
• Regardless of the season, it is advisable to prepare appropriate clothing based on your specific destination to account for potential extreme weather conditions.

• Secondary education in the US includes both state (public) and private schools; state schools accept applications from all nationalities.
• Education typically runs from Year 9 to Year 12 (Grade 9-12).
• Upon completing Year 12, students may sit the SAT or ACT examinations for university admission.
• The academic year usually commences in August or September and is organised into either two semesters or a four-term system.

• Many international students choose to begin their studies at a community college.
• These institutions provide two-year programmes equivalent to the first two years of a university degree.
• Upon graduation, students can transfer their credits to a four-year university to complete the remaining two years and obtain a Bachelor’s degree.

• Some universities offer one-year transfer programmes.
• Assessment is based on internal coursework, attendance, tests, and examinations rather than a unified public exam.
• Students study core subjects like English and Mathematics alongside three to four electives related to their future degree.
• Successful completion of the programme requirements allows students to progress directly into the second year of university.

• The United States is home to over 4,000 higher education institutions offering diverse disciplines.
• Intakes typically occur in August or September, with some institutions offering a January start.
• Bachelor’s degrees generally last 4 years, though professional fields such as Medicine, Engineering, and Law may require longer.
• Master’s degrees typically range from 1 to 2 years.

• Requirement: Students must apply for a student visa; typically, an F-1 Visa is required for university, college, secondary school, or English language programmes.
• Process: Applicants must complete an online application and book an interview at the US Consulate to submit documents.
• Arrival: Once the visa is granted, students must arrive in the US within 30 days of the start date listed on their I-20 form.
• Insurance: All institutions require international students to have medical insurance. Schools often provide group medical schemes, but students may also choose to purchase their own insurance.

* Please refer to the official website for the most accurate information. For detailed student visa information, please refer to: Consulate Information https://hk.usconsulate.gov/zhhk/

• Most institutions provide halls of residence, which may be located on or off-campus.
• Various room types are available based on budget and preference.
• Costs: Combined accommodation and meal plans typically range from USD $12,000 – $15,000 per academic year, inclusive of utilities and internet.
• On-site staff ensure student safety. Due to high demand, early application is strongly advised.

• Students live with a local American family, usually in an individual room.
• Meals: Typically provides breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and three meals a day on weekends and public holidays.
• Costs: Roughly USD $1,000 – $1,400 per month, inclusive of utilities and basic furniture.
• Agencies or institutions match students with families based on the requirements specified in the application.