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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Canberra is the capital of Australia, while the largest city is Sydney. Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are the other major metropolitan areas. Australia practices a Parliamentary and constitutional monarchy system of government and the incumbent Prime Minister is Scott Morrison.

It is the world’s sixth-largest country and the largest country in Oceania

The country’s population, which is nearly 26 million, is highly urbanized and heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard, in an area of 7,617,930 square kilometres.

The climate in Australia varies with tropical climate in the northern parts, subtropical in the south and temperate in the south east and south west.

The nation’s capital, Canberra, can be very cool in winter and the coldest temperature recorded was – 14.60 degrees in 1971, while Stanthorpe in Queensland holds the record for the lowest temperature in the state. Rainfall in Australia is generally seasonal with the highest rainfall occurring at Mount Lofty, located in South Australia, and the lowest in the desert regions.

The varied weather in Australia allows for a variety of outdoor sports such as sailing, skiing, hiking and rock climbing. Telecommunications, banking, manufacturing, international education, mining-related exports, make up sources by Australia generates its revenue.

Australia is one of the highly developed countries of the world, ranking as the world’s twelfth-largest economy as well as the world’s tenth-highest per capita income due to its possession of a high-income economy.

The Australian Dollar is the official currency of the country

Australia ranks highly in quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, civil liberties, and political rights. This is so as it possesses the eight-highest Human Development Index, and the ninth-highest ranked democracy globally as of 2020, with all its major cities faring exceptionally in global comparative livability surveys.

Australia is a member of the world’s highest bodies including the United Nations, the G20, the Commonwealth of Nations, the ANZUS, the OECD, the WTO, the APEC, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific Community and the ASEAN + 6 mechanism.

Education System

The analysis of the Australian Higher Education System for international students includes qualifications, institutions, structure, and academic culture. The higher education sector in Australia comprises of both technical colleges and universities, which offer technical, undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

The institutions in the country must be government-approved to be able to offer places to international students.

TAFE

In Australia, there are a number of institutions offering programmes in vocational education as well as those offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. These institutions are called ‘colleges’ or Technical and Further Education (TAFE), and have different entry requirements to universities. Programmes on offer are typically employment-based or can act as a lead-in to a tertiary degree.

University

Term Structure:

The Australian academic year for universities is split into two sessions. The year begins end of February/beginning of March with the autumn session which goes on until mid-term break in April. This can be anything from a few days to two weeks. Mid-year exams occur around June/July, for a month.

Session two begins in July/August with a mid-term break in September/October. The November – December period comprises of End-of-year exams and the Christmas break.

Degree length:

General bachelor degrees in Australia are of three years length, with an option to do a fourth year called ‘Honours,’ while many universities offer degrees that focus on a particular area and vary in length.

Acceptance into honours is based on academic merit, and comprises of taught coursework and a research-based thesis component. Honours is counted as part of your bachelor’s degree, and would be listed as part of your qualification title: i.e. Bachelor of Science (Honours).

Thesis word length varies across faculty and institution but is generally around the 10,000-15,000-word mark. Bachelor degrees in more focused study areas may sometimes take longer to complete, and have different options for majoring and minoring.

Most universities have online handbooks that students are advised to consult for specific course advice and information. Master’s degrees, either by coursework or research are one-two years in length.

Bachelor degrees:

An Australian bachelor degree is typically a three-year study in a general area, within which students choose a specific area to focus on. This specific area is called their ‘major,’ and students will be required to complete a quota of subjects within it to be awarded the qualification. In addition, students may also complete a set, lesser quota of subjects in another area to receive a ‘minor’ title.

For example, at Flinders University in Adelaide, you can study a bachelor of Creative Arts as your major while also specialising in visual effects, as your minor.

Double Degrees and Concurrent Programmes:

Many universities also offer double degree programmes, in which students can undertake units from two different degrees at a time. As a result, double degrees are much longer than a standard undergraduate study.

Concurrent study programmes such as diplomas and certificates are also offered by some institutions, and provide students the chance to supplement their main studies with a study in another area.

Students must meet credit requirements for both qualifications and so must spread their coursework over a longer period of time.

Students are expected to have researched the course requirements for both programmes, and take initiative in selecting courses with the relevant credit levels to meet both sets of requirements.

Academic culture:

Universities in Australia expect students to take initiative and are focused on independent learning. . In lab-based and practical units, attendance requirement is much more stringent.

Students who do not hand in work on time are penalised up to 10% of the grade they otherwise would have gotten per day. After a set cut-off point, such student will automatically fail the unit. Tutors will not chase students up for missing work, but will sometimes give students the option to resubmit the work on a pass-fail basis.

Coursework in arts disciplines is generally research based, and assessment will usually centre on a few, long-form pieces of work as opposed to intermittent quizzes and testing.

In Australian institutions, plagiarism is considered a serious academic offence whose consequences can range from failing an assessment to expulsion from university.

Why study in Australia?

• Australia is the third most popular study destination in the world after USA, UK, the quality of education is world class, with wide range of programs to explore and opportunity to benefit from scholarship programs available in most schools.
• Australia is one of the most liveable countries in the world with low level of crime rates Australia is a multicultural society; Immigrants makes up 30% of the Australia’s population; making it the highest proportion among major Western nations. The country is a welcoming place for international students.
• Australian universities are in both rural and urban settings. Wherever you choose to study you will be able to travel to several neighbouring cities with ease.
• Communication is easier. Australians speak English, thus making it simpler for international students to interact well with the natives.
• International students can also work while studying for 40 hours per fortnight while school is in session and full-time during semester break.

Studying in New Zealand as an international student has several benefits, including access to high-quality education, a safe and welcoming environment, diverse cultural experiences, and excellent post-study work opportunities.

Here’s an overview of the process and benefits of studying in New Zealand as an international student:

Benefits

• High-quality education: New Zealand’s universities and colleges offer a wide range of academic programs and are internationally recognized for their quality of education. Safe and welcoming environment.
• New Zealand is known for its friendly and welcoming people, safe cities, and low crime rates, which make it an ideal destination for international students.
• Diverse cultural experiences: New Zealand’s multicultural society provides an opportunity for international students to learn about different cultures and customs.
• Post-study work opportunities: Graduates of New Zealand universities are eligible to apply for a poststudy work visa, which allows them to work in New Zealand for up to three years after completing their studies.

Process

• Choose a course and institution: Research different courses and institutions to find the best fit for your interests and career goals.
• Check visa requirements: Check the visa requirements for studying in New Zealand, including the type of visa you need and the application process.
• Apply to the institution: Apply to your chosen institution by following their application process, which may include submitting academic transcripts, English language proficiency test scores, and a personal statement.
• Receive an offer of place: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of place from the institution.
• Apply for a visa: Once you have received an offer of place, you can apply for a student visa to study in New Zealand.
• Prepare to travel: Plan your travel to New Zealand, including booking flights and arranging accommodation.
• Arrive in New Zealand: Once you arrive in New Zealand, you will need to attend an orientation session at your institution and register for your courses.
• Begin your studies: Start your studies and enjoy your time in New Zealand

Canada is a diverse and fascinating country with a landmass of 9.1 million square kilometres, making it the second-largest country in the world.

Canada is in the top half of North America, and the country is bordered by the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Canada also has the longest coastline of any country. It has the longest border in the world, which it shares with the United States. It is nearly 9,000 kilometres to the south of the country, with many locals living within a few hundred kilometres of the U.S. border.

The North American country has some impressive geographic features, including vast mountain ranges and more than two million lakes, with just under one million square kilometers of fresh water. Canada has two official languages- English and French. All federal government institutions and many businesses offer bilingual services.

The country’s capital city is Ottawa

The country’s official currency is the Canadian Dollar

A highly developed country, Canada has the seventeenth-highest nominal per-capita income globally and the sixteenth-highest ranking in the Human Development Index. Its advanced economy is the tenth-largest in the world, relying chiefly upon its abundant natural resources and well-developed international trade networks.

Canada is part of several major international and intergovernmental institutions or groupings including the United Nations, NATO, the G7, the Group of Ten, the G20, the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and the Organization of American States.

Education in Canada is one of the highest quality and most prestigious in the world. While studying students are given unique opportunities to gain practical experience in Canadian companies, which significantly enhances their further employment in any country.

Admission and entry requirements at Canadian universities

Higher education in Canada is provided by two types of institutions- universities and vocational colleges.

International students can apply to both immediately after school, in case they have an equivalent of Canadian high school diploma (12 grades). As for graduate or postgraduate studies, students will normally need to have a degree from the previous stage of higher education – bachelors or masters.

Candidates are entitled to consider only those universities and colleges that are included in the list of designated learning institutions.

There are two main intakes at Canadian universities- in September and January. Some universities offer a third intake in May, July or October. Application procedure usually begins a year before classes start. Students get official replies from educational institutions one or two months after submitting an application.

Most universities process applications as they arrive and within a certain quota, therefore, an early submission of documents significantly increases candidates’ chances.

Academic credential evaluation

An important step before entering a Canadian university is academic credential assessment and recognition. Each educational institution has the authority to independently decide on the recognition of a candidate’s qualifications, but not all universities in Canada have the capacity to assess them.

In this case, students can call on external services which can be provided by six members of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC).

Foundation programs in Canada

If a student does not meet language proficiency requirements, he is advised to enroll in a foundation program for up to 1 year. The main goal is to help international students in adaptation and learning the language. Some Canadian universities offer their own preparatory courses for foreigners, but there are also independent programs.

Admission requirements for a foundation year are similar to those for college or university. The only difference is that the language criterion is much lower. The minimum level of English or French is B1 (Intermediate/Intermédiaire).

College in Canada – Vocational education

Unlike degree-granting universities, colleges grant mainly diplomas, certificates and in some cases, bachelor’s degrees. Colleges focus more on specific employment skills, career training, and trades.

They provide students with practical learning in a variety of technical and professional fields such as agriculture, business, engineering, information and communication technology, health, hospitality management, language, social services, and arts and design.

University colleges also offer degree programs where a student can take courses and earn credits that can be later transferred to a university.

However, college-level education is already enough to get a job that does not require an in-depth four-year study.

Bachelor’s in Canada – Undergraduate

Bachelor’s degree is the first stage of classical university education, which takes 3-4 years to complete, depending on the province. Students can get here directly after graduating from school (11 years) or Canadian college.

For foreign applicants, it is also possible to spend the first year of study in a separate institution – an international college – followed by admission to the second year of undergraduate studies.

An academic year usually runs from September to May, divided into two semesters, some universities also offer a summer one. In addition to compulsory subjects, bachelor students have the opportunity to choose additional courses that are not related to the program.

In the learning process, the main emphasis is on seminars and independent study of the subject, which requires a student to have a high degree of interest in the chosen program In order to graduate from a Canadian university, you need to get a certain amount of credits, which is individual for each university.

Most universities in Canada provide students with practice (1-2 months) in a Canadian company, which usually becomes a significant advantage for further employment.

Several universities in Canada offer cooperative education options. Co-op students combine study with work, for which they can get up to 50 percent of credits. Such programs usually take about four years to complete. Each university sets its own admission requirements for undergraduate programs.

Master’s in Canada – Graduate / Postgraduate

Master’s degree, in contrast to undergraduate studies, involves a narrower subject focus. An applicant can choose between two types of master’s degrees. Research-based master’s programs emphasize conducting original scientific research, while professional master’s programs focus more on applied education, offering a set of courses in a particular subject area. Duration varies from 1 to 3 years.

Most programs include a dissertation that makes up a large proportion of the course’s credits. Upon completion of training, students can also take a comprehensive examination, including both written and oral parts. Each of them is assessed on a pass/fail basis. Due to its size, the exam can be administered in several days.

Some Canadian universities offer co-op programs which enable students to gain hands-on, paid experience in placements related to their field of study. Internships are usually between 2 and 4 months. They are often used by employers for getting to know potential employees.

Doctorate in Canada – Postgraduate

As in many other countries, the highest level of academic qualification a student can achieve in Canada is doctorate.

In addition to the traditional academic PhD, professional doctorates are also available. Those include DBA and EdD. Most programs require 3 years of full-time study, but some may be extended up to 6 years.

Unlike the United States, doctoral studies in Canada are research-based from the outset. In the first year of study, students complete general courses focusing on techniques and methodology of research, teaching, presentation or publication, sit a comprehensive exam, and then move on to write their thesis. As for professional programs, they include a lot of practice and case studies also ending with doctoral thesis.

Some Canadian universities offer a collaborative route to PhD involving students studying for some time at another international institution within cotutelle programs. Unlike other joint PhDs with ongoing partnerships between universities, cotutelle arrangement is usually specific to each student’s project.

Why Study In Canada

• Canada is recognized for outstanding quality of education. The educators are highly trained.
• Canada is known for having some of the lowest university tuition fees among English-speaking countries. Whatever your budget may be, you’ll find something just right for you in the diverse range of educational options.
• Another benefit of studying in Canada is the post-graduation work permit program which enables international students to work for three years after their post-graduation degree.
• Canada is known globally for multiculturalism thus making it a perfect study destination for students looking to study abroad.
• Upon successful completion of the program, a talented graduate has every chance to immigrate to Canada without major obstacles from the government.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly referred to as the United Kingdom (UK), is an island nation that sits north-west of mainland Europe.

The United Kingdom consists of four countries namely England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, respectively. Other than England, the constituent countries have their own devolved governments, each with varying powers.

London is a global city and financial centre, with an urban area population of 10.3 million. The United Kingdom is a unitary parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has reigned since 1952, while Boris Johnson is the current Prime Minister.

The United Kingdom has the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and the tenth-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). It has a high-income economy and a very high human development index rating, ranking 13th in the world.

The British Pounds Sterling is the official currency of the United Kingdom

The UK became the world’s first industrialized country and was the world’s foremost power during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The UK remains one of the world’s great powers, with considerable economic, cultural, military, scientific, technological, and political influence internationally. It is a recognized nuclear weapon state and is ranked sixth globally in military expenditure. It has been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council since its first session in 1946.

The United Kingdom is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Council of Europe, the G7, the G20, NATO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Interpol and the World Trade Organization (WTO). It was a member of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Community (EEC), from 1973 until 2020.

Education System

Most undergraduate education in the UK education system (other than the University of Buckingham and BPP University College, both private institutions) is state-financed with some top-up fees to cover costs. Those who study in the UK know of the hierarchy within the universities.

In the British school system, there is The Russell Group, which is a network of 24 British public research universities, contains some of the most prestigious universities in the country. This prestigious group includes universities such as the University of Birmingham, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the University of York. All of these are well-known universities and many people, both citizens of the UK and international students, aspire to attend university at one of these schools.

Level of Courses

Based on the actual regulations in the UK education system, the Higher Education comprises these levels of courses:

Postgraduate courses that lead to a Doctorate, a Master’s degree (Taught or Research), Postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates of education (PGCE) and professional degrees. To enter this level, it is usually required to have a first degree (Bachelor). Undergraduate courses which include a wide range of first degrees (Bachelor’s): honours and ordinary degrees, qualified teacher status, enhanced first degrees, intercalated degrees (first-degree students in specific study fields may interrupt their ongoing studies and spend a year studying a field related to their major study subject).

Other undergraduate courses:

Foundation degrees, SVQ, NVQ, Higher National Diploma HND (or equivalent), NHC (or equivalent) etc. An undergraduate course usually takes 3 years to finish, while Scotland makes an exemption because it takes 4 years to finish an undergraduate course.

The higher education in the UK education system is having an extended number of universities that are offering 4-year undergraduate courses, also known as “sandwich courses.” This program includes one year in a workplace, usually in candidates’ third year.

Some British universities offer fast-track programs where a Master’s degree at the undergraduate level can be obtained. By contrast to traditional undergraduate levels, students in these programs can attend an additional year of studying instead of taking a Bachelor degree and then be admitted to a Master’s program.

Besides, it costs much less than usual 3-year undergraduate courses, it’s normally more intense because there are shorter holiday breaks and the schedule is heavy.

Some of the more prestigious universities in UK offer postgraduate degrees. If schools offer postgraduate degrees, they offer Master’s Degrees (typically one year, sometimes two years if your degree is research-based) and/or Doctorate degrees (three-year degrees). These are only available if the candidate has obtained a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university (not necessarily one in England). In the United Kingdom education system, most syllabi are set by the universities which are offering them and are not controlled by the government or certain British educational institution. The only exception to this is teacher education programs, which the government has a lot of say over.

The British government has established the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) to maintain those standards. Most countries have specific regulations for their teachers, so this is not any different than studying teaching in other countries. Because of their strict regulations and high standards for teacher education programs, the UK is considered to have some of the best teacher education programs in the world.

The Office for Fair Access (OfFA) in the British school system has a lot of say on the admission procedures of each university, even though the syllabi are set by universities. This office was created so that everyone who wishes to attend university in UK has the ability to do so. They also promote fair access to higher education, even for those who are attending university as international students. Fair access also includes those of different cultures, different races, different nationalities, and those who have disabilities.

UK Tuition Fees and Costs

The reputation of the British higher education goes hand to hand with its costs. Tuition fees may vary from university to university and in which zone of administration you’re looking at (England, Scotland, and Wales), so it’s always advisable to check the university’s website before making any further plan for your studies.

For sure, to attend a British university you need a lot of money packed in, whether you’re a native or not, but since there are many scholarship schemes you can seek one. International students are a substantial part of the student population in British universities.

The UK is the second most popular study destination for international students following the US at the top. If you decide to be one of more than a million foreign students in the US, you’re definitely one step from a guaranteed brighter future. In the end, it must be emphasized that despite being hardly affordable, if you decide to study in the UK it will surely be worth the cost.

The UK education system and its higher education degrees are valued by academics and employers all over the world. The UK has a rich history of quality higher education and each university has great options for any student.

Why study in UK

• UK higher education and qualifications have a remarkable international reputation and the UK degree is globally recognized by international universities, top employers and government bodies, creating huge number of chances to get placed with leading companies. Many countries like to follow the UK’s education system, as its quality is considered as the best in world. UK universities are inspected regularly by QAA to assess the standards of teaching, learning and research to ensure that set benchmarks are met.
• The duration of courses in UK education system are shorter and more intensive compared to other countries, which means you’ll graduate sooner, and without compromising on quality. While your undergraduate program can be completed within three years, you’ll be able to finish a graduate program in just one year. This not only saves you time, but also a chunk of money spent on tuition fees and living costs.
• Opportunity to work for 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full time during break.
• International students studying undergraduates and graduates courses in UK can stay up to 2 years upon the completion of their studies with the new Graduate Route visa, during this period, they have the opportunity to work at any skill level without requiring to meet the conditions of a minimum threshold salary or job sponsorship from employers. The Graduate Route is a great way for international students to access the lucrative UK labour market.
• PhD students in the UK are now eligible for a 3-year post-study visa extension as part of the UK Government’s Global Talent Drive, thus making the UK job market more attractive for PhD professionals.

The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territories, 326 Indian reservations, and some minor possessions.

At 3.8 million square miles (9.8 million square kilometers), it is the world’s third- or fourth-largest country by total area. It borders Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. With a population of more than 331 million people, it is the third most populous country in the world.

The national capital is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York City. The United States is a federal republic and a representative democracy with three separate branches of government, including a bicameral legislature.

Joe Biden is the incumbent President of the United States

It is a founding member of the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States, NATO, and other international organizations. It is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

The U.S. ranks high in international measures of economic freedom, quality of life, education, and human rights, and the population has been profoundly shaped by centuries of immigration. The country has over the years received criticism over issues of inequality relating to race, wealth and income, as well as the use of capital punishment, high incarceration rates, and lack of universal health care.

The United States accounts for approximately a quarter of global GDP and is the world’s largest economy by GDP. It is a highly developed country, and continuously ranks high in measures of socioeconomic performance.

The US Dollar is the official currency of the United States

The United States, by value is the world’s largest importer and the second-largest exporter of goods. The USA is the world’s foremost economic and military power, with global interests and an unmatched global reach.

The country is also a major source of entertainment- American TV, Hollywood films, jazz, blues, rock and rap music are primary ingredients in global popular culture. The US has the most highly-developed mass media in the world. Its dramas, comedies, soaps, animations, music videos and films have a global audience and are staple fare for broadcasters worldwide. Television is the most popular medium. The amount of content consumed via live broadcast TV is falling as video-on-demand platforms flourish.

The US is the home of the internet and access is unrestricted

Although its population is only 4.2% of the world’s total, it holds 29.4% of the total wealth in the world, the largest share held by any country. Making up more than a third of global military spending, it is the foremost military power in the world and is a leading political, cultural, and scientific force internationally.

If you want to study in America, understanding the US higher education system is vital. Whether you plan to get a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree from one of the many universities in the USA, it is important to learn how it works.

Education System

What Are the Different Types of Higher Education Institutions in the US?

College vs. University:

In many countries, post-secondary institutions are called universities. However, in the US, the words college and university are often used interchangeably. Some are even called institutes (e.g., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology). Within larger universities in the United States, there are different colleges or schools that represent different academic areas of study (e.g., College of Engineering, School of Business).

State Colleges and Private Colleges:

Depending on where you are from, the best colleges or universities may be public or run by the national or regional/state government. But in the United States, the federal government does not manage any college or university. Instead, the governments of the individual 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other US territories have the authority to operate, fund, and (in some respects) control public colleges and universities within their boundaries. Alternatively, private colleges can operate on their own, without direct control from state or national governments.

For instance, hundreds of private colleges in the US were founded by religious denominations or churches, such as the University of Dayton (affiliated with the Catholic church) and University of the Pacific (a Methodist university). According to U.S. News & World Report, in 2017 there were 4,298 post-secondary colleges and universities in the United States: 1,626 public, 1,687 private, and 985 for-profit.

Among the top twenty US universities with the most international students (according to the 2019 Open Doors Fast Facts report), 13 are public and seven are private. So, remember: quality is not determined by whether a college or university is public or private.

Tech Colleges and Community Colleges:

While most international students come to the United States for academic programs, some students enroll in technical or vocational colleges designed for job training, like flight school or air traffic control programs.

Additionally, another option in American post-secondary education is community college. Community colleges offer low-cost education in local communities and provide workforce preparation or credits toward completing a bachelor’s degree.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), there are almost “1,200 2-year, associate degree-granting institutions and more than 12 million students” enrolled in these colleges. Approximately 100,000 international students currently attend community colleges in the United States.

What Are the Different Education Levels and Degree Types at US Colleges and Universities?

Undergraduate:

Undergraduate studies can start immediately after secondary school. There are two main options: a two-year associate’s degree and a four-year bachelor’s degree. Generally, associate’s degrees are granted at two-year US community colleges, while bachelor’s degrees are awarded from four-year colleges and universities.

In both cases, students choose a focus for their academic studies called a major. In addition to courses in a major, students take required core curriculum or general education classes that develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Graduate:

Graduate studies are only available to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree. In many countries, graduate studies are called post-graduate studies and can take up to five years or more. In the US, the term post-graduate studies can refer to work after a master’s degree program, including studies for a doctoral degree.

International students who have finished bachelor’s degrees in their home countries, the United States, or third countries have two options for graduate studies in the United States: master’s and doctorate (or doctoral) degrees. Master’s degrees can require one to two years of study. In the final term of most master’s programs, students must complete a thesis (a large, well-documented essay) or a project before they will be awarded the master’s degree.

The length of a doctorate programs will depend on whether students must first complete a master’s degree in a related field, and how long it takes to complete a dissertation.

Generally, if a student finishes a master’s degree and is then admitted to a doctoral program, the coursework will take two to three years. After finishing doctoral classes, the student will typically begin work on a dissertation or research paper/project that serves as the focus of your degree studies. With any paper or project, a faculty member will serve as a director or adviser.

In addition to these degree programs, international students may take various other continuing education or certification courses. Some are in addition to degree studies, while others may count toward meeting licensing requirements to work in certain fields.

What Prospective Students Should Know About Courses of Study and Choosing a Major?

The US education system is designed to teach life skills that will serve students well, no matter which career they choose after graduation. So, students enrolled in colleges or universities will take a variety of courses to get a degree. For many international students, taking courses outside their intended academic field of study is a foreign concept. But US colleges and universities value liberal arts classes in subjects like history, English literature, and foreign language as well as mathematics, social, and natural sciences. These courses are considered important foundations for critical thinking, logical thought, and communications skills.

Majors, Minors, and Concentrations

When starting college or university, international students should not expect to have more than half their total classes in their intended major.

Majors represent what students are most interested in learning to prepare for a career in a related field of study or to go on to graduate school.

Minors are other academic focus areas in addition to a major, and typically require half as many classes as a major.

Concentrations are specializations within a given major that allow students to explore a more specific area of study. For example, at the University of South Carolina, the department of history offers regional concentrations (i.e., Latin America, Middle East/North Africa, etc.) as well as 13 different subject areas such as political history, history of slavery, or history of religion.

BA vs BS vs BFA Degrees

When it comes to bachelor’s degrees in the United States, the three most common are BA (Bachelor of Arts), BS (Bachelor of science), and BFA (Bachelor of fine arts). BA degrees focus on liberal arts majors in humanities and social sciences, while BS degrees cover business, math, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and other tech fields. BFA degrees align with the creative arts, such as music or dance.

Accreditation

International students may wonder which US colleges and universities are government-approved. In America, there is no Ministry of Higher Education, and the federal government does not determine which colleges or universities may operate. In the US education system, there are six regional accreditation groups that enable nearly all public and private nonprofit colleges and universities to operate. (Most for-profit private colleges are accredited by national accrediting groups.)

Within each institution, there may be several academic programs that also have a national program accreditor as well (e.g., ABET, which focuses on the quality of science, technology, engineering, and math — or STEM — programs). Program accreditations are signs of academic quality as well. To research the accreditations of the US colleges a student may be considering, such student can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s online database. When in doubt, accredited US colleges and universities can be chosen for academic studies. International students will need to check that these universities and colleges are legally able to enroll students who want to study abroad in the USA.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all US colleges and universities to apply for certification (and recertification every two years) in order to issue the I-20 forms that international students use to apply for student visas. What Students Need to Know About College Applications and Applying to University in the USA: When applying to US colleges and universities, students should be ready for a fairly complex, lengthy, and sometimes confusing process. But with the right approach and appropriate guidance, you can find the right place that meets your needs.

College Application Forms

While most colleges have their own application forms online, prospective undergraduate international students may also be able to use the Common Application to apply to one (or more) of nearly 900 US colleges and universities. If they are applying to Shorelight partner institutions, the students can use one online application to apply to multiple institutions for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Whichever form used, attention should be on the date each college sets its own application deadlines. Additionally, beyond an application form, each university or college will have its own required application checklist.

Standardized Tests

International student applicants will need to take at least one type of test to determine English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo, iTEP). SAT or ACT test scores may be required for undergraduate students, while graduate programs may need a GRE or GMAT score to submit an application. A growing number of undergraduate colleges and graduate departments are now test-optional (including Shorelight partner institutions) when it comes to SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT.

Academic Records

For most colleges in the US education system, your academic records (translated into English) will be the most important piece of the evaluation process. For undergraduate applicants, that means submitting transcripts from every institution they have previously attended- complete secondary school academic transcripts, external exams, and (for transfer students) any prior colleges or universities. For graduate applicants, it means submitting official copies of undergraduate (and any graduate) degree transcripts of coursework taken.

Essay and Recommendations

More selective colleges and universities will require an essay (for undergraduate applicants) or statement of purpose (for graduate applicants) and letters of recommendation. Essay topics can be as broad as “What do you want to do with your life?” or as specific as “What event has had the biggest impact on you?” Letters of recommendation should be written by someone who has either taught you in a class and can speak to your academic abilities, or by an advisor who can provide a more wellrounded perspective on the kind of person you are.

Whichever path you choose, the college application process is not meant to be done alone. A dedicated college guidance counselor or advisor can assist you through the college admissions process.

How Do Transfer Credits Work?

Persons who have already done some undergraduate coursework may be considered as transfer students, and this can change application requirements for study in the US. Transfer students have a slightly different application process, especially with standardized test requirements and deadlines.

Some colleges and universities may only take transfer undergraduate or graduate applicants for the fall term, while others let transfer students start in spring or even summer. The classes such persons have already taken may count toward their bachelor’s degree requirements. These are called transfer credits.

Transfer programs at US colleges and universities are designed for students who have not taken more than two years of study and, at many colleges, no more than two years of course credit can be applied toward fulfilling degree requirements.

How Is the Academic Year Set Up in the USA?

Semesters, Trimesters, Quarters

In the American education system, the academic year typically begins in August or September. Depending on the university, the academic year may be divided into quarters, trimesters, or semesters, and will run until May or June. For colleges that follow semesters, the fall term runs from late August or early September to midDecember, and the spring semester runs from January through May.

When to Apply?

For new international undergraduate students considering US colleges and universities, applications are generally accepted as early as a year before the academic term you wish to join. For example, candidates who want to start at the University of Illinois at Chicago in late August 2021, would need to have applied for admission as early as September 2020.

While many selective universities in the USA have regular admissions application deadlines in January or February, some colleges also offer early decision or early action deadlines in November. These earlier deadlines give students the chance to get a decision as far in advance as possible, although it often requires a commitment to enroll if admitted. Other colleges have rolling admissions policies and will accept applications throughout the year for the next academic term (or year).

Typically, early decision or early action applicants find out if they are accepted within a month of the submission deadline. For January or February application deadlines, students will learn if they are admitted in March or early April. International students who apply to rolling admissions colleges, like many of the Shorelight partner universities, generally find out as early as a few days to three to four weeks.

How to Enroll?

After admission, candidates will be told what the next steps are to accept an offer from a college or university. Many American universities will set a deadline date for admitted students to send in their deposit (the amount varies by college) to hold their place for the next academic year.

Why Study in USA?

The country is well known for having various programs students can benefit from. Students are opportune to explore varieties of degrees and study options. For this reason, there are often opportunities for students to choose a program of study that aligns with their specific interests and goals that may not be available to them in other countries or their home country.

One of the most popular study destinations for international students

There is availability of scholarship opportunities for students in most Universities in US. This provides financial support to the students’ studying abroad plan. With a good academic score, you have the option of benefitting from more scholarship options.

Internship opportunities

The quality of education obtained from education from American universities is highly valued and recognized globally. Consequently, you will have a fair chance to grab a high-paying job in any part of the world after the completion of your program.