Study in the USA | IDP Vietnam

To be able to study in the United States, you need to meet some basic conditions in terms of English proficiency, academic ability, finances, and age. Depending on the level of study and the school of application, the specific requirements may vary, but generally include the following:

2.1. English language requirements when studying in the US

English proficiency is a must when studying in the United States. Each level of study will have different requirements:

High School (Level 3):

• IELTS 5.0 or higher

• Or SLEP from 45 points

• Or pass the school's English entrance exam

Diploma Level:

• IELTS around 5.5

• Or TOEFL iBT from 61

Undergraduate:

• IELTS minimum 6.0 (many schools require 6.5+)

• Or TOEFL iBT from 68

Master's – Doctoral level:

• IELTS 6.5 or higher

• Or TOEFL iBT about 79

If you do not meet the English language requirements, international students can still apply:

• English for Academic Purposes (ESL) Courses

• Or the Pathway/Preparatory program before entering the main course.

However, good English preparation right from Vietnam will help you save costs, ease of integration and increase the pass rate of US student visas.

Learn about the conditions to study in the US to realize your dream of studying abroad

2.2. Academic Requirements

To be eligible to study in the United States, international students need to meet the minimum academic ability requirements for each level of study. Typically, schools in the U.S. require a grade point average (GPA) of 6.5 or higher. However, due to the high level of competition when studying in the US, especially at schools with good rankings, you should achieve a GPA of 7.5 or higher to increase your chances of being accepted and considered for scholarships.

Specifically, in addition to GPA, many U.S. study abroad programs may require:

• SAT: Applied to the undergraduate level to assess general academic ability

• GRE: For Master's and Doctoral programs not in business

• GMAT: Required for many Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs

2026 update note: Currently, many schools in the US have flexible or exempt the SAT/GRE/GMAT requirement, especially for international students with good academic records or relevant practical experience. Therefore, you should check the official entry requirements on the school's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

2.3. Financial conditions

The United States is one of the countries with a high standard of living, so the financial conditions when studying in the United States are often more stringent than many other countries. To complete the procedure for applying for a US student visa, students need to provide proof of finances, in order to ensure that their families can afford tuition and living expenses during their studies in the US.

Generally, you will need to prove that your bank account balance is at least equal to or higher than the total tuition and living expenses of the first year of study, as shown on the Form I-20 issued by the school in the United States.

The cost of studying in the U.S. will vary depending on the level of study, major, and region of residence (state, city, or city). Therefore, you should carefully research the conditions for studying in the US and the specific costs of the school you plan to study at to have a more appropriate and proactive financial plan.

2.4 Age to study in the U.S.

How old is it to study in the USA? In fact, there is no hard limit on the age of studying in the United States, students can enroll at many different levels, from Elementary, Secondary, Undergraduate to Postgraduate, as long as they fully meet the school's entrance requirements and visa requirements.

However, for the undergraduate level, most schools in the US require applicants to be at least 17 years old and have completed high school or equivalent. For high school students studying in the United States, the common age is usually 14–18 years old, depending on the class and admissions policy of each school.

Notes when considering a US student visa: In addition to the age, the Consulate will evaluate whether the study path is reasonable or not (e.g. gap year, change of level, clear learning goals). Therefore, you should build an age-appropriate study plan to increase your chances of passing the visa.

2.4 Offer letter & I-20 form

To be eligible to study in the United States, students are required to have an offer letter and an I-20 form issued by a school in the United States. The I-20 is a confirmation that you have been accepted to the school and are eligible for a U.S. student visa (F-1). The information on the I-20 will be used to prove finances, schedule interviews, and enter the United States.

2.5 Conditions for applying for a U.S. student visa (F-1)

In addition to meeting academic and financial requirements, students need to meet the conditions for applying for a U.S. student visa (F-1). The U.S. Consulate will evaluate applications based on clear academic goals, a reasonable study plan, transparent financial ability and a commitment to return to Vietnam after graduation.

American education system Highly appreciated for flexibility, diversity of education levels and capabilities Personalize the learning path for international students. Learners can choose a level of study that suits their age, learning capacity and future career orientation, and easily adjust their study plan if their goals change.

The U.S. education system is divided into the following main levels:

Elementary School

The elementary school program in the United States is the foundation level of education, for students from 5 to 11 years old. The teaching content focuses on the formation of basic knowledge and skills through core subjects such as English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Fine Arts, helping students develop thinking, creativity and learning habits from an early age.

For international students, the elementary program is usually implemented in private or boarding schools, with small class sizes and flexible teaching methods, allowing students to get acquainted with the American educational environment and develop comprehensively in both academic and social skills.

Middle School / Junior High School

Middle school in the U.S. typically lasts from grades 6 to 8, which corresponds to ages 11–14. The learning content includes subjects such as Math, Science, History, Literature and Foreign Languages, helping students develop critical thinking, social skills, and teamwork.

International students often attend private schools or specialized high school programs such as STEM, religion, or advanced academics.

High School

The high school program in the United States lasts from grades 9 to 12, focusing on the comprehensive development of both academic knowledge and personal skills. Students are free to choose subjects according to their abilities and university orientation, instead of studying permanently according to a rigid curriculum framework

In addition to core subjects, students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and community projects, helping to build an outstanding academic record when applying to American universities.

Community College

Community colleges in the U.S. offer a 2-year training program that focuses on foundational knowledge and practical skills. This is a flexible option for international students who want to familiarize themselves with the U.S. study environment before transferring to university.

Students can complete the first 2 years of a Bachelor's degree at a community college, then transfer to a 3rd year at a U.S. university to earn a formal Bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's Degree

University programs in the US usually last 4 years, focusing on developing critical thinking, the ability to research and apply knowledge to practice.

Students can choose a major and can study a minor in parallel, and easily change majors in the early years if their career orientation changes.

Graduate Studies

Graduate education in the U.S. includes Master's and Ph.D., taught at the world's leading universities and research institutes.

The program focuses on in-depth research, professional capacity building and expanding career opportunities in an international environment.

Studying in the US owns a diverse program system, suitable for many different ages, learning goals and career orientations. Depending on the level of study and desired time, international students can choose one of the popular U.S. study abroad programs below.

4.1 High school study abroad program in the US (Level 3)

Studying in the US at high school level is an option that many parents and students are interested in thanks to its modern, flexible learning environment and solid preparation opportunities for college. Students may attend a public school (up to 1 year under F-1 visa rules), a private school, or a boarding school.

Reference cost:

• Tuition fee: about

  10,000 – 60,000 USD/year

  , depending on the type of school and scholarship

• Living expenses: about 10,000 – 20,000 USD/year, depending on the area

Studying abroad from high school helps students improve their English proficiency, develop life skills, adapt to the international environment early and create an advantage when applying to prestigious universities in the US.

4.2 Community College / Community College Program

The Community College Program is an economical and flexible option for many Vietnamese international students. The study period lasts about 2 years, focusing on foundational knowledge and academic skills.

Reference cost:

• Tuition fee: about 9,000 – 12,000 USD/year, about 40–60% lower

  than a 4-year university

Upon completion of the program, students can transfer to the 3rd year at American universities to complete a Bachelor's degree.

4.3 Undergraduate programs in the U.S.

University programs in the US usually last 4 years, of which the first 2 years are general subjects and the second 2 years are intensive study according to the chosen major.

Reference cost:

• Tuition fee: about 17,000 – 60,000 USD/year, depending on the school and field of study

• Living expenses: about 12,000 – 18,000 USD/year

International students can choose from one of three popular pathways:

• Apply directly to a 4-year university

• Transition from Community College

• Study the preparatory program before entering the official freshman year

Studying in the U.S. at the undergraduate level offers paid internship (CPT) and post-graduate work (OPT) opportunities, and opens up career prospects.

4.4 American Vocational Training Program

Vocational study abroad in the United States focuses on practical skills training, suitable for those who want to quickly enter the labor market. The duration of study is short, ranging from 6 months to 2 years, after which students can receive a certificate or vocational degree.

4.5 American Summer Study Abroad Program

Summer Study Abroad in the USA is a short-term program lasting from 2 to 6 weeks, for students from 14 to 18 years old. This is an opportunity for students to improve their English and experience the learning environment, culture and life in the United States.

During the participation period, students will learn intensive English, participate in extracurricular activities, visit prestigious universities and interact with international friends.

Reference cost: about 5,000 – 7,000 USD, depending on the duration and content of the program.

5.1. Papers and dossiers to be prepared

To apply for a U.S. student visa (F-1), you need to prepare all the required documents and supporting documents for the interview.

🔹 Required Documents

• Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (Form DS-160)

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of entry into the U.S.

• 5x5 cm card photo, white background, taken within the last 6 months

• Non-refundable visa application fee receipt: $160 USD

• Form I-20 with endorsement and signature of the U.S. school

• Receipt of payment of SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Tracking System)

Note: Missing an I-20 or SEVIS will not be able to schedule a visa interview.

🔹 Interview Supporting Documents

In addition to the required documents, you should prepare the following supporting documents to increase the chances of passing the visa:

• Proof of binding documents in Vietnam

• Proof of financial documents

• Documents proving the financial sponsor (if any)

• Academic records: transcripts, transcripts, degrees, foreign language certificates (IELTS...) and related certifications

You can refer to the very simple procedure for applying for a US student visa from A - Z to learn carefully about the documents you need to prepare and the actual visa application process!

5.2. The process of applying for a US student visa

Although the procedure for applying for a US student visa is considered quite complicated, the actual process is relatively clear and includes 4 basic steps as follows:

Step 1: Receive the I-20 form and complete the DS-160 form

First, you need to be accepted by your school in the U.S. and issued an I-20 form – this is a required document to apply for a U.S. student visa.

After receiving your I-20, you will fill out the Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160) online and save the confirmation page to use when scheduling your interview.

Step 2: Pay the visa application fee and SEVIS fee

After completing the DS-160, you will need to pay the following fees:

• U.S. Student Visa (F-1) Application Fee: $160

• SEVIS Fee: 350 USD

These fees are paid in Vietnamese currency at the exchange rate at the time of submission and are non-refundable in any case.

Step 3: Make an appointment for a visa interview

After completing the application and paying the fee, you proceed to make an appointment for a visa interview through the official interview registration system of the US Consulate (CGI Federal).

You need to choose:

• Interview location (Ho Chi Minh City) Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi)

• Suitable interview date and time

Step 4: Visa Interview at US Consulate/Embassy

You come to the interview on the right day, on time as scheduled and bring all the prepared documents.

During the interview, the Consular Officer will focus on assessing:

Goals and plans to study in the USA

Financial Ability

Intention to return to Vietnam after completing the study program

The U.S. student visa approval process typically takes about 2–2.5 months. Prepare your resume and stay confident so that the interview goes smoothly.

6.1 What do you need to study in the U.S.

To prepare a complete application to study in the US, you need to divide it into basic documents and additional documents:

Basic Documents

• An application form issued by the school.

• A copy of a valid passport.

• Transcripts/transcripts studied, translated into English.

• Valid English language certificate (IELTS,...).

• Confirm international standardized tests if required by the school (SAT, ACT,...).

Additional Documents

Personal Statement:

Personal Statement:

Note: Carefully research the requirements of each school before applying to increase your chances of admission.

6.2 Deadlines for Applying to Study in the U.S.

Studying in the US needs to plan carefully, especially in terms of application time. Each school applies its own admission forms with different application and results announcement. Here are the common forms:

1. Early Decision (ED)

• For students who have firmly determined their aspirations at a school.

• If admitted, it is mandatory to withdraw applications at other schools.

• Application Deadline: ED I: November, ED II: January

• Receiving results: ED I: December, ED II: February

Early Action (EA)

• Early enrollment is not binding, it is still possible to submit to other schools.

• Application Deadline: 10–11 months

• Get results: December–1

Regular Decision (RD)

• The most common form, submitting multiple schools at the same time, is not committed.

• The time to prepare the application is longer, which helps to complete the essay, letters of recommendation, and financial paperwork.

• Application Deadline: December–1

• Getting Results: 3–4 Months

Rolling Admissions (RA)

• Flexible enrollment, continuous application until the quota is met.

• Receive results within a few weeks of submitting your application.

• The earlier you submit, the higher your chances of getting admitted.

7. Latest Cost of Studying in the US

The cost of studying in the U.S. will vary depending on your level of study, school, region of residence, and personal spending style. The total cost of studying in the US can range from 18,928 to 100,000 USD/year (about 480 million to 2 billion 250 million VND) (including tuition fees and living expenses). Here are the expenses you need to pay when studying in the U.S.:

Many parents wonder how much money is needed to study in the US. In fact, the cost of studying in the U.S. will depend on your level of study, school, and region. On average, the total cost of studying in the US ranges from 18,900 to 100,000 USD/year (equivalent to 480 million – 2.25 billion VND/year), including tuition and living expenses.

Here are the main expenses you need to prepare for when studying in the U.S.

7.1. Tuition fees to study in the US

The United States has issued general standards for tuition fees, so the tuition fee depends on the regulations of each school. Tuition fees will vary based on many factors such as the location of the school, the school's ranking, the field you study,.... The tuition fees to be paid are expected as follows:

Vietcom exchange rate on 07/01/2026: 1 USD = 26,378 VND

The above fee is only for reference because it depends a lot on different factors.

7.2. Living expenses

In addition to tuition, you will have to pay for living expenses, in the US, living expenses are also relatively expensive, estimated as follows:

The above expenses are not fixed but depend on personal needs and purposes. However, the cost of living in the US is quite expensive compared to other countries such as New Zealand, Canada, etc

To find out more detailed information about the fees that you need to pay during the process of studying in the US, you can refer to How much does it cost to study in the USA?

Paying tuition fees and living expenses for international students sometimes faces many difficulties. Don't worry, IDP will support you to transfer money internationally safely and quickly right below!

The U.S. program is highly regarded for its diversity of disciplines and top-notch teaching quality, meeting most of the learning needs of international students. However, not all majors are trained at all schools, so choosing the right major from the beginning is a very important factor.

If you are wondering what major to study in the US, here are the top 5 highly rated majors in the US based on the quality of training, job opportunities, and income level after graduation:

🔹 Computer Science

This is the most developed major in the US, especially suitable for those who are passionate about IT and technology. Computer Science graduates often have a high starting salary and many job opportunities at large technology corporations. However, the conditions for studying in the US are quite competitive, requiring a good academic background and logical thinking.

🔹 Communication

The Communication industry is a prominent trend in the American education system, opening up many career opportunities in fields such as business, advertising, marketing, journalism, and event organization. This is a suitable choice for students who want to study in the U.S. in a creative and dynamic way.

🔹 Political Science

Although it is still quite new to many American students, Political Science is a highly academic and applied discipline. Students can pursue careers such as lawyers, journalists, policy specialists, diplomats, especially suitable for those who love research and social analysis.

🔹 Business Administration

Business is one of the most chosen majors when studying in the US thanks to its wide development potential. Graduates can work at large enterprises, multinational corporations or start their own businesses with a stable income and high promotion opportunities.

🔹Economics

The Department of Economics focuses on training macro knowledge, helping students understand the laws of production, exchange and consumption of goods. This is the right platform for those who are oriented to work in fields such as finance, data analytics, banking or policymaking.

In addition, you can learn more about the top popular majors when studying in the US to have a more comprehensive view of the conditions for studying in the US, job opportunities, tuition fees to study in the US as well as choosing a major that suits your abilities and future career goals.

9. Scholarships to study in the USA

Hunting for scholarships to study in the US helps you reduce financial pressure

Currently, the U.S. government and universities in the U.S. offer a wide range of scholarships to study in the U.S. and support policies for international students, significantly reducing the cost of studying and living.

Every year, the US attracts hundreds of thousands of international students to study and work. Therefore, many high schools, colleges and universities in the US have implemented valuable scholarship programs to encourage and support international students.

The U.S. government has its own regulations and policies for international students to ensure that students focus on their studies while still having the opportunity to gain real-world experience during their studies.

🔹 Regulations on overtime work

• U.S. students on F-1 visas are not allowed to work part-time as in some other countries.

• During the main course, students can only work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours/week.

• During official holidays (summer vacation, winter vacation), students can work up to 40 hours/week if the work is valid.

🔹 Popular Part-Time Jobs on Campus

American students can work in jobs such as:

• Library supervision and supervision

• Teaching Assistant (TA)

• Research Assistant (RA)

• Faculty Office Assistant

• Student support, new student guidance

💵 Average salary: about $8 – $20 per hour, depending on location, school and state.

🔹 Off-campus overtime (CPT & OPT) policy

In addition to working on campus, U.S. students can work off-campus if they are eligible:

• CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Work directly related to the major being studied, usually applied during the study period.

• OPT (Optional Practical Training): Allows students to work after graduation (or during their studies if eligible), for a maximum of 12 months, and for STEM majors alone, it can be extended up to 36 months.

11. Career opportunities after studying in the U.S.

Studying in the U.S. opens up a wide range of career opportunities for international students thanks to a Bachelor's degree in the U.S. that is globally recognized and highly valued in the international labor market. During their studies, students are not only equipped with in-depth academic knowledge, but also participate in extracurricular activities, internships, and practical projects, helping to improve their professional skills and work experience.

For those who wish to work and settle in the US, opportunities are still open if they have solid professional capacity and appropriate field of study. Currently, the US is experiencing a shortage of human resources in many fields such as healthcare, architecture – construction, computer engineering, programming, agriculture, etc. Choosing these majors will help international students increase their chances of finding a job and developing a long-term career in the United States.

In the case of returning to Vietnam, American students are always highly appreciated by domestic employers. The popular starting salary can reach 1,000 – 2,000 USD/month, along with many opportunities to work at multinational enterprises or startups based on the knowledge, skills and global mindset accumulated during the study abroad process. In fact, many American students have succeeded and developed sustainable careers after returning home.

Opportunities open after you graduate in the U.S.

Free Study Abroad Consultation in the USA

12. How to study in the USA economically

Studying in the US is the dream of many of you, but many of you are worried about the expensive cost of studying and living. However, your dream of studying in the U.S. can completely become a reality if you plan your finances and information. Here are some suggestions to help you study in the U.S. more economically:

Part-time work

Although the part-time study abroad policy in the U.S. is somewhat stricter than in many other countries, students can still find job opportunities on campus to gain experience while covering living expenses. Some common positions that international students can do include:

• Library supervisor: about $13.75/hour

• Teaching assistant for introductory classes: $12 – $16 per hour

• Faculty office assistant: from $15 to $16.5 per hour

• Research assistant: about $15-16 per hour

In addition, according to the innovative policies in recent years, international students can apply for permission to work off-campus through programs such as OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

Choosing a low-cost school

Choosing a school also affects your total cost of studying in the U.S. Public universities or medium-sized schools in the state of California not only ensure the quality of training but also have affordable tuition fees. Here are some schools with reasonable tuition fees that you can refer to:

• California State University, Long Beach

• San Francisco State University

• California State University, Fresno

• Humboldt State University

These schools all have tuition fees ranging from 17,000 to 23,000 USD/year, significantly lower than those of well-known private universities.

Instead of applying directly to universities with a 4-year study period, you can choose the pathway to start with a community college. This is an economical study abroad option, with a tuition fee of approximately $ 9,000 – $ 12,000 per year. After completing the first 2 years of study, you can transfer to year 3 at a prestigious university. This route not only helps to significantly save tuition fees but also alleviates academic pressure in the early stages of adaptation.

Depending on the type of visa, the time you will be allowed to stay in the U.S. is completely different. If you study in the US on an F1 visa, the maximum time you can stay is 60 days, while for M1 and J1, it is only 30 days. To have the opportunity to settle down for a long time after graduating from studying in the US, you can refer to the following ways:

• Work visas: There are many different types of visas and different lengths of stay, but this is not easy for new graduates because you need a company's guarantee.

• OPT

  (Optitional Practical Tranning) Program: The program requires you to complete a maximum of one year in your field of study. If you want to settle after graduation, you need to apply for OPT immediately after completing your course. If you successfully complete your course, you will receive an H-1B sponsorship and eventually have the opportunity to transition to a green card.

• EW or EB5 Investment Program: This may be the easiest way for international students, you can easily get a green card, but it will cost a lot of money, and the prerequisite is that you need to make sure you can invest the equivalent of $500,000 (which will then be refunded).

13. Experience studying in the USA

To be able to study in the US, you can refer to the experiences of former students advised by IDP as follows:

• Experience in finding and choosing a school: It is recommended to make a table to compare schools, first of all, it is necessary to see the location of the school you want to study, you need to answer the question of what major you want to study? You should take personality tests to find out your strengths and choose your favorite major.

• U.S. student visa interview experience: You can refer to and outline frequently asked questions when going to the interview, which can be found

  here. You should answer briefly, accurately, and correctly on the application, you will feel more trusted by the Consulate. In addition, you should prepare a detailed study plan to convince the interviewer. And especially, you should prepare yourself to be as comfortable and confident as possible.

• Experience in hunting for American scholarships: You should learn about scholarships to study in the US through official scholarship websites and apply for scholarship positions that are really suitable for you. In addition, you can look for centers to find the most appropriate scholarship, and the path to getting a scholarship is also shorter when there is a direct guide.

In addition to the above sharing, you can refer to 8 experiences of studying in the US from international students to be able to have a more objective view of the reality of life in the US from those who came before you.

1. Is it possible to study in the US without IELTS?

Studying in the U.S. may not require IELTS depending on the school, but you will need to take an intensive English course, which usually lasts one semester to a year, before entering the school. (depending on your initial English proficiency)

2. Which university in the US has the cheapest tuition for international students?

Universities in the U.S. in remote urban areas and in low-cost states will have cheaper tuition fees, including:

• College of Southern Nevada: $11,340/ 1 semester

• California State University, Fresno: $33,614 USD/year.

• Arkansas State University: $12,744USD/year

• University of Cincinnati: $30,010 / year

• Central Michigan University: $19,200/ year

• Southern Arkansas University: $15,010/ year

3. Which state is best for international students?

In the US, there are 5 of the best states for international students because of the busyness and development, specifically:

• California

• New York

• Texas

• Massachusetts

• Illinois

See more: Which state should you choose to study in the US?

4. Can I work part-time while studying in the US?

During the first school year, students are allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. Students from 2nd year onwards are allowed to work off-campus but must be approved by USCIS.

5. How many years does it take to study in the US?

Depending on each level of study, major, curriculum and school, there will be separate periods of time. On average, the study abroad period will last from 2 to 5 years.

In general, studying in the US has always been a dream for many people because of the world's most advanced education system along with a variety of disciplines and scholarships to support international students. However, the competition of these support packages is very high, so you should look for counseling centers to save time searching and get advice on studying in the United States with the most perfect route.

Prepare your application to study in the USA with IDP!

With a team of American study abroad consultants with more than 55 years of experience, IDP will help you choose the right major and course for your own strengths and orientation. In addition, IDP consultants will also assist you in applying for admission, tracking your progress, receiving a confirmation letter from the school, and registering for the IELTS test with many attractive offers

In particular, you will be able to practice the interview process, complete your application to study in the US with a visa pass rate of up to 95% and equip yourself with skills before going to study abroad. You can attend study abroad festival events to have a direct conversation with school representatives, review applications on the spot, and hunt for scholarships to study abroad with a value of up to 100%.

In addition to the existing offices in cities, you can consult to study in the U.S. through the online IDP office and access all online services anywhere.

IDP is a leading study abroad counseling center with more than 55 years of experience in the field of study abroad counseling in Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland, helping Vietnamese students realize their dreams of studying in the US. To make your journey to conquer your dream of studying in the U.S. more convenient, contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for support.

Contact IDP to start your study abroad consultation in the USA today!

See more:

• Scholarships to study in the USA

• How much money does it cost to study in the USA?

• Famous Universities in the US