Studying a Bachelor's Degree in the USA

For students looking to take their studies to the global stage, obtaining a degree in the USA is an ideal study destination. The country is renowned for its vibrant, multicultural environment, providing a unique opportunity to build lasting, global connections with peers from all over the world. This appeal is clearly reflected in its popularity: the USA is consistently the world's most popular destination for international students, with 1,126,690 international students enriching its campuses during the 2023/24 academic year.

The quality of the USA's tertiary education system is consistently ranked among the best globally. In fact, four institutions frequently dominate international rankings—four secured spots in the top 10 of the 2025 rankings. Studying abroad in the USA not only exposes you to world-class teaching and cutting-edge research but also provides a dynamic platform for academic and personal growth.

For any international student, a US Bachelor's Degree offers a unique blend of academic freedom and practical career preparation that’s difficult to find elsewhere. Studying in the USA is an investment in your future that provides diverse benefits and opportunities for growth both inside and outside the lecture hall.

Academic excellence

The US education system is globally recognized for its academic excellence and flexible curriculum. You'll benefit from a liberal arts approach that encourages exploration across disciplines, state-of-the-art facilities, and faculty who are often leaders in their respective fields, setting you up for academic rigor and success.

Career and internship opportunities

One of the outstanding advantages of pursuing a university degree in the US is the opportunity to access a global job market. Universities often maintain close ties with businesses and professional organizations, facilitating student participation in internships, field projects, and collaborative training programs – thereby accumulating experience during their studies.

In addition, programs such as CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) allow Vietnamese students to work during and after completing their studies in their field of study. This is a significant competitive advantage, helping students gain practical experience, expand their professional network, and enhance their ability to enter the international job market after graduation.

Cultural diversity

Studying in America means immersing yourself in a true melting pot of cultures. Studying here exposes you to myriad cultures, perspectives, and ideas abroad, fostering essential cross-cultural communication skills. This diverse environment builds a valuable global network that’ll benefit you personally and professionally for years to come.

Vibrant campus life

Vibrant campus life in the US is famous worldwide. Universities offer thousands of student clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. This robust extracurricular environment ensures there is something for everyone, providing fantastic opportunities to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships.

The United States is home to some of the most prestigious and globally recognized universities in the world. Choosing a university is a personal decision, but reviewing global university rankings can give you an excellent starting point for academic excellence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (QS 2026 #1)

MIT is globally recognized as the world's top university for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology. This university in Boston maintains a powerful commitment to hands-on learning, research, and innovation, preparing students to tackle the world's most complex challenges.

Stanford University (QS 2026 #3)

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford is renowned for its culture of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong connections to the tech industry. It excels across numerous fields, from engineering and computer science to humanities and social sciences.

Harvard University (QS 2026 #5)

Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions globally, known for its distinguished faculty, extensive resources, and influential research across every major discipline. A degree from Harvard carries significant weight and global recognition.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (QS 2026 #10)

Caltech is a small, highly specialized institution famous for its intense focus on science and engineering research. Its undergraduate programs offer a low student-to-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention from world-leading scientists.

University of Chicago (QS 2026 #13)

The University of Chicago is celebrated for its rigorous, interdisciplinary Core Curriculum and its influential research in economics, law, and the social sciences. It fosters a strong tradition of intellectual debate and critical inquiry among its students.

Choosing where to live in the USA is nearly as important as choosing where to study. Your location dictates your cultural experiences, living costs, and job opportunities abroad. Here are some of the most popular states in America for university international students:

• California: Home to tech innovation and world-class public and private institutions. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco offer vibrant culture and excellent career opportunities.

• New York: Offers an unparalleled urban experience with strong programs in finance, arts, and media. Study in New York and access global industries right outside your campus.

• Texas: Known for its lower cost of living compared to coastal states, Texas boasts major economic centers and growing industries in energy, engineering, and technology, offering excellent job prospects upon graduation.

• Massachusetts: A dense hub of academia, known for its rich intellectual history, research facilities, and proximity to major medical centers.

Applying for a Bachelor's Degree in the USA requires meticulous planning, often starting well over a year before your intended start date. Understanding the entry requirements is the first hurdle in securing your spot for your study abroad experience at a top US institution.

Language requirements

Canada's top universities offer programs across a variety of specialisations in both English and French. To study a Bachelor's in Canada, you must meet the minimum English or French language proficiency scores set by your chosen institution. Here are the commonly accepted tests for English proficiency:

• IELTS Academic

• TOEFL iBT

• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)

• PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic

Do note that you may be exempt from these requirements if you have completed at least four years of full-time study in an English-speaking country.

If you need to prove your English proficiency for your application, connect with IDP today! We offer IELTS —the world’s most popular and trusted English test— to help you meet your university requirements.

Essential documents for applications

To make sure your application goes smoothly, you'll need to prepare several important documents. This step is key to showing you're ready to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada.

• Completed university application form

• Academic transcripts (high school/previous studies)

• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

• Personal essay or Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

• Valid Passport copy 
  

Step-by-step application guide

Learning how to get a Bachelor's Degree in Canada is straightforward when you follow these steps. Take your time with each one as careful preparation leads to the best results:

• First, research programs and entry requirements (a crucial first step)

• Next, meet language proficiency (book and take your IELTS/TOEFL)

• Then, gather and submit all necessary documentation (transcripts, essays, LORs)

• Finally, submit your university application online before the deadlin

he cost of a Bachelor's Degree in the USA can vary dramatically, but understanding the typical ranges and available financial aid options is key to responsible planning.

Average annual tuition fees

Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the US vary widely based on whether the institution is public (state-funded) or private. Public university tuition typically ranges from US$25,000 to US$45,000 per year for international students, while private university tuition is generally higher, ranging from US$50,000 to US$60,000 per year. This tuition, combined with your living expenses, forms your total cost of studying in the USA.

Scholarships and financial aid

Despite the high tuition costs, the USA offers extensive funding opportunities for undergraduate degrees. Students should actively explore these scholarship options to ease their financial burden:

• Federal or Government Portals: While US federal aid is typically for domestic students, government portals often list external scholarships available to international applicants

• University-Specific Scholarships: Most institutions offer their own merit-based or need-based scholarships specifically for international students

• External Sources: Look for scholarships provided by private organizations, foundations, or your home country's government

For more scholarship options, we have provided a comprehensive scholarship and financial aid guide for you. You can also find opportunities by searching on government portals, university websites, and external sources, such as by contacting education consultants like IDP.

To legally pursue your Bachelor's Degree, you’ll need to obtain a non-immigrant student visa, typically an F-1 visa in the USA. This process begins only after you have been accepted by a certified school.

How to obtain a student visa in the USA

To begin the visa application process, you will need to:

1. Receive your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) from your university

2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee

3. Complete the online visa application (Form DS-160)

4. Pay the visa application fee

5. Schedule and attend a mandatory interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate

What you can do on a student visa

The F-1 student visa allows you to remain in the US for the duration of your full-time academic program. You must maintain a full course load, adhere to all academic policies, and keep your SEVIS record active.

In terms of employment, F-1 students are generally permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) on-campus while school is in session. Off-campus employment is highly restricted and requires authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), usually reserved for economic hardship or practical training.

This visa status serves as the legal framework for your entire study abroad experience, granting you access to university resources and enabling your academic focus. Maintaining compliance is paramount, as the visa is your key to all the educational opportunities the US has to offer.

Graduating with an undergraduate degree from a US institution significantly boosts your job opportunities both globally and within the US. The primary pathway for recent graduates to gain temporary work experience is through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT allows F-1 students to work for up to 12 months in a field directly related to their major. Students who graduate with a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field are eligible for the STEM OPT Extension, which allows them to extend their work authorization for an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months of work experience.

If you're wondering why this US work experience is invaluable, the answer lies in its ability to serve as a significant stepping stone should you wish to get longer-term professional visas, like the H-1B visa, or eventual immigration pathways.

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