Studying in the US at high school level: costs and conditions 2026

Studying in high school in the United States is becoming an attractive option for many Vietnamese students thanks to the top quality of education, dynamic environment, and comprehensive development opportunities. However, in order to be able to set foot in American high schools, students need to meet a number of important requirements in terms of academic ability, foreign languages, and personal records. In this article, IDP will help you discover 5 conditions, costs, and scholarships to study in high school in the U.S that any student needs to know before starting their study abroad journey.

1. Why study in the U.S. for high school?

1.1 Access to world-class education

• Students studying abroad in the US high school are taught according to a flexible program, focusing on critical and creative thinking.

• Schools to study in the United States and high schools have modern equipment and diverse curriculum from STEM, art to sports.

1.2. Increase your chances of getting into top universities

• Students studying in the United States will have a great advantage in terms of applications when applying to American universities.

• Participating in AP, Honors, or extracurricular activities helps increase your strengths in your study abroad application.

1.3. Comprehensive skill training environment

• Studying in high school in the U.S. helps students develop communication skills, independence, teamwork, and time management.

• This is the ideal period to get acquainted with the American academic style before the university.

1.4. Wide selection of suitable schools and programs

• From public schools, private schools to boarding schools, students have many options to study abroad in the United States in accordance with their goals and budget.

• The conditions for studying in the US at level 3 are also more diverse and easier to meet than at the university level.

1.5. Attractive scholarship opportunities

• Many high schools offer level 3 scholarships to study in the U.S. for students with good academic grades, giftedness, or outstanding extracurricular achievements. Students can save significantly when studying in the US at high school or high school in the US.

1.6. Cultural immersion and diverse living experiences

• Studying in the U.S. for high school students helps students broaden their horizons, experience a multicultural environment, and develop confidence.

• This is an important baggage for the future of study and international career.

2. Conditions for studying in the US high school in terms of age

The age of high school in the US is from 14 to under 18 years old, equivalent to about 9th to 12th grade according to the Vietnamese education system, which is also the first high school study in the US that IDP wants to mention. That means international students can apply to study abroad at the high school level in the US from the age of 14 and as high as 17 years old.

2.1 Conditions for studying in the US at level 3 in terms of health

Good health is also a necessary condition to be able to study in the United States. According to regulations, health-related information that is required to be provided when studying in the U.S. includes:

• Health information: Good health, no skin diseases, infectious diseases or severe allergies; information on vaccines that have been administered in the country and information on health insurance cards.

• Health History: Briefly list the health situation of your best friend from birth to the present. Complete and submit to the UI Student Health Service at least 1 month in advance from the date of departure to the United States.

• Vaccination History: Provide a vaccination record from a medical facility and submit it to UI Student Health Service at least 1 month prior to arrival in the U.S.

Information about health history, vaccination history,... will be an important basis to help you complete your application to study in the US. Moreover, it also helps you to be aware of your current health status to prepare a suitable learning path.

2.2 Conditions for studying in high school in the US in terms of education

• English language certificate: Studying in the U.S. at high school usually does not require a language degree, but it is more advantageous to apply for a visa to the U.S. if you have an English language certificate. If you don't have a certificate, you can also replace it by taking an ISSET (International Secondary School English Test) foreign language proficiency test.

• Transcript score on a 10-point scale: To have a beautiful study abroad application, you need to have an average academic ability of 8.0 or higher and good behavior throughout secondary school.

• SAT certificates: High school students in the U.S. may need one of several SAT or HSPT certificates to apply for financial aid scholarships from schools.

• The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is for students in grades 5 to 11 to attend private secondary and high schools in the United States. The test has a maximum total score of 2,400 with math, reading comprehension and essay writing skills. The average score required by schools is usually between 1,900 and 2,200 points.

• Letter of recommendation from a teacher at an old school in Vietnam.

2.3 Requirements to study in the US at level 3 in finance

Although there is no specific and accurate number of the amount to be proven, the Form I-20 provided by each school in the U.S. requires the financial condition of the student's parent or guardian. This helps schools to be sure that you don't drop out of your study in the U.S. due to insufficient financial resources. On average, the cost of high school education in the US includes the cost of accommodation:

Note: the above expenses include the cost of food and accommodation

2.4 Conditions for applying for a Tier 3 student visa in the US

As a level 3 condition to study in the United States, Visa is a travel document that helps you move and temporarily reside in other countries. Applying for a visa is the last condition but also the most important step for students preparing to study abroad. Preparing a high school student visa application for the U.S. requiring the following:

• Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).

• The passport is valid for at least 6 months.

• Two photos (5cmx5cm) taken during the last six months.

• Receipt of payment of non-immigrant visa application processing costs

• The Form I-20 (for F1 visas) or DS-2019 (for J1 visas) has been accepted by the school in the United States.

• Receipts for payment of fees by the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) - A system that tracks students, exchange visitors and relatives.

• Interview Appointment Letter

• Documents proving the economic condition of the family or guardian

Check out the following article: Top 10 High School Schools in the US & Tips for Students

The cost of studying in high school in the U.S. will vary by type of school and state. Here are the estimated costs of studying in the U.S. with different types of schools:

• Public High School: estimated at 18,000 – 25,000 USD/year

• Private Day School / Private High School: 25,000 – 50,000 USD/year

• Private – boarding school: about 30,000 USD to 60,000 USD/year (or more, depending on the school)

Note: For public schools, many places only accept international students on an exchange basis and usually up to 1 year.

4. Scholarship to study at a USA high school

Vietnamese students, when studying in high school in the US, can access many different scholarship programs to study in a US high school. This is an opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of studying in the U.S. for high school students while supporting students with good academic records, giftedness, or outstanding extracurricular achievements.

For U.S. high school study abroad programs, scholarships are usually based on academic performance, interviews, and English proficiency. Understanding the conditions for studying in the U.S. at a high school will help students increase their chances of receiving financial support when studying in the U.S. for high school students. You can refer to the list of scholarships of some schools as below:

Studying in a US high school with IDP.

Studying in high school in the U.S. offers Vietnamese students the opportunity to experience a cutting-edge educational environment that helps them develop comprehensively in both academic and social skills and expands their chances of getting into top universities. If you are looking for a solid start to your future academic and career path, studying in a United States high school is an opportunity to realise your dream of studying internationally.

With more than 56 years of global operation, IDP Education is proud to be a reputable study abroad consultancy unit, supporting international students from countries such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Coming to IDP, you will receive free consultation support:

• Consulting on choosing a high school in the US that is suitable for your capacity, aspirations and future orientation.

• A detailed guide to the requirements for studying in high school in the U.S.—including finances, applications, and study pathways.

• Assistance with visa procedures, finding accommodation, and necessary support services for you to feel secure before and after studying abroad.

If you're planning to study high school in the U.S., don't hesitate to contact IDP for advice—hotline 1900 6955. IDP is ready to accompany you to make your dream of studying internationally come true.