Study in the United States

The United States has the widest choice of universities and colleges in the world, from large public research universities to small private colleges. Bachelor’s degrees are flexible, so you can try several subjects before choosing a major, and science and technology graduates can stay on to work for up to three years.

• The widest choice

  Thousands of accredited institutions, from community colleges to research universities, at a range of costs and entry levels.

• Flexible degrees

  Most bachelor’s students choose their major in the second year, and can add a minor in a second subject.

• Scholarships for international students

  Many universities award merit scholarships with the offer, based on your grades and test scores.

• Work after you graduate

  Optional Practical Training lets you work for up to 12 months after your degree, or up to 36 months in science and technology fields.

Also on our list

• California State University
• Kent State University
• Minnesota State University
• Montclair State University
• Oklahoma State University
• Tuskegee University
• University of Central Florida
• University of Dayton
• Western Kentucky University
• Wichita State University
• Hillsborough Community College
• Riverside City College

• Fall

  Classes start

  August

  Apply

  September to March

  The main intake. Scholarship deadlines often fall between December and February.

• Spring

  Classes start

  January

  Apply

  May to October

  Fewer programmes. Leave time for the visa interview.

Community collegesTwo-year associate degrees, often a route into a university.

USD 8,000 to 15,000 a year

Public universitiesAt the out-of-state rate charged to international students.

USD 20,000 to 40,000 a year

Private universitiesBefore scholarships, which are often larger at private universities.

USD 35,000 to 65,000 a year

Living costsDepends on the city. Your I-20 states the figure your university expects.

USD 12,000 to 20,000 a year

• English

  • IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 for bachelor’s, 6.5 to 7.0 for master’s
  • TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test accepted by many universities

• Academic

  • Bachelor’s: HSC or equivalent; the SAT or ACT is optional at many universities but can help with scholarships
  • Master’s: a four-year bachelor’s degree; some programmes ask for the GRE or GMAT

• Student visa

  • A Form I-20 from a university certified to enrol international students
  • Proof of funds for at least the first year
  • Clear study plans and ties to Bangladesh, explained at the interview
  • Social media accounts set to public, as the US now requires

1. 01

   Shortlist universities, 12 months ahead

   Compare programmes, costs and scholarships, and check each university’s test requirements.

2. 02

   Take your tests

   IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo, plus the SAT, GRE or GMAT where your universities ask for them.

3. 03

   Apply

   Directly or through the Common App, with essays, recommendation letters and transcripts.

4. 04

   Accept an offer and receive your I-20

   Send your financial documents so the university can issue the form.

5. 05

   Pay the SEVIS fee and complete the DS-160

   Then pay the visa fee and book an interview at the US Embassy in Dhaka.

6. 06

   Attend the visa interview

   Bring your I-20, financial documents and academic records, and explain your study plans clearly.

• While you study

  Up to 20 hours a week on campus during term, and full time during breaks. Work off campus needs authorisation, such as Curricular Practical Training linked to your course.

• After you graduate

  Optional Practical Training (OPT) of up to 12 months, with a 24-month extension for eligible science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees.