Topping the wish list of many students from developing nations and even some developed nations is the dream of acquiring their university degrees in the United States. It is however somewhat difficult for these students since they do not even know how to go about it.
Some might wonder if universities in the US will admit international students or which universities in the USA they can apply to. And some others would be worried about the cost and requirements for studying in the USA.
Don’t let such worries put you off your dream of studying in one of the best countries in the world. This piece will show you different study and work opportunities in the United States openly available for international students.
Quick List: Top 10 US Universities International Students can easily Get Admitted
US universities, including the ‘free’ universities in the United States, admit lots of international students yearly. Here are some of the top universities that receive a high number of international students and will do this without much stress.
- Ohio State University, Columbus
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Washington
- University of Texas, Dallas
- Boston University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Colombia University
- Arizona State University, Tempe
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Scholarships for International Students in the USA
There are lots of scholarship opportunities in the United States for international students to help ease the cost of studying and living in the State. Some of these scholarship opportunities require the IELTS Certification while there are others you can apply for without IELTS. Refer to our post on Top 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students
Scholarships in the USA without IELTS
We have earlier listed these Top 15 United States Scholarships without IELTS you can apply for, additional you can also explore the following scholarships awarded by top US organizations and universities and, in most cases, requiring No IELTS to apply:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program:
the US government funds this scholarship. It is available to graduates, artists, and professionals.
2. American University Emerging Leaders Scholarship:
This scholarship is for international students who have leadership qualities, excellent academic records, and carry instincts that can change the world.
3. Harvard University MBA Scholarships:
This highly-valued business scholarship is open to international students who apply to Harvard University to study for an MBA program.
4. Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarships:
This scholarship is great for students who enjoy traveling especially, international students applying to study for an undergraduate degree at a US university.
5. Clark Merit Scholarships:
The Clark merit scholarships are given to students in their first undergraduate year. The criteria are usually excellent academic accomplishments.
6. Global Undergraduate Exchange Program of USA:
This scholarship scheme is an exchange program designed to make it easier for international students to study in the United States.
7. Mastercard Foundation Scholarships:
This set of scholarships are designed with African students in mind. It helps to encourage and support them to go for degree studies in the US.
8. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program:
The government funds this initiative to groom students in building a better society. Students who display leadership abilities and desire to change the world for good are eligible.
9. The NextGen Scholarships:
The NextGen scholarship is an Andrew Sawyer initiative to help lessen the burden of international students studying in the USA. It has a $1,000 value and students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to become eligible.
10. Obama Foundation Scholars Program
Hosted at Columbia University, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program is a fully-funded leadership development program that brings together rising leaders from the United States and around the world who demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries and regions
Also Check: Top 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International students
Work Opportunities in the USA for International Students
Working while studying in the USA is another excellent way to ease the cost of education and living while gaining applicable work experience. There are work opportunities for international students in the US. These jobs can be categorize as follows:
On-Campus Jobs
These job types are usually available for international students with f1-visa in their first year of study. These are jobs within the campus environment or outside the campus in affiliated organizations.
On-campus jobs relate to the school’s curriculum and may provide direct service to students. Examples of on-campus jobs are mailroom attendant, teaching assistant in college, barista, student library assistant, and campus ambassador.
Off-Campus Jobs
Jobs off-campus are for international students who have completed their first academic year. Students undergoing economic hardship such as loss of an on-campus job that is not the student’s fault, loss of financial aid, huge rise in the tuition fee or cost of living, etc., can also apply.
Examples of off-campus jobs include cashier, retail sales associate, bank teller, driver, and social media assistant.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Jobs under CPT are short-term permits to give students real-life experiences in their field of study in US universities. Students can do CPT jobs full-time without being restricted by limits placed on work hours.
Curricular practical training could be internships, summer internships, or co-ops that could be paid or unpaid jobs.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT jobs are also related to your area of study. Students qualified for optional practical training can get employment for up to 12 months, working 20 hours every week. There are pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT.
- Pre-completion OPT is open to students who have gone through one academic year in the US and their programs are still ongoing. They can work full time during holidays and 20 hours weekly during school sessions.
- Post-completion OPT is open to students when they complete their studies. They can work full time or 20 hours every week. Students with STEM degrees can do OPT jobs for 24 months.
See Also: 10+ USA Work-Study Opportunities for International Students You Can Apply Now
International students in the USA can work and earn up to $30,000 per year during study breaks and on part-time basis. The students will also gain job experiences and meet new people while adding extra change to their pockets. The above article, we believe, is able to answer some of your questions about study and work opportunities in the United States.