College Guide for International Students

International students enter the United States with the specific purpose of studying at an American college or university. According to the Migration Policy Institute, international students made up over 5% of the U.S. college and university population in 2021. This percentage is likely to rise in the coming years.

This college guide provides information and resources for international students pursuing higher education in the U.S. We outline some challenges international students face, offer resources, identify organizations that support international students, and share international student experiences.

Top degrees in STEM. According to Open Doors, over 20% of international students study engineering in 2020-2021. Math and computer science was the second most popular field of study among international students.

Growing populations. According to the Migration Policy Institute, international students made up more than 5% of college and university communities during the 2019-2020 school year. The steady increase of international students over time shows the value of a U.S. education.

Top states: According to Open Doors, over 30% of international students attended an institution in California, New York, or Texas in 2020-2021. New York University hosted more international students than any other university in the country.

China and India lead. Open Doors reports that a majority of international students were from China and India during the 2020-2021 academic year. Students from China represented nearly 35% of the international student population, and students from India represented over 18%.

Graduates enhance industries. According to the Pew Research Center, international students who remained in the U.S. to start their careers increased by 400% between 2008 and 2016. Students educated in the U.S. improve industries across the country.

COVID-19 travel restrictions. Travel regulations have limited international students’ ability to attend U.S. colleges and universities. The pandemic caused a decline in international student enrollment. While 2021-2022 enrollment increased, pandemic-related travel restrictions may continue to play a role in international students access to higher education.

Language barrier. English is frequently the default language of use in the United States. If a student has yet to attain sufficient fluency, their need to learn English may get in the way of higher education success. If English is a new language for them, learning it while enrolled in a degree program can prove challenging. Students may need to take classes or lessons to improve their fluency.

Financial responsibility. Moving abroad can be a costly investment for international students. In addition to tuition fees, students must also pay for required visas, travel expenses, phone and bank services, and housing during campus breaks. Financial aid and scholarships may not cover all additional international education costs.

Campus representation. Students from around the world bring their own unique cultural and personal perspectives to their college campuses. However, not all institutions have large international student populations or diverse student bodies, which can lead international students to feel isolated.

Cultural differences. American cultural norms like holiday celebrations, tipping in restaurants, and making eye contact during conversation may differ from some other countries. International students may find that some cultural differences challenge their way of life or affect their campus experience.

Choosing a College. Selecting the right college or university requires careful planning. With over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., choosing the right school may feel challenging. Consider the school’s location, student population, financial aid options, and degree programs.

Applying to College. Typical college applications require students to submit standardized test scores, personal essays, transcripts, and recommendations. Some colleges require additional elements from international students, like language assessments or writing samples. Contact the admissions office of each school to ensure you meet all necessary application requirements.

Applying for a Student Visa. International students must possess a visa to study and live in the U.S. Visa requirements differ based on the institution and your country of origin. Visa applications can take six months or more to process.

Paying for College. Some schools charge international students higher tuition rates and academic fees. Consider affordable schools within your budget and keep track of visa, flight, and living expenses. Part-time jobs, student loans, and scholarships can also help cover costs.

As you make your checklist for international travel, remember these essential items.

Cell phone. Before you leave home, ensure that your cell phone company operates in the U.S. or arrange to start a new plan once you arrive.

Bank account. Setting up a bank account will allow you to send easily send and receive funds.

Legal documentation. Your passport, visa, or green card is critical to keep in a safe place while traveling and studying abroad.

Prescriptions. Travel with medical history documentation and current medications to pass on to medical providers.

Admissions letter. Keep a printed copy of your admissions letter with other travel documents to show officials as needed.

Transcripts. Travel with copies of academic transcripts to share with institutions when required.

Emergency contacts. Share your list of emergency contact names, email addresses, and phone numbers with at least one person in the U.S.

State ID. Travel within the U.S. with your student ID or government-issued identification.

International Student Resource Center: Colleges and universities that accept international students likely operate a dedicated office to support academic and campus needs. International student centers typically provide immigration and visa support and may offer social activities.

English Language School: For international students seeking support with language development, on-campus learning centers may prove to be a helpful resource. College and university programs can help students improve their English language skills and better understand American culture.

Writing Centers: Writing centers help students develop or improve their writing, reading comprehension, and study skills. Many centers also provide individualized support, classes, and tutors. Writing centers can support international students’ and multilingual learners’ diverse language needs.

Career Services: While in college, international students can apply for internships, fellowships, and part-time jobs to improve their career prospects. Career service centers offer help navigating the search, application, and interview processes.

International Student Housing: International student housing can help you establish connections and build community among peers with similar backgrounds. Some international student housing options stay open during campus closures, providing housing options for students who cannot travel home for breaks.

Institute of International Education: IIE provides over 200 programs for international students seeking higher education and language learning.

Center for Global Education: By collaborating directly with colleges and universities, the center provides academic, health, and safety resources for international students.

Education USA: “Five Steps to U.S. Study” provides guidance that supports international students’ higher education experiences.

National Association for Foreign Student Affairs: NAFSA provides plans and financial aid resources to help students prepare for an international college experience.

U.S. Department of Education: The International and Foreign Language Education Department provides students with information on higher education institutions and fellowship programs.

Sister Cities International: Sister Cities supports international programming, partnerships, and exchanges around the world. Students receive academic support and scholarship options.

American Council on Education: ACE’s international student resources include curricula and campus supports.

Comparative and International Education Society: CIES promotes international education through research and student collaboration.

Council on International Education Exchange: The organization’s student resources include study abroad programming, scholarships, and internship opportunities.

Council on Standards for International Educational Travel: CSIET evaluates and certifies international exchange programs in higher education.

International students can receive scholarships in the United States. Scholarships for international students include full and partial tuition funding. Individual colleges and universities also offer scholarships for international students who study at their institutions. Scholarship application requirements vary by organization or school. Some scholarships require multiple steps — essays, recommendations, and interviews — while others ask only for a completed application document.

International students travel from their home countries to other countries to study at an institution of higher education. Individual colleges and universities set their own guidelines for who qualifies as an international student at their institution. Students who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status typically qualify as international students. Research the international student requirements for each college or university before applying.

International students can travel to different countries for educational experiences that best suit their goals. Once enrolled in a college or university degree program, international students can improve their language skills, gain access to career opportunities, and expand their global network. International students have the opportunity to build global perspectives on living and working.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, international students made up about 5% of the U.S. college and university population during the 2020-2021 academic year. Some schools have higher populations of international students than others. For example, over 20% of the fall 2023 first-year class at NYU is international students. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in the number of international students in the U.S. However, the number of international students steadily increases year after year.

Acceptance rates for colleges and universities in the U.S. are not standard across institutions. Some schools are very selective with rigorous admissions practices, while other institutions offer high rates of acceptance. As you search for your top schools, check out their acceptance rates and admissions requirements to determine how difficult they are to get into.