Want to study in the United States?

Over 350 languages are spoken in the US, and the country houses the largest international student population in the world. American colleges organise social activities around cultural celebrations or holidays, embracing the diversity of their students.

This your chance to prepare for the world beyond school. Meet students on college campuses from different geographies, socioeconomic backgrounds, race and religion, and enrich your cultural experiences. 

You'll return home with more than just an international education. You'll also build a global mindset along with a new network of friends from all around the world.

Higher education in the US comes with quite a bit of flexibility. You can choose classes that are convenient for you. Grades largely depend on coursework, projects and exams, rather than mere attendance.

What to expect in the first few years

For your first 2 years, you'll take general education courses that everyone's required to take, like math and literature. However, if you decide to change your major after a few years, the American system will allow it. You'll focus on your chosen 'major' subject in the last 2 years of study.

Start at a community college to save money

The tuition in community colleges is significantly more affordable. So you can take general education courses there as a freshman, before transferring to another university to finish off your junior and senior years. Many universities have community college affiliates located in the same area.

GPA (Grade Point Average), the standard measure of academic success in the US, is important but it isn't everything. Universities also look at the student's participation in extracurricular activities and commitment to community service, in addition to their academic performance.

Top academic institutions usually require at least a 3.5 GPA (out of 4.0), but employers won't necessarily ask for your scores when you're applying for jobs. A good GPA can, however, get you into coveted clubs and organisations.

Emphasis on analytical skills

Unlike Chinese and Indian universities, which evaluate students on test scores, students in the US are graded on their analytical and problem solving capability.

Final exams account for only a portion of the GPA, which allows for a fairer evaluation of the student's knowledge and not just their ability to cram.

Why do a lot of students go to the US to study? Educational choices are pretty much like American culture itself: diverse. With a huge selection of elective courses, there's greater intellectual freedom in the a liberal arts education.

Compared to UK universities, which emphasise depth in 1 or 2 subjects, US colleges offer an array of subjects mandatory for everyone in their first 2 years. While degrees in the UK and India take 3 years, (except in Scotland), expect to study an extra year in the US.

If you've already arrived, this checklist for settling in might make your first week or two as an international student, easier.

The tuition fees will vary from USD 3,500 to 50,000/year:

In the US, there are 3 popular types of housing for international students, including dormitories, rental apartments and homestays (living with locals), the cost will also vary depending on the type of housing and city. Here are some housing expenses for your reference:

Besides tuition, international students need to prepare other living expenses such as housing, transportation, meals, books and personal entertainment. Here are some of the basic expenses that you may incur during your stay in the US:

According to the Value of Education, published in 2018 by HSBC Holdings plc., a global study into education trends, the average amount students say they spend over the course of a 4-year degree is USD 99,417.

Read more: The Value of Education (PDF)

(*)The information in this article has been obtained from various sources and is for reference purpose only. Tuition fee and living expenses may be lower or higher than the reference range, depending on your study program, school, city where you learn and yourself.

University students take up part-time jobs to cover their costs. 85% USA students are working in paid employment while studying, and for the majority (53%) this is out of financial necessity. Others work to gain experience that will help enhance their employability at the end of their course.

Simply leave your details and our Premier team will get in touch with you to help you with saving costs to study in the US.

Having foreign language certificates not only makes it easier for you to acquire knowledge when studying, but is also necessary for you to adapt to life in the US. The requirements for English proficiency vary for different levels and schools. 

English certificates are not necessary for high school students. However, they need to pass the SLEP test with a score above 45.

Most American colleges and universities require students to have TOEFL iBT from 61 to 79 points, and IELTS score above 5.5. 

If you are looking for conditions to study in the US, work on building your English proficiency. 

If you are looking to study in the US, you are required to prove that your financial resources are sufficient to meet your expenses during your stay. 

Although there is no specific amount to prove, on the Form I-20 provided by the school, students must confirm their own banking account balance. Usually the account balance is 1.5 times the required learning amount. The higher the balance, the greater the success rate of financial proof.

Open an HSBC Premier account before studying abroad to enjoy privileges both at home and abroad, be well-prepared to have memorable international experiences.

This is to help you easily pay for tuition fees, housing and other living expenses anytime, anywhere without any additional fee.

Simply leave your details and our Premier team will get in touch with you to help you with saving costs to study in the US.

Make local and global payments with your HSBC Premier Mastercard. While you're learning, enjoy these exclusive privileges and rewards.

Whether it's planning for your move or settling in, we are dedicated to support your journey every step of the way. We can help you with a complimentary 12-month access to a wide range of relocation benefits, including a free 30-day SIM card and exclusive pricing on select services.

The supplier will provide and deliver applicable SIM Card. Currently, wireless carrier is T-Mobile. Both the supplier and wireless carrier are subject to change. We will cover your cost for the first 30 days, thereafter, you may pay for a special pricing to continue using with the same SIM Card.

This SIM card is for use in USA only. It requires a handset compatible with 4G and above. The plan includes: 

For more information, check out Studying in the U.S with HSBC.

The US has always been a country that attracts a large number of international students to study abroad every year. Studying in the US not only helps you experience the world's top quality of education, but it also grants you an opportunity to establish independence, confidence and maturity. You will need time to adapt to the American lifestyle and culture. However, it is certain that studying abroad in the US enables you to step out of your comfort zone and you will find that every day of your life will be an opportunity to experience something new, either big or small.