1. Will student get financial aid at the PhD level certainly?
Not necessarily, since universities may offer admission even without aid too, based on the interest and financial situation of the department concerned.
2. Do all universities offer scholarships?
Some of the universities offer scholarships to international students.
3. What are the pre-requisite tests for admission into various programs of US universities?
TOEFL or IELTS for English proficiency, SAT for undergraduate level programs GRE for MS programs and GMAT for Management-related programs.
4. When does one start the application process?
One should start at least 6 to 9 months before the start of semester.
5. What are the deadlines for each semester?
Fall (Aug./Sept) – 31st March
Spring (Jan.) – 30th September
Summer (April) – 30th November
Winter (November) – end May
6. Do all universities follow same deadlines? What if deadline is missed?
Not necessarily. If a deadline is missed the university may consider application for next intake.
7. Can a three years bachelor degree holder get admission into masters?
Yes certain universities do offer direct admission into masters.
8. What are the documents required to be sent after applying?
Degree Certificate/ Provisional (All Bachelors, Masters and any Diplomas)
Degree/ Diploma Mark sheets
10+2 Mark sheet + certificate (H.S.C)
10th Mark sheet + certificate (S.S.C.)
Recommendation letters from college as well as from work in a sealed envelope
TOEFL / IELTS Scores
GRE/GMAT/SAT Scores if needed
Bank Statement (Original Copies)
Affidavit of Support
Statement of Purpose
Photographs
Copy of Passport
Work experience if available
Special Information or requirements if any.
9. How to pay the application fee?
The best way is to pay online, through credit card.
10. How should we write a SOP?
The general issues which must be addressed in SOP are academic background, achievements, interest in the field of study chosen, future plans and why a student is keen to study in a specific university.
11. What are the minimum requirements for granting aid?
Excellent academic performance, test scores and SOP highlighting the eligibility of candidate for aid are the minimum requirements for grant of an aid before enrolling.
12. How is a scholarship different from assistantship?
Scholarship does not require any compensatory work, whereas Assistantship (Research, Teaching or Administrative) require work contribution.
13. When should I apply for student visa?
It is advisable to apply 90 days prior to the date of enrolment stated in the I-120 form.
14. What is SEVIS Fee? How can one pay that fee?
SEVIS is Student Exchange Visitor Information System, of the US Government, to keep track of international students arriving in the USA. A fee of US $ 200 has to be paid by each student, before applying for a visa.It can be paid online through credit card. The website is
www.fmjfee.com
15. What are the financial requirements to apply for visa?
One must show at least 1st year tuition fees and living expenses in liquid while there has to be a provision for consecutive years.
16. What is the average cost of education and living in US?
It is $ 20,000 to 30,000 per year.
17. Can an international student work while studying in the US?
A student can work. up to 20 hrs. a week while studying, on campus.