01 — ECOSYSTEM
World's widest ecosystem
Ivy League, Public Ivies, Liberal Arts and STEM-focused tech institutes — the U.S. university landscape is the world's most varied academic portfolio.
Study AbroadUnited States
LANDSCAPE · BOSTON · CHARLES RIVER
· · · ·Destination · United States
United States · US
United States
Holistic admissions, the widest university ecosystem.
Capital Washington DC·Language English·Currency $ USD
8
HIGHLIGHTED UNIVERSITIES
SAT · AP · IELTS
RECOMMENDED EXAMS
$10–25K
ANNUAL LIVING COSTS
20 HRS
F-1 ON-CAMPUS WORK
· · · ·Why Here
Why United States?
02 — HOLISTIC
Holistic admissions
Not just grades — extracurriculars, essays, recommendation letters and leadership signals together shape the application.
03 — AID
Need-based and merit aid
At need-blind or merit-aid universities, a meaningful share of tuition can be covered — the right shortlist can radically reshape the budget.
04 — OPT
Post-graduation OPT
OPT grants 12 months (36 months with the STEM extension) of work authorisation — a critical bridge from F-1 to H-1B.
· · · ·Student Cities
Where your campus could live.
A few different cities, a few different campus experiences — let's clarify which one fits you together.
· · · ·Highlighted Universities
Highlighted Universities and Institutions
At IYN Education & Consultancy we evaluate university, college, pathway and foundation options across many countries based on each student's academic profile, target field, budget and career plan. The institutions below are examples that stand out for their English-language options, international student admissions, academic reputation and programme variety.
Featured
Ivy League
Harvard University
One of the world's most prestigious universities — a top-tier target for academically exceptional students in Liberal Arts, Law, Medicine, Business, Government, Economics and Sciences.
Liberal ArtsLawMedicineBusinessEconomics
Featured
Ivy League
Stanford University
Strong in Technology, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Computer Science, Business and Social Sciences — its Silicon Valley proximity translates directly into career advantage.
TechnologyEntrepreneurshipEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness
Featured
Ivy League
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Among the world's strongest institutions in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Economics and Technology — a leading destination for top-tier STEM ambitions.
EngineeringComputer ScienceMathematicsPhysicsTechnology
Ivy League
Yale University
An Ivy League university with depth in Liberal Arts, Law, Humanities, Political Science, Economics and Arts — distinctive in both academic rigour and campus culture.
Liberal ArtsLawHumanities
Top Research
New York University (NYU)
Its New York footprint creates strong opportunities in Business, Arts, Film, Media, Social Sciences, Economics and International Relations.
BusinessArtsFilm
Top Research
University of California, Berkeley
A strong public research university in Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Political Science, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences — a highly competitive academic environment.
EngineeringComputer ScienceEconomics
Top Research
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Recognised for strong programmes in Film, Media, Psychology, Biology, Engineering, Economics and Social Sciences — its LA location adds cultural and professional reach.
FilmMediaPsychology
Top Research
University of Michigan
A strong research university in Engineering, Business, Economics, Political Science, Psychology and Social Sciences — distinctive in its large-campus model and powerful alumni network.
EngineeringBusinessEconomics
Note: this is not a list of formally contracted institutions — it shows examples of universities and institutions worth evaluating. The final application list for any given student is built individually around academic performance, language level, budget, programme preference, career goal and admission requirements.
Cost of Living
What does annual cost look like?
U.S. living costs vary widely by state, city and university type. As a general planning frame, annual student living costs run roughly USD 10,000–25,000. In big cities and at private universities the total can climb substantially. For 2025–26 the average U.S. room-and-board figure is reported at around USD 14,398 per year.
New YorkBostonLos AngelesSan Francisco
Accommodation
Accommodation options
On-campus housing is very common in the U.S., especially for first year — university dorms, meal plans and campus life are all core parts of the American model. In later years students often shift to off-campus apartments, shared houses or private student accommodation. Off-campus life in cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco can be very expensive.
New YorkBostonLos AngelesSan Francisco
Student Work Rights
Can students work?
F-1 students can usually work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term. Off-campus work is not automatic — it runs through CPT, OPT or specific authorisations. Any U.S. work plan should therefore be evaluated together with the visa status and the university's DSO office.
· · · ·Timeline & Visa
Twelve months out, step by step.
An overseas application is a long, structured process. To stay ahead of the deadlines, the right time to start is 12 months out.
−12 MO
University research
Identify target universities and programmes; narrow the shortlist.
−10 MO
Exam plan
Decide which of SAT / IB / AP / IELTS apply and lay out the calendar.
−8 MO
Applications open
Common App / UCAS / Studielink portals open; finalise the list of choices.
−5 MO
Essays & references
Personal statement final draft and academic references collected.
−3 MO
Offer & visa
Accept the university offer, gather financial proof, file the visa.
0 MO
Settlement & orientation
Housing, bank, insurance, orientation week.
· · · ·To Get Started · United States
Let your journey begin with United States.
A free 15-minute conversation · The right exam, the right university and the right timeline — let's clarify it together.