FAQ-USA

FAQ’s - USA

Colleges in U.S. offer only undergraduate degrees whereas universities offer undergraduate as well as graduate degrees, but the terms are often used interchangeably.

The academic year is usually from August to May. Most universities use either the semester system (two terms), the quarter system (students attend three out of four total terms), or the trimester system (three terms).

A credit is a value assigned to each course reflecting the number of hours the class will meet the professor each week.

As an international student you may work on campus up to 20 hours/week in the first year of study in US and can apply to work off-campus in the subsequent years only with due permission of the International Student Office under CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training).

The best way is to refer the college and university guides to find which institutions are renowned in different fields of study.

U.S. universities require an English language proficiency test before admission and the test requirements vary depending on the course you apply for.

The most common tests of English language ability are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

Many American universities offer scholarships and grants are usually awarded to international students in USA on the basis of merit but these vary substantially from university to university.

An application package consists of the material required by the University. It consists of Application forms, Application fees, Recommendations, Transcripts, IELTS score card, mark sheets, SOP’s, and Experience Letter.

Every University has it's set of eligibility criteria which mostly includes minimum academic requirements, English language and entrance test requirements, relevant work experience etc.

For Undergraduate Studies If the student does not have formal qualifications, he/she can undertake a Foundation course, which usually lasts one academic year. Many colleges run the Foundation courses, as do many Universities.
For Postgraduate Studies Students who do not have a formal degree or relevant work experience, but have satisfied the course tutor that they have a flair for the particular course, may be admitted to a Postgraduate Certificate program. A PG Certificate program usually lasts six months and comprises the first semester of the appropriate master's degree. On showing good performance in the postgraduate certificate program, one can claim admission to postgraduate diploma and subsequently to a master degree, without any waste of time.

Yes, one can get admissions even if he/she has below average grades in academics. There are several good Universities abroad and they understand that students sometimes lose focus and do not concentrate on their studies. They even understand the Indian academic system as they are in close co-ordination with us. These Universities will be ready to give one a second chance.

It depends on the length and type of program you will be attending. Your eligibility to work will be shown on the immigration stamp in your passport. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during term days and full-time during holidays. Many institutions have 'Job shop' to help students find part-time jobs. Job vacancies are also advertised in newspapers and online. There are also many national and regional employment agencies, run by both government and private organizations, which can advise on the broad range of opportunities available to their client businesses and industries. Most employers will want to see your resume and sometimes; they take an interview before hiring.

Sandwich programs are made-up of a combination of periods of study and time spent in Industry. The course duration extends to 4-years instead of the usual 3-years, for all bachelor’s courses. Foundation programs are of a 1-year length and are tailored for students as an alternative route to bridge between their qualification and that, which is required for entry into a degree program at the International University or College.

A University offers a financial aid package, which consists of scholarships/grant and an on-campus employment program for the student. Hence this package helps students to pay a significant amount of their total expenses while studying overseas.