You may be fortunate enough to meet, and even study, with the leading scholars in your chosen field. Why not study with the best?

For any international student, the U.S.A. has a lot to offer: the most prestigious, top ranked education anywhere in the world, eclectic cities and beautiful natural parks, artistic, cultural, political and athletic events, and a very multicultural population. Enrolling in programs in the U.S. can give students valuable experiences that extend far beyond top-quality classroom education. In fact, many students report high levels of satisfaction with their life and people they meet during their stay in America. USA has some of the world renowned Universities and Colleges. International students can get credits for prior learning in a particular area of study, which could help them in completing a program in lesser time and cost.

Almost all Universities in USA require TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) for foreign Nationals and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for both In state and Out state Students. TOEFL is waived for countries whose native language is English Like UK, Australia, Canada...).

For Foreign nationals three Letters of Recommendation (sealed), copies of Official Transcripts (sealed) are required. Some Universities accept Copies verified by Notary.

Most of the Universities require Undergraduate GPA to be 3/4 (US system). It is equivalent to 80/100,12/20*(China) and 1st Division ,65%*(For most Indian University).

The Deadline for Fall Semester is from Dec 15 to July. But all students apply as early as possible as many decisions are made before the deadline. Foreign nationals may take up to 8 weeks to hear their results. In state students may hear within 5 weeks.

There are also other opportunities like internships, scholarships and financial aid. The postgraduate courses offered in USA deals with every possible field of education. Universities in the US offer almost every course respective to all fields of education. Focused to mould students into leaders and thinkers of tomorrow, the cutting-edge postgraduate programs in USA are very popular. Some of them include: aerospace, aviation, media and communication, computer science, finance, e-commerce, engineering, fashion, human resources management, marketing, linguistics, management, psychology, medicine, performing arts, MBA and many others.

The Post Graduate programs in USA generally have two years course duration. After finishing the masters' degree students can pursue PhD programs. The time duration of the PhD program depends on the student's course, his/her ability and complexity of the research work allotted. Also, students regularly get the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the finest researchers in the world. Qualifications awarded by the U.S. universities are recognized throughout the world for its academic brilliance.

The program structure in the US lays equal emphasis on building a strong theoretical base along with importance on practical, employment-related skills. The Universities lay emphasis on acquainting students with the latest in the field of science, engineering and related areas. The end result is work-ready graduates with appropriate skills using the most recent technology.

In the U.S., at the graduate level students gain valuable experience in research and teaching through the many assistantship programs available. The practical experience gained is extremely useful for future careers in teaching and research. Also, this provides them with the necessary financial aid to fund their education and living expense.

Education is highly flexible as, students can make their own timetable and complete course credits at a comfortable pace within the stipulated time frame.

Support Services for International Students

U.S. universities welcome large number of international students for pursuing higher education and have support systems to help them adjust comfortably to life in the U.S. Services at the international student office help students transition to the new environment. An orientation program upon arrival is just the start of the many programs and benefits of the university international student office - throughout your time in the U.S., they can help answer questions students may have regarding their visa status, financial situation, housing, employment possibilities, health concerns and more. If students choose to complete their degree in the United States, this office often provides resume and employment assistance as graduation nears. The international student office is an invaluable source of information and help as students make their transition into academic and cultural life in the United States.

Scholarships to study in the USA

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A few U.S. colleges, universities and English language programs offer primarily partial scholarships for non-U.S. students. The criteria and policies at each individual institution vary. The average cost of one year's undergraduate tuition and fees for this past academic year:

• $2,544 at a two-year public college (offering primarily associate degrees)

• $18,548 (out-of-state resident) at a four-year public college / university (offering bachelor and advanced degrees)

• $26,273 at a four-year private college / university (offering bachelor and advanced degrees) Here is a list of other expenses pertinent to international students in particular:

Some resources for financial aid/scholarship are as follows:

• InternationalScholarships.com is an online financial aid resource for international students wishing to study in a foreign country. • InternationalStudentLoan.com provides access to loans for non-U.S. students wishing to study in the USA, U.S. citizens studying abroad, and Canadian citizens studying abroad. Its sister site, InternationalStudentInsurance.com, is also a valuable resource for globally mobile students. • The International Education Financial Aid Page features a searchable list of grants, scholarships and loan programs for international students. • FundingUSStudy.org is a database of scholarships, fellowships and grants organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education (IIE). • The Fulbright Program provides funds for students, scholars and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Established in 1946, Fulbright aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills.

International Internships

Many internships related to international careers, especially ones with international organizations, are actually located here in the U.S.—especially in centers of international activity such as Washington DC or New York. But it is often possible to combine an international internship with an overseas location.

Hundreds of overseas internships are sponsored by universities and for undergraduates it could be availed easily. Advantages include credit, applicability of financial aid, and a variety of subjects and locations. Paid internships are available mainly in applied fields such as business and engineering.

Cost of Living in the United States

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The cost of living in USA depends on location. For example States like Washington, California and area around New York is expensive. But, on the other hand job opportunities in these areas are extremely high. In general, for students from countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, and Taiwan - the cost of living may vary from $4000 to $9000 per year. Students usually live in shared apartments, live out of campus; have less telephone bills and other expenses. Most of the expenses can be met while working on campus. The hourly pay for on -campus jobs are from $5.15 to $15 per hour. Foreign Students can work up to 20 hrs per week and 40 hrs per week during summer. Students may be allowed to work off campus (Internships) after nine months of their arrival at the university.

*Please note that, the universities of states like Alabama, Texas, and Florida etc have a shortage of part time jobs. So, students planning to go to Universities of these states must either have scholarships or adequate funds.

Students receiving any type of aid like TA/RA/Fellowship or GA don't have to worry about costs. But Students not receiving any scholarship must come prepared for Tuition fees and Living cost for initial 2-3 months.

In some Universities TA/RA cover part of tuition fees and not all tuition fee is waived.

Programs that have a very high scope in terms of acquiring jobs are:

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1. Nursing
2. Occupational Therapy
3. Physical Therapy
4. Respiratory Therapy
5. Radiology or X-ray
6. Pharmacy
7. MBA
8. Engineering
9. Teachers Training and Certification
10. Software Engineering, Computer Networking
11. Health care administration
12. Finance
13. Medicine


At Santa Monica, we can assure you of genuine programme information as we are associated with many program providers in the USA. Our experts will assist you to pursue the desired programme in the USA. Our other services include institution screening, assistance in application procedures, follow-ups, visa documentation guidance and support, pre-departure briefing, etc. We can also help you for your accommodation arrangements and post landing requirements in coordination with our Associates, the Program Providers, and legal consultants in USA. We do have a dedicated visa documentation department to assist our students to secure visa and can also assist for scholarships, internship, etc, depending on your eligibility, in team with the Consultants in USA.

We can also help you in guiding to top class institutions offering IELTS, TOEFL, OET and PTE (Pearson Test on English) courses, as proficiency in English language is a must for admissions in all USA universities.

Santa Monica has an impressive track record of helping large number of students from various disciplines for a wide range of programs in USA, and we can proudly state that these students are today happily settled down.

All services for institution we represent are free.

General Information

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The United States of America (also referred to as the United States, the U.S., the USA, or America) is world's most powerful nation and has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world. Over a span of more than five decades, the economy has achieved steady growth, low unemployment and inflation, and rapid advances in technology. Life in the U.S.A. will probably be different from what you expect. Americans come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Americans in general are very friendly and will be interested in learning about you and your country.

English is the de facto national language. Spanish, is the second most common language and the most widely taught second language. Both Hawaiian and English are official languages in Hawaii by state law.

Note: The above mentioned is only an outline on the subject. Therefore, we recommend referring concerned official websites for detailed and updated information.