Learn how to become an international student in the U.S.
If you want to come to the U.S. to attend college but do not know the process, a 5-step guide from the Department of State can help.
Whether you want to spend just a semester or earn your whole degree in the U.S., use Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study from the Department of State. It explains how you can:
- Research schools that meet your needs
- Pay your own tuition and expenses. While the U.S. government generally does not provide funding for international students to come to the U.S. to study, you may qualify for student aid as a non-citizen through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Apply to a school
- Get a student visa
- Prepare to travel to the U.S. and your school
LAST UPDATED: April 9, 2025
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