Requirements for admission to American Universities for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Applying to American universities
The application process for North American universities may seem complicated and long, as there are more than 250 universities and colleges in the United States of America that are included in the latest classifications of high-quality education, in addition to that it includes a large number of international master’s universities, and therefore about a million international students choose to enroll in a university or A college in the United States of America, and also because of the availability of American universities that are easy to accept, and you can apply at any time of the year, and most programs accept new students at the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
You should apply as early as possible because the visa application process may delay your admission, and it is advised to apply at least 10 weeks before your chosen start date, because if your application is too late for the start of the term, you will automatically be considered for the next available start date. Several criteria must be taken into consideration before applying, the most important of which are:
Ensure the dates of electronic submission, as most universities give the option to apply directly on their websites.
Make sure to read the requirements carefully when applying to US universities.
Some will require standardized tests (such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT).
Preparing various documents such as (writing samples, portfolio, patent list) as part of the application process.
University application fees usually range between 75-100 USD, depending on the university.
Non-US students may be required to provide evidence that their English language skills are proficient enough to attend classes, so make sure you have TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or C1 Advanced certificates.
Is it possible to transfer from one university to another in America?
If you are a student at an accredited university in your country, you can transfer to an undergraduate degree at a Canadian or American university but you need to submit your transfer application with approved course descriptions (English), documented teaching hours, and an official transcript.
Admission requirements for American universities
There are several conditions that must be met in order for enrollment in American universities to be accepted, such as the conditions for studying at Boston University, and the most important of these conditions are:
English language level for admission to universities in the United States of America and Canada.
Academic achievement in the USA and Canada is measured by GPA scores (Grade Point Average).
Master’s degree applicants may need scores for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
Passing the ACT (American College Test) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) tests
Admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in American universities
Successful completion of the International Equivalency of US Secondary Education.
An acceptable high school diploma or certificate from your home country.
English language proficiency between TOEFL iBT 68 and 80 for Direct Entry (no official TOEFL score is required for some programmes).
Proven academic achievements demonstrating your ability to succeed in studies at university level.
Admission requirements for master’s degrees in American universities
The international equivalent of a four-year North American bachelor’s degree program from an accredited university.
If you hold a three-year bachelor’s degree or diploma, you can complete an eligible pre-master’s program first.
Excellent academic record.
English language ability between TOEFL iBT 79 and 95 for Direct Entry (official TOEFL score may not be required for ESL and Pre-Master programmes).
Two letters of recommendation.
Resume for MBA Programs.
In addition to specific requirements for individual courses.
All documents submitted must be in English or alternatively an official translation must be attached to documents not originally issued in English.
English language level for admission
American universities expect strong English language abilities from their students. They want to make sure you can handle the requirements of study at degree level. If you want to apply for direct entry to a university degree in the USA, you need to provide evidence of your English language abilities through Take English language tests.
English language tests available to prove your language abilities
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are the most common language requirement for American universities.
Most North American universities accept either TOEFL or IELTS as proof of your English language ability. You can take TOEFL and IELTS tests at test centers around the world.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English).
Supporting documents required for application
Completed application form
A recent bank statement (within 3 months), converted to US dollars, indicating sufficient funds to support at least one full year of academic study plus personal expenses or a financial guarantee (for students on the scholarship programme).
Proof of English language proficiency through a TOEFL or IELTS score.
Passport identification page.
A copy of the visa (if you are currently studying in the USA).
It should be noted that there are some universities and programs that have other specific requirements according to the requirements of each university, and if any documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by an English translation.
Study costs in the United States
The bachelor’s degree costs about $10,000 to $37,000 per year.
The cost of a master’s degree is about $23,520 to $79,317 for the entire program.
You can choose to pay for the entire year at once or by semester.
Fees must be paid in advance for each semester.
The best universities to study in the United States
There are a large number of universities to study in the United States in some of the best cities in America for scholarships, and among the best of these universities are:
- University of California, Berkeley.
- Northeastern University.
- Kansas State University.
- Wichita State University.
- San Francisco University.
- Boston University.
- Bay Bath University.
- Columbia University.
Popular programs with typical course prerequisites
Master of Accounting
Specific intermediate accounting and auditing courses are required, but you do not need a bachelor’s degree in accounting to qualify.
MSc in Computer Science
Courses in mathematics and computer science that prepare students with the technical skills are required to complete a master’s degree in computer science.
Master of Nursing
Nursing programs usually require a BSN although some have admissions tracks for RNs who have not earned a BSN.
Popular programs without the typical course requirements
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The MBA is considered one of the most flexible master’s degrees because it focuses on building managerial and leadership skills across several business functions.
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
The Master of Healthcare Administration has become very popular as it focuses on specialized topics for management in healthcare organizations.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The Master of Public Administration is ideal for those interested in working in the public sector or non-profit organizations, giving students the skills to deal effectively with issues that affect the success of government and social service organizations.