Study program and opportunities

EducationUSA offers test bulletins, study guides, and practice tests for all major standardized tests
including TOEFL, IELTS, SAT I & II, GRE, GMAT,LSAT, and USMLE tests.
Every university requires different tests. Check university websites for requirements for
international student applicant.
Examinees who register for the TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT and USMLE in Bangladesh will
be required to present a valid passport as identification. No other form of identification will be
accepted at test centers in this country.
Please make certain that you have a valid passport available before registering for each test, since
no exception to the passport requirement will be made by the test center staff on the day of the
test.
Undergraduate (BA/BS) 4 years

Must complete 12 years of educations (A levels/HSC)

Required tests

TOEFL or IELTS

SAT (required by most universities)

SAT II Subject Tests (optional)

Graduate (MA, MS, Ph.D.)

Must complete 16 years of education (BA/BS)

Required tests

TOEFL or IELTS

GMAT for business related fields

GRE for non-business related fields (Note: GRE subject tests are not available in
Bangladesh)

Study at America
Going to the United States for higher studies can be a complicated, unfamiliar and expensive
process. There are over 3000 accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. and they vary in
terms of quality, competitiveness, size, character and cost. To help prospective students
understand the process of applying more clearly, answers to the most commonly asked questions
are outlined below.
How can I go to the U.S. to study?
There are many steps involved in going to the U.S. to study. First, you must have a strong
academic background, solid financial support and very good English language skills. If you plan to
apply for a Bachelor's degree program, you must have completed at least 12 years of primary and

secondary school or the equivalent of an S.S.C. and H.S.C. in Bangladesh. If you want to apply for
a Master's degree program, you must have had 16 years of education in Bangladesh (the
equivalent of the U.S. Bachelor's degree), i.e. an M.A. degree, a B.Sc. in Engineering or
Agricultural Engineering or an M.B.B.S.
Next you must decide which colleges or universities you want to apply to. There are over 3000
accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. Your selection will probably be based on several
factors: does the school offer a good degree program in your field, how competitive is it, how
much does it cost, does it offer financial aid, how big is the school, where is it located, is it
accredited? EducationUSA @ The American Center has many reference books and university
bulletins to help you compare institutions and make the best choices for you.
After you have selected approximately 10-15 institutions that interest you, you should write to
each university requesting application forms and more information about admission requirements
and the specific program you're interested in. The EducationUSA @ The American Center has
sample pre-application forms. This process should be started at least one year before you plan to
enroll. Most students enter U.S. universities in August/September, but some universities also admit
students in January and March.
You will need to register for any examination the college or university requires. All students should
take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Registration forms for the TOEFL and
other tests are available at the EducationUSA @ The American Center's Educational Advising
Office.
Finally, after you have received information and application forms from the universities, you need
to select four to six schools to officially apply to. Send completed application forms, along with all
other required documents, directly to the college or university. Be sure you know each school's
application deadline date. Required documents usually include certified copies of your school
transcripts (Certificates and mark sheets), test scores, letters of recommendation, the application
fee, and documents showing you have enough money to pay for your education and living
expenses. Transcripts should only be certified by the Ministry of Education or the issuing institution
where you studied. There is also usually a fee for applying to an institution, whether or not you are
accepted or enrolled.
When you have submitted everything the school requires, you will eventually receive a letter from
the college or university either accepting or rejecting your application. If you are accepted, the
college or university will send you a letter of acceptance and an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility
for Student Status Visa). You must have this form before you can apply for a visa.
What do the terms Undergraduate and Graduate mean?
An undergraduate is someone studying for a U.S. bachelor's degree at a college or university. A
graduate student is someone who is currently studying for a U.S. master's degree, a Ph.D or a
professional degree in such fields as law, medicine, etc. The term 'a graduate' usually means
someone who has received a B.A., and M.A. or a doctorate from an American college or university,
i.e., "She is a graduate of Harvard University; he is a Stanford graduate".
How much money do I need to study in the U.S. for one year?
The amount of money you need depends on which college or university you chose to attend.
Tuition for one year at most universities is now between U.S. $11,000 and $20,000. Some of the

most expensive private colleges and universities cost as much as $30,000 per year. Be sure your
sponsor has enough funds available for at least your tuition and expenses during your first year in
the U.S. Your sponsor should also know how he/she will support you for subsequent years of study.
Can I get financial aid from the college or university?
It is extremely difficult for a foreign student to obtain financial aid for undergraduate studies
(bachelor's degree), so you must not expect it. The competition is intense and you must be an
outstanding student. Usually only private colleges and universities offer financial aid to
undergraduates. Financial aid seldom covers more than tuition, so a student must be prepared to
pay his/her living expenses (U.S. $4000 to $6000 per year) even if he/she does get a scholarship.
Financial aid for graduate students:
Students studying for a graduate degree (masters, doctorate) have more opportunities for financial
aid from both public and private universities. Often the financial aid comes in the form of research
or teaching activities. These awards may cover tuition expenses and provide a monthly stipend.
When can I apply for financial aid?
Applications for financial aid should be made to the university at the same time as your application
for admission. The deadline for financial aid applications is usually in the month of January or
February preceding September admission.
Can I get a job while I'm studying?
No. The terms of your visa do not allow you to work unless you are employed in an on-campus job
or in practical training sponsored or approved by the university. On-campus jobs are difficult to
obtain and do not provide enough funds to cover tuition or living expenses.
Who can be my financial sponsor?
Most students are sponsored by family members living in Bangladesh or in other countries. A few
students are sponsored by family friends or local organizations. Your sponsor must submit financial
documentation showing that he/she has sufficient funds to pay for your educational expenses. In
addition, your sponsor must state that he/she is willing to support you for your entire course of
study.
Can I gain admission to a college or university without the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL)?
All students from Bangladesh must take the TOEFL examination. Almost all universities require the
TOEFL for foreign students from countries where the medium of instruction is not English. By
preparing for and taking the TOEFL, you will know your level of standard spoken English, and also
have a chance to improve your English language skills before going to the U.S. Good English is a
very important factor in success at an American college or university.
A few universities will conditionally admit students without a TOEFL score, but these students must
sit for an English examination at the university before they can enroll in classes. If their scores are
not high enough, they must take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses before they can
enroll in a degree program. These courses are very expensive and can delay the start of your
degree program by as much as one year. Even if you plan to take an ESL course, you should sit for
the TOEFL exam before you go! If you do not submit a valid TOEFL score, your chance of
admission will be reduced. You must enroll for the TOEFL test in advance.

What score do I need on the TOEFL to be admitted?

Each college or university decides what TOEFL score it requires. Many schools want a score 550
(computerized 213) or above, although some require only 500 (CBT 173) and others require at
leat 600 (CBT 250). However, an acceptable TOEFL score depends entirely on the requirements of
each institution.
What other examinations do I need to take?
Each university or college decides what tests it requires. In addition to the TOEFL exam, tests
frequently required are:

SAT I: This test is for undergraduate applicants. It tests general academic aptitude and

educational background.
SAT II: These tests are for undergraduate applicants and cover knowledge in a specific
field. They are often required of engineering students, financial aid applicants, and those

applying to very competitive schools.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE): This test is for graduate applicants. It tests verbal,

quantitative and analytical skills. GRE Subject Tests evaluate knowledge in specific fields.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): This test is usually required for
graduate applicants in business administration or management. You must pay all
examination fees in advance before the test.

Is it important for the university to be accredited?

Yes, very important. The U.S. government does not accredit or control colleges or universities.
Instead, there are six regional accrediting associations which accredit institutions that have met
basic standards in their academic programs. There are also professional associations which
accredit individual degree programs at a university in fields such as engineering and business
administration. These accredited colleges and universities are listed in the book Accredited
Institutions of Post-Secondary Education published yearly by the American Council on Education.
Don't assume the university is accredited, even if it says it is. Check to make sure in this book at
EducationUSA @ The American Center's Educational Advising Office. If the institution you choose is
not accredited, your degree will not be considered valid and courses that you have taken will not
be transferred to accredited universities. Your degree will be worthless. You may also experience
difficulty obtaining a visa.
How do I go about getting a visa?
Visa applicants must appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka with a completed Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.
You will also need evidence that you or your sponsor have the dollar funds available to cover the
full cost of tuition and living expenses for one year (listed on the I-20 form). You must also show
that you have access to these funds. Keep a photocopy of your I-20 in order to receive a "No
Objection Certificate" (N.O.C.) from the bank after you receive a student visa.
If the university is supporting you with a scholarship, fellowship assistantship, loan or on-campus
employment, you will need a letter from the institution indicating the amount and kind of support
provided. This must match the information on the I-20 form. If a sponsor outside Bangladesh will
pay your expenses, your sponsor will have to provide an affidavit of support and proof that he/she
has sufficient funds.

You may apply for visa when all necessary documents are ready. Collect the visa application form
from the Consular Office. In the visa application form (item #29) write the entire study period in
the U.S. as it is given on the I-20 form. You must pay all visa fees. (See visa application process-non-immigrant visas)
So if I have a passport, an I-20, and funds for one year of study, will I get a visa?
This is not enough. You must also show the Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy that you are a
bona fide student with the academic background and knowledge of English necessary to undertake
a full course of study at the institution you have chosen.
Finally, you must show the officer that your permanent residence is in Bangladesh and that you
intend to return to Bangladesh to live, after you complete your studies in the U.S. You can
demonstrate that Bangladesh is your permanent residence by offering such evidence as family,
social, professional, financial, or other ties or commitments here which ensure your return.
Isn't it true that even the best students are not given visas because the Consular Officer
thinks they will stay in the U.S.?
No. There are many legitimate students who want to study in the United States and plan to return
to Bangladesh who obtain a visa without difficulty. The U.S. Embassy's Consular Section issues
hundreds of visas each year to Bangladeshis planning to study in the U.S. However, admission to a
university or college does not guarantee you a visa.
Where can I get more information?
Each student's situation and needs are different. We recommend that if you want to study in the
United States, you visit EducationUSA @ The American Center, Progati Sharani, J Block,
Baridhara, (Opposite from the U.S. Embassy, next to Notun Bazar by the Maa O Shishu Clinic). The
Center can be reached by phone at (2) 885-5500, ext. 2832 or email EducationUSABangla@state.gov. There you will find catalogues, guides, test registration information and advice
regarding the application process.