Study in United States
Study on an F-1 visa, from English language programs to university courses.
Currently listed4cities
Country snapshot
Studying in United States: costs and visas
Study paths and visa options differ by country. Always confirm official rules before applying.
Entry and permits
40.62USD
Total cost of an ESTA
90days at most
Stay per visit on an ESTA
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Visa Waiver ProgramU.S. Customs and Border Protection: Visa Waiver Program and ESTAUSA.gov: Visa Waiver Program and ESTA (length of stay)Federal Register: FY 2027 inflation adjustments to ESTA and other fees (USD 40.62 from 16 October 2026)
See entry and permits in detailVisa and working holiday rules can change. Check the latest official government or embassy guidance before you apply.
Step 1 — Choose a city
Cities to study in United States
BLOOM ABROAD lists 4 cities in United States.
Compare the cities of United States with photos and numbers.
New York
A large city on the east coast of the United States.
Places to stay: listings wanted
Los Angeles
A city in southern California.
Places to stay: listings wanted
Boston
The capital of Massachusetts.
Places to stay: listings wanted
San Francisco
A city on a bay in northern California.
Places to stay: listings wanted
Not sure where to go yet?
From your goals and budget to the climate you like, answer a few questions and see which cities suit you best.
- Budget
- Goal
- Duration
Free · No signup · About 1 minute
Step 2 — Know your options
Ways to study in United States
There are 3 ways to study in United States: English study (F-1 visa); University and college study; Visit first as a tourist.
Choose a different route, and the permit you need changes.
English study (F-1 visa)
- F-1 (student visa)
Who it suits：For people who want to start by studying English.
- Length and permit
F-1 visa (English programs included)
- Can you work?
On-campus work: up to 20 hours a week
- Cost
SEVIS fee: USD 350
University and college study
- F-1 (student visa)
Who it suits：For people who want to study seriously at a university or in a specialist program.
- Length and permit
An F-1 visa and a Form I-20 are needed
- Can you work?
On-campus work: up to 20 hours a week
- Cost
SEVIS fee: USD 350
Visit first as a tourist
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)Visa Waiver Program, up to 90 days
Who it suits：For people who want to see the place before choosing a school.
- Length and permit
Up to 90 days per visit
- Can you work?
Being confirmed
- Cost
ESTA costs USD 40.62
English study (F-1 visa)
- F-1 (student visa)
Who it suits：For people who want to start by studying English.
University and college study
- F-1 (student visa)
Who it suits：For people who want to study seriously at a university or in a specialist program.
Visit first as a tourist
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)Visa Waiver Program, up to 90 days
Who it suits：For people who want to see the place before choosing a school.
Length and permit
F-1 visa (English programs included)
An F-1 visa and a Form I-20 are needed
Up to 90 days per visit
Can you work?
On-campus work: up to 20 hours a week
On-campus work: up to 20 hours a week
Being confirmed
Cost
SEVIS fee: USD 350
SEVIS fee: USD 350
ESTA costs USD 40.62
For Japanese citizens. Official names checked on government websites on October 27, 2026.
Sources (official government pages)
English study (F-1 visa)・Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: SEVIS students (F-1)Study in the States (DHS): F-1 postsecondary studentsStudy in the States (DHS): Working in the United StatesU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: I-901 SEVIS fee
University and college study・Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: SEVIS students (F-1)Study in the States (DHS): F-1 postsecondary studentsStudy in the States (DHS): Working in the United StatesU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: I-901 SEVIS fee
Visit first as a tourist・Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Visa Waiver ProgramU.S. Customs and Border Protection: Visa Waiver Program and ESTAUSA.gov: Visa Waiver Program and ESTA (length of stay)Federal Register: FY 2027 inflation adjustments to ESTA and other fees (USD 40.62 from 16 October 2026)
Step 3 — Get ready
Compare in United States
Compare schools, housing, SIM cards, insurance and more in United States, with listing counts.
Study abroad news for United States
PlanUnited StatesVisas and rulesUnited States authorities publish a new notice
Published in Federal Register (US)Oct 27, 2026
- US proposes a USD 70,000 per-student fee that schools would pay for OPTOfficially announced Oct 7, 2026US ESTA fee rises to USD 40.62 from 16 October 2026Officially announced Oct 1, 2026US extends H-1B entry restriction requiring a $100,000 payment for 12 more monthsOfficially announced Sep 18, 2026
Get advice on studying in United States
Tell us your budget and goals, and our team will suggest options for free.
Get free adviceFrequently Asked Questions
Can I go to the United States without a visa?
Which visa do I need to study?
Can I work while studying?
What do I need to apply for an F-1 visa?
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Sources for this page
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: I-901 SEVIS fee（checked October 31, 2026）
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Visa Waiver Program（checked October 9, 2026）
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Visa Waiver Program and ESTA（checked October 9, 2026）
- USA.gov: Visa Waiver Program and ESTA (length of stay)（checked October 9, 2026）
- Federal Register: FY 2027 inflation adjustments to ESTA and other fees (USD 40.62 from 16 October 2026)（checked October 23, 2026）
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: SEVIS students (F-1)（checked October 9, 2026）
- Study in the States (DHS): F-1 postsecondary students（checked October 9, 2026）
- Study in the States (DHS): Working in the United States（checked October 9, 2026）
