Study in USA 2027 | Admission, Scholarships, Visa & Jobs | Bachelors, Masters, and PhD

Summary

Usman argues that Pakistani students should consider studying in the United States rather than being discouraged by concerns about admissions, funding, immigration rules, or visas. He says the US offers strong educational and research opportunities, and believes the current decline in international student numbers could mean less competition for jobs by the time students graduate. These are his opinions and predictions, not guarantees.

He says he was admitted to Cornell University, the University of Washington, and the University of Texas at Austin with full funding. He draws on his experience to discuss options for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD applicants.

Types of US institutions

The presenter describes four broad categories:

• Community colleges: He advises students applying directly from countries such as Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh to avoid them, despite their comparatively low tuition, because he believes visa approval may be difficult.
• Smaller colleges: He mentions institutions such as Berea College, which may offer substantial undergraduate scholarships or financial aid.
• Public state universities: Examples include the University of Texas, the University of California, and the University of Washington. He recommends aiming for reputable public universities.
• Highly wealthy, prestigious universities: Examples include MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton. He says these schools may provide strong funding, but admission is highly competitive.

Intake timing

• The main US intakes are Fall and Spring.
• For applicants seeking funding, he recommends prioritizing Fall, particularly the earliest application cycle.
• He says some universities have multiple Fall application cycles, commonly opening around November–December, January–February, and March–April. In his view, applying earlier can improve the chance of receiving funding.
• Spring is a smaller intake, with fewer programs and generally fewer funding opportunities. He says applications often open around September or October, with classes beginning in January.

Funding options

The presenter outlines several possible funding routes:

• Need-based scholarships: These are determined using financial information submitted with an application, such as family income and assets. He cautions applicants not to rely on this route alone, arguing that universities may also consider geographic and national diversity.
• Merit-based scholarships: These depend on academic strength. He recommends earning strong grades at A-level or undergraduate level.
• External scholarships and fellowships: Applicants may be able to combine awards from outside foundations or organizations. He names the Aga Khan Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Bank as examples.
• PhD funding: He says US doctoral programs often have substantial research funding and claims that accepted PhD students commonly receive funding. His practical emphasis is on securing admission, though funding is not guaranteed for every program or applicant.
• Research or teaching assistantships: He discusses these especially for graduate applicants. To pursue a research assistantship, he recommends:
  1. Find a program that matches your interests.
  2. Review its faculty and their research areas.
  3. Identify professors whose work aligns with your background.
  4. Email them with a concise explanation of your relevant experience, previous research or thesis, and interest in working with them.
  5. Write carefully and tailor each message. He stresses that poorly written or generic emails are unlikely to help.

Visa and financial-document process

The presenter characterizes the US student visa process as straightforward and says the university—not the embassy—reviews the applicant’s financial documents. His outline is:

1. Obtain admission to a US program.
2. Provide the university with financial evidence so it can determine the amount required for the program and location. He says this amount can include tuition, living expenses, and insurance, and varies by university and city.
3. Use a sponsor if needed. He says a sponsor, such as a parent or sibling, may provide the funds along with an affidavit confirming their willingness to sponsor the student.
4. Receive the I-20. He says the I-20 records the student’s financial arrangements and any university funding. In his account, students whose tuition and expenses are covered by an assistantship or scholarship may not need to show the same personal funds.
5. Pay the SEVIS fee and retain the receipt.
6. Complete the DS-160 form with the required personal and application information.
7. Pay the visa appointment fee and schedule an interview.
8. Attend the embassy interview. He advises applicants to be confident and says admission to a strong university and having funding can support the application.

He also claims that applicants generally do not need to pay tuition or a deposit before leaving their home country, and that the embassy does not review bank statements. These are presented as his general descriptions; requirements and fees can change and may vary by case.

Overall message

The video’s central message is to research US programs directly, plan ahead—especially for Fall admission—and explore multiple sources of funding rather than letting general warnings deter an application. The presenter also promotes his organization’s application services and asks viewers to subscribe and comment.

Speakers and sources featured

• Usman Awan — the sole identifiable speaker and source of the advice, opinions, and personal experiences in the subtitles. No other speakers or interviewees are featured.