University and Language School in the USA with One World
Scholarship options: USD 1,000 – USD 15,000 per year (on applications made through us).
General university admission requirements
- At least a 2.5 GPA (77/100 average)
- Minimum TOEFL 69 or IELTS 5.5
- Minimum annual tuition of USD 10,400
- Associate programs start from USD 3,000 per term
English language courses (ESL)
For those who want to learn English or join an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for school or work, course fees range from USD 200 to USD 600 per week.
Study in the USA Guide
Admission requirements for high school, bachelor's, master's and PhD, the F-1 student visa, work rights and the new rules that take effect in 2026 — all on one page.
- From 15 September 2026, F-1 students are granted a fixed stay of up to 4 years based on the program length, instead of the open-ended "duration of status"; longer programs require an extension from USCIS.
- F, M and J visa applicants are asked to set all their social-media accounts to "public".
- The visa interview must be scheduled at the U.S. mission in the country where you live or of which you are a national.
The U.S. Education System
| Level | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| High School (grades 9–12) | 4 years | International students on an F-1 visa usually attend private high schools. |
| Community College (Associate) | 2 years | A more affordable two-year program; transfer to a 4-year university afterwards (2+2) is possible. |
| Bachelor's | 4 years | General-education courses in the first years; the major is often chosen later. |
| Master's | 1–2 years | Coursework-based or thesis programs; professional degrees such as the MBA. |
| PhD | Usually 5+ years | Can be entered directly after a bachelor's; coursework in the first years, then research and dissertation. |
High School in the USA
International students usually complete high school in the USA at boarding or day private high schools, on an F-1 visa.
You cannot attend a public elementary school on an F-1 visa. At public high schools you may study for a maximum of 12 months, and you must pay the school the full, unsubsidized cost of the education.
- Application: Varies by school; usually recent report cards, English proficiency (TOEFL etc.), the SSAT at some schools, a teacher reference and an interview. Applications are mostly made in the autumn and winter of the preceding year.
- Accommodation: On campus at a boarding school, or with a school-approved host family at a day school.
- American high school diploma: While still in Turkey, you can strengthen your application with an online American high school diploma and AP courses. See our AP lessons + American high school diploma program.
You can view the programs on our program search page.
ContentsBachelor's in the USA
U.S. universities assess students holistically, not by grades alone: academic achievement, test scores, essays, references and extracurricular activities are all considered together.
Application file
- Transcript: Grades for years 9–12 (you apply directly with a Turkish high school diploma; there is no compulsory foundation year as in the UK).
- English: TOEFL iBT, IELTS or other exams accepted by the university; the required score varies by university.
- SAT / ACT: Not required at many universities, but a strong score clearly supports your application at competitive ones. Our SAT/ACT preparation program
- Essays: A personal statement and university-specific supplemental essays.
- Letters of recommendation: Usually from teachers and the guidance counselor.
- Activities: Clubs, sports, volunteering, projects, competitions.
- Proof of finances: After admission, you document funds covering at least the first year's costs for the I-20.
Application rounds
| Round | Typical deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (ED) | 1 or 15 November | Binding: if admitted, you commit to enrolling at that university. |
| Early Action (EA) | 1 or 15 November | Early result, not binding. |
| Regular Decision (RD) | 1–15 January | Results usually announced in March–April; enrollment confirmation is by 1 May at most universities. |
Dates vary from university to university; check each school's own page.
Routes into a bachelor's
Directly to a 4-year university
First-year application with a Turkish high school diploma, an English exam and your application file.
Community college (2+2)
Study for two years more affordably, then transfer into the third year at a 4-year university.
Language + conditional admission
For students whose English isn't yet sufficient: start with a language program and progress to the university.
AP exams and a strong SAT score are among the most effective ways to show the academic preparation of students applying with a Turkish high school diploma at an international standard.
Under the rule effective 15 September 2026, F-1 students at the bachelor's level and below cannot change school or major in the first year, except where SEVP grants an exception for exceptional circumstances.
Fees and scholarships: Annual fees vary widely by school. The number of universities offering need-based aid to international students is limited; merit scholarships are more common. For choosing a university, also see our University in America and Canada page.
ContentsMaster's in the USA
- Duration: 1–2 years depending on the program.
- Application file: Bachelor's degree and transcript, statement of purpose, usually 2–3 references, a CV and an English exam. Some programs require the GRE or (for business) the GMAT; some universities may request a grade-equivalence assessment for foreign diplomas.
- Deadlines: Mostly December–February for a fall start.
- Funding: Some programs offer a teaching or research assistantship with a tuition reduction and a salary.
F-1 students at the graduate level cannot change major or school during the program, except where SEVP grants an exception for exceptional circumstances. Research your program well before applying.
PhD in the USA
- Direct application: In many fields you can apply directly to a PhD with a bachelor's degree; a master's is not required.
- Duration: Usually 5 years or more; coursework and qualifying exams in the first years, then research and the dissertation.
- Funding: Especially in the sciences and engineering, PhD students are often provided a tuition waiver and a research/teaching assistantship salary.
- Application: Usually December–January; research experience, academic references and fit with target faculty are decisive.
Under the new rule, the stay is granted for a maximum of 4 years at a time. For longer PhD programs, you must file an extension with USCIS using Form I-539 before the period expires.
The F-1 Student Visa, Step by Step
- Step 1Admission and I-20: Get admission from a SEVP-approved school; after reviewing your proof of finances, the school issues Form I-20.
- Step 2SEVIS I-901 fee: $350 for F students, paid at fmjfee.com.
- Step 3DS-160 form: Complete the online visa application form.
- Step 4Visa fee and appointment: The application (MRV) fee is $185. Book your appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul.
- Step 5Social media: Set the privacy of all your social-media accounts to "public".
- Step 6Interview: Attend the interview with your passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS payment receipt, proof of finances and academic documents.
| When can the visa be issued? | For new students, at the earliest 365 days before the program start |
|---|---|
| Entry to the USA | At the earliest 30 days before the program start |
| Visa application fee (MRV) | $185 |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | $350 (F and M students) |
| Note on an additional fee | A "visa integrity fee" has been set in law to be collected when the visa is issued; it will add to the cost once its start date is officially announced. |
| Missions in Turkey | U.S. Embassy Ankara and Consulate General Istanbul |
The F-1 is a temporary student visa. It matters that you can explain your study plan, your finances and your ties to Turkey clearly and consistently.
Length of Stay: New Rule from 15 September 2026
| Period granted | The program length on the I-20, up to 4 years + 30 days to enter + 30 days to depart |
|---|---|
| Post-graduation departure period | 30 days (previously 60 days) |
| If the period isn't enough | An extension-of-stay application to USCIS on Form I-539, together with the school's international student office (DSO) |
| Language programs | A maximum of 24 months |
| Bachelor's and below | No change of school or major in the first year (except SEVP exceptions) |
| Graduate level | No change of major or school throughout the program (except SEVP exceptions) |
| Moving down a level | After completing a program, you cannot move to a lower level (e.g. from master's to bachelor's) |
| Those already in the USA | Students admitted before 15 September 2026 may stay until the I-20 program end date (or the end of OPT/STEM OPT), and no later than 14 November 2030 |
Work Rights, CPT and OPT
On campus
A maximum of 20 hours per week during the term. You may begin at the earliest 30 days before classes start.
CPT
Internship or practical training that is part of the curriculum; with the school's approval.
OPT
Work authorization in your field for a total of up to 12 months; time used before graduation is deducted from the time available afterwards.
STEM OPT
In STEM fields, a +24-month extension with an employer that uses E-Verify.
- OPT application: At the earliest 90 days before graduation and at the latest 60 days after; within 30 days of the school entering its recommendation into SEVIS.
- Off campus: In general there is no off-campus work without authorization; exceptions such as severe economic hardship after at least one academic year depend on USCIS approval.
- Family (F-2): A spouse and children may come on an F-2 visa, but cannot work.
Living in the USA
- Costs: The estimated annual cost each school lists on the I-20 (tuition + living expenses) is the most reliable starting point for your budget. Areas such as New York, Boston and California are noticeably more expensive than small university towns.
- Health insurance: Healthcare in the USA is expensive; most universities require students to have the school's health insurance or an equivalent policy.
- Accommodation: Most first-year students live in campus dorms; off-campus apartments are common in later years.
- Academic culture: Class participation, regular assignments and midterms make up a significant part of the grade; academic-integrity rules are enforced very strictly.
- Maintain your status: Staying enrolled full-time, reporting address changes to the school and tracking your I-20 dates are mandatory for F-1 status.
Sample Timeline: Fall 2027 Bachelor's Entry
- Summer 2026University list, TOEFL/IELTS and SAT preparation and exams.
- September – October 2026Essays, letters of recommendation, application forms.
- 1 – 15 November 2026Early Decision / Early Action applications.
- 1 – 15 January 2027Regular Decision applications.
- March – April 2027Admission results and scholarship offers.
- 1 May 2027Enrollment confirmation and deposit at most universities.
- May – June 2027Proof of finances and the I-20; SEVIS fee, DS-160, visa appointment.
- June – July 2027Visa interview (Ankara or Istanbul).
- August 2027Arrival in the USA — at the earliest 30 days before the program start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a bachelor's in the USA with a Turkish high school diploma?
Yes. U.S. universities accept direct applications with a Turkish high school diploma and a grades 9–12 transcript; there is no compulsory foundation year. Admission is based on a holistic assessment of grades, the English exam, essays, references and activities.
Is the SAT required?
It is not required at many universities, but at competitive ones a strong SAT score is an advantage because it makes it easier to compare students applying with diplomas from different countries.
What is the total official cost of the F-1 visa?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is $350 and the visa application fee is $185. Once the additional "visa integrity fee" set in law takes effect, the total cost will rise; check the current fees before applying.
Can I work as a student?
You can work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the term. For work experience in your field there are the CPT and OPT options; off-campus work generally requires authorization.
Can I work in the USA after graduating?
With OPT you can work in your field for up to 12 months. In STEM fields, graduates can get a further 24-month extension with an employer that uses E-Verify.
Can I change school or major in the middle of my program?
From 15 September 2026, changing school or major is not allowed in the first year at the bachelor's level and below, or throughout the program at the graduate level, except for SEVP's exceptional-circumstance exceptions. That makes the choice of school and program more important than ever.
We're With You for Your Education in the USA
From choosing a school and program to the application file and SAT, TOEFL and AP preparation, we have supported students since 2009.
Information was verified on 17 September 2026 from official sources: travel.state.gov, the U.S. Embassy in Turkey (tr.usembassy.gov), Study in the States (DHS), USCIS and ICE (SEVIS). Visa rules and fees change frequently; confirm the current information from official pages before applying.