Americas
United States: schools and universities
The US has public, private and international schools. Many international families use public schools, which are tied to where you live, so school districts often decide where families rent or buy.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| School year | Late August or early September to May or June |
| Compulsory schooling | Set by each state, generally from about 6 to 16 or 18 |
| Public school places | Based on your home address and school district |
| University applications | Many use the Common Application; some use their own forms |
| Student visa | Usually the F-1, after the university issues a Form I-20 |
Schools
Public schools are free and are run by local school districts under state rules, so standards and programmes vary a lot from one district to the next. International and bilingual schools are found mainly in large cities, and many private schools follow American curricula, with some offering the IB. A national list of international schools in the United States can show which cities have the most choice.
Universities
American universities usually admit students to the university rather than to a single subject, and students choose a major after a year or two. Many accept the Common Application, and early deadlines are usually in November, with regular deadlines from January. Many universities have made SAT and ACT scores optional, but some have brought them back, so check each one. A bachelor's degree normally takes four years.
International students apply for an F-1 visa once the university issues a Form I-20, and pay the SEVIS fee before the visa interview.
Before you apply
- Look up the school district for any address you are thinking of renting.
- Check each university's testing policy for your year of entry.
- Ask about financial aid for international students early. Many universities offer little or none.
Directory entry, checked October 2026. Entries describe the education system in general terms and link to country listings.