There are three ways to spend time in the United States as a student, and each has its own visa: an exchange semester through your university, a full degree at an American college, or a summer working at a camp. Picking the right route first saves months.
In this guide
Fast answer
- Exchange (one or two semesters): ask your international office which US universities you have an agreement with. You will usually need a J-1 or F-1 visa issued on the paperwork of the host university.
- Full degree: you apply directly, get an I-20 and travel on an F-1 visa.
- Summer camp counselor: you are 18 or over and go through a sponsor on a J-1 visa. It is work, not study.
- ESTA or a tourist visa is not enough to study for credit.
The three routes compared
| Route | Length | Document | Who you deal with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange through your university | 1–2 semesters | DS-2019 (J-1) or I-20 (F-1) | Your international office and the host university |
| Full degree | 4 years (bachelor’s), 1–2 (master’s) | I-20 (F-1) | The American university’s admissions office |
| J-1 camp counselor | Summer season | DS-2019 (J-1) | A sponsor designated by the State Department |
Federal fees you will pay
- Visa application: USD 185.
- SEVIS I-901: USD 350 for F-1 and USD 220 for J-1.
- A USD 250 “visa integrity fee” was approved by law in 2025; reports in 2026 disagree on whether every consulate charges it. Check the State Department fee page and your consulate before you budget.
So count on at least USD 535 (F-1) or USD 405 (J-1) before flights, insurance or housing.
What it really costs
- Tuition for a full degree: the College Board puts average published tuition in 2025-26 at about USD 45,000 a year at private non-profit universities. Public universities charge more to students from outside the state, and international students usually pay that rate. Scholarships change the final figure a lot: ask every university for its net price.
- Exchange: if your university has a bilateral agreement, you normally keep paying fees at home. Without one, the host sets the price.
- Housing: in New York a student room costs USD 1,800–3,500 a month according to our guide. Many universities ask international students to live on campus, at least in the first year.
- Health: care is private and expensive. J-1 participants must carry insurance with at least USD 100,000 per accident or illness, USD 50,000 for medical evacuation and USD 25,000 for repatriation, with a deductible of no more than USD 500.
Step by step
- Choose the route and the university or sponsor.
- Get admitted and receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1).
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online.
- Fill in the DS-160, pay the application fee and book the consulate interview.
- Arrange insurance and housing before you fly.
Waiting times for interviews vary by consulate: start as soon as you have your I-20 or DS-2019.
Summer camp counselor (J-1)
The State Department’s camp counselor programme is for people aged 18 or over who are post-secondary students, youth workers, teachers or have specialised skills, with enough English to look after American children. Counselors are paid like their American counterparts. They can help with other camp tasks but cannot be hired as cooks, cleaners or office staff. The sponsor interviews you and handles the paperwork; compare what each sponsor charges and includes before signing.
Where to go next
- Study in the USA for Indian students: costs and F-1 steps
- How to study abroad, step by step
- United States country guide
- New York city guide
- Find your destination with the Odisea test
Sources and references
- U.S. Department of State — Student visa
- ICE — I-901 SEVIS fee
- J-1 Visa — Camp Counselor programme
- eCFR — 22 CFR 62.14 Insurance
- College Board — Trends in College Pricing 2025
- Odisea catalog — New York city guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in the USA with ESTA?
No. ESTA and tourist visas are for short visits. To study for credit or full time you need an F-1 or J-1 visa issued on an I-20 or DS-2019.
How much does a US student visa cost in 2026?
The federal minimum is USD 185 for the application plus the SEVIS fee: USD 350 for F-1 and USD 220 for J-1. A USD 250 integrity fee was legislated in 2025; check whether your consulate charges it.
Do exchange students pay American tuition?
Not usually. Under a bilateral agreement you pay your home university and study at the host. Without an agreement the host university sets the fee.
Is J-1 camp counselor a way to study in the USA?
No. It is a paid summer job at a camp. It is a way to live in the US for a season and improve your English, not to earn credits.
Can I work while studying in the USA?
Only within the limits of your status, and mostly on campus. Rules are strict: confirm with the university’s international office before you accept any job.