Study in the USA: Fees, Intakes, Universities, Jobs for Filipino Students

Yes. Filipino students are eligible for the F-1 student visa provided they're accepted by an SEVP-certified school, can show sufficient funds to cover their first year's cost of attendance, and demonstrate genuine intent to study and return home afterward.

There's no single government figure. Your required amount is based on your specific school's published cost of attendance, shown on your Form I-20, and typically covers tuition, fees, and living costs for one academic year, commonly USD 25,000 to 70,000+ depending on the institution.

Approval depends on your documentation and the strength of your ties to the Philippines, not your nationality specifically. Since June 2025, all F-1 applicants must also make their social media profiles public for consular review, a genuine additional step worth preparing for alongside your financial and academic documents.

Not entirely free, but a handful of highly selective universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Princeton, are need-blind for international applicants and cover full demonstrated financial need through scholarships and grants once admitted.

Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Yale, and a small number of other highly selective US universities are need-blind for international applicants and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, though admission itself is extremely competitive.

Beyond the funds shown on your visa application, most students carry enough for the first few weeks of incidental expenses, since your I-20 already reflects tuition and living costs; check with your specific school for any recommended arrival amount.

Yes, through the need-blind, full-need policies at a small number of top universities (Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and similar), rather than a single national scholarship the way some countries offer.

Most US nursing programmes require an overall IELTS band of 6.5 to 7.0, though registration with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) has its own separate English and licensing requirements once you graduate.

Undergraduate applicants need completed Senior High School (Grade 12) under the K-12 curriculum, an accepted English test score, and (for many universities) SAT or ACT scores. For the F-1 visa itself, you need a Form I-20, the SEVIS I-901 fee paid, a completed DS-160, and a successful visa interview.

The SEVIS I-901 fee is USD 350, and the MRV visa application fee is USD 185, for a combined minimum of USD 535 before you even attend your interview.

From September 15, 2026, DHS is replacing the long-standing "duration of status" system with a fixed admission period, up to 4 years or your programme length, whichever is shorter. Students needing more time will need to file a formal Extension of Stay application with USCIS rather than simply remaining enrolled, a meaningful change worth knowing about if you're planning a multi-year programme.

Yes, through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during your studies (usually tied to internships), and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months after graduation, extended to 36 months total for eligible STEM graduates.