Plan your U.S. study pathway with clearer guidance and verified source checks.
The United States offers broad academic choice, flexible majors, research pathways and diverse campuses. TSV helps you compare universities, admission requirements, funding, English evidence, SEVP checks, F-1 visa steps and future work-option verification in a calm, student-first way.
General education guidance only. Visa, employment, funding and university requirements must be verified through official U.S. government and institutional sources.
Why the USA may suit your profile
The USA may suit students looking for flexible undergraduate pathways, specialised postgraduate programs, research opportunities, campus diversity, merit-scholarship options and strong career-service ecosystems.
Academic flexibility
Broad academic choice and flexible majors, with the ability to explore before specialising.
Profile-based planning
Compare accreditation, program fit, total cost, location, scholarship conditions, English requirements and SEVP certification.
Official checks matter
SEVP certification, I-20, visa timing and OPT/STEM OPT eligibility must be verified before applying.
USA destination counsellor support
Display only verified credentials. Support counsellors are not presented as USA certified unless TSV confirms a destination-specific credential. Credentials do not guarantee admission, visas, scholarships, work rights, OPT or migration outcomes.
Thilina Rajapakse
USA Certified Counsellor / Senior Destination Adviser
Raees Ul Haq
TSV USA Support Counsellor
Muammar Deen
TSV USA Support Counsellor
Caleb Fernando
TSV USA Support Counsellor
Your USA study pathway with TSV
A calm, documented sequence from first profile review to arrival planning.
Profile and goal review
Review academic history, GPA/marks, English level, budget, course interests, location preferences and career goals.
University and program shortlist
Compare institutions, admission requirements, scholarships, accreditation, campus support and SEVP certification where relevant.
Application and funding preparation
Guide documents, essays, recommendations, transcripts, test evidence, scholarship forms and payment planning.
I-20 and visa-readiness checks
After admission to an SEVP-certified school, eligible students receive Form I-20 from the DSO and use it for visa steps. Always verify current requirements officially.
Pre-departure and arrival planning
Prepare for housing, travel, health insurance, campus reporting, academic expectations and responsible budgeting.
English language requirements
English requirements vary by institution, course level, visa category and department. Waivers are not automatic and must be confirmed by the university and checked against visa documentation requirements.
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Duolingo English Test where accepted
- Institution-specific alternatives where available
Funding and payment options
Plan funding carefully across merit aid, assistantships, family funding and eligible loans.
- Institutional merit scholarships
- Need-aware or need-based aid where offered
- Graduate assistantships
- Family or sponsor funding
- Education loans where eligible
USA study cost estimator
Estimates only. Verify with official university, funding, lender and government sources. Tuition, living costs, exchange rates, SEVIS/visa fees, insurance and scholarships can change.
Do not use this calculator as financial, visa or funding advice.
F-1 / M-1 visa checks
Students usually need an F visa for academic study or an M visa for vocational study. The appropriate category depends on the course and school type.
What to verify
Verify admission, SEVP certification, Form I-20, SEVIS fee, DS-160, interview requirements, financial evidence and embassy/consulate instructions through official sources.
Work while studying
F-1 employment is regulated. Verify on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, DSO authorisation, USCIS requirements and timing before working. Do not assume work rights are automatic.
OPT & STEM OPT
Eligible F-1 students may access Optional Practical Training related to their field. Certain STEM graduates may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, subject to USCIS rules and employer requirements.
Common mistakes students make
- Choosing a university without checking SEVP certification
- Underestimating total cost of attendance and health insurance
- Assuming scholarships or assistantships are automatic
- Ignoring essay, recommendation and transcript quality
- Assuming OPT means guaranteed employment
Parent concerns we help clarify
- Is the university accredited and suitable?
- What is the realistic first-year and full-program cost?
- How strong is the funding plan?
- What must be checked for F-1 visa preparation?
- How safe and supportive is the campus/location?
Verify before you apply
Use this checklist before submitting an application, paying deposits or planning a visa application.
Official sources students should check
Use official sources before making application, finance or visa decisions.
USA study questions
Start My USA Application Review
After you submit this form, a TSV counsellor will review your profile and contact you with the next practical step. This does not guarantee admission, visa approval, funding, scholarship, assistantship, OPT, employment or immigration outcomes.