Study in the United States: SAT, F-1 Visa and Budget

The United States remains the most dreamed-of destination: world-renowned universities, a unique campus life, great flexibility in choosing subjects and career opportunities. It is also an expensive destination that is demanding in terms of applications. Here is how to study in the United States from Tunisia: choosing institutions, the SAT, applying, the F-1 visa and budget.

The American system in brief

• Bachelor's degree in 4 years, with a general first part before choosing your specialisation (major).

• Community colleges: 2 years of courses for an Associate degree, at reduced fees, with the possibility of then transferring to a university to complete the bachelor's (the "2+2" formula).

• Master's (1 to 2 years), MBA, PhD.

There are more than 4,000 institutions: research universities, liberal arts colleges, public state universities, private institutions.

Applying for a bachelor's

Most universities use a shared platform, the Common App, or their own portal. The application includes:

• transcripts for your secondary school years (often from the first year of secondary school to the final year), translated;

• a personal essay and sometimes essays specific to each university;

• recommendation letters from teachers and the school counsellor;

• a list of activities (sport, clubs, projects, volunteering);

• an English test;

• possibly the SAT or ACT;

• financial documents for the I-20.

Timelines

• Early Decision / Early Action: apply in autumn (often November), answer in December.

• Regular Decision: apply in winter (often January), answer in spring.

• For an autumn intake, prepare your application from the previous summer.

Is the SAT mandatory?

Many universities have become test-optional (the SAT is optional), but several major universities require it again. A good score is still an asset, especially for international applicants and for merit scholarships.

The SAT is now digital, shorter than before, with two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. It is taken at approved centres, some of them in Tunisia, several times a year. Allow 2 to 4 months of preparation.

English level

Universities generally require TOEFL, IELTS or, for a growing number of them, the Duolingo English Test. See IELTS or TOEFL: which one to choose? and Duolingo English Test.

Scholarships and financial aid

• Merit scholarships offered by many universities to international students.

• Need-based financial aid: a few highly selective universities cover all or part of the costs depending on family income.

• Athletic scholarships for high-level athletes.

• Government programmes, especially for master's and doctoral studies, such as the Fulbright scholarship.

The I-20 form and the F-1 visa

1. Once admitted, you send your financial proof to the university.

2. The university issues you the I-20 form.

3. You pay the SEVIS fee.

4. You fill in the online visa application form and book an appointment at the US Embassy in Tunis.

5. You attend the consular interview.

The interview is short. The officer checks that you are a genuine student, that you can fund your studies and that you have strong ties to Tunisia. Screening rules for student visas have recently been tightened: be transparent and prepare for the interview. Appointment wait times vary: request one as soon as you receive the I-20.

What budget should you plan for?

Costs vary enormously:

• Community colleges: the most affordable options.

• Public state universities: intermediate cost for international students.

• Private universities: the most expensive, but some offer the most generous scholarships.

Add living costs (accommodation, meals, mandatory health insurance, books, transport), which depend heavily on the city. In total, the annual budget can range from a few tens of thousands of dollars to much more depending on the institution. Our advisors give you precise ranges for your target institutions.

Working during and after your studies

• During your studies: part-time work on campus, under conditions.

• After graduation: OPT lets you work in your field for a limited period, extended for science and technology (STEM) degrees.

Typical timeline for an August-September intake

1. Spring of the second-to-last year of secondary school: initial research, registering for the SAT and the English test.

2. Summer: test preparation, university list, first essay drafts.

3. Autumn of the final year: tests, essays, recommendation letters, Early applications (November).

4. Winter: Regular applications (January), scholarship applications.

5. Spring: university decisions, final choice, sending financial proof.

6. Summer: I-20, SEVIS fee, visa interview, accommodation.

Building a balanced university list

A good list generally includes 8 to 12 institutions:

• a few ambitious universities (reach);

• a majority of realistic universities (match);

• a few safe universities (safety), where your admission is very likely and the budget affordable.

Also include universities that offer merit scholarships to international students, and possibly a community college as a budget-friendly option.

Financial documents

For the I-20 and the visa, you must prove that you can fund at least the first year (tuition fees and living costs): bank statements, income certificates, a letter of financial support from the parent or sponsor, and a scholarship certificate if applicable. Prepare them carefully: they are also examined at the consular interview.

Our support

Worldwide Studies helps you build your university list, decide on the SAT, write your essays, look for scholarships and prepare the I-20 and the visa interview. See our Study in the United States page.

👉 Fees and scholarships vary depending on the university: talk to an advisor for a US plan suited to your budget.