Studying in the US

US offers a whole wealth of possibilities not necessarily available elsewhere. Furthermore, universities in the US offer full-ride or partial scholarships to top students from all over the world! Full-ride scholarships mean no tuition fees and no bond, which allows you to work anywhere in the world. Furthermore, you can work while studying in the US, which makes living there more affordable.

Students from Brunei have studied at the following places:

Universities

Carnegie-Mellon University, US: https://www.cmu.edu/
Michigan State University, US: https://msu.edu/
New York University, US: https://www.nyu.edu/
New York University, Abu Dhabi: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships-and-financial-aid.html

Community Colleges

Orange Coast College: https://orangecoastcollege.edu/Pages/home.aspx
Lane Community College: https://www.lanecc.edu/

Application Timeline for U6 Students

June - August: Start researching and select 5 US universities to apply to
July - November: Register as a user on www.commonapp.org or register as an applicant directly to university
October - December: Submit your application on www.commonapp.org or directly to the university
*October - December: Register and sit for the ACT Test if you are applying for a scholarship with the US university (We highly recommend sitting for it nonetheless as it strengthens your application)
**October - December: Register and sit for the English Test
*February: Submit your scholarship application to MOE, MINDEF, BSP, Yayasan and others with your letter of acceptance from a US university
April - May: Confirm your acceptance to ONE US university
*April - June: Organise finances to show proof that you can pay for university across all four years
April - June: Receive immigration forms (I-20 Form) from your college or university (you will need this form to apply for an F1-Student Visa)
April - July: Apply for a F1-Student Visa with the US Embassy in Brunei
May - July: Book flight tickets, arrange for housing and medical insurance

The asterisk (*) indicates actions you may or may not need to take depending on whether you plan to be self-funded or applying for a scholarship, and the requirements of the university.

Note: ALWAYS consult with your careers advisor before embarking on the exciting journey of studying in the US so that they could guide you in applying correctly

Community Colleges

Public Community Colleges: US$9000 a year

Private Community Colleges: US$15000 a year

Scholarships: None available

You graduate with an equivalent to a diploma which allows you to transfer credits and continue at a traditional university

Foothill + De Anza is one of the top community colleges that allows you to transfer to a UC university

Universities

Price: US$20000 to US$40000 a year

Scholarships: Partial or full funding may be available (take the ACT to improve chances of getting a place and funding)

You graduate with an undergraduate degree

Create a shortlist of universities to apply for

The following list are a useful place to start in looking for US universities. We advise prioritising affordability rather than applying for universities you cannot afford.

University Spotlight

California Institute of Technology

One of the top 10 universities on the QS World RankingsLearn about the application process here. Application deadlines are in November (early decision) and in January (regular decision).
A great option for yellow IC holders who are intending to apply for MOE and MINDEF scholarships as well as the MOE education loan!

John Hopkins University

One of the top 50 universities on the QS World RankingsLearn about the application process here. Application deadlines are in November (early decision) and in January (regular decision).
A great option for yellow IC holders who are intending to apply for MOE and MINDEF scholarships as well as the MOE education loan!

New York University

There are several campuses including in the US and in Abu DhabiSeveral Bruneians are studying there

University of Notre Dame

If you want to be considered for financial aid, application deadlines are in November (early decision) and in January (regular decision). https://admissions.nd.edu/aid-affordability/
Completely test optional. No need for SAT or ACT scores.

University of St Thomas

There are several scholarship options availablehttps://www.stthomas.edu/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/index.html

Wake Forest University

If you want to be considered for financial aid, application deadlines are in November (early decision) and in January (regular decision). https://admissions.wfu.edu/affordability/
Completely test optional. No need for SAT or ACT scores.

York College of Pennsylvania

A great option for students keen to pursue Engineering!

The programme is accredited by organisations including ABET and ACBSP
There is a compulsory co-op portion of the degree where students must pursue a paid internship with a US based company
The paid internship typically averages USD740 a week
Tuition fees amount to approximately USD22,350 a year with small scholarships available

Drew University

Located outside New York
Drew University Scholarships - includes regional scholarships (you are entitled to a scholarship if you come from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and so on) and merit-based scholarships

Minerva University

A great option for students who would like:
1) Financial assistance 2) Wishes to work in the US for the first few years after graduating from university
3) Study in 6 different locations (San Franciso, Seoul, Beunos Aires, Berlin, Taipei and Hyberabad) in 4 years
You are looking at paying US$3000 a year while studying, and after you complete your studies, you are looking at paying a student loan of US$22,000 only after graduation. More details on finance here: https://www.minerva.edu/undergraduate-program/tuition-aid/tuition-fees/
You are advised to apply for Regular Decision II by March, 15.
More details here: https://www.minerva.edu/undergraduate-program/admissions/
Applying costs US$25 and does not require SAT and IELTS. Students scoring ABB are encouraged to apply.

Wichita State University

Founded in 1895, Wichita State University is a national university offering more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs to its 17,000 students. With over 250 unique employers on campus, WSU offers students lots of research and job opportunities. Over 3,000 international students choose WSU because of its nationally ranked programs, excellent research facilities, collaboration with businesses, and affordable cost of attendance.Top 5 Majors: 1) Computer Science, 2) Business Administration, 3) Aerospace Engineering, 4) Psychology, 5) Biological ScienceUndergraduate Tuition & Fees: $18,500Scholarships Available: YesWebsite: https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/international/index.php

Ball State University

Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 21,600 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University.Top 5 Majors: 1. Architecture, 2. Nursing, 3. Computer Science, 4. Business Administration, 5.AccountingUndergraduate Tuition & Fees: $29,890Scholarships Available: YesWebsite: https://www.bsu.edu/admissions/international

Linfield University

Linfield University is a private liberal arts college with campuses in McMinnville, and Portland, Oregon. Linfield Wildcats athletics participate in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. Linfield reported a total of 1,755 students after the fall 2022 census date. Top 5 Majors: Psychology, Business administration and management, Elementary education and teaching, Biology/biological sciences, general, Public health education and promotion. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: USD$69,090.00Scholarships Available: Yes (Merit-based up to USD30,000; need-based depends on family financial situation)Website: https://www.linfield.edu/admission/apply/index.html

Community College Spotlight

Foothill + De Anza International

FHDA is a 2 yr California state community college, ranked #1 in transfers to the UC system, Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the co-founders of Apple both attended DA. Ranked #1 in safety of all CA CC districts. NO SAT required for admission, over 70 majors. Beautiful, fully equipped campuses with great sports facilities, 70+ clubs and less than an hour to the great city of San Francisco. Total cost for one year of studies, EVERYTHING included: $27,750. No scholarships available for first year students. We transfer to Ivies, Big Ten, major tech universities and Institutes and major universities in Canada. And…great weather, no snow!!!Top 5 Majors: 1. Computer Science, 2. Business, 3. Engineering, 4. Technology, 5. PsychologyUndergraduate Tuition & Fees: $10,000Scholarships Available: NoWebsite: https://international.fhda.edu/

Snow College

We are a community college in central Utah, and we help students get a great start to their education! Studying at a community college as many benefits including affordable tuition, smaller class sizes, a more personalized experience, the ability to transfer anywhere in the U.S after getting an associates degree, and double OPT!Top 5 Majors: 1. Business, 2. Engineering, 3. Computer Science, 4. Software Engineering (B.S), 5. Music (B.M)Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $14,900Scholarships Available: YesWebsite: https://snow.edu/international/index.html

San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley

San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley (SMCSV) include three outstanding fully accredited two-year community colleges: Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College. SMCSV offers Associate Degrees, Transfer Programs, and Certificate Programs. Our colleges are located in the heart of Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.Top 5 Majors: 1. Computer Science, 2. Business Administration, 3. Biology, 4. Allied Health, 5. EngineeringUndergraduate Tuition & Fees: Tuition: $9,912 (12 units X 2 semesters, $413 per unit); Insurance: $2,580; Application Fee: $50Scholarships Available: YesWebsite: https://smccd.edu/international/

Education USA

Check out Education USA for more information.

Subscribe to their Facebook page! It is a very useful resource as they will alert you to various available scholarships and their deadlines.

#Youarewelcomehere Scholarship

Many universities in the US are keen to welcome international applicants. They offer partial scholarships of up to 50% of the yearly tuition fees! More information here.

General Funding Resources

IIE Funding for US Study Online www.fundingusstudy.org is the best online resource for funding.
#YouAreWelcomeHere National Scholarship Program https://www.youarewelcomehereusa.org/ 57 participating colleges and universities will offer two annual, renewable scholarships that will cover a minimum of 50 percent of recipients’ tuition. These scholarships support incoming international students who are committed to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message through intercultural exchange that bridges divides at their future campuses and beyond. https://www.youarewelcomehereusa.org/2020-scholarship#institutions for list of institutions. Sample application form: https://admissions.temple.edu/sites/admissions/files/2020-2021%2BYouAreWelcomeHere%2BScholarship%2BApplication.pdf
EducationUSA Financial Aid https://educationusa.state.gov/find-financial-aid
EduPass https://www.edupass.org/scholarships/
Scholars4Dev http://www.scholars4dev.com (global scholarships)
Top Universities https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/scholarship-advice/international-scholarships-study-us (global scholarships)
International Student https://www.internationalstudent.com/scholarships/search/ (global scholarships)
International Scholarships.com www.internationalscholarships.com
Scholarship Help www.scholarshiphelp.org
Fastweb edu.fastweb.com
College Greenlight Scholarship for underrepresented students https://www.collegegreenlight.com/
Study in the USA https://www.studyusa.com/en
Cappex https://www.cappex.com/

Undergraduate Funding

International Education Financial Aid www.iefa.org

Undergraduate Merit Scholarships

Guaranteed Scholarships www.guaranteed-scholarships.com
MeritAid.com www.meritaid.com
Cappex https://www.cappex.com/

Loans for International Students

Global Student Loan Corporation www.globalslc.org
International Student Loan www.internationalstudentloan.com
Access Group www.accessgroup.org

Disability Scholarships

Disability Scholarships http://disabilityscholarships.us/
Mobility International USA http://www.miusa.org/resouece/tipsheet/scholarshipstous
Disabled World http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/education/scholarship

Costs in Applying

Application fees vary from US$30 to US$75 per university - but you can apply for a fee waiver
ACT test fee varies between US$95 to US$110 per university
The English test, if required, cost anywhere from US$49 to US$300 depending on whether you take the IELTS (Academic), TOEFL (PBT) or Duolingo English Test.
The visa application fee is US$350 as of 2021.

Note: Applying is always worth the cost if you can secure a scholarship at the end of the day!

Standardised and English Tests

Standardised and English Tests for the US

Resources to help in your application

Tips from Bruneian students who have successfully completed their US university application essay can be found here: http://bnguidetousedu.wordpress.com/
You are normally required to write several admission essays. John Hopkins University provides some useful admission essays examples here.
What characteristics do universities look for? You can take a look at favoured traits here: https://questbridge.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500001931002-What-traits-or-characteristics-should-the-recommendation-mention-

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