-1400x1400.webp)
Study in the USA from Jordan: Universities, Costs, Visa & Scholarships
Planning to study in the USA from Jordan can feel like a long process at first. There are universities to compare, admission requirements to understand, documents to prepare, tuition and living costs to calculate, scholarships to search for, and eventually a student visa application to complete.
The process becomes much easier when you stop looking at it as one large decision and break it into clear stages.
For most Jordanian students, the journey starts well before submitting a university application. You need to decide what you want to study, identify universities that match your academic profile and budget, understand their individual entry requirements, and build a realistic financial plan. Once you receive admission from an eligible U.S. institution, you can move into the student visa stage.
This guide takes you through that journey step by step, from Jordan to your first semester in the United States.
How Can You Study in the USA from Jordan?
The exact process varies by university and degree level, but most students will move through the following stages:
Step
What You Need to Do
1
Decide what degree and field you want to study
2
Research suitable U.S. colleges and universities
3
Check academic and English-language requirements
4
Prepare your academic and supporting documents
5
Complete any required tests
6
Submit university applications
7
Compare admission offers, costs, and funding
8
Accept an offer and complete the university's requirements
9
Receive your Form I-20 for F-1 study
10
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
11
Complete the student visa application process
12
Prepare for your visa interview
13
Arrange accommodation, travel, and your arrival in the USA
This follows the same broad journey used by EducationUSA: researching your options, financing your studies, completing applications, applying for the student visa, and preparing for departure.
The important part is to start early. Waiting until you are ready to submit an application before researching costs, scholarships, or visa requirements can leave you with fewer choices later.
Looking for more ways to gain international experience while building your career? Explore internship abroad opportunities for Saudi students and learn how an international internship can help you develop practical skills, experience a new culture, and strengthen your professional profile.
Why Study in the USA from Jordan?
The United States offers a very broad higher-education system. Instead of choosing from one type of university or academic model, international students can explore public universities, private universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, research institutions, and specialized schools.
That variety gives Jordanian students considerable flexibility when searching for a program that fits their academic interests, budget, and long-term plans.
A Wide Range of Programs
Whether you are interested in engineering, computer science, business, finance, architecture, design, data science, or another field, you can usually find several institutions offering related programs.
This makes it possible to compare universities based on more than reputation alone.
Academic Flexibility
Many U.S. undergraduate programs allow students to explore different subjects alongside their main field of study. The exact structure varies by institution, but this can be useful for students who want a broader academic experience or interdisciplinary study.
Different Pathways into Higher Education
A four-year university is not the only route.
Depending on your goals, you may also consider community colleges and transfer pathways, as well as graduate programs if you already hold a bachelor's degree.
Research and Practical Learning Opportunities
For students interested in research, technology, engineering, business, or other applied fields, the U.S. system includes institutions with extensive research facilities, laboratories, industry connections, and practical learning opportunities.
The right choice, however, depends on the specific university and program rather than the country alone.
Understanding the U.S. Higher Education System
Before building your university list, it helps to understand how higher education in the United States is structured.
Community Colleges
Community colleges typically offer two-year programs, including associate degrees. Some students later transfer credits to a four-year institution to continue toward a bachelor's degree, subject to the relevant transfer agreements and university policies.
This route can be worth investigating if you want an alternative pathway into U.S. higher education.
Four-Year Colleges and Universities
These institutions offer bachelor's degrees, which commonly take around four years of full-time study, although actual completion time depends on the program, credit load, and individual circumstances.
Graduate Schools
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can apply for graduate-level programs such as master's and doctoral degrees.
Graduate admission requirements are usually more program-specific than undergraduate requirements, so you should check the department as well as the university's general admission information.
Public vs Private Universities
Public universities receive state funding and can have different tuition structures for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Private universities operate under a different funding model.
Do not assume that one category will always be cheaper for an international student. Scholarships and institutional aid can change the actual amount you pay.
The better comparison is:
Tuition + Scholarships + Fees + Living Costs = Your Real Study Budget
Can Jordanian Students Study in the USA?
Yes. Students from Jordan can apply to U.S. colleges and universities as international students.
The first important distinction is between university admission and immigration permission.
Receiving an offer from a university does not automatically give you permission to study in the United States. For the standard F-1 route, you first need admission to a school authorized to enroll international students. The institution then handles the relevant student record and Form I-20 process, after which you can proceed with the student visa application.
In other words:
University Admission → Student Documentation → Visa Application
These are connected stages, but they are not the same decision.
Admission Requirements for Jordanian Students
There is no universal set of admission requirements that applies to every U.S. university.
Requirements depend on the institution, degree level, program, and your academic background. This is why copying a checklist from one university and using it for every application can cause problems.
Nevertheless, Jordanian applicants commonly need to prepare several types of documents.
Academic Transcripts and Certificates
Undergraduate applicants will generally need records from their secondary education. Universities may have specific instructions regarding transcripts, certificates, translations, document formats, and how records must be submitted.
If you completed Tawjihi in Jordan, check how each university wants your academic record presented rather than assuming every institution evaluates it in exactly the same way.
Documents for Graduate Applicants
If you are applying for a master's or doctoral program, you will usually need your bachelor's-level academic records and proof of your completed degree.
Individual programs may ask for additional academic or professional documentation.
Proof of English Proficiency
International applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or another method recognized by the university.
The important phrase here is may need.
Requirements vary significantly between institutions.
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
Your essay or statement gives the admissions team context that grades alone cannot provide.
Depending on the application, you may be asked to discuss your academic interests, experiences, goals, motivation for choosing the program, or plans for the future.
A strong statement should be specific to you and the application rather than a generic essay sent unchanged to several universities.
Letters of Recommendation
Some institutions and programs ask for recommendations from teachers, professors, employers, or other relevant people who know your academic or professional work.
CV or Resume
Graduate and professionally oriented programs may request a CV or resume covering your education, experience, projects, research, internships, activities, or achievements.
Portfolio
Programs in areas such as architecture, fine arts, or design may require a portfolio. Requirements can be highly specific, so follow the instructions of the program carefully.
Planning to study abroad from Bahrain but not sure where to start? Explore our guide to study abroad agencies in Bahrain and learn how the right education support can help you compare destinations, understand university requirements, and plan your application journey with greater clarity.
Do Jordanian Students Need IELTS or TOEFL?
Not every university follows the same English-language policy.
Depending on the institution, accepted options may include TOEFL, IELTS, or another approved test. Some universities may provide exemptions or alternative ways to demonstrate proficiency under specific circumstances.
That means you should not book an English test simply because another student needed it for a different university.
First, shortlist your universities. Then check the official English-language requirements for each one.
A simple spreadsheet can help:
University
Accepted Test
Required Score
Exemption Available?
Deadline
University A
Check official policy
—
Check
—
University B
Check official policy
—
Check
—
University C
Check official policy
—
Check
—
This avoids taking unnecessary tests or discovering too late that your target university requires something different.
Do You Need the SAT or ACT to Study in the USA?
Not necessarily.
Standardized testing policies vary across U.S. institutions. A university may require SAT or ACT scores, make them optional, consider them under certain circumstances, or follow another admissions policy.
These policies can also change between admission cycles.
For that reason, do not rely on an old article or another student's previous application. Check the policy for your intended intake directly with each university.
The same principle applies to graduate tests such as the GRE or GMAT: requirements depend on the program.
How to Choose a U.S. University from Jordan
One of the easiest mistakes to make is starting with rankings.
A highly ranked university may be academically impressive, but that does not automatically make it the right university for your degree, budget, academic profile, or personal priorities.
A better shortlist starts with fit.
Start With Your Program
Research the actual curriculum rather than choosing a university first and assuming its program will match your goals.
Look at modules, concentrations, research areas, faculty interests, internship opportunities, and other academic features that matter to you.
Check Whether You Meet the Entry Requirements
Separate universities into realistic categories based on your academic profile instead of building an entire list around highly selective institutions.
Calculate the Total Cost
Tuition is only part of the cost of studying in the United States.
Your budget should also account for housing, food, insurance, transportation, books, personal expenses, travel, and other required university fees.
Look at Funding Before You Apply
If scholarships are essential to your ability to study abroad, research them while building your shortlist—not after receiving admission.
Some scholarships have separate deadlines or applications.
Consider the Location
The United States is large, and studying in one city can be a very different financial and personal experience from studying in another.
Consider climate, transportation, housing, living costs, campus environment, and distance from major airports alongside academic factors.
Look Beyond Rankings
EducationUSA emphasizes finding an institution that fits the student's needs rather than treating U.S. higher education as a single ranking exercise. Its network supports students in identifying suitable accredited institutions and navigating the application process.
A useful decision formula is:
Academic Fit + Admission Fit + Budget + Funding + Location + Student Support = Better University Shortlist
If you are struggling to narrow hundreds of options into a realistic shortlist, this is also where professional study-abroad guidance can be useful.
Explore study abroad opportunities with Levntura
Which U.S. Universities Should Jordanian Students Consider?
There is no single list of universities that is right for every Jordanian student.
Instead of searching only for the "best universities in the USA," identify the type of institution that matches what you need.
You might consider:
- Large research universities if research facilities and a broad range of programs matter to you.
- Liberal arts colleges if you prefer a smaller academic environment and broad undergraduate education.
- Public universities if they offer the right combination of program, funding, and overall cost.
- Private universities where institutional scholarships may make the final cost competitive.
- Community colleges if you are considering a two-year pathway with the possibility of transferring later.
The right question is not:
What is the highest-ranked university I can find?
It is:
Which universities give me a realistic combination of academic fit, admission opportunity, affordability, and long-term value?
Popular Fields to Study in the USA
U.S. universities offer programs across virtually every major academic discipline, so your choice should start with your interests and long-term goals.
Fields you may encounter frequently while researching include computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, business, management, finance, marketing, architecture, design, and social sciences.
However, do not choose a field simply because it appears popular.
Look at the curriculum, the skills you will develop, program accreditation where relevant, further-study pathways, and how the degree fits your plans after graduation.
Bachelor's Degree in the USA from Jordan
If you are applying for a bachelor's degree after secondary school in Jordan, your preparation should begin with three questions:
What do I want to study?
Which universities fit my academic profile?
What can I realistically afford?
Once you answer those, you can research each institution's requirements for academic records, English proficiency, standardized tests where applicable, essays, recommendations, financial documentation, and application deadlines.
The U.S. undergraduate application process can involve more components than simply submitting grades, so give yourself enough time to prepare a strong application rather than rushing several universities at once.
Master's Degree in the USA from Jordan
Graduate applications usually place more emphasis on your previous university education and your fit with the chosen program.
Depending on the course, you may need:
- Bachelor's degree documentation
- University transcripts
- English-language results
- Statement of Purpose
- CV or resume
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE or GMAT results where required
- Research proposal for certain programs
- Portfolio for relevant creative disciplines
- Evidence of professional experience where applicable
Read the requirements of the specific department carefully. Two master's programs at different universities can have very different expectations even when they have similar names.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in the USA from Jordan?
There is no responsible way to give one figure for the cost of studying in the USA.
Tuition varies widely depending on the university, program, degree level, and institution type. Living costs can also change significantly depending on where you study.
Instead of searching for one average number and building your budget around it, calculate your expected total cost of attendance.
Tuition and University Fees
Check the university's published international-student tuition and mandatory fees for your intended academic year.
Do not rely on tuition figures from several years ago.
Accommodation
Your options may include university housing, shared accommodation, or private housing depending on your institution and location.
Compare the full academic-year cost rather than just the monthly rent.
Food and Everyday Expenses
Your lifestyle matters here, but you still need a realistic monthly allowance for meals, groceries, mobile service, personal expenses, and other day-to-day costs.
Health Insurance
Many institutions have specific health insurance requirements for international students. Include this in your calculations rather than treating it as an optional expense.
Books and Academic Materials
Costs depend heavily on your course and whether you need textbooks, software, equipment, laboratory materials, or other academic resources.
Transportation
A campus in a city with extensive public transportation creates a different budget from one where you may need other transport arrangements.
Flights from Jordan
Remember to include travel between Jordan and the United States, particularly if you expect to return home during university breaks.
Visa and SEVIS Costs
As of September 2026, the U.S. Department of State lists the non-refundable application fee for F and M student visas at $185. The current I-901 SEVIS fee for F and M students is $350. Fees can change, so verify both on the relevant official websites when you are ready to apply.
A realistic budget therefore looks more like:
Tuition + University Fees + Housing + Food + Insurance + Books + Transportation + Travel + Visa/SEVIS Costs + Personal Expenses
rather than tuition alone.
Scholarships in the USA for Jordanian Students
If cost is one of your biggest concerns, scholarships should be part of your university research from the beginning.
Funding opportunities can come from several sources.
University Scholarships
Individual universities may provide scholarships to eligible international applicants. Availability, award amounts, eligibility criteria, and application processes vary widely.
Some scholarships may be considered automatically as part of admission, while others require a separate application.
Merit-Based Scholarships
These can consider academic performance and, depending on the award, other achievements or aspects of the student's profile.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Some U.S. institutions provide need-based financial assistance to international students, but policies vary significantly.
Always check whether international applicants are eligible before assuming that a university's general financial-aid information applies to you.
External Scholarship Programs
Jordanian students can also research scholarship opportunities offered outside individual universities.
One important example is the Jordanian Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which supports eligible Jordanian students pursuing master's-level study in the United States. The current published program information includes support such as tuition and books, a monthly stipend, round-trip travel, medical coverage, and visa fees. The 2027 application cycle listed a June 30, 2026 deadline and is therefore already closed as of September 2026; students interested in future cycles should check Fulbright Jordan for new announcements rather than assuming applications are currently open.
One important distinction: Fulbright participants enter under the J-1 exchange visitor route, so its immigration conditions are different from the standard F-1 route discussed elsewhere in this guide.
How to Find Scholarships Before Applying
Treat scholarship research as a separate project with its own deadlines.
Start with the financial-aid and scholarship pages of each university on your shortlist. Check whether the opportunity is open to international students, whether you need a separate application, what documents are required, and when the deadline falls.
A practical process is:
University Shortlist → International Student Funding → Eligibility → Award Amount → Separate Application? → Deadline
Create a spreadsheet and track scholarships alongside admission deadlines.
This is much safer than receiving an offer first and then asking how you are going to pay for it.
How to Apply to U.S. Universities from Jordan
Once you understand the basic requirements, you can turn the process into a manageable sequence.
Step 1: Define Your Study Goal
Decide whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate study and identify the subject area you want to pursue.
You do not need every detail finalized immediately, but you need enough direction to research suitable programs.
Step 2: Build a Balanced University Shortlist
Compare universities based on academic fit, admission requirements, budget, scholarships, location, and personal preferences.
Do not apply randomly to a long list simply because the universities are well known.
Step 3: Check Every Requirement
Create a separate checklist for each institution.
This is where you identify English tests, standardized tests, essays, recommendations, portfolios, financial documentation, and other university-specific requirements.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Collect transcripts, certificates, test results, passport information, recommendations, and other documents early.
If translations or specific document formats are required, allow additional time.
Step 5: Write Your Application Materials
Give yourself enough time for essays and statements.
Your writing should reflect your own experiences, goals, and reasons for applying. Avoid generic statements that could be sent to any university.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Do not aim to submit everything at the last possible moment.
Technical problems, missing recommendations, payment issues, or document requests can create unnecessary pressure.
Step 7: Track Your Applications
After submission, monitor your email and applicant portals. A university may request additional information before making a decision.
Step 8: Compare Your Offers
If you receive more than one offer, compare the entire package:
Program + Tuition + Scholarship + Living Costs + Location + Conditions
The university with the lowest advertised tuition is not automatically the cheapest overall option.
Step 9: Accept Your Chosen Offer
Follow the institution's instructions carefully, including any required deposits, financial documents, and international-student procedures.
Step 10: Move Into the Student Visa Process
Once the appropriate documentation is issued, you can begin preparing your F-1 visa application.
Documents You May Need for a U.S. University Application
Exact requirements vary, but your preparation folder may include:
- Valid passport
- Secondary-school academic records for undergraduate applications
- Bachelor's degree and transcripts for graduate applications
- English-language test results where required
- SAT or ACT results where required
- GRE or GMAT results where required
- Personal statement or Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- CV or resume
- Portfolio where applicable
- Financial documentation
- Additional program-specific documents
Do not send documents simply because they appear on a general internet checklist. Follow the instructions of each institution.
When Should You Start Preparing to Study in the USA?
Starting early gives you more time to compare universities, prepare for tests, improve application materials, and research scholarships.
A useful planning framework looks like this:
Stage
What to Focus On
Early research
Degree, major, universities, budget, scholarships
Shortlisting
Admission requirements, tests, deadlines
Application period
Documents, essays, recommendations, submissions
After admission
Offer comparison, finances, I-20 process
Visa stage
SEVIS, DS-160, fee, interview preparation
Pre-departure
Housing, insurance, flights, university arrival requirements
The exact dates depend on your intended intake and university deadlines, so build your timeline backward from the programs you want to apply to.
EducationUSA's official study pathway likewise emphasizes researching options and financing before completing applications, then moving into the visa and pre-departure stages.
USA Student Visa from Jordan: Understanding the F-1 Process
For many Jordanian students pursuing full-time academic study at a U.S. university, the relevant visa category is the F-1 student visa.
Do not confuse it with other U.S. study or exchange categories. The M visa applies to vocational or other recognized nonacademic study, while J visas cover approved exchange programs.
Your university and program type will determine which route applies to you.
What Is an F-1 Student Visa?
The F-1 is a nonimmigrant student visa used for eligible academic study in the United States.
You cannot simply apply for an F-1 visa first and choose a university later.
The sequence begins with admission to an eligible school.
A simplified journey looks like this:
University Acceptance → Form I-20 → SEVIS Fee → DS-160 → Visa Application Fee → Interview → Visa Decision
Each stage has its own requirements, so work through them in order.
What Is Form I-20?
Form I-20 is an important document in the F-1 student process.
After you are accepted and complete the school's requirements for international students, an authorized school official can issue the appropriate Form I-20 through SEVIS.
You will use information from this document during the visa process, and you should review it carefully for accuracy.
Your I-20 is not itself a student visa.
Think of the two separately:
I-20 → Student status documentation from the school/SEVIS process
F-1 Visa → Travel document issued through the U.S. visa process if your application is approved
What Is the SEVIS I-901 Fee?
SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
Students subject to the I-901 fee must pay it as part of the relevant process. The current ICE Form I-901 lists the F/M student fee as $350.
Because government fees can change, always confirm the amount through the official system before making payment.
How to Apply for an F-1 Student Visa from Jordan
Once you have your admission and the required school documentation, the visa stage generally involves several steps.
1. Receive Your Form I-20
Check that the information is correct and follow the school's instructions.
2. Pay the Required SEVIS I-901 Fee
Keep your payment confirmation with your visa records.
3. Complete Form DS-160
Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application carefully and make sure your information is accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.
4. Pay the Visa Application Fee
The current U.S. Department of State student visa page lists the F/M application fee at $185.
5. Arrange Your Visa Interview
Follow the instructions for the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. Appointment availability can vary, so avoid leaving this stage until the last minute.
6. Prepare Your Documents
Review the official instructions for your application location and prepare the required documents rather than relying on an unofficial checklist.
7. Attend Your Interview
Answer questions accurately and consistently. You should understand the program you have chosen, your study plans, and your financial arrangements.
8. Follow the Instructions After the Interview
A university offer does not guarantee visa issuance. Your visa application is considered separately under the applicable U.S. immigration rules.
How Early Can You Apply for Your U.S. Student Visa?
This is an area where outdated information can easily cause confusion.
The U.S. Department of State currently states that new F and M student visas may be issued up to 365 days before the program start date.
However, a new student cannot enter the United States on that student visa more than 30 days before the program start date.
So:
Visa Issuance Window ≠ Earliest Entry Date
Check your I-20 and travel plans carefully before booking your flight.
What Should You Expect in an F-1 Visa Interview?
There is no benefit in memorizing scripted answers.
Instead, make sure you genuinely understand your own application.
Be prepared to explain why you selected your university and program, what you plan to study, and how your education will be financed. Your answers should be consistent with the information in your application and supporting documents.
Keep your preparation centred on your actual circumstances rather than trying to guess the "perfect" answer.
Does University Admission Guarantee a U.S. Student Visa?
No.
University admission and visa approval are separate decisions.
A university determines whether it wants to admit you academically. The U.S. visa process determines whether you qualify for the visa for which you are applying.
This distinction is important when planning your journey. Avoid making irreversible travel arrangements simply because you have received an admission offer.
Can Jordanian Students Work While Studying in the USA?
Students in F-1 status are subject to specific employment rules.
The answer is not simply "yes, international students can work."
The type of employment, location, timing, authorization, and connection to your studies can all matter. Options may include qualifying on-campus employment and, in appropriate circumstances, authorized practical training such as CPT or OPT.
Because employment rules involve immigration status, use current official guidance and speak with your school's designated international-student official before accepting employment.
Do not build your entire study budget around an assumption that you will be able to work unlimited hours after arriving in the United States.
Can You Stay in the USA After Graduation?
Graduation does not automatically give an international student unrestricted permission to remain and work in the United States.
Eligible F-1 students may be able to apply for authorized practical training connected to their field of study, including OPT, subject to the applicable rules and eligibility requirements.
If post-study experience is important to your decision, research the rules that apply to your degree and status before enrolling rather than relying on assumptions about what happens after graduation.
Living in the USA as a Student from Jordan
Admission and visa approval get you to the United States. They do not prepare you for everyday life once you arrive.
Your pre-departure planning should cover practical issues too.
Accommodation
Check whether your university requires first-year students to live on campus and when housing applications open.
If you plan to live off campus, research transportation and the full cost of rent, utilities, deposits, and furnishings.
Health Insurance
Understand your university's health-insurance requirements before arrival. Medical care in the United States can be expensive, so this should never be treated as a minor detail.
Transportation
Some campuses are easy to navigate without a car; others are not.
Research the campus, city, public transportation, and airport connections before choosing where to live.
Weather
A student moving from Jordan to a northern U.S. state may need to prepare for a climate very different from what they are used to.
Check seasonal temperatures before buying clothes or packing.
Banking and Daily Expenses
Plan how you will access money when you first arrive and research the banking options available to international students near your university.
Campus Support
Look for your university's international student office, academic advising services, career services, counselling resources, student organizations, and orientation programs.
These services can make the adjustment to a new education system much easier.
What Should You Do Before Leaving Jordan?
Once your admission and visa arrangements are complete, create one final departure checklist.
Make sure you have your passport, visa, I-20 and relevant university documents in the format required for travel. Confirm your accommodation, review university arrival instructions, arrange appropriate insurance, and keep accessible copies of important records.
You should also plan how you will travel from the airport to your accommodation, how you will access money during your first days, and who to contact at the university if something changes.
Do not leave these details until you land.
Common Mistakes Jordanian Students Should Avoid
The application process becomes much easier when you know where students commonly lose time or make poor decisions.
Starting Too Late
Leaving university research, English testing, scholarship applications, and essays until the final months limits your options.
Choosing Universities Only by Ranking
A ranking does not tell you whether you can afford the university, whether the program fits your goals, or whether your academic profile matches its admissions expectations.
Ignoring the Total Cost
Affordable tuition does not necessarily mean an affordable degree.
Always calculate living costs and other expenses.
Searching for Scholarships After Admission
By that point, you may already have missed separate scholarship deadlines.
Assuming Every University Has the Same Requirements
They do not.
Build an individual checklist for each application.
Using Outdated Visa Information
Visa procedures, fees, and appointment arrangements can change. Use current official information when you reach the visa stage.
Treating Admission as a Visa Guarantee
These are separate decisions.
Submitting Generic Essays
Admissions teams want to understand you, not read an essay that could have been written for any university.
Ignoring Housing Until the Last Minute
Good housing options can have deadlines of their own.
Choosing a University Without Looking at the Actual Program
The university's name matters less than whether the program gives you the academic experience you need.
USA vs. Other Study Destinations: What Should Jordanian Students Consider?
The USA may be the right destination for you, but it should still be a considered decision.
Factor
Studying in the USA
What You Should Evaluate
University options
Very broad
More options also mean more research.
Programs
Wide variety
Compare the actual curriculum.
Academic structure
Can be flexible
Depends on institution and degree
Tuition
Varies widely
Compare total cost after scholarships.
Scholarships
Available at many institutions
Eligibility varies.
Living costs
Highly location-dependent
City and state matter
Visa
Appropriate student visa required
Prepare early.
Campus experience
Varies by institution
Research your specific university.
Do not choose a country because it appears universally "better." Choose the destination and university that make sense for your academic goals, finances, and personal circumstances.
How Levntura Can Help You Plan Your Study Journey from Jordan
Studying in the United States involves several decisions that affect one another.
Your choice of university affects your tuition and living costs. Your admission requirements determine which documents and tests you need. Your funding plan influences which offers are realistic. And once you receive admission, you need to understand the next steps in the international-student process.
Levntura is headquartered in Amman and works with students seeking international study and cultural opportunities, including study-abroad programs.
Rather than applying randomly, the goal should be to build a study plan around your academic profile, budget, preferred destination, and the type of international experience you want.
Explore your study abroad options with Levntura.
Study in the USA from Jordan: Final Application Checklist
Before you begin, use this checklist to see where you are in the process.
Stage
Checklist
Planning
Degree, major, budget, destination
Research
Universities, programs, admission requirements
Funding
Tuition, living costs, scholarships
Testing
English test and other required exams
Documents
Transcripts, certificates, passport, recommendations
Application
Essays, forms, fees, submission
Decision
Offers, scholarships, total cost
After Admission
Financial documents and I-20 process
Visa
SEVIS, DS-160, fee, interview
Departure
Housing, insurance, travel, arrival instructions
You do not need to complete everything at once.
You need to complete the right step at the right time.
FAQs About Studying in the USA from Jordan
Can Jordanian Students Study in the USA?
Yes. Jordanian students can apply to U.S. colleges and universities as international applicants. Admission requirements vary by institution and program, and students must also complete the appropriate immigration process before beginning their studies in the United States.
How Can I Study in the USA from Jordan?
Start by deciding what you want to study and researching suitable U.S. institutions. Check admission and English requirements, prepare your documents, apply to universities, compare offers and funding, and then complete the appropriate student visa process after admission.
What Are the Requirements to Study in the USA from Jordan?
Requirements vary by university. They may include academic transcripts, certificates, proof of English proficiency, essays, recommendations, standardized test scores where required, and financial documentation.
Is Tawjihi Accepted by U.S. Universities?
U.S. universities evaluate international secondary-school qualifications according to their own admissions policies. If you completed Tawjihi, check the international admission requirements and document instructions of each university you are considering.
Do Jordanian Students Need IELTS to Study in the USA?
Not always. Universities have different English-language requirements and may accept IELTS, TOEFL, other approved tests, or alternative evidence under certain policies. Check each university individually.
Do I Need TOEFL to Study in the USA from Jordan?
It depends on the institution. TOEFL is one possible way to demonstrate English proficiency, but it is not a universal requirement for every U.S. university.
Do I Need SAT to Study in the USA?
Not every university requires SAT scores. Testing policies vary and can change between admission cycles, so check the current requirements of each institution.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in the USA from Jordan?
There is no single cost. Your total depends on tuition, university fees, accommodation, food, health insurance, books, transportation, flights, visa-related expenses, and the city or state where you study.
Are There Scholarships in the USA for Jordanian Students?
Yes, Jordanian students can research university scholarships, merit-based funding, need-based aid where available to international applicants, and external programs such as Fulbright. Eligibility and deadlines vary.
Can Jordanian Students Get a Full Scholarship in the USA?
Some funding opportunities can cover a substantial portion or, in specific programs, multiple major study expenses. However, availability is competitive and eligibility varies. Check the terms of each scholarship rather than assuming all "full scholarships" cover the same costs.
When Should I Apply to U.S. Universities from Jordan?
It depends on your intended intake and university deadlines. Starting research well in advance gives you time to compare programs, complete tests, prepare essays, gather recommendations, and apply for scholarships.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
Common documents include academic records, a passport, English test results where required, essays or statements, recommendations, and additional program-specific materials. Always follow the university's official checklist.
What GPA Do I Need to Study in the USA?
There is no single GPA requirement for all U.S. universities. Minimum and competitive academic standards vary considerably between institutions and programs.
Which U.S. Universities Accept Jordanian Students?
Jordanian students can apply to U.S. institutions that admit international students, provided they meet the institution's requirements. The better approach is to build a shortlist around your academic profile, budget, and program rather than searching for one generic list.
What Is an I-20?
Form I-20 is issued through the relevant U.S. student system by an authorized school official for eligible F or M students. It is an important document in the student visa and status process, but it is not itself a visa.
What Is SEVIS?
SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System used to maintain information about eligible international students and exchange visitors in the United States.
How Much Is the SEVIS Fee for an F-1 Student?
As of September 2026, the I-901 SEVIS fee for F/M students is $350. Verify the amount through the official U.S. government system before paying because fees can change.
How Much Is the U.S. Student Visa Application Fee?
As of September 2026, the U.S. Department of State lists the F/M visa application fee at $185. Check the official visa website when applying for the latest amount and location-specific instructions.
Does University Admission Guarantee an F-1 Visa?
No. Admission and visa issuance are separate decisions. Receiving an offer from a university does not guarantee that a student visa will be issued.
How Early Can a New Student Enter the USA?
The Department of State currently states that new F and M student visas may be issued up to 365 days before the course start date, but new students cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before their program begins.
Can Jordanian Students Work While Studying in the USA?
F-1 students are subject to specific employment restrictions and authorization requirements. Some forms of on-campus employment or authorized practical training may be available depending on eligibility and circumstances. Students should confirm current rules with official sources and their school's international-student office before working.
Can I Stay in the USA After Graduation?
Graduation alone does not provide unrestricted permission to remain and work in the United States. Eligible F-1 students may be able to apply for authorized practical training such as OPT, subject to current requirements.
Can I study a master's degree in the USA from Jordan?
Yes. Jordanian graduates can apply for U.S. master's programs if they meet the academic, English-language, and program-specific admission requirements.
Is Fulbright Available to Jordanian Students?
Fulbright Jordan offers programs for eligible Jordanian applicants. The published 2027 Foreign Student Program cycle for master's study had a June 30, 2026, deadline, so that cycle is closed as of September 2026. Students should monitor the official Fulbright Jordan website for future application cycles.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey to Study in the USA from Jordan
If you want to study in the USA from Jordan, you do not need to solve the entire process in one day.
Start with the decision that matters most: what do you want to study, and what kind of university fits your academic profile and budget?
From there, the journey becomes much clearer:
Choose Your Program → Research Universities → Calculate Your Budget → Search for Scholarships → Prepare Your Application → Secure Admission → Complete the Student Visa Process → Prepare for Departure
The strongest application is not necessarily the one sent to the largest number of universities. It is the one built around realistic choices, careful preparation, accurate information, and a timeline that gives you enough room to handle each stage properly.
Levntura can help you explore international study opportunities and organize the next steps of your journey from Jordan, so you can approach your study-abroad plans with a clearer understanding of what comes next.