Information

Find more information and links about studying in Colorado here.

Obtain a Visa

You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine the type of visa you will need. Most students taking courses for academic credit will qualify for an F Student Visa*. The basic steps for obtaining a U.S. visa are as follows:

Apply and be Accepted by a US College or University: You must be accepted by a school before applying for a visa.
Receive your I-20 form: Once you are accepted by a college or university, the institution will send you a Form I-20 (for an F visa)* and other instructions for applying for your visa. This form serves as a certificate of eligibility of nonimmigrant student status in the United States.The school will also enroll you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This is the online system in the US Government that maintains records of foreign students during their stay in the United States.
Pay the SEVIS Fee: The school will tell you how to pay the SEVIS fee.
Schedule an Interview: After you have been accepted, received your I-20 form and paid the SEVIS fee, you will schedule an interview with a US Consular officer and apply for a visa.

*You may qualify for an Exchange Visitor Visa (J) to participate in an approved exchange program such as Fulbright or a university exchange. See links for more information on these visas.

More detailed information is available at the following links:

Five Steps toward Studying in the United States

If you are considering studying in the United States, Education USA recommends following these five steps:

Research your options
Complete your application
Finance your studies
Apply for a student visa
Prepare for departure

To learn more about each of these steps, visit the Education USA website.

Getting to Colorado

Most major airlines serve Colorado. Denver International Airport (DIA) is the largest airport in the state and provides nonstop daily service to more than 130 national and international destinations. Colorado has a number of smaller airports that serve flights to/from DIA and other airports in the US.

Once in Colorado, you can find safe and reliable ground transportation options that can take you most anywhere you want to go in the state. In the Denver metropolitan area, RTD (regional transportation district) will get you where you need to go.

The Advantage of Colorado Colleges and Universities

StudyColorado colleges and universities are known around the world for their academic excellence, top-notch facilities, and professors who will take the time to get to know you.

Our colleges and universities are both public and private, range in size from 1,500 students to over 30,000, and the admissions standards vary greatly, offering something for everyone.

Outside the classroom, StudyColorado colleges and universities all offer ready access to world-class skiing, climbing, hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

StudyColorado institutions are all regionally accredited, with many ranked in Forbes, US News and World Report, the Princeton Review and other national college rankings.

Cost of Living

The Colorado Department of Higher Education provides an estimate of monthly student living expenses.

Housing: $1393 (two bedroom apartment)
Food: $472
Local Transportation: $172
Personal Expenses, to include laundry, recreation, clothing $194
Books and Supplies: up to $1460

Actual expenses vary depending on institution, location, the student’s lifestyle and many other choices; these estimates represent an average across the state and should be used as a guide.

Scholarships

Many Colorado colleges and universities offer a limited number of scholarships to international students. Most of these scholarships are merit-based; some are specifically for international students and in other cases international students compete with all undergraduate students. Check the institution’s website for information on scholarships available from that institution.

There are also scholarships available to international students from a variety of organizations. StudyColorado has compiled the following list of links that provide information on scholarships for international students: