If you're planning to study in Miami, you won't be short of options. There are over 65 higher institutions in Miami for you to choose from, as well as the area's amazing culture to explore. Being a student in Miami is a blast – but you'll have to be disciplined and not get too distracted by Miami's fun party culture.
Why study in Miami?
Miami may not be the most obvious choice when it comes to picking a study destination. It may not be a finance and business center like New York, an academic or research hub like Boston or the best place to get your startup going like Austin or SF. However, the benefits of studying in Miami include the following:
- Favorable employment landscape: Miami presents a compelling case for expats seeking education due to Florida's low unemployment rate of 2.2%, offering a stable economic environment. Furthermore, the city boasts an array of both national and international businesses, a strong GDP and lots of potential job prospects for students;
- Recreation and coastal lifestyle in Miami: So long as you can be disciplined to hit your books when you need to, selecting Miami for your studies provides more than just academic benefits. Students can enjoy a huge array of recreational options, and the proximity to the ocean ensures an amazing Spring Break in Miami without the need for travel;
- Career opportunities in tourism: Miami's status as a sought-after tourist destination extends advantages to students pursuing fields like tourism, hospitality, and hotel management. Those fluent in multiple languages have a distinct advantage in this field;
- Multicultural enrichment in Miami: The allure of studying in Miami is not solely academic; it's also cultural. The city's historical ties to Spanish colonialism and Cuba infuse it with a rich diversity that is unlike any other US city.
Best universities in Miami
There are no Ivy League universities in the state of Florida — but you still have lots of quality educational establishments to choose from. Here's a breakdown of the top eight schools in Florida, including fees, student numbers, and acceptance rates. Comparisons of colleges and their various stats and rankings can be found online at Affordable Colleges and the Miami QS Rankings.
University of Miami
The University of Miami, with around 19,000 students, is a top choice for expats who want a great education and a friendly campus. It offers various fields of study, such as marine science, health sciences, business, and music, with tuition at about $34,500 per year. It can be tough to get in, as they have a 28% acceptance rate, and they usually get over 42,000 applications.
Florida International University (FIU)
FIU has a vast student body of around 56,000 and a lively campus life. Tuition is about $9,400, making it affordable. They accept about 64% of applicants, and they typically get around 16,000 applications. FIU is known for programs in hospitality, international business, engineering, and social sciences, making it a great choice for expats.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
NSU has around 20,000 students and is very international-friendly. They focus on health sciences, business, law, and psychology. Tuition is roughly $35,500, and they accept about 92% of applicants.
Barry University
With about 7,300 students, Barry University is all about community and personal growth. Tuition is around $18,400, and they accept about 64% of applicants from a pool of around 10,700. Notable programs include social work, nursing, education, and fine arts.
Miami Dade College (MDC)
MDC is huge, with around 44,000 students, and is very community-oriented. Tuition is impressively low, at about $4,200. They're all about inclusivity, with a 100% acceptance rate (exact applicant numbers unavailable). They offer various programs, making it a versatile choice for expats.
St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University, with about 5,900 students, is a close-knit community that values morals and academics. Tuition is around $28,500, and they accept about 71% of applicants from a pool of about 6,700. They offer programs in law, business, and theology.
Everglades University
Everglades University has around 2,600 students and focuses on sustainability and innovation. Tuition is about $29,300, and they have a 60% acceptance rate with around 850 applicants. They have programs emphasizing environmental stewardship and alternative medicine.
Florida Memorial University
With about 1,000 students, Florida Memorial University offers an intimate educational experience. Tuition is around $17,500, and they accept about 57% of applicants from a pool of about 3,500. They have programs in business and education.
Applying for a student visa to study in Miami
To study in the United States, you must apply for a student visa. Those planning to study full-time will generally need to obtain an F-1 student visa. Note that once you have been granted your student visa, you must stay enrolled in the university and obtain good grades to maintain it.
- On an F-1 visa, you may work for up to 20 hours per week, but only in an on-campus job. If you want to work off-campus, you will first need to file an application via United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
- J-1 visas are meant for students doing an internship, working on research projects or being involved in similar activities in the US. Note that J-1 visas are only valid for the length of the program you are enrolled in;
- M-1 visas are intended for students enrolling in technical or specialized study programs that are not held at academic institutions. Generally, M-1 visa holders are not allowed to work while in the US.
To apply for a student visa in the United States, you must first be accepted into your chosen university. You will also need to show proof that your financial situation allows you to pay for tuition and support yourself throughout your stay in the US.
General requirements for entry to a university or college in Miami
Different colleges and universities in Miami may have different entry requirements for enrolling students. Make sure to check the admission rate at the university you are considering to evaluate your chances of being accepted.
The general requirements for applying to a university in Miami are as follows: You will need good grades from your previous study place — whether it is a diploma or an undergraduate degree. Note that your grades should be equivalent to the GPA (Grade Point Average) requirement at the university you are applying to.
If there is a big academic gap between your current educational establishment and the university you are applying to, and you can't enroll in a bachelor's degree program directly, consider taking a pathway program. Pathway programs are preparatory courses that are designed specifically for international students to help them catch up on the curriculum of American colleges and universities. Taking a preparatory course can help you significantly increase your chance of a successful application to a university in the US.
Another important requirement for applying to any university in the US is a good command of the English language. Most universities will ask for proof of your English language proficiency (in the form of a TOEFL or IELTS test) if you are not a native English speaker. If you want to improve your language skills before applying, you can take a preparatory language course. It may also be a good idea to take a language course to help you prepare for a specific exam like TOEFL or IELTS.
Most universities can connect you with an international student advisor or an admissions counselor to guide you through the process and help you settle once you arrive.
Useful links:
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