You are not eligible for ESTA and need to apply for a study and exchange visa. To learn more about the Study and Exchange visas click here
The US is supportive of international education, welcoming foreign students and exchange visitors who prior to their entry to the US for study purposes must first obtain a visa. Educational qualifications in the U.S are highly prestigious and this makes students across the world want to attend U.S institutions.
However, before applying for a visa, students and exchange visitors must be accepted by their schools or program sponsor in order to be eligible and also fulfill the general requirements in order to obtain a study visa.
There are four types of US student visas depending on the specific reason the international student wants to enter the US:
- F-1 visa – for attending academic education starting from elementary to graduate school, including language courses.
- M-1 visa – for students enrolled in vocational and non-academic education, excluding language courses.
- J-1 visa – for studying when various organizations sponsor you.
- Q-1 visa – for participants in an international cultural exchange program (which also provides opportunities for foreign nationals to come work and train in the US)