As an F or M international student, you can only attend a U.S. school certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This certification ensures that the school you attend meets certain standards set by the U.S. government. 

 

To be certified, schools must prove that they are a bona fide school and an established institution of learning or other recognized place of study. This means that they possess the necessary facilities and instructors, and are already engaged in course instruction prior to SEVP certification. SEVP certifies U.S. schools and then monitors those schools and the international students who attend them to ensure they follow U.S. rules and regulations.

 

Use the Study in the States School Search Map to find an SEVP-certified school that works for you.

 

Something else to consider when you are selecting a U.S. school is accreditation. SEVP-certification is different from accreditation, which refers to a school’s educational standards. Unlike SEVP certification, the school that an F or M student attends does not have to be accredited; however, verifying a school’s accreditations is a way to determine the type of education you will receive at the school you select.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, “The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.” Private institutions that determine and regulate educational standards accredit U.S. schools. If you have questions about accreditation, consult a school’s website or ask a school official about the school’s standing.

 

For more information about understanding accreditation, visit EducationUSA's website. You can also ask your local EducationUSA advisor for help when selecting a U.S. school to attend.

 

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