Panoramic photography of Brooklyn Bridge

United States City guide

Study in New York

New York draws Latin American students because it concentrates academic supply, services and international community within a manageable radius. New York's subway runs 24/7; NYU sits in Greenwich Village, Columbia in Morningside Heights and CUNY campuses span all five boroughs. Manhattan's rental market is the most expensive of any destination in this guide.

Local vibe

New York's subway runs 24/7; NYU sits in Greenwich Village, Columbia in Morningside Heights and CUNY campuses span all five boroughs.

Budget

Higher cost of living

Visa and paperwork

F-1 student visa

Work while studying

Up to 20 hours/week on campus while studying

Direct admission

You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.

New York City stacks CUNY, NYU, Columbia, The New School and specialist colleges across five boroughs. The subway runs 24/7 but rent in Manhattan and Brooklyn is extreme — many students live in Queens or New Jersey with a commute. Winter heating bills and summer humidity both hit budgets.

F-1 students need an I-20 from a SEVP-certified school, SEVIS fee payment, visa interview and proof of funds. CPT and OPT rules depend on program level — your DSO is the source of truth for work authorization.

Community colleges, pathway programs and graduate degrees start in fall, spring or summer — align housing search with your campus borough, not just the postcard skyline.

ApplySite connects you to verified institutions for direct admission. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden platform fees. Use our United States country guide for national visa context.

City guide

Why students choose New York

  • New York's subway runs 24/7; NYU sits in Greenwich Village, Columbia in Morningside Heights and CUNY campuses span all five boroughs. Manhattan's rental market is the most expensive of any destination in this guide.
  • Mixed academic routes: languages, diplomas and degrees in New York
  • Side-by-side comparison with other United States cities on ApplySite
  • Program catalog in New York expanding at launch

Education

Types of institutions

Universities and higher education

Institutions with their own admissions in New York; check language of instruction and intake dates.

Colleges and vocational training

Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.

Language schools

Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.

Programs

What you can study in New York

Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.

Languages

Catalog expanding at launch

Languages in New York

Language schools and intensive courses in New York to level up before college or university in United States.

See programs →
Undergrad

Catalog expanding at launch

Undergraduate study in New York

Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with New York institutions focused on local employability.

See programs →
Postgraduate

Catalog expanding at launch

Postgraduate programs in New York

MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in New York's ecosystem.

See programs →

Student life

Student life in NYC is neighbourhood-first: bodegas, free summer events, campus clubs and borough parks. Get a MetroCard, avoid carrying your I-20 casually, and budget for groceries — dining out daily is unsustainable on a student budget.

Visa and paperwork

To study in New York you will typically need the F-1 student visa. Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 20 hours/week on campus while studying Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.

Guide to United States →

Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.

Planning your budget

Cost of living in New York

Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.

Housing $1,200 – $2,400/mo (estimate)
Food $400 – $700/mo
Transport $90 – $180/mo
Extras $200 – $450/mo

Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.

United States

Other cities in United States

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I work while studying in New York?

In United States, the usual rule is: Up to 20 hours/week on campus while studying. Confirm limits on your offer letter and the official immigration site.

How much does it cost to live in New York?

Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in New York.

How do I apply to a program in New York?

On ApplySite you compare programs in New York, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.

Are programs already listed for New York?

The catalog rolls out in phases at launch. Until then use this guide and contact our team if you already have an institution in mind.

Do I pay ApplySite?

No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.

Are there hidden fees when I apply?

Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.

Planning your move to New York?

Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.