Study in Seattle

Seattle, nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Northwest, is more than just a beautiful city — it's a dynamic hub for education, innovation, and cultural exploration.

As a global leader in technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, Seattle offers international students a unique opportunity to learn from the best and brightest while immersing themselves in a vibrant and diverse community. With its thriving arts scene, proximity to natural landmarks, and diverse community, Seattle provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable study abroad experience.

Top universities in Seattle

Seattle is home to a number of world-renowned universities in the US, such as Seattle University and the University of Washington, which offer a distinctive blend of academic excellence and student life:

These universities offer a wide range of cutting-edge academic programmes to suit diverse interests and career goals. Whether you're passionate about technology, business, the arts, or healthcare, you'll find a programme in Seattle that ignites your passion and helps you achieve your dreams:

University of Washington

A global leader in research and innovation, the University of Washington consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide. With strong programmes in fields like medicine, engineering, and computer science, it sees over 8,000 undergraduates participating in different research studies.

Also, if you decide to study at this university, you can join a Filipino-led club. The Filipino American Student Association at the University of Washington (FASA sa UW) is active and holds regular meetings. Joining this club will allow you to mingle with fellow Filipino international students and find new friends who can help ease the homesickness.

Seattle University

This Jesuit Catholic university emphasises a holistic approach to education, focusing on academic excellence, social justice, and personal growth. It prides itself in its low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which helps to foster its hallmark culture of active learning among its students. With strong programmes in law, business, and the health professions, the university provides students with a solid foundation for future careers.

Seattle U – as students call it – also has a club created and organized by Filipino international students. You can join the United Filipino Club of Seattle University if you decide to study at this school.

Benefits of studying in Seattle

Access to leading industries

As the birthplace of well-known companies such as Boeing, Seattle is a major hub for industries like technology, aerospace, and global health, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, research, and future employment.

Hub for innovation and entrepreneurship

Seattle's entrepreneurial spirit fosters a culture of innovation and creativity. Students can engage with startups, incubators, and research centres, gaining valuable experience and connections. If you know where to look, you can even find Filipino-owned businesses in the city, like restaurants and food shops, allowing you to satisfy your Pinoy food cravings while showing support to your fellow citizens.

Vibrant culture and diverse lifestyle

Seattle boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, diverse culinary experiences, and easy access to outdoor adventures, offering a rich and fulfilling lifestyle for students. You’ll also be able to travel to other popular places of interest in the US during your study breaks.

Scholarships for international students in Seattle

Studying abroad, especially in the US, can be a major financial commitment. However, there’s a wide range of scholarships available to international students that can help offset the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses.

For example, international students who complete an admissions application to Seattle University are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are based on the information in your admissions application, rather than your financial information, and are worth at least $8,000 per year.

Other than university-specific scholarships, there are also government-funded and corporate-sponsored scholarships available for international students. For instance, the government-funded Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals and artists to study in the US for one year or more. Students across all fields of study (except medicine) are eligible for this scholarship.

It’s important to research individual university websites and scholarship databases to identify the opportunities that best align with your academic profile and financial circumstances. By proactively seeking out scholarships and exploring various funding options, you can make your dream of studying in Seattle a reality.

How to apply for a student visa for studying in Seattle

To embark on your academic journey in Seattle, international students typically need an F-1 student visa. This visa category is specifically designed for students pursuing academic studies at accredited US institutions. To apply for the F-1 visa, you must first meet the English language requirements with a certification set by your chosen institution. Usually, this is done with a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Following that, you will need to apply for and receive acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution in Seattle. Once you’ve secured acceptance, the institution will issue Form I-20, which is required for the visa application.

You will then need to pay the mandatory SEVIS fee, which helps to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and cost of living in Seattle. After that, you will have to complete the online DS-160 form, which is the non-immigrant visa application. Finally, you will need to apply for and attend a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Do remember to bring your Form I-20, financial documents, English test scores, and passport to the interview.

Do start your visa application process early as processing times may vary. You should carefully follow all instructions to ensure a smooth and successful application outcome.

After successful application for your F-1 visa, you will be able to enter the US up to 30 days before your programme starts. While you’re there, do maintain your student status by following the regulations of your visa and fulfilling the academic requirements of your programme.

Student health & support services in Seattle

Living in a new city while pursuing your studies can be challenging without external support. Fortunately, Seattle boasts a network of community health clinics and hospitals that offer medical and psychological support services available in Seattle to cater to the well-being of international students.

As the US healthcare system primarily relies on private providers, students must have health insurance. Typically, universities will ask international students to purchase a health insurance plan that meets their requirements.

Additionally, many universities offer various on-campus support services, including counselling, academic advising, and career guidance, to help students succeed in their studies and personal lives.

Studying in Seattle involves significant financial considerations. Here's a breakdown of the expenses you can expect:

• Tuition fees: Tuition fees vary significantly depending on the university, programme, and whether you're a resident or international student. Public universities generally have lower tuition rates, from US$30,000 to US$40,000 per year, while private institutions may range from US$40,000 to US$55,000 per year.

• Accommodation: On-campus housing options typically cost US$800 to US$1,500 per month, which are typically more affordable than off-campus living, but availability can be limited. Off-campus options include apartments, shared houses, or student residences, and can range from US$1,000 to US$2,000 per month. Consider factors like proximity to campus, amenities, and cost when choosing your accommodation.

• Living expenses: On average, international students in Seattle should budget around US$1,000 to US$1,500 per month for living expenses. These include food, transportation, utilities, textbooks, and personal expenses. Living costs in Seattle can be higher than in smaller cities, but there are ways to save money, such as cooking at home, using public transportation, and taking advantage of student discounts.

• Healthcare: International students are required to have health insurance to cover medical expenses. Some universities may offer health insurance plans, or you can purchase a private policy. University health insurance plans typically cost around US$1,000 to US$2,000 per year.

You can also adopt several budgeting habits to manage and ease your costs. For example, keeping a close eye on your spending and exploring shared accommodation can significantly control your long-term costs. Aside from keeping costs low, you can also seek part-time work opportunities to supplement your living expenses. However, do ensure that you adhere to your visa requirements when finding work.

Part-time work opportunities in Seattle

While you pursue your studies in Seattle, you might also look for part-time work opportunities to supplement your living expenses and gain work experience. Seattle's thriving industries, such as technology, retail, and hospitality, offer various part-time job opportunities for students. However, before you start applying for jobs, keep in mind the employment regulations for international students in Seattle.

International students on an F-1 visa are typically allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week in their first year of studies. On-campus employment refers to jobs located within the university campus and are directly related to the university’s operations. Examples of these jobs include research assistants and administrative work in the student centre.

Following your first academic year, you may be eligible to apply for off-campus work. For example, if you’re pursuing studies in technology, an internship or part-time stint in a software development company might be useful for your resume. Do note that this type of employment requires authorisation, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), and must be related to your field of study.

To help you in your job search, network with fellow students and faculty and utilise campus career services. Online job boards and local newspapers can also be helpful resources for finding part-time job opportunities. Even if you’re already settled in the US, you can still reach out to your IDP counsellor – they might be able to help you in finding part-time work opportunities around the area.

Career opportunities in Seattle

Seattle offers a wealth of career opportunities for graduates, particularly in fields such as technology and AI, biotechnology, and digital media. This breadth of industries provides graduates with a wide range of career paths to explore, whether their interests lie in cutting-edge research, creative design, or business management.

While navigating the post-study work landscape can be complex, there are several pathways to launch your career in Seattle. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 visa holders to gain practical experience in their field of study for up to 12 months, while the H-1B visa provides a route for skilled workers to be sponsored by US employers.

Seattle universities actively support their Filipino international students in navigating these options, offering career counselling, workshops on resume writing and interview skills, and connections to alumni networks. Furthermore, with numerous career fairs and networking events in the city, you’ll have ample opportunities to connect with potential employers and learn about industry trends.

Find the perfect study city in the US

Choosing the right city to study abroad in is a significant decision, and the United States offers plenty of appealing benefits and options. While bustling metropolises like Los Angeles and New York City certainly have their appeal, Seattle presents a unique blend of urban vibrancy and natural beauty that sets it apart. From exploring Pike Place Market's lively stalls after class to hiking through the lush forests of Discovery Park, there are endless experiences to be had in Seattle.

Moreover, the city is home to much of the US’ thriving arts and culture scene, diverse communities, and rich gastronomic options, ensuring that you’ll have ample opportunities for entertainment and personal enrichment. Compared to the fast-paced energy of larger cities, Seattle offers a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for if you’re seeking a vibrant yet balanced study abroad experience.

IDP Philippines can help you study in Seattle

Planning to study in Seattle? From preparing for IELTS to navigating the US education system, IDP can help you from the beginning to the end of the process. Our expert counsellors can guide you through the application process, visa requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Submit your details through our platform to connect with an IDP Philippines counsellor and start your journey to studying in Seattle.

If you’re considering other cities in the US, we can also provide assistance, from applying for scholarships in New York to finding universities in Los Angeles.