Study in Orlando, The United States

About Orlando

Orlando is a city in central Florida, in the south-east of the United States. It is also a large higher-education centre: the public University of Central Florida (UCF) and Valencia College both have their main address in Orlando, and together they enrol more than 115,000 students, according to the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator.

For an international student, Orlando offers a warm climate all year, a large public university and a community college that can be a cheaper first step towards a bachelor's degree. Courses are taught in English.

Studying in Orlando

Our directory currently lists one school under Orlando: The MorningStar Academy, a private Christian online homeschool programme for primary and secondary school (K-12). It is taught online, so it suits families who want a U.S. curriculum at home rather than students who plan to move to the city.

For higher education, the city's two largest public institutions are useful reference points. College Navigator lists the University of Central Florida as a four-year public university with 69,713 students, 59,552 of them undergraduates, offering degrees from associate's and bachelor's level to doctorates. Valencia College is a public college that mainly awards associate's degrees, with 47,425 students. It offers more than 100 programmes of study to international students and two intensive English programmes for non-native speakers, and its international student office helps students who plan to transfer to a university after Valencia.

Students who come for a full degree or an intensive English programme need an F student visa. After admission, the school's international office issues a Form I-20, which is used to apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate. According to EducationUSA, the academic year usually runs from September to May, and international students may work on campus for up to 20 hours a week in their first year.

Cost of living for students

College Navigator gives these figures for the 2024-25 academic year:

• University of Central Florida: $22,467 in out-of-state tuition and fees, and $12,452 for food and housing on campus
• Valencia College: $9,576 in out-of-state tuition and fees; the college has no campus housing

These figures do not include health insurance, books or travel, so check each institution's current estimate for international students.

LYNX runs the buses in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. A single ride costs $2.00, an all-day pass $4.50 and a 30-day pass $50, and transfers are valid for 90 minutes.

Getting around and daily life

Students without a car rely on the LYNX bus network, which can be paid with a mobile app pass. Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves the area. Brightline trains link Orlando with South Florida, with stops in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami.

The climate is warm all year. At Orlando International Airport, the 1991-2020 normals of NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information give an average temperature of 60.6 °F (about 16 °C) in January and 82.6 °F (about 28 °C) in July, when average daily highs reach 92.0 °F (about 33 °C). The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, according to the National Weather Service, so it is worth knowing your school's emergency procedures.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Orlando?

The largest is the University of Central Florida, a public university with 69,713 students. Valencia College, a public college with 47,425 students, mainly awards associate's degrees and offers a route to transfer to a university.

Can I learn English in Orlando?

Yes. Valencia College runs two intensive English programmes for non-native speakers. Full-time students need an F student visa.

How much does public transport cost in Orlando?

On LYNX buses a single ride costs $2.00 and a 30-day pass $50.

When is hurricane season in Orlando?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November each year, according to the National Weather Service.