STUDY IN
USA
Study in USA
The United States of America is the leading global study destination, offering world-class education and renowned universities. The US education system fosters comprehensive, skill-oriented, and advanced learning, ranking as the world’s number one education system.
Each year, approximately 1,075,496 international students choose to study in the USA, with a 34% increase in Indian students. Studying in the USA provides extensive exposure, career prospects, and numerous other advantages.
USA Student Visa (F-1 Visa)
The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing international students to study at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institutions in the USA. Students can apply for an F-1 visa after receiving an acceptance letter from an accredited US university.
Why Study in the USA?
The USA is the most sought-after study-abroad destination due to the following reasons:
- High-Quality Education: The US hosts over 5,300 universities, including some of the world’s most prestigious institutions ranked highly in QS World Rankings 2024.
- Diversity & Culture: Known as a “nation of immigrants,” the USA offers a multicultural environment, helping students adapt and gain global perspectives.
- Global Recognition: US degrees are widely accepted worldwide, particularly in European countries, due to their rigorous academic curriculum and research-driven approach.
US Education System
The US education system stands out for its flexibility and problem-solving approach. It attracts students worldwide by offering a diverse range of programs.
Types of Qualifications Available in the US
| Qualification | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | Job-oriented programs for early career entry |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 3–4 years | Undergraduate program with core courses, majors, minors, and electives |
| Master’s Degree (Professional) | 1–3 years | Specialized training for a particular profession |
| Master’s Degree (Academic) | 2 years | Advanced studies in humanities, arts, and sciences |
| Doctorate or PhD | 5–8 years | Research-intensive program under expert supervision |
Public vs. Private Universities in the US
| Feature | Public Universities | Private Universities |
| Funding | Government-funded | Endowment funds & private donations |
| Tuition Costs | Lower | Higher |
| Academic Programs | Extensive range of degrees | Specialized fields |
| Class Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Diversity | Attracts local students | Attracts a diverse global student body |
Examples of Top Universities
- Public Universities: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Michigan, University of Washington
- Private Universities: Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University
Top Universities in the USA
Studying at a top-ranked university in the USA ensures international recognition and career growth. The universities offer extensive support, internships, part-time work, and post-study employment opportunities. Below is a list of top-ranked universities in the US:
| Rank | University | Annual Fee | Acceptance Rate | Notable Alumni |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $53,450 | 4% | Kofi Annan, Buzz Aldrin, Richard Feynman |
| 6 | Harvard University | $51,143 | 3.2% | Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, Matt Damon |
| 10 | Stanford University | $92,892 | 3.7% | Larry Page, Tiger Woods, Reed Hastings |
| 11 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | $60,816 | 2.7% | Kip Thorne, Linus Pauling, Gordon Moore |
| 12 | University of Pennsylvania | $88,960 | 6.5% | Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, Noam Chomsky |
Popular Courses for International Students
Degrees from US universities open doors to global career opportunities. Top-ranking universities offer career counseling, internships, and part-time work options. Here are some popular courses:
| Course | Top Universities | Avg. Annual Fee | Popular Fields |
| Business Management | Stanford, Wharton, MIT, Harvard | $80,374 | Finance, Marketing, Digital Marketing |
| Engineering | MIT, Stanford, Harvard | $58,009 | Aerospace, Civil, Chemical Engineering |
| Computer Science | MIT, Stanford, Princeton | $82,730 | Cybersecurity, Software Engineering |
| Medicine | Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins | $62,850 | Pharmacology, Pathology, Optometry |
| Data Science | MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Berkeley | $86,300 | Data Analytics, AI, Financial Analytics |
US Study Visa for Indian Students
A USA student visa is required for international students. Different types of visas are issued based on study purposes:
Types of US Student Visas
| Visa Type | Description | Subtypes |
| F Visa | For academic studies at accredited US institutions | F-1: Full-time students; F-2: Dependents of F-1 holders; F-3: Border commuters (Mexico & Canada) |
| M Visa | For non-academic/vocational studies | M-1: Vocational students; M-2: Dependents of M-1 holders; M-3: Border commuters |
| J Visa | For exchange programs | J-1: Exchange students; J-2: Dependents of J-1 holders |
Documents Required for a USA Student Visa
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Standardized and English proficiency test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE)
- Statement of purpose and letters of recommendation
- Copy of a valid passport
- Proof of financial support (bank statement for the last 3 years)
- DS-160 form (online application form) printout
- Fee receipt for SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
- Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
- Form I-20 issued by the US university
Steps to Apply for a USA Student Visa (F-1 Visa)
- Receive Form I-20 & Pay SEVIS Fee – Begin the visa process upon receiving Form I-20 from your college and pay the $350 SEVIS fee.
- Complete DS-160 Form – Fill out the DS-160 online visa application form and submit it.
- Visa Interview Preparation – Print and bring the DS-160 confirmation to your interview.
- Schedule Biometric & Visa Interview – Book your appointments for biometrics and visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
- Await Visa Decision – After the interview, wait for visa processing and approval.
USA Student Visa Processing Time
Visa processing time varies from a few days to a few months, depending on individual cases. Generally, the process, including passport delivery, takes 1–3 weeks. Applying at least three months before your intended departure is recommended.
Cost of USA Student Visa
- F-1 Visa Fee: $185 (DS-160 form fee)
- SEVIS Fee: $350
Total cost: $535
There is no specific minimum bank balance requirement for an F-1 visa, but students must show sufficient financial proof for tuition and living expenses.
Choosing the Right University in the USA
- Select a subject you are passionate about.
- Research universities that align with your career goals.
- Consider institutions with strong faculty and resources.
- Check for financial aid options such as scholarships and grants.
- Compare tuition costs: Public universities ($10,000–$22,000) are more affordable than private ones ($30,000+).
Admission Requirements to Study in the USA
| Level of Study | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | High school diploma, GPA 2.5–3.6, TOEFL 61–100 |
| Undergraduate Pathway | High school diploma, GPA 2.0–3.0, TOEFL 55–79 |
| Master’s Degree | Bachelor’s degree, GPA 2.5–3.5, TOEFL 78–100 |
| Graduate Pathway | Bachelor’s degree, GPA 2.5–3.4, TOEFL 55–99 |
Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships are available in fully funded and partially funded categories, covering tuition, living costs, health insurance, and travel.
Government-funded Scholarships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Covers full tuition, living expenses, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship: Offers tuition waiver, living stipend, book expenses, airfare, and insurance for professionals.
Non-Governmental Scholarships
- Civil Society Leadership Awards – Covers tuition, a monthly stipend, travel, and health insurance.
- Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship – $2,000 for students.
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship – $1,000 for passionate students.
- Preply Scholarship – $2,000 awarded for essays on online education.
Tuition Fees and Other Expenses
| College Type | Average Tuition | Housing & Food |
| Public 2-Year (In-District) | $3,990 | $9,970 |
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $11,260 | $12,770 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $29,150 | $12,770 |
| Private Non-Profit 4-Year | $41,540 | $14,650 |
Top Courses and Fees
| Program | Tuition Range |
| Undergraduate (UG) | $8,000 – $40,000 |
| Postgraduate (PG) | $10,000 – $60,000 |
| MBA | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Engineering | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| Data Science & Business Analytics | $86,300 |
| Finance | $87,600 |
Cost of Living in the USA
Living expenses vary by city. New York, San Francisco, and Boston are expensive, whereas cities like Cincinnati and Oklahoma City are more affordable.
| Living Expense | Annual Cost |
| Housing (Apartment) | $17,200 – $21,710 |
| Dormitory Housing | $7,588 – $11,914 |
| Food | $6,500 |
| Transportation | $2,180 |
| Books & Study Materials | $500 – $1,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $6,700 |
Post-Study Work Visa (OPT & H-1B)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work in the U.S. after completing their degree.
- Pre-Completion OPT: Work while studying.
- Post-Completion OPT: Work after graduation (up to 12 months, extendable to 3 years for STEM graduates).
Eligibility for OPT:
- Work must be directly related to the student’s major.
- Apply before completing degree requirements.
- Must work at least 20 hours per week (part-time) or 40 hours per week (full-time).
- Complete OPT within 14 months of graduation.
H-1B Work Visa
The H-1B visa allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to 6 years.
- Requires a U.S. job offer in a specialized field.
- Candidate must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
- Employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor.
How to Apply for an H-1B Visa
- Ensure eligibility and secure a job offer in the U.S.
- Employer files an H-1B petition.
- Submit the visa application at a U.S. Embassy.
- Await approval and start working in the U.S.
This guide provides an overview of the USA student visa process, tuition costs, scholarships, and post-study work opportunities. Prospective students should research specific universities, financial aid options, and job prospects before making a decision.