USA

Study in the USA

The United States is the world’s most popular study destination, offering top-ranked universities, advanced research facilities, diverse programs, and strong industry connections. A degree from the USA is globally recognised, giving students an edge in international careers.

Intakes

• Fall (August/September): Main intake with the widest range of programs.
• Spring (January): Secondary intake with many undergraduate and postgraduate options.
• Summer (May): Limited intake at select institutions.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Programs

• Successful completion of Class 12 from a recognised board.
• Competitive academic scores (70–85% and above depending on university).
• English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo).
• SAT/ACT scores (optional for many universities, but may be required by some).

Postgraduate Programs

• Recognised Bachelor’s degree (3–4 years) with strong academic performance.
• Minimum overall percentage: 55–65% (varies by course and university).
• GRE/GMAT scores (increasingly optional but still required by select programs).
• English proficiency test results.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and Resume/CV.
• Work experience or research background (for MBA and specialised master’s programs).

English Language Proficiency

• IELTS Academic: 6.0–7.5 overall.
• TOEFL iBT: 80–105 overall.
• PTE Academic: 55–65 overall.
• Duolingo English Test: 110–130 overall (accepted by many universities).

Education Costs (Approximate, Per Year)

• Tuition Fees:
• Undergraduate: USD 20,000 – 40,000
• Postgraduate: USD 25,000 – 45,000
• MBA/Medicine: USD 40,000 – 70,000
• Living Expenses: USD 10,000 – 25,000 depending on location.
• Other Expenses:
• Health Insurance: USD 1,500 – 2,500 per year.
• Books & Supplies: USD 800 – 1,500 per year.

Visa Rules and Updates (2025–26)

• Students must apply for an F-1 Student Visa after receiving the I-20 form from their university.
• SEVIS Fee: USD 350.
• Visa Application Fee: USD 160 (non-refundable).
• New Visa Integrity Fee (from 2026): USD 250 applicable for student visa categories.
• Stricter background checks and mandatory disclosure of social media profiles.
• Visa interviews require strong proof of funds, intent to study, and academic clarity.
• Proposed rule: fixed period of stay (up to 4 years), after which students may need to apply for extensions.

Work & Post-Study Opportunities

• On-Campus Jobs: Up to 20 hours per week during term; full-time during breaks.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12 months of work permission after course completion.
• STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for eligible STEM graduates.
• H-1B Work Visa Pathway: Students can transition to employment sponsorship after OPT.

Popular Courses in the USA

• Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)
• Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing
• Finance, Economics, and Law
• Media, Arts, and Design

Top Universities in the USA

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• University of Chicago
• Princeton University
• Columbia University
• Yale University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Scholarships for Indian Students

• Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship – Prestigious scholarships for postgraduate and doctoral studies.
• AAUW International Fellowships – For women pursuing graduate studies.
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship – For Indian MBA students at Stanford GSB.
• University-Specific Scholarships – Merit-based and need-based awards offered by individual institutions.

Document Checklist

1. Valid Passport
2. Admission letter and I-20 form from US university
3. Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, Bachelor’s, etc.)
4. Degree certificates (for postgraduate applicants)
5. Standardised test scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT if required)
6. English test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo)
7. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
8. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
9. Resume/CV
10. Proof of funds (bank statements, loan approval, sponsor letter)
11. SEVIS fee and Visa fee receipts
12. Passport-size photographs
13. Health insurance documents
14. Travel itinerary