Study Abroad USA
Know why Indian students love studying in the US!
The United States of America (USA) hosts the greatest number of international students in the world. Quality education, a unique curriculum, a multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities are just some of the reasons why many Indian students want to study in the USA.
The United States of America (USA) hosts the greatest number of international students in the world. Quality education, a unique curriculum, a multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities are just some of the reasons why many Indian students want to study in the USA.
Student visa requirements for the US
The US Government offers three different student visa types:
| Types of student visa | Description | |
| 1 | F-1 Student Visa | to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute |
| 2 | J Exchange Visa (J-1) | for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study |
| 3 | M Student Visa (M1) | for non-academic or vocational study or training in the US |
*For detailed information, please visit the US Government’s Department of State website.
Intakes available in the USA
Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, American colleges and universities offer three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in the US are:
- Fall: A popular intake among Indian students, The Fall intake starts in the month of September
- Spring: Starts in January; it’s best if you miss the September intake
- Summer: Available for limited programs and colleges, the Summer intake usually starts around May
Cost to study in the USA
Universities in the US are majorly divided into two categories – Public/State and Private. The education cost at a public/state university is comparatively lesser than that of a private institution. Your expenditure on tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for. To cover tuition fees, you will need approx. $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) a year (indicative).
| School | Tuition fees in USD (indicative) |
| English language studies | $700 to $2,000 a month |
| Community colleges | $6,000 to $20,000 per year |
| Undergraduate bachelor degree |
$20,000 to $40,000 per year |
| Graduate programs | $20,000 to $45,000 per year |
| Doctoral degree | $28,000 to $55,000 per year |
Scholarships to study in the USA
The amount of money available and the type of award varies between institutions. Certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of your living expenditures.
Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to study in the US as an Indian student:
| No. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
| 1 | Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships (Government-funded) |
Applicable for international students who are applying to master’s or PhD programs; this scholarship covers tuition fees, accident and sickness coverage as per US guidelines, airfare, and living costs |
| 2 | Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Government-funded) |
This program is a part of the Fullbright program and aims to bring an accomplished young and mid-career professional from a developing country to study in the US for 10 months of non-degree graduate study and related practical experience |
| 3 | #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (Non-Government scholarship) | It’s a scholarship and social media campaign designed to welcome international students into the US higher education system irrespective of the subject area |
| 4 | UEFA (Non-Government scholarship) |
This is a summer program sponsored by Abbey Road Inc. which grants scholarships to 14-18 aged high school student that shows exemplary performance in their academics and extracurricular activities |
| 5 | AAUW International Fellowships (Non-Government scholarship) |
These fellowships are awarded to international women students for full-time study and research in the US. It supports both graduate and post-graduate students accredited in the US institutions |
*This is an indicative list, speak with your IDP expert for details and the best available options suited to your profile
If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply to various U.S scholarships available for Indian students.
Top courses to study in the US
Here are the top fields preferred by international students:
- Engineering and computer science courses
- Life science courses
- Business management courses
Top universities to study in the US (QS Ranking 2023)
Check where your favourite American university ranks
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2023 (Globally) |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
| 2 | Stanford University | 3 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 5 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology (CalTech) | 6 |
| 5 | University of Chicago | 10 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | 13 |
| 7 | Yale University | 18 |
| 8 | Columbia University | 22 |
| 9 | Princeton University | 16 |
| 10 | Cornell University | 20 |
Check where these American universities rank on the Times Higher Education charts.
Job prospects in the USA
Owing to a skills shortage across various sectors in the American market, international students with skills are in demand and those who are willing to settle in America have the option to apply under a Skilled Worker Visa and permanently work and reside in the country. Graduates are in high demand in the USA, especially in the field of healthcare, film production, real estate, retail sector, agriculture, engineering, and computers & information technology.
There are also various of internship programs available that can be taken up by international students.
Cost of living in the USA
In the US, living costs vary by a substantial amount due to the vast territory of the country. Usually, urban areas are more expensive (in or near a big city) in contrast to smaller towns or suburban areas. Therefore, to have a fair view of the general living costs in the US, you should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:
| Expenses | Average yearly cost* |
| Books and Stationery | $500- $1,000 |
| Travelling | $500- $1,200 |
| Food | $2,500 |
| Clothes and footwear | $500 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | $2,000 |
*Note: All costs are indicative and may vary from region to region
Study in USA guide for Indian students
Here is the Study in USA guide for Indian students.
Why Study in the USA?
The STEM courses have been a successful niche for US universities. Students from abroad who want to study STEM subjects prefer the USA to other countries. Students looking for business, management, or arts courses in the US can also find the best universities.
The Education System in the USA
The US Education System can be divided into several groups. It starts with the primary school and continues through middle school, then onto post-secondary education. There are four types of higher education institutions in America: State College or University (USA), Private College of University, Community Colleges and Technology Institutes.
To study at USA Universities, you get admission first.
The admission requirements for a USA UG or PG program at US universities are different. We have listed below the requirements for admission to universities in the USA.
- Academic Transcripts.
- Standardized test scores – SAT or ACT
- Standardized test scores – GMAT, GRE
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, PTE Academic)
- Essay
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of Recommendations
- Copy of your valid passport
- Proof of finances
- Scholarships to study in USA
Candidates looking for scholarships to study in the USA can check out the most comprehensive study abroad scholarships on our website. Our website currently enlists over 200 scholarships spread across 11 Countries amounting to over INR 1,315 crores in total amount.
List of Top Universities in USA
The United States is home to the most top-ranked universities in the world. The US universities are well-known for their ability to provide technical information and focus on innovation. International students are attracted to the STEM courses offered in US colleges.
Top Courses in USA
The most popular courses in the USA include business and management, engineering and mathematics, as well as computer science and sociology. STEM courses are offered by US universities (Science, Technology Engineering, Mathematics).
Best courses in USA in high demand are:
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Finance
- Biotechnology
- Data science and Analytics
What is USA Student Visa?
There are many types of student visas in the USA, but F1 visa is most common. F1 visas are required for students who wish to study more than 18 hours per week. F1 visa is required for those who plan to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the USA. Students enrolled in vocational or technical studies also require an F1 visa.
Student visa requirements for USA
Below we have mentioned some of the student visa requirements for USA.
- A valid passport.
- A copy of the photo you will use for your visa.
- Printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations.
- I-20 form.
- School transcripts
- English language test scores and any other official test scores mentioned on your university application.
- Diploma (if applicable)
- Bank statements or other proof of finances.
- Permit for post-study work in the USA
To study in the USA, the Indian students need an F1-Visa. After graduation from Indian university the Indian students need to apply for US university and upon US University admission confirmation they allow PSW. This visa allows students to stay in the USA for up to 60 days. After completing their studies, F1 visa holders may apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training). Optional Practical Training (OPT), a one year work-and-stay-back permit for international students, is granted upon completion of a degree in the USA. Students choose the USA because they want to work after their studies. Before applying for the program, students should be fully informed about the USA’s post-study work visa.