Study in USA - Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships

The USA has always remained the top choice for higher studies among international students. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 1,99,812 Indian students went to the USA for higher studies in 2022. The number of Indian students in the US increased by more than 19% in 2022. The US is home to the maximum number of top universities in the world. There is always an eagerness among international students for going to the US and experience the higher education system there. 

Why Study in USA?

US universities have carved a niche for themselves in STEM courses. International students looking to pursue higher studies in STEM courses prefer to go to the USA over other options. Also, it is not just the STEM courses, students looking to study business, management or arts courses can also find top universities in the US.

Study in USA Highlights

Education System in USA

US Education System is categorised into different groups. First, it is primary school followed by middle school, and then post-secondary education. When it comes to the higher education system in the USA, there are 4 types of institutions in the USA namely State College or Universities, Private Colleges of Universities, Community Colleges, and Technology Institutes. 

Top 10 Universities in USA

The US is home to the most number of top-ranking universities in the world. US universities focus on innovation and research and are known for offering technical information. STEM courses offered by US colleges are highly popular among international students coming to pursue higher education here. following is a list of 10 top US universities, recognised and ranked globally recently as per QS and THE: 

Top Courses in USA

Business and management, engineering, mathematics, computer science and social sciences are some of the popular courses in the USA. US universities are known to offer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. Some of the popular courses in the USA are:

• MBA
• Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Finance
• Biotechnology
• Data Science and Analytics

Cost of studying in USA

The cost of studying in the US is a concern for international students. The cost of living and studying cost makes up for the total cost of studying in the USA. The average first-year cost of studying MS in the USA is around Rs 34.12 L including tuition fees and living expenses. Whereas, the first-year cost of studying MBA in USA is Rs 38.26 L. The average tuition fee for an MBA course in the USA is around Rs 27.77 L.

Cost of Living in the USA

Two broad components make up the cost of living in USA for international students - accommodation and meal expenses. The average accommodation expense for a year in the USA is around Rs 6.65 L and the average meal expense for a year in the USA is approx. Rs 3.85 L. As per the College Tuition Inflation Rate Report, published by EducationData, the annual inflation rate for higher education institutions in the US is 8%.

The cost of living for students who are living in the city is more in comparison to students living in the suburban part of the US. Students should learn about the cost of living in USA in detail before moving there to plan for finances in a better way.

USA Student Visa

There are different types of US student visas and the F1 visa is the most popular one. Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa. Those who are planning to take up their bachelor’s as well as master's in the USA require an F1 study visa. Apart from this, students going to vocational or technical students require an M1 visa.

Student visa requirements for USA

Below we have mentioned some of the student visa requirements for the 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.

USA Permanent Residence Permit

A USA Permanent Residence card or a green card in the USA gives you official immigration status in the United States. It entitles you to certain rights and responsibilities. A green card is required if you want to become a US citizen. Your status as an immigrant or as a citizen determines who you can bring (sponsor) to live and work in the US. If you are a permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children.

Admission Requirements to Study in USA Universities

Admission requirements for a UG and PG program are different for US universities. Below we have mentioned the general admission requirements to study at USA universities.

• Academic Transcripts
• Standardized test scores - SAT or ACT
• Standardized test scores – GMAT, GRE
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, iTEP, IELTS, 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 the total amount.

Post-study work permit in USA

International students require an F1-Visa to study in the USA. This visa allows them to stay for 60 days in the USA after their graduation date. F1 visa holders can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after completing their studies. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a one-year work and stay-back permit given to international students on completion of a degree program in the US. Working after studies in the USA is one of the most important factors that students choose to pursue higher education in the USA. Students should know everything about the post-study work visa in the USA before applying for the program.

Study in USA FAQs

Q. When can Indian students apply for admission to US universities?

A. There are two intakes in USA, the main US intake is Fall intake and the second intake is Spring intake. There is also a Summer intake in the USA but very few full-time course options are available during that time, it is mostly for short-term courses or commonly referred to as summer programs. International students can apply for Fall intake in USA during the month of September each year and applicants begin preparing from July onwards. 90% of the US universities have admissions open during the Fall intake. The Spring intake of USA also opens admissions for international students but for limited courses and universities. Thus, those who are able to apply by Fall intake can take admissions or if not, then apply during Spring intake.

Q. Are all US universities test-optional for undergraduate admissions?

A. No, not all US universities are test-optional for undergraduate admissions, most of the Ivy League schools like - Yale University, and Princeton University do require an SAT or ACT score. There are universities like Columbia University which have officially announced the scrapping of SAT and ACT scores for undergraduate admissions. Some US universities may require SAT or ACT scores based on admission to a specific course. Applicants are required to check the test optionality option if it is available or not. 

Q. How much is the acceptance rate for the top 10 US universities?

A. Top universities in USA acceptance rates for the 2023 intake are as follows:

• Stanford University: 3.75%
• Harvard University: 4.7%
• Columbia University: 5.4%
• Princeton University: 5.5%
• CalTech: 6.4%
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 6.7%
• University of Chicago: 7.3%

Q. Which are some of the top paying jobs in USA?

A. Some of the top-paying jobs in the USA are majorly in Finance and Technology related professions. The following occupations in the USA are highly paid and are also popular jobs in USA:

Q. How to prepare F-1 interview for US student visa?

A. The applicants need to be confident and must be able to answer all questions with honesty when going in for an F-1 visa interview. Applicants must have full knowledge of their course and US university they have applied to. They must show interest in coming back to home country and must explain well as to why they wish to study in USA. Get full details about USA F-1 Visa Interview Guide for international students and also check out US Student Visa Interview Tips.