Study in USA

The USA has always remained the top choice for higher studies among international students. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 3,37,630 Indian students went to the USA for higher studies in 2024. The number of Indian students in the US increased by 141.2% in 2024. 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 international students thrive to study in USA is because of numerous reasons - highe education quality and research, degrees are globally recognised and accepted, a wide range of STEM education courses, top-ranking US universities globally, good opportunities for getting hands on experience and many others. Want more details? Check out the Top 10 Reasons to Study in USA

Studying in the 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. MBA in USA, MS in USA and Medicine courses are some of the popular options that applicants look at while applying to US universities. 

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 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

Check out: List of 100 American Slang Words

Admission Requirements to Study in US 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 for UG admissions
• Standardized test scores – GMAT or GRE for PG admissions
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic or Duolingo) - both UG/PG
• Essay
• Statement of purpose
• Letter of Recommendations
• Current or updated resume or CV
• 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.

Student Visa in USA

There are three types of student visas in USA and each of them solves a different purpose. Check out the table below to understand the different types of student visas in USA and how they differ from one another:

International students applying for admission to USA must note that processing times for student visas in USA will vary. Thus, applicants must avoid last minute interview scheduling and procure I-20 in time and submit DS-160 visa application form, SEVIS fee along relevant documents/biometric (OFC appointment). It is mandatory to get a student visa in USA to study in America. 

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.

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. Applicants can also get a PR after studying in America through the H-1B Cap Gap Extension.

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 US universities?

A. Top universities in USA acceptance rates for the class of 2027 intake are as follows:

• Harvard University Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
• Cornell University Acceptance Rate: 3.6%
• Yale University Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
• Brown University Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Princeton University Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
• Dartmouth College Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Cornell University Acceptance Rate: 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:

Also, check out about some of the highest paying jobs in USA for international students.

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.