Study in USA
Indian students can take advantage of a wide range of educational options, varied academic programs, and a multicultural experience by studying in the USA. The USA is well-known for having top-notch universities and research facilities, which draws students from all over the world. This thorough guide will cover a wide range of topics related to Indian students studying in the USA, such as universities, tuition fees, necessary visas, scholarships, and more.
Why Study in USA?
With more than one million international students, the USA is one of the most popular countries for further education. The country is preferred by all students as it focuses on both academics and career development programs. The USA holds top universities for education with both affordable and high-ranking structures.
- U.S. degrees have an excellent international reputation
- American universities are bastions of cultural diversity
- American universities offer a flexible academic environment
- Real-world working experience
- Valuable contacts in your professional network
Quick Facts
- USA hosts the most significant number of international students in the world.
- The United States has the largest international student population in the world.
- Public universities are comparatively less expensive than private universities.
- Scholarships are available for international students.
- Internship opportunities are available for students for upto a year while studying.
Steps to Start Studying in USA
Benefits of Studying in USA
In the United States, the options for work opportunities which can supplement their education and cover living expenses are numerous. On-campus jobs is a popular choice, allowing students to part time within the campus or outside exploration of opportunities is done through practical trainings. These opportunities help the applicant to achieve knowledge and experience.
- Access to innovative research and technology
- Cultural diversity and exposure
- Best scope for career growth
- English language proficiency
- Top-ranked universities
- Global recognition of degrees
Higher Study Options
| Part-time work duration allowed | Post-study work permit | Can departments work full-time? |
Bachelors | 20 Hours per week | 1-3 years | No |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 20 Hours per week | 1-3 years | No |
Eligibility to Study in the USA
Study Options | Minimum Educational Requirement | Minimum Required Percentage | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score | Standardized Tests |
Bachelors | 12 years of education (10+2) | 60% | Overall, 6 with 5.5 in each band | The minimum SAT score required for selection is 1350/1600 |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 4-year graduate degree. Very few universities will accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree if the university is NAAC accredited A+ or A | 60% | Overall, 6.5 with no band less than 6 | MBA program may require 3-4 years of work experience |
Educational Requirements to Study in Canada
Study Options | Educational Requirement | Minimum Required Percentage | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score | Backlogs Information |
Bachelors | 12 Years of Education (10+2) | 60% | Overall, 6.5 with 5.5 in each band | Up to 10 backlogs (some private hospital universities may accept more) |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 4-year graduate degree. Very few universities will accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree if the university is NAAC accredited A+ or A
| 65% | Overall, 6.5 with no band less than 6 |
Requirements for Students Applying to American Universities
To be eligible to study in the USA, you must meet the following criteria:
- If you want to apply you must be over 18 years in your age.
- You should have a required score in proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. TOEFL is an English language proficiency exam produced by US services which stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. IELTS is an International English Language Testing System. Both these test scores are converted into Bands depending upon the efficiency of the results with 1 being the least and 9 being the highest.
- Students SAT score must be at least 600 – 800. SAT is a standardized test that is used for college or university admissions in the United States. This test has 2 sections based on reading and writing and other math. Each section holds 800 marks so the overall result goes to 1600.
- Letter of recommendation from the university to which you are applying, with an application from the university that you are accepted there and will be coming to the US for further studies.
Cost of Study in the USA for Indian Students
| S.No | Program | Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD) | Average Annual Tuition Fees (in INR) |
| 1. | UG | USD 8000 – USD 40,000 | INR 6,49,436 – INR 32,47,182 |
| 2. | PG | USD 10,000 – USD 60,000 | INR 8,11,796 – INR 48,70,773 |
| 3. | PhD | USD 28,000 – USD 57,000 | INR 22,73,027 – INR 46,27,234 |
| 4. | Engineering | USD 30,000 – USD 75,000 | INR 24,34,112 – INR 60,85,279 |
| 5. | Diploma | USD 500 – USD 20,000 | INR 40,569 – INR 16,22,741 |
| 6. | MBA | USD 50,000 – USD 60,000 | INR 40,56,853 – INR 48,70,773 |
Upcoming intakes in USA
United States universities and colleges offer 3 intakes. We recommend applying well in advance, as admissions and scholarships become more competitive as the deadline approaches. It is advisable to submit your application 4 to 8 months before the commencement of the academic session for better chances of success.
Intake 1 | Intake 2 | Intake 3 |
August/September | January/February | May/June |
Study Options | Duration | Intake Months | Deadline to Apply |
Bachelors | 4 Years | Sep (Major), Jan (Minor) & May (Minor) | 4-8 months before the start of academic session |
Masters | 2 Years | Sep (Major), Jan (Minor) & May (Minor) |
Courses to Study in the USA
Popular Universities in the USA
University of California, San Diego
North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Carnegie Mellon University
Purdue University West Lafayette
University of Illinois at Chicago
San Jose State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Texas at Arlington
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Texas A&M University, College Station
Top 5 Universities in USA 2024
Global rank | Universities |
1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
4 | Harvard University |
5 | Stanford University |
10 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
11 | University of Chicago |
Types of USA Student Visa
3 Types of Visas are available for students seeking to pursue degrees in the United States.
F Visa
this is for international students seeking to study for academic degrees.
• F-1 Visa is for students who will be full-time students.
• F-2 visa is for individuals who are dependent on F-1 Visa Holders.
• F-3 Visa is for Mexican and Canadian students.
M-1 visa
for foreign students enrolled full-time in vocational programs.
J-1 visa
For lecturers, visiting academics, or students participating in an exchange program. Foreign nationals participating in exchange programs run by the US Department of State are eligible for this visa.
USA Student Visa Requirements
- Confirmation page of DS- 160. A DS-160 is a non-immigrant application form that provides information about your temporary stay in the country. The country has an online application to simplify the process for all the applicants. Incorrect applications will result in a delayed visa process.
- Educational Documents and certificates from your High school, Graduation, and post–graduation. These documents are a proof of the required qualification for application of the visa. They can easily be collected from the educational institutes that individuals used to study from.
- Form I-20. This form is provided by the university once you are accepted. It describes your study plans and explains about your stay and education in the country. It can only be issued by the respected institution in which one has been selected; it acts as an entry pass for students without any hassle.
- Language proficiency verifications are the reports from your IELTS or TOEFL test results. These tests check the reading/writing abilities and reasoning skills of the person attempting and proving a result where the score is converted to the different bands in which 1 is the least mark achieved and 9 is the best score to be achieved.
- Passport valid for at least six months. A passport states the nationality of the person traveling, it is the country’s official identity and it is essential for international travel.
- Recent photographs.
How to Apply for a USA Student Visa?
Step 1: Check if you qualify for a US visa.
Step 2: Prepare by gathering all necessary paperwork.
Step 3: Apply for a USA visa Online.
Step 4: Await the status of the approval.
Step 5: Go for education in the United States.
Visa Processing Time
Processing Time for the USA is usually 1-3 months. Visa processing usually takes approximately 21 working days which starts from the day on which your application was received from the embassy more than 2-3 working days should also be allotted for the return of your documents. All the processing periods are estimated only so it will be beneficial if you apply well before the time of your travel and do not make any arrangements to leave until your visas and all documents have been issued.
Study in the USA without IELTS
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the Duolingo English Test are two alternatives that some US institutions and colleges may give in lieu of the widely recognized IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as evidence of English ability. It is imperative to verify the language proficiency standards of individual institutions.
Study in the USA for Indian Students after 12th
After completing their 12th standard, Indian students can apply to college programs in the United States. Academic transcripts, results from standardized tests (like the SAT or ACT), recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose are usually required by universities. It is imperative to investigate the particular prerequisites for admission at every university and program of choice.
Scholarships Provided to Students
Scholarship name | Amount per year |
Broker Fish International student scholarship | 12,000 USD |
Next Genius Scholarship | Up to 100,000 USD |
The University of Chicago Scholarships | Up to 20,000 USD |
Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University | Up to 90,000 USD |
AAUW International Fellowships | 18,000 USD |
Fulbright Foreign Student Program in the USA | Up to 30.000 USD |
The US universities/colleges’ scholarship amounts and programs are subject to change, so it’s important to check the individual websites for the most recent details. Indian students should also confirm the requirements for eligibility and the application process.
How to Get a Scholarship to Study in the USA after 12th?
To secure a scholarship to study in the USA after 12th, follow these steps:
- Research: Explore scholarship opportunities offered by universities, government agencies, foundations, and private organizations. Consider scholarships specific to your field of study, nationality, and academic achievements.
- Fulfil Eligibility Criteria: Review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. These may include academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, financial need, and community involvement.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, essays/personal statements, and proof of English language proficiency.
- Start Early: Begin the scholarship application process well in advance, as deadlines can be several months before the academic year starts.
- Submit Applications: Complete the application forms accurately and submit them with the required documents within the specified deadlines.
- Seek Guidance: Consider seeking guidance from education consultants, school counselors, or scholarship advisors who can provide valuable insights and assistance in the application process.
- Apply for Financial Aid: Additionally, explore financial aid options universities and colleges in the USA offer. These can include grants, tuition waivers, and need-based scholarships.
- Follow-Up: After submitting applications, monitor the status of your applications and follow up if required. Be prepared for potential interviews or additional requirements.
- Consider Multiple Sources: Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of securing funding.
Why Choose EduLaunchers for Studying in USA?
We at EduLaunchers are committed to offering top-notch services as your one-stop shop for all of your needs related to studying abroad. From selecting the best universities and courses to providing comprehensive visa assistance, we’ve got you covered. Our team of professionals will put in endless effort to help you at every turn. We provide options to fit the financial and aspirational needs of each student. You may put your future in our hands because we have the greatest knowledge processing education visas and a high success record. Make responsible plans for your future actions and use Edulaunchers as a guide.
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Recently Asked Question
The cost of studying in the USA from India varies depending on the university, program of study and location. On average, international students can expect to pay between $20,000 to $50,000 annually for tuition, fees and living expenses.
To study in USA after 12th, students must first complete their high school education and obtain a diploma. They must then apply to universities that offer graduate programs and meet their admission requirements, which may include standardized test scores, transcripts, essays and letters of recommendation.
There are two types of student visas for exchange students from India to USA, F-1 visa and M-1 visa. Students enrolled in vocational or non-academic classes must apply for an M-1 visa. Students enrolling in academic courses from an accredited institution leading to a degree will require an F-1 visa.
Yes, various scholarship opportunities are available for international students, including Indian students, to study in the USA. Universities, government organizations, private foundations, and other institutions can offer scholarships. These scholarships are based on academic merit, talent, leadership potential, or specific criteria the scholarship provider sets. Researching and applying for scholarships well in advance is advisable, as the competition can be intense.
Yes, international students studying in the USA on an F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their degree. OPT provides an opportunity to gain practical work experience related to the field of study. Under OPT, students can work for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM graduates) in the USA. This work experience can enhance employability and potentially open employment opportunities in the USA.