Study in USA
Study in USA
195 QS-ranked universities in 2025, endless opportunities!
Unlock a world of possibilities with top-ranked universities, in-demand courses, lucrative scholarships, and life-changing opportunities.
The US is currently ranked as the top study destination globally for international students, attracting individuals from around the world seeking quality education and diverse opportunities. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the U.S. hosted a record-breaking 11,26,690 international students, marking a 7% increase from the previous year.
Notably, India has become the leading country of origin for international students in the US, surpassing China for the first time since 2009. In 2023-2024, 3,31,602 Indian students pursued higher education in the U.S., reflecting a 23% increase from the prior year.
These trends underscore the United States’ continued appeal as the idyllic study destination for academic excellence and cultural diversity.
Highlights of studying in USA
| Factors | USA |
|---|---|
Average tuition fees (per year) | Bachelor’s degree- $20,000-$55,000 Master’s degree- $15,000-$60,000 |
Duration | Bachelor’s degree- 3-4 years Master’s degree- 1-2 years Ph.D.- 5-6 years |
Eligibility criteria | |
Popular courses | Medicine Engineering Computer Science Business Management |
Student visa fees (F, M, and J visas) | Application fee: $185 SEVIS fee: F and M Visas: $350 J Visa: $220 |
Please note: Tuition fees and other costs can vary based on the institution and program. It’s advisable to consult the official website of your chosen university or the U.S. Department of State for the most current information.
Why study in USA
Studying in the USA can offer a variety of benefits, making it an attractive destination for international students. Here are some reasons why study in USA is a popular choice.
Globally recognized education
The USA is home to over 4,000 accredited universities, including MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and many more top-notch universities. QS and Times Higher Education rankings consistently place US universities at the top.
Flexible education system
The ability to switch majors, choose elective courses, and explore interdisciplinary programs makes US education idyllic for students wanting flexibility in their education.
Cutting-edge research
The USA invests heavily in AI, robotics, biotechnology, and space research, offering students access to the latest innovations and groundbreaking technologies, giving them hands-on experience and clarity of concepts.
Lucrative career opportunities
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visas allow students to gain work experience in the US after graduation. Fields like computer science, healthcare, and finance offer salaries exceeding $100,000 per year, depending on your knowledge and competency.
Cultural diversity and vibrant student life
The USA welcomes students from over 180 countries, ensuring a rich multicultural learning experience. This experience helps students appreciate diverse perspectives and widen their horizons
Who Can Apply?
The US government provides three student visa types: F, M, and J. The details of student visa in USA are given in brief below:
US visa types
F-1 student visa
- Required for full-time degree programs at US universities and accredited language institutes
- Allows on-campus work (20 hours per week) and eligibility for OPT (up to 12 months, or 36 months for STEM programs) after graduation
M-1 student visa
- For students enrolling in non-academic or vocational training programs
- Limited work opportunities, with practical training permitted only after program completion
J-1 exchange visa
- Issued for exchange visitors, including university students, researchers, and teachers
- Includes high school and university-level exchange programs
Please note: Some J-1 visa holders may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement before applying for U.S. permanent residency.
Student visa application process (2025)
- Get Accepted by an SEVP-Certified Institution and receive Form I-20 (F/M Visa) or DS-2019 (J Visa)
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350 for F/M visas, $220 for J visa)
- Complete DS-160 form (Nonimmigrant visa application)
- Schedule and attend your visa interview at the nearest US embassy
- Receive your student visa and prepare for travel!
Please make a note of these crucial aspects:
Visa fee: $185 (Application fee) + SEVIS fee ($350 for F/M, $220 for J)
Spouses and dependents: Eligible for F-2, M-2, or J-2 visas
Maintaining visa status: Stay enrolled full-time and avoid unauthorized work
Top courses to study in USA
The diverse range of courses offered by US universities encourages students to study in the US. A list of top courses to study in USA along with an average tuition fee has been listed below:
| Top courses | Duration | Average tuition fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years | $40,000–$60,000 |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 8 years (4 years undergraduate + 4 years medical school) | $50,000–$70,000 |
Master of Laws (LLM) | 1 year | $60,000–$70,000 |
Master of Arts in Applied Economics | 2 years | $35,000–$50,000 |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 2 years | $70,000–$90,000 |
Master of Public Health (MPH) | 1-2 years | $50,000–$60,000 |
Master of Science in Computer Science | 1-2 years | $50,000–$70,000 |
Master of Science in Data Science | 1-2 years | $60,000–$80,000 |
Note: The average fees listed in the above table are approximate and may vary based on the program, university, and specific circumstances.
Top universities to study in USA
The top 10 universities in the USA as per ranking by QS World Universities Rankings 2025 are as below:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
QS World University Rankings 2025: 1
Harvard University
QS World University Rankings 2025: 4
Stanford University
QS World University Rankings 2025: 6
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
QS World University Rankings 2025: 10
University of Pennsylvania
QS World University Rankings 2025: 11
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
QS World University Rankings 2025: 12
Cornell University
QS World University Rankings 2025: 16
University of Chicago
QS World University Rankings 2025: 21
Princeton University
QS World University Rankings 2025: 22
Yale University
QS World University Rankings 2025: 23
Cost of Studying in USA
Once the student moves to the country, he is required to prepare a budget for living expenses. Living expenses to stay in the USA include health insurance, meals, and more. The table below determines the cost of studying in USA with the average cost per year.
| Expense | Cost per year | Key aspects |
|---|---|---|
Tuition fees for a Bachelor’s degree | $20,000 – $55,000 | Varies by institution and program |
Tuition fees for a Master’s degree | $15,000 – $60,000 | STEM and business programs tend to be on the higher end |
Health insurance | $1,000 – $1,500 | Mandatory for international students |
Living expenses | $20,000 – $22,000 | Includes housing, meals, and utilities |
Miscellaneous expenses | $2,000 – $3,000 | Covers books, transportation, and personal costs |
Please note: The above expenses serve as a reference. Actual costs vary based on university, location, and lifestyle choices.
Cost of Studying in USA
To pursue education abroad, especially in the USA, can be a little exhausting in the pocket. However, it is always great to seek help from financial advisors. The financial assistance can be in any form like scholarships, assistantships, or part-time work opportunities for scholarships.
Hence, some of the popular scholarships in the USA available for Indian Students pursuing any of the bachelor’s or master’s courses are tabulated below.
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship – $6000-$25000
- ICSP Scholarship at the University of Oregon – Tuition fee waiver worth $7500- $30,000
- Clark Global Scholarship Program – $15000-$25000 of scholarship per year
- United World Colleges International Youth scholarships. – Full or partial fee waiver depending on the funds available.
- PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women – $12,500
- Obama Foundation Scholars Program – Full tuition fee, monthly living stipend, funding for books, and course material
- Civil Society Leadership Award – Tuition and travel expenses, living expenses, and a monthly stipend
- Fully Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships – Tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses
Intakes to study in USA
The academic year is typically divided into two main intakes in USA for international students: the Fall intake and the Spring intake. Some institutions may offer a summer intake, or even accept applications around the year.
Fall intake (August/September)
The Fall intake is the most common and primary intake for international students. It usually starts in August or September and runs through to May or June of the following year, depending on the program and institution. Most undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as research opportunities, are available during the Fall intake.
Spring intake (January/February)
The Spring intake is the second-largest intake and takes place in January or February. It allows students to start their studies at the beginning of the year. While the Spring intake may offer a more limited selection of programs compared to the Fall intake, it is still a great option for those who missed the Fall deadline or prefer a later start date.
Summer intake (May/June)
The Summer intake is the smallest of the three and is not as widely available as the Fall and Spring intakes. It usually begins in May or June and lasts until August.