(Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork)
Study in the USA - Highlights
- Top 5 Universities in the USA (QS 2026): Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Stanford University | Harvard University | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | University of Chicago
- Top Courses in the USA: Computer Science & IT | Engineering | Business & Management | Health & Life Sciences | Data Science & Analytics | Social Sciences
- Cost of Studying in the USA for Indian Students: USD 30,000 - USD 80,000 per year (INR 26.5 lakhs - INR 71 lakhs per year) is the estimated indicative range
- Cost of Living in the USA for Indian Students: USD 13,000 - USD 25,000 per year (INR 11.5 lakhs - INR 22 lakhs per year) is the estimated indicative range
- Scholarships: Fulbright | Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships | Inlaks Scholarship | AAUW International Fellowships | University-Specific Scholarships | STEM & Merit-Based Funding
- Application Process: Exams (SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE) | Application Documents (Resume, SOP, LOR, Admission Essays) | Other Documents (Passport, Proof of Finances, etc.)
- Student Visa: F-1 Visa (Academic Student) | M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
- Part-Time Work: 20 hours per week (during classes) | 40 hours per week (during breaks)
- Post-Study Work Visa (OPT or Optional Practical Training): Standard OPT (up to 12 months) | STEM OPT Extension (up to 36 months)
Why Study in the USA?
- Top-Ranked Universities: Home to many of the world’s leading universities, known for academic excellence.
- Research Opportunities: Offers cutting-edge labs, innovation ecosystems and extensive funding options.
- Strong Economy: Provides a stable, high-value environment for education, work and long-term growth.
- Job Prospects: Large demand in tech, business, healthcare and STEM fields, with strong recruitment pathways.
- Indian Student Population: Nearly 4 lakh Indian students study in the USA, creating a strong support network.
Top Universities in the USA
The US, one of the most popular study abroad destinations, is home to the world’s top-ranked universities, offering high-quality academics and research opportunities alongside excellent placements. The table below lists the top universities in the USA, according to the QS Rankings 2026.
(Table: Top Universities in the USA)
(Source: QS Rankings 2026)
Top Courses in the USA
The USA offers a wide range of programs that attract students from across the world, especially in STEM, business and research-focused fields. Here are some of the top courses in the USA for Indian students:
- Bachelor’s Programs (STEM, Business, Economics, Political Science, etc.)
- MIM (Marketing, Finance, Analytics, International Business)
- MBA (Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Consulting, Entrepreneurship)
- Law (JD, LLM, International Law, Corporate Law)
- MS (Computer Science, Electrical, Civil, Biotechnology, Mechanical)
- MS in Data Science (AI, Machine Learning, Big Data, Business Analytics)
- MS in Engineering Management (Project Management, Systems Engineering)
- MS in Information Systems (IT Management, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing)
- MS in Public Health (Epidemiology, Health Policy, Biostatistics)
- MS in Life Sciences (Pharmacology, Genetics, Microbiology)
Cost of Studying in the USA
The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students varies depending on the university, type of university (public vs private), level of study (bachelor’s vs master’s), field of study, etc.
Broadly speaking, the cost of studying in the USA for Indian students ranges from USD 30,000 to USD 80,000 per year (INR 26.5 lakhs to INR 71 lakhs). Here are the top courses in the USA and their estimated indicative tuition fee range:
- Cost of Studying BS in the USA for Indian Students: USD 28,000 - USD 80,000 (INR 25 lakhs - INR 71 lakhs) per year,
- Cost of Studying MS in the USA for Indian Students: USD 30,000 - USD 60,000 (INR 27 lakhs - INR 53 lakhs) per year,
- Cost of Studying MIM in the USA for Indian Students: USD 20,000 - USD 70,000 (INR 18 lakhs - INR 62 lakhs) per year,
- Cost of Studying MBA in the USA for Indian Students: USD 60,000 - USD 1,00,000 (INR 53 lakhs - INR 89 lakhs) per year, and
- Cost of Studying LLM/JD in the USA for Indian Students: USD 54,000 - USD 87,000 (INR 48 lakhs - INR 77 lakhs) per year.
Students planning to study in the USA may note the following details regarding the cost of studying in the USA:
- Costs at public universities are usually lower, while private universities and major metro locations (New York, Boston, California) fall at the higher end of the range.
- BS programmes typically last 4 years, while most MS, MIM, MBA and Law programmes are 1-2 years. Thus, the course duration affects the total programme cost, even if the annual tuition fee appears similar.
- Students may benefit from choosing universities in more affordable states (such as Texas, Ohio, and Arizona) and exploring shared housing or teaching/research assistantships.
Cost of Living in the USA
The cost of living in the USA for Indian students varies depending on location, accommodation, dietary preferences, lifestyle, and other factors.
Broadly speaking, the cost of living in the USA for Indian students ranges from USD 13,000 to USD 25,000 (INR 11.5 lakhs to INR 22 lakhs) per year. Here is a breakdown of the estimated cost of living in the USA for international students:
- Accommodation (Rent + Utilities): USD 8,400 - USD 14,400 per year (INR 7.5 lakhs - INR 12.8 lakhs)
- Food & Groceries: USD 2,400 - USD 5,400 per year (INR 2.1 lakhs - INR 4.8 lakhs)
- Internet & Mobile Plan: USD 540 - USD 1,200 per year (INR 48,000 - INR 1.07 lakh)
- Local Transportation: USD 600 - USD 1,200 per year (INR 53,000 - INR 1.07 lakh)
- Books, Supplies & Miscellaneous: USD 600 - USD 1,200 per year (INR 53,000 - INR 1.07 lakh)
- Health Insurance (Mandatory): USD 700 - USD 1,100 per year (INR 62,000 - INR 98,000)
Scholarships in the USA
Types of scholarships in the USA for International students include:
- Merit-based, Need-based, University-specific, Program-specific,
- Government/External awards, and
- Assistantships (TA/RA/GA).
Popular scholarships in the USA for Indian students include:
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship: Fully funded (covers tuition, living, airfare); typically USD 30,000-100,000+ depending on program.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship: Up to USD 100,000 for postgraduate study.
- Tata Scholarship (Cornell University): Full tuition support for Indian undergraduates at Cornell.
- AAUW International Fellowship (For Women): USD 20,000-50,000 depending on study level.
Scholarship eligibility in the USA for Indian students:
- Strong academic record (high GPA/grades),
- Competitive SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT scores (if required),
- Well-written SOP, Letters of Recommendation, and Essays,
- Research experience (important for MS/PhD awards),
- Proof of financial need (for need-based scholarships), and
- Leadership achievements, extracurriculars, or community work (varies by scholarship).
(Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork)
How to Study in the USA: Application Process
1) Shortlist Universities & Courses
- Choose based on program, location, ranking, fees, and scholarship opportunities.
- Check each university’s specific admission requirements.
2) Check Eligibility for Studying in the USA
- Academic transcripts (Class 10, Class 12, Bachelor’s, etc.)
- Standardised tests (SAT/ACT for bachelor’s; GRE/GMAT for master’s)
- English proficiency tests: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Essays
- Portfolio (for design/architecture/arts programs)
3) Tests & Documents
Take the required tests and prepare the application documents well before the application deadlines.
4) Submit Applications
Apply directly on university websites or platforms like the Common App (for bachelor’s) and pay the application fees. Usually, the Fall Intake in the USA (August/September) is more popular than the Spring Intake (January/February).
5) Wait for Admission Decisions
Universities respond with an offer letter/a conditional offer letter/rejection. You may need to attend interviews for certain courses.
6) Accept & Pay
Once you accept the admission, pay the enrollment deposit and submit any pending documents required by the university.
7) Arrange Finances & Scholarships
Arrange proof of funds for visa and/or explore scholarships.
8) Apply for the US Student Visa
US student visa documents include a valid passport, an I-20 form issued by a SEVP-approved institution, an I-901 SEVIS fee payment, a DS-160 visa application form, photographs, and any other required documents. You need to schedule your US student visa appointment and attend it with all the required documents.
USA Student Visa
Indian students planning to study full-time in the USA must apply for the F-1 Student Visa. This visa allows students to pursue academic programs at accredited US universities, engage in on-campus employment, and later apply for OPT.
The US student visa application process includes the following steps:
- Receive the I-20 from your university after accepting the admission offer.
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee of USD 350.
- Fill the DS-160 form online for the visa application.
- Pay the US Visa Application Fee of USD 185.
- Schedule Two Appointments: Biometrics (OFC Appointment) | Visa Interview at the US Embassy/Consulate.
- Attend the Visa Interview with the required documents.
If approved, your passport will be returned with the F-1 visa stamped.
Part-Time Jobs in the USA for International Students
International students in the USA on an F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during university breaks and vacations.
On-campus part-time jobs in the USA for Indian students (in their first year) include Library Assistant, IT Helpdesk Support, Gym Attendant, Teaching Assistant, Campus Bookstore/Cafe Staff, etc.
Off-campus part-time jobs in the USA for Indian students (allowed after the first year with authorisation) include CPT (Curricular Practical Training - internships related to your course), OPT (Optional Practical Training - work after completing your degree), and Severe Economic Hardship Authorisation (rare cases).
(Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork)
Post-Study Work Permit in the USA
Post-study work permit in the USA for international students varies based on the programme of study.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): Available to F-1 visa students after completing their degree. The OPT duration is 12 months.
- STEM OPT Extension: For students in eligible STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programmes. The STEM OPT Extension provides an additional 24 months, bringing the total to 36 months of work authorisation.
Challenges of Studying in the USA
- Competitive Admissions: Top US universities have strict academic requirements, holistic evaluations, and low acceptance rates, especially for international students.
- High Cost of Education: Tuition fees and living expenses are significantly higher than in many other countries, making budgeting and financial planning essential.
- Visa & Work Restrictions: F-1 visa rules limit part-time work and require specific approvals for internships, affecting income and practical exposure.
Is It Worth Studying in the USA?
Studying in the USA can be a great opportunity because of its world-class universities, strong research environment, and global career prospects. However, it comes with high costs, competitive admissions, and strict visa rules.
Students should carefully evaluate their financial situation, career goals, and personal priorities before deciding, so they can choose a path that truly fits their future plans.
Download This Guide: Study in USA - A Comprehensive Guide for Students
Comments
Post a Comment