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Study in USA – Top Universities, Visa, Scholarships, Courses
Studying in USA provides students with an outstanding education opportunity, popular universities and a multicultural environment. The USA has some of the best universities in the world including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford that have numerous programs in different schools of study. American universities offer prime research facilities and quality education whether a student wants to earn a business, science, art or healthcare degree.
Besides these, there are many competitive academic programs and scholarships options available in the USA for international students. Scholarships can cover either partial or full tuition fees, making studying in the USA more accessible to many students across the globe.
Another factor about the study abroad process is the student visa and the USA offers opportunities such as the F-1 student visa which enables the student to work while studying. In addition, permits such as OPT (Optional Practical Training) give students from other countries the opportunity to work in their area of study after class.
The USA is thus one of the top global destinations for studying abroad. Here’s learning more about the same below.
Latest Update: –
- New STEM OPT Extension: The Government of United States has increased the OPT for STEM graduates, in that eligible students can effectively stay for up to 36 months upon completion of their programs.
- Increased Funding for International Students: Many universities in the United States have said that their scholarships and financial assistance offered to international students have been rising, or that they will rise in the near future, especially for students from under represented parts of the world.
- Changes in Visa Application Process: That is why the US Department of State has recently amended its student visa procedures, making them less time-consuming: indeed, the time for considering the applications has been reduced, and the application for the interview can be completed online depending on the applicant’s profile.
- Remote Learning and Hybrid Options: Because of constant global situations, a number of U.S universities provide the options of online and hybrid study programs for international students who could not travel to other countries to continue their studies.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Top Courses |
Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, Arts & Humanities |
Average Tuition Fees |
$25,000 – $50,000 (Undergraduate) / $30,000 – $60,000 (Postgraduate) |
Number of Higher Education Institutions |
4,000+ colleges and universities across the USA |
Post-Study Work Visa | |
Average Cost of Living | |
Part-Time Work |
Allowed up to 20 hours/week during term and 40 hours/week during breaks |
Top 5 Universities (QS World University Rankings 2025) |
1. MIT
2. Harvard University 3. Stanford University 4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) 5. University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
Why Study in USA ?
- Excellent Education: The USA is one of the leaders of the world supplying people with the opportunity to get education in the best universities and obtain the desirable degree in various fields.
- Cultural Diversity: Education in the USA exposes the student to many cultures which improves their general world view and personal development.
- Research Opportunities: University research programs for further education and colleges provide opportunities for research and superior technical equipment and tools.
- Career Opportunities: The educational qualification of a degree obtained from the USA may enhance employment opportunities. There are a number of companies in the multinational business that may offer employment to graduates.
- Post-Study Work Options: STEM students can work for 12 months OPT and for students from other fields, one can work up to 36 months under the OPT program.
Education System in USA
- Undergraduate Programs: After completing education at high school, the USA provides Bachelor’s degree education, which takes four years and students have a freedom to choose the major subjects and minor subjects. Flexibility is also enjoyed by students when it comes to the area of courses offered.
- Graduate Programs: Graduate education is a two-part system consisting of a Master program which takes one to two years and Doctoral program, which takes 3 to 7 years. Specialization is allowed and research work contributes a lot to the process. Students are able to specialize in certain areas.
- Credit System: The academic year at NDU is partitioned into two semesters with each comprising seventeen weeks. This is with the credit hour system applied in the education system, implying that a student is supposed to earn a fixed number of credit hours to graduate.
- Accreditation: American universities and colleges are affiliated to credible accrediting agencies, thus providing quality education.
- Diverse Learning Styles: This system stresses academic and affective interactivity, problem-solving, and involving experiences including internship and research within civil engineering discipline.
- Flexible Curriculum: Students are allowed to transfer majors and create individual routes through degree and credit courses based on their career paths.
- Grading System: Many school standards are arranged in terms of letter grades, ranging from A – F and products are given grades per credit hours with GPA determined on a scale of 4.0.
Eligibility to Study in USA
- Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, students must have completed high school or equivalent; for postgraduate programs, a relevant Bachelor’s degree is required.
- English Proficiency: Proof of English language skills through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
- Standardized Tests: Some programs may require standardized test scores like SAT, GRE, or GMAT.
- Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs while studying in the USA.
- Visa Requirements: A valid passport and an approved Form I-20 from a U.S. institution are needed for the F-1 student visa application.
Document Required to Study in USA
- Academic transcripts.
- TOEFL/IELTS scores.
- Passport.
- Financial proof (bank statements).
- Letters of recommendation.
Top Courses to Study in USA
| Course Name | Average Fees (Annual) | Intake |
|---|---|---|
Computer Science |
$30,000 – $50,000 |
Fall |
Business Administration |
$28,000 – $45,000 |
Spring |
Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.) |
$35,000 – $55,000 |
Fall |
Medicine |
$50,000 – $70,000 |
Fall |
Law |
$40,000 – $60,000 |
Fall |
Nursing |
$25,000 – $40,000 |
Spring |
Psychology |
$25,000 – $45,000 |
Fall |
Arts & Humanities (Literature, History, etc.) |
$20,000 – $40,000 |
Spring |
Data Science |
$30,000 – $55,000 |
Fall |
Environmental Science |
$25,000 – $40,000 |
Spring |
Top Universities to Study in USA
| University Name | QS Ranking | Action |
|---|---|---|
Harvard University |
1 | |
Stanford University |
2 | |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
3 | |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
4 | |
University of Chicago |
5 | |
Princeton University |
6 | |
Columbia University |
7 | |
Yale University |
8 | |
University of Pennsylvania |
9 | |
California University, Berkeley |
10 |
Intake in USA
Cost of Studying in USA
Cost of Living in USA
- Accommodation: $500 – $1,500 (varies by city)
- Groceries and Food: $200 – $500
- Utilities: $100 – $200
- Transportation: $100 – $200
- Internet and Mobile Costs: $50 – $100
- Health Insurance: $100 – $300
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $150 – $300
Scholarships to study in USA
| Scholarship Name | Description | Funding Type |
|---|---|---|
Fulbright Program |
Scholarships for graduate international students |
Full funding |
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship |
For professionals seeking leadership training |
Full funding |
AAUW International Fellowships |
For women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies |
Partial/Full funding |
Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships |
For exceptional Indian students in top US universities |
Partial funding |
Clark Global Scholarship Program |
For first-year undergraduate students |
Partial funding |
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program |
Scholarships for graduate students at Stanford |
Full funding |
Rotary International Scholarships |
For international postgraduate students |
Partial funding |
Global Study Awards |
Supports international student tuition |
Partial funding |
Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarships |
For students from developing countries |
Full funding |
University-Specific Scholarships |
Offered by institutions like Harvard, MIT |
Partial/Full funding |
Part-Time Work Options for International Students in {USA}
- On-Campus Employment: Students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks.
- Off-Campus Employment: Permitted under specific programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Internships: Many universities offer paid or unpaid internships aligned with students’ academic fields.
- Teaching/Research Assistantships: Graduate students can earn stipends by assisting professors or conducting research.
- Freelance Work: Limited to specific fields, adhering to visa regulations.
Post-Study Work Permit in USA
International students in the USA have several options for post-study work opportunities under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT Extension programs.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 visa holders can apply for OPT, which allows them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their degree. OPT can be used before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) graduation.
- STEM OPT Extension: Students who graduate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields are eligible for a 24-month extension, providing up to 36 months of work authorization.
H-1B Visa: After OPT, students may apply for an H-1B visa, which allows them to work in the USA for up to 6 years.
These work permits help international students gain professional experience in their field of study, making the USA a top choice for higher education and career advancement
Student Visa Requirements for USA
To study in the USA, international students typically require an F-1 student visa. Here are the key requirements:
- Form I-20: Issued by the U.S. institution after admission confirmation. It is essential for visa application.
- Online DS-160 Form: Complete the non-immigrant visa application form and pay the associated fee.
- SEVIS Fee: Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee before scheduling the visa interview.
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay in the USA.
- Photographs: As per U.S. visa guidelines.
- Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- English Proficiency: Proof through TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent scores.
- Visa Interview: Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with all required documents.
Documents Required for Visa Application
- DS-160 Form
- Photographs
- English proficiency sheet
- Proof of Funds document
- Passport Copy
Job prospects in USA
The USA offers diverse and abundant job opportunities across various sectors, making it a preferred destination for international students seeking global career prospects. Fields such as technology, healthcare, business, engineering, and data science are particularly in demand.
- STEM Careers: Graduates in STEM fields benefit from high demand and lucrative salaries. Major employers include tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry is a major employer with several roles for medical professionals and researchers. It also offers excellent job prospects.
- Business and Finance: MBA graduates find opportunities in multinational corporations, investment banks, and startups.
- Internships and Training: Many companies offer internships leading to full-time roles.
Post-Study Work Permits such as OPT and H-1B visas enable graduates to gain work experience and transition into permanent employment. The USA’s thriving economy and innovative industries make it an ideal place for launching a successful career.
Job Prospects in USA
- Cardiologist- $243,759 per year
- Surgeon- $297,626 per year
- Psychiatrist- $255,958 per year
- Quantitative Analyst- $147,576 per year
- Enterprise Architecture Manager- $128,640 per year
- Software Architect- $135,600 per year
- Senior Clinical Pharmacist- $137,315 per year
- Chief Marketing Officer- $139,052 per year
- Data Scientist- $119,380 per year
- Data Warehouse Architect- $128,042 per year
Final Take Away
Studying in the USA offers excellent education, cultural diversity, and unparalleled career opportunities. With top universities, flexible programs, scholarships, and work options, the USA is a prime destination for international students. From cutting-edge research facilities to post-study work permits like OPT, students can gain valuable academic and professional experience. While costs can be high, scholarships and financial aid make it accessible. A degree from the USA enhances global career prospects, making it a life-changing investment.
