Why Study in the USA?
In the 20th and 21st centuries the US has become a magnet for hundreds of thousands of bright, ambitious students around the world. The US is the preferred destination for Indian students because US higher educational institutions offer: academic excellence, cutting-edge technology, extensive support services for international students, generous funding opportunities, wide variety of educational options, flexible curricula and hands-on training (OPT and CPT). The students who are on an F-1 student visa can work on-campus for as long as 20 hours every week in their respective academic year and for as long as 40 hours per week during their vacations or festival holidays. Study in USA from India after graduation, enables students to work for 1 year popularly known as OPT (Optional Practical Training). Students with certain degrees in the STEM (Science, Technology, and Engineering & Mathematics) field are allowed to work for 36 months. On completion of their OPT, students can apply for a H1 B visa (Work Permit Visa) for work.
7 Best Reasons to Study in the USA
- Academic excellence
- Flexibility in declaring a major
- Taking a range of general education classes
- Emphasis on internships & career advancement
- Engaging in the full campus experience
- Diversity of student population on campus
- Specialized services and support for international students
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Education System in USA
The US Higher Education system offers a wide variety of institutions for International students, namely vocational institutes, community colleges and universities. The United States also offers both Public and Private Institutions, each with its unique advantages and thus offers a wide choice of courses and programs for international students. This coupled with world class faculty, research facilities and instructional resources. Also, the F1 student visa that allows students to explore post study work opportunities, makes the US a very attractive study destination. To study in USA means to be part of the world’s most flexible education system. Students can study their area of interest as specialization.
Types of Institutions to study in USA for Indian students
- Public Universities
- Private Institutions
- Technical Institutes
- The Ivy League
- Small Liberal Arts Colleges
- Community Colleges
Grading System
The degrees that are generally awarded by the US higher education institutes are:-
- Associate Degree (two years)
- Bachelor’s Degree (four years)
- Master’s Degree (one or two years)
- Doctorate (three to five years)
- Summer Program (six to ten weeks)
Popular Universities in the USA
IVY Universities
Ivy League universities in the US began as a group association of eight highly competitive athletic colleges, namely:
- Harvard University (Massachusetts)
- Yale University (Connecticut)
- Princeton University (New Jersey)
- Columbia University (New York)
- Brown University (Rhode Island)
- Dartmouth College (New Hampshire)
- University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
- Cornell University (New York)
Public Universities
Public universities are part of an individual state’s education system and receive funding from both the state and federal government. However, public universities often have lower fees than private institutions, even for out-of-state students. As an international student, you will be considered as an out-of-state applicant for all public universities. State universities can have large campuses and high student numbers.
Private Universities
- These institutions receive the majority of their funding from fee-paying students, private donors and federal research grants.
- They usually have smaller student numbers, and the higher fees reflect this.
- However, private institutions can have generous funding opportunities available, which can make the net cost of attendance affordable for international students
Community Colleges
Community colleges are primarily two-year public institutions that confer certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees. Some states have started to offer a small number of bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges. People sometimes call community colleges as junior colleges, technical colleges, or city colleges.
Popular Courses to Study in the USA
The United States is a country that combines diverse geography and culture while having a reputation for academic excellence, making study in USA for Indian students a prominent factor. The USA is a leading destination for students pursuing a Master’s degree. It’s a melting pot of ethnicities, nationalities, races, classes, and opinions, and with a large number of foreign students enrolled in Master’s degree programs all over the country. Study in USA from India after graduation helps students enhance their career. The USA is truly a land of opportunities as it has more than 4000 higher education institutions, spread across its 50 states. No matter what program of study interests you, you’re sure to find something that meets your needs. The USA is particularly well-known for a large number of non-traditional options for pursuing a Master’s degree, such as part-time studies, online programs, and distance learning options.
The most popular subject to study in USA for international graduate students are:-
- Engineering
- Business
- Physical and Earth Sciences Programs
- Fashion
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Marketing and Communication
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Management
The most popular subject to study in USA for international graduate students are:-
The US universities have 3 intakes: Fall: August/September, Spring: January/February and Summer: April/May. The major intake is the Fall intake, but most of the universities are open for spring and few of them for summer intake too.
Academic Requirements
Entry Requirements + Eligibility to study in the USA for Indian students
- Undergraduate: 10+2
- Graduate:16 years of education required
- Some institutions accepts 3 years of degree i.e. B.Com, B.Sc., B.A etc.- into their Masters or MBA Program
- Strong academic background
- Good scores in entrance exams like SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT & TOEFL/IELTS/PTE
- Strong Recommendation Letters
- Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement, Essays
- Resume
- Work experience documents
- Valid Passport
- Sound financial background
English Language Requirements
All students must have the required English language proficiency in order to study in USA.
- TOEFL score of 80-100 for Postgraduate and 70-80 for Undergraduate studies is a decent score.
- IELTS score of 6.0- 6.5 for Undergraduates and 6.5-7 band for Postgraduate studies is required.
- Over 3000 institutions in the USA recognize the IELTS, PTE & DET exam including several top ranked institutions.
- SAT for Undergraduates
- GRE for Master’s programs
Application Process
The application process is of two types:
- Online
- Paper-based
The applicant needs to make sure to check the requirements of the university he/she wishes to apply, and the application must start 6 months in advance. Shortlisting the courses and the university is one of the most crucial aspects of the entire admission process, a good practice is to talk to counselors or reach out to the university to know more about the universities and its courses.
Once a few courses have been shortlisted, the next step is finding out the eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and the fees, they could all vary depending on the university and the course. For some universities, the applicant needs to apply directly via their website and each university will have its own process. Once the student has submitted the application, the applicant will receive a confirmation email from the university, the university will take a few weeks to take a decision, and this could vary depending on the application load at the time. Once a student receives the confirmation the next step is to arrange for the finances and start the visa application.
Student Visa Process to Study in USA
Admission to a coveted US university takes you only half way through your dream to study in USA. The remaining important half is to obtain a study visa for the US. Complexities and careless mistakes along with lack of sufficient knowledge about the US student visa formalities cause undesired delays and even refusal of a visa in some cases.
To be able to study in USA for Indian students, an F1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program at a US college or university. F1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) which is provided by the US College or university.
The US Embassy in India has implemented a visa processing system throughout India, providing all visa applicants with an efficient, transparent, and standardized application process which simplifies fee payment and appointment scheduling through a new website www.ustraveldocs.com/in
How to Apply
US Visa is an Interview based visa, thus applicants have to apply to the US embassy for their interview
Step 1 – To obtain I-20 from University / College
Step 2 – To complete DS-160 FormStep 3 – To obtain SEVIS Fee Receipt
Step 4 – To pay Visa Application fees
Step 5 – Schedule appointment
Step 6 – Attend OFC (Biometric)
Step 7 – Attend Counselor Interview
Step 8 – Passport collection if visa is granted
List of Documents Required To Apply for a Study Permit to USA
- Valid Passport
- I-20
- Visa Appointment Confirmation
- SEVIS Fee receipt
- Email Communications from University (Mandatory if Student has scholarships and GRE/GMAT/SAT Waived)
- 10th and 12th mark sheets and passing certificate
- Bachelor/Masters individual mark sheets
- Proof of Funds
- Parents/sponsor two years Income Tax Return
- Education loan Letter (if any
- Work Experience (If any)
- CA Report (optional)
- CE report (Optional)
- Affidavit of support from Sponsors
Student Visa Fee for USA
- I-20 issuance deposit depends on university to university.
- SEVIS Fees – US Dollar 350 (INR 26600)
- Visa Appointment Fee: US Dollar 160 (INR 12160)
Cost of Study in the USA
In the United States, universities can be broadly categorized into two groups: Public/State and Private institutions. The cost of education at a public/state university is typically lower than that of a private institution. The amount you spend on tuition fees varies depending on the type of degree and the specific university or school you choose. To cover tuition fees, you should anticipate an approximate annual range of $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) as a general indication.
| School | Tuition fees in USD (indicative) |
|---|---|
| English language studies | $700 to $2,000 a month |
| Community colleges | $6,000 to $20,000 per year |
| Undergraduate bachelor degree | $20,000 to $40,000 per year |
| Graduate programs | $20,000 to $45,000 per year |
| Doctoral degree | $28,000 to $55,000 per year |
Living Cost in the USA
In the United States, living expenses can fluctuate significantly owing to the country’s extensive geographical expanse. Typically, urban areas, especially those in or near major cities, tend to be more expensive compared to smaller towns or suburban regions. Consequently, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the overall living costs in the US, it’s essential to factor in these typical expenses when formulating your budget:
| Expenses | Average yearly cost* |
|---|---|
| Books and Stationery | $500- $1,000 |
| Travelling | $500- $1,200 |
| Food | $2,500 |
| Clothes and footwear | $500 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | $2,000 |
*Note: All costs are indicative and may vary from region to region
Post Study Work Rights in the USA
International students who successfully complete a full course of study at a U.S. college or university become eligible for participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT permits students to work in the United States for a period of up to 12 months following their graduation.
The OPT program encompasses two primary types:
- Pre-completion OPT: This allows students to engage in part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week) while they are still enrolled in their academic program.
- Post-completion OPT: This enables students to work full-time once they have completed their degree.
To qualify for post-completion OPT, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a full-time student enrolled in a degree-seeking program at a U.S. college or university.
- Possess a valid F-1 student visa.
- Have fulfilled all the requirements for your degree.
- Apply for OPT within 60 days of completing your degree.
- The application fee for post-completion OPT is $410.
Once granted OPT, you have the freedom to work in any position related to your field of study. Additionally, you can change jobs and employers as you see fit. The OPT program serves as a valuable opportunity for international students to gain practical work experience in the United States, facilitating career development, and can also serve as a pathway to other immigration options, such as the H-1B visa.
Here are some important considerations about the OPT program:
- You must apply for OPT before you commence working.
- Employment should be in a role that pertains to your area of study.
- You must maintain your F-1 student visa status while on OPT.
- Work hours on OPT cannot exceed 40 hours per week.
If you are an international student nearing graduation from a U.S. college or university, I strongly encourage you to explore the OPT program. It offers a valuable chance to gain work experience in the United States and advance your career.
Additionally, there are other post-study work visa options for international students in the USA:
- H-1B visa: Enables employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- L-1 visa: Allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to a U.S. office.
- E-2 visa: Permits investors to establish or manage a business in the United States.
- O-1 visa: Designed for individuals with exceptional expertise in the fields of arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
Eligibility criteria for these visas vary, so it is advisable to seek guidance from an immigration attorney to determine the most suitable option for your circumstances.
While acceptance varies among universities, most American universities consider this system for postgraduate studies.
The most commonly accepted tests are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It is advisable to check with your chosen institutions for their specific requirements.
American degrees are renowned for providing high-quality education and are well-recognized worldwide.
If you hold an F1 visa, you are permitted to work for up to 40 hours per fortnight while studying and full-time during vacation periods.
Both on-campus and off-campus accommodations are available. American universities offer options such as sororities, dormitories, and fraternities for international students, which should be applied for in advance to secure a spot. Additionally, off-campus housing is also an option, and your university can provide a list of options.
Most universities offer medical insurance to international students. Dedicated on-campus teams can assist you in exploring various options. It is advisable to register with a local doctor on campus upon arrival. In case of emergencies, dial 911, the national toll-free emergency number for police, ambulance, fire, and search and rescue services.
