Complete Guide To Study in USA for Indian Students: Universities, Costs, Courses

Overview

Why Study in USA
American universities are widely known for the quality of their teaching and research opportunities. The United States has one of the world's finest university systems, with outstanding programmes in virtually every field. It is also home to Silicon Valley, which makes it a dream destination for young Indians hoping to pursue a career in software engineering and IT.

Education in USA
American education is versatile and flexible. Students in USA can choose how quickly they want to complete their course and how many credits they take each semester. A degree from an American university also opens several doors to international job opportunities. International students get exposed to different cultures, allowing them to develop a unique worldview that helps them in the workplace. Given the benefits, the goal to study in USA for Indian students remains a top priority for many.

Cost of Living in USA
The cost of studying in USA for Indian students depends on your university and course. You can expect to pay between USD 20,000 to USD 55,000 per year as your tuition fees. You would likely have to pay up to USD 1,000 per year for books and stationery.

Average Cost of Living in USA
Along with your tuition costs, you must consider other monthly expenses in USA. You should consider USD 1,200 per year for travel, and USD 2,500 per year for food. The accommodation cost varies greatly from one college and state to the next. The average cost of living in USA could be between USD 1,000 to USD 8,000 per month.

Universities in USA
The top universities in USA enjoy high QS Rankings. Let’s look at the top 10 universities in USA:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Stanford University

Harvard University

California Institute of Technology (CalTech)

University of Chicago

University of Pennsylvania

Princeton University

Yale University

Cornell University

Columbia University

Ivy League Universities in USA
America is home to eight private research universities known as Ivy Leave universities. All eight rank within the top 20 colleges in America, making them the most sought-after universities for foreign students. The eight Ivy League universities are:

Brown University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Harvard University

University of Pennsylvania

Princeton University

Yale University

Top Courses in USA
Looking for the best courses in USA? America is home to colleges that offer a range of courses. These are the best Masters in USA you should consider pursuing:

MBBS

MS in Data Science

Masters in Business Analytics

Masters in Finance

MS in Computer Science

MS in Data Analytics

Masters in Management

MS in Civil Engineering

MS in Artificial Intelligence

MS in Engineering Management

M. Arch

Masters in Cybersecurity

Masters in Economics

Master in Supply Chain Management

Master in Mechanical Engineering

Master in Project Management

Masters in Information Systems

Master in International Business

Master in Digital Marketing

Apart from these degrees, you could also consider completing your MBA in USA. An MBA from an American college could boost your career path and help you find better opportunities in India and abroad.

If you’d like to complete your graduate studies in America, you can consider the following courses:

BBA

B. Tech

B. Sc in Computer Science

As you can see from the above degrees, many young Indians hope to pursue STEM courses in USA. STEM courses cover science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees.

Required Exams for USA Study
Indian students who want to move to America for their higher education must complete certain language and entrance exams.

English Language Exams
Students must showcase their proficiency in English by completing either the IELTS or TOEFL. Let’s learn more about each:

IELTS for USA

Over 3,400 educational institutions in America accept the IELTS exam as proof of English proficiency. The test provides a 9-band score that indicates their proficiency in English. Every college has its own minimum score requirement, although most universities accept an IELTS score of 7. Some accept 6.5, so it’s best to check each university’s requirements.

TOEFL for USA

The TOEFL also tests your English proficiency. Students who want to complete their higher education in America can complete the TOEFL as their English proficiency test. The test checks your ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English. Most colleges accept scores above 100 out of a possible 120. However, many American colleges also accept students who score 90.

Postgraduate Entrance Exams
While applying for postgraduate programmes in the US, students may have to complete one of the following entrance exams:

GRE for USA

Students must complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the admission process for a Master's or PhD course in the US. A general score between 165-170 will gain you admission to America’s top universities. However, many universities also accept scores above 150.

GMAT for USA

Students who want to pursue their MBA from a prestigious American university must secure a good score on the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). Top American universities require a score of 600, but an average of 555 or a score above 500 may be enough to help you gain admission into the management school of your choice.

Jobs in USA
There are several jobs in USA for Indian graduates, including:

Anaesthesiologist

Psychiatrist

Chief Executive

Legal Worker

There are also several good USA jobs for Indian students once they complete a PhD in USA. These students can go on to become professors, lecturers, market research analysts, actuaries, data scientists, laboratory researchers, business development managers, or business analysts.

Admission Process

Admission Process
Ready to work towards a better future? You can follow these steps to secure your admission:

Start with Research

Decide on your course and identify the best colleges for you to pursue your interests. Check the college rankings, intakes in USA for international students, admission requirements and fees.

Plan Your Finances

Apart from the tuition fees, consider the cost of living and the purchase of textbooks. Factor these variables into your decision to study abroad. Once you know how much you need, you can apply for loans accordingly.

Complete the Entrance Exams

When applying for higher education in America, you have to complete certain standardised tests like the SAT, GRE or GMAT. Additionally, you would have to prove your English proficiency by completing the IELTS or TOEFL. Prepare for and complete these exams within the required time.

Finish the Application

Work on the application for your shortlisted colleges. Ensure you get all your documents in order and apply before the deadline.

Apply for the Visa

Once you receive confirmation of admission, the college will share the I-20 form. You can use it to apply for a student visa at the nearest US embassy or consulate office.

Intakes in USA
American universities have the following intakes every year.

Fall

The semester starts in late August and ends in December or early January. Most universities only allow a fall intake in USA.

Spring

The spring semester starts in January and ends in early May. Few universities offer a spring intake in USA. If you want to join in January, you should look for specific spring intake universities in USA.

Summer

Starting in June and ending in July, the summer semester is the shortest. Universities accept summer intake in USA only for specialised summer programmes. You can look for summer intake universities in USA if you want to study between semesters.

Most colleges do not offer a winter intake in USA.

Visa Process

Applying for Study Visa for US
Indian students hoping to pursue their higher education in America must first understand the types of student visa in USA. Students can apply for one of the following:

F Student Visa

Students can get an F1 visa for USA if they want to study at an accredited American college or university, or if they want to study English at an English language institute.

J Exchange Visa

The J1 exchange visitor visa allows learners to participate in exchange programmes at the high school or university level.

M Student Visa

Individuals pursuing non-academic or vocational courses and training can get a US M1 visa.

USA Study Visa Process
Indian students hoping to pursue their higher education in America must initiate their US student visa process as soon as they receive an offer letter. Getting the documents in order and understanding the USA study visa requirements can take some time. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a US student visa for Indian learners:

Step 1: Ensure you apply to a university approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at least 6 months prior to your expected start date.

Step 2: Receive your I-20 or DS-160 form with your admission offer.

Step 3: Pay your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee at least three days before submitting your visa form.

Step 4: Book your appointment and pay the US student visa fees.

Step 5: Visit the USA embassy or consulate website to ensure you have the documents required for US student visa at the time of submission.

Step 6: Complete the interview process and receive your visa.

Work Opportunities

Work Opportunities
Most Indian students move to America for better employment opportunities. After completing a course from a top-ranked university, you could apply for the highest-paying jobs in USA to enhance your career. However, not all students can start with a great job at the best company. Students in America can start by taking on internships.

Internships in USA for Indian Students
Indian students in America can use their summer and winter breaks to find internships or jobs. Ideally, they should opt for opportunities that align with their course. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that graduating Indians who took up paid internships in America were 20% more likely to get job offers than those without any experience.

FAQs

What are affordable universities in USA for Indian students?
Indian students who want affordable university options in America can check courses offered by California State University, Brooklyn College, Dakota State University, and Arkansas State University.

What is the eligibility to study in USA for Indian students after graduation?
Students who complete their graduation from India can move to America for their higher education. Apart from the college and course application form, students must complete an English exam like the IELTS or TOEFL to showcase their proficiency. They must also complete the GRE or GMAT based on the degree they want to pursue.

Is IELTS accepted in USA?
Yes, over 4,000 educational institutions accept IELTS scores in America. Always check your preferred university’s requirements before taking the required test.

Is IELTS required for USA student visa?
To apply for a US student visa, you must have a good IELTS or TOEFL score to prove your proficiency in English.

How much does it cost to study in USA?
The cost of studying in America depends on your university and course. You can expect to pay between USD 20,000 to USD 55,000 per year as your tuition fees. You would likely have to pay up to USD 1,000 per year for books and stationery, USD 1,200 per year for travel, and USD 2,500 per year for food. The accommodation cost varies greatly from one college and state to the next. You could expect to pay between USD 1,000 to USD 8,000 per month.

How to study in USA?
If you want to go to America to complete your higher education, you should work on maintaining good academic scores. You must complete the required entrance exams and apply to your preferred institute before the deadline. You can apply to multiple colleges to better your chances of gaining admission.

How can I study in USA from India?
If you want to move to America from India for your higher education, you should check your eligibility, complete the entrance tests and apply to your preferred institution. Many American universities also offer online classes that enable you to complete their course remotely from India.

What are the main intakes in USA?
American universities offer three intakes:
Fall – It’s the most popular intake and generally starts in September
Spring – Starting in January, this is a good option if you miss the September intake.
Summer – Some colleges offer limited programmes in summer.

When should I apply for college admission in USA?
If you’re applying for the September or fall intake, you can start your exam preparation the previous July. Start getting your paperwork in order by August or September and complete your application by December. You will receive your admission between February and April.

What are the requirements to study in USA?
Every college lists its eligibility requirements on the website. Typically, you must complete the entrance or aptitude test based on your degree, an English proficiency test, and secure good marks in school or during your undergraduate course.

How many days will it take to get admission in USA?
Most American universities take between eight to ten weeks to process applications. So, you can expect to wait for around two months to get your offer of admission.

How to get a student visa for USA?
To get a student visa for America, you must first complete the required entrance tests and apply to your preferred college. Once you receive admission and the I-20 form, you can apply for the required student visa.

How to apply for student visa in USA?
You can apply for a student visa to study in America if you’re already in the country on a tourist or business visa. You must apply to change your visa status to the relevant visa.

How to apply for PhD in USA?
Students who want to apply for a PhD in America must complete the application form and submit it with their resume, university transcripts, statement of purpose, GMAT or GRE score, recommendation letters, IELTS or TOEFL score, and application fee.

Which is better public or private university in USA?
Both public and private universities in America offer extensive academic programmes. You should choose based on which university has the better reputation for the course you would like to pursue.

What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?
The IELTS and TOEFL are both English language exams. While the TOEFL is generally favoured in America, most universities in the US accept both TOEFL and IELTS scores.

What is GMAT and GRE?
The GMAT and GRE are standardised tests that students must take before they pursue a postgraduate course in America. Students applying for an MBA must complete the GMAT, while those applying for an MS, PhD or other postgraduate courses must complete the GRE. Always check your university’s specific requirements before applying.