The United States of America (USA) attracts the highest number of international students globally, with many Indian students choosing to pursue education there. Factors such as quality education, a distinctive curriculum, a multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities contribute to this preference.
Student Visa requirements for the USA
The US government offers three main types of student visas:
| S.No. | Types of student visa | Description |
| 1 | F-1 Student Visa | For accredited US colleges, universities, or English language institutes. |
| 2 | J Exchange Visa (J-1) | For participation in exchange programs, including high school and university study. |
| 3 | M Student Visa (M1) | For non-academic or vocational study or training in the US. |
*For detailed information, please visit the US Government’s Department of State website.
Intakes Available in the USA
Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, American colleges and universities follow a more flexible schedule with three available intakes, sometimes referred to as semesters. These intakes are as follows:
- Fall: This intake, starting in September, is particularly popular among Indian students.
- Spring: Starting in January, this intake serves as a viable option for those who miss the September intake.
- Summer: While limited, some programs and colleges offer a Summer intake that typically commences around May.
Read US: The Ultimate Guide to the May Intake in USA 2024
Explore the Fast Lane Experience
Curious about your eligibility for your dream university? Experience the efficiency of Gateway International Fastlane, where you can secure an in-principle offer in just seconds! Simply input your preferences, shortlist matching courses, provide your academic details, and get ready to receive a swift response from your dream university.
Cost to Study in the USA
Universities in the USA are majorly divided into two categories – Public/State and Private institutions. The cost of education at a public/state university is generally more economical compared to a private institution. Your tuition fees will vary depending on the type of qualification and the specific university or school you choose. To cover these fees, you should anticipate an annual expenditure ranging from approximately $8,000 to $55,000 (USD), although these figures are indicative.
| 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 |
Scholarships for Studying in the USA
Explore well-known scholarship programs available for Indian students aspiring to study in the USA, where the amount and type of awards vary between institutions. With Gateway Premium services, you can save up to 55 Lakhs on tuition fees of certain programs along with coverage for living expenditures while benefitting from personalized assistance and expert guidance throughout your educational journey.
Explore the following well-known scholarship programs available for Indian students aspiring to study in the USA.
| S.No. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
| 1 | Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships (Government-funded) | Applicable for international students applying to master’s or PhD programs, this scholarship covers tuition fees, accident and sickness coverage following US guidelines, airfare, and living costs. |
| 2 | Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Government-funded) | A part of the Fullbright program, this initiative aims to bring accomplished young and mid-career professionals from developing countries to study in the US for 10 months of non-degree graduate study and related practical experience. |
| 3 | #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (Non-Government scholarship) | A scholarship and social media campaign designed to welcome international students into the US higher education system, regardless of the subject area. |
| 4 | UEFA (Non-Government scholarship) | Sponsored by Abbey Road Inc., this summer program grants scholarships to high school students aged 14-18 who show exemplary performance in academics and extracurricular activities. |
| 5 | AAUW International Fellowships (Non-Government scholarship) | Awarded to international women students for full-time study and research in the US, supporting both graduate and post-graduate students accredited in US institutions. |
*This is an indicative list, speak with your Gateway International expert for details and the best available options suited to your profile
Please note that this list is indicative, and for more detailed information about these scholarships and additional options tailored to your profile, consult with your Gateway International expert.
Top Courses to Study in the USA
Here are some of the top courses preferred by international students study in the USA:
| S.No. | Name of the Courses | Description |
| 1 | Engineering and Computer Science Courses: | Renowned for innovation, the USA offers cutting-edge programs in engineering and computer science, attracting students globally. |
| 2 | Life Science Courses: | With world-class research facilities, life science courses encompass biology, biochemistry, genetics, and other disciplines. |
| 3 | Business Management Courses: | The USA is a hub for business education, offering comprehensive programs in management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. |
These courses not only provide academic excellence but also open doors to diverse career opportunities in a global context.
Top Universities to Study in the USA (QS Ranking 2023)
Check where your Favourite American university ranks:
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2023 (Globally) |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
| 2 | Stanford University | 3 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 5 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology (CalTech) | 6 |
| 5 | University of Chicago | 10 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | 13 |
| 7 | Yale University | 18 |
| 8 | Columbia University | 22 |
| 9 | Princeton University | 16 |
| 10 | Cornell University | 20 |
Check where these American universities rank on the Times Higher Education charts.
Read More: QS University Rankings – Studying in USA
Job Prospects in the USA
Owing to a skills shortage across various sectors in the American market, international students with skills are in demand and those who are willing to settle in America have the option to apply under a Skilled Worker Visa and permanently work and reside in the country. Graduates are in high demand in the USA, especially in the field of healthcare, film production, real estate, retail sector, agriculture, engineering, and computers & information technology.
Various internship programs are also available for international students.
Cost of Living in the USA
The cost of living in the US varies significantly due to the country’s vast territory. Generally, urban areas, especially those in or near big cities, are more expensive than smaller towns or suburban areas. Therefore, to have a fair view of the general living costs in the US, consider these common expenses when creating 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. For personalized assistance and in-depth guidance on your education journey, explore our Gateway Premium Services.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
We know you have a lot of questions in your mind, so have answered common questions students as you raise about studying and living in the US.
1. How much will it cost to study in the USA?
In the United States, universities fall into two main categories: Public/State and Private institutions. Typically, Public/State universities have lower tuition fees compared to their private counterparts. The expense of your education varies based on factors such as the type of qualification pursued and the specific university or school chosen. On average, anticipate spending around $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) per year for tuition fees.
For specific programs, estimated costs are as follows: English language studies range from $700 to $2,000 per month, community colleges range from $6,000 to $20,000 per year, undergraduate bachelor’s degrees range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year, graduate programs range from $20,000 to $45,000 per year, and doctoral degrees range from $28,000 to $55,000 per year. These figures provide an approximate overview of the expenses associated with pursuing higher education in the United States.
2. What is the duration of foundation or diploma programs in the US?
Typically lasting for one year, foundation or diploma programs in the US require students to achieve satisfactory grades to progress to the first year of their bachelor’s degree. The primary intake for most of these programs occurs in September, although some institutions may offer multiple intakes.
Q3. Can I work in USA during and after studies?
The US education system provides international students enrolled in US institutions with the opportunity to engage in co-ops, internships, part-time, and even full-time jobs. However, international students require authorisation from the relevant authorities, which can be obtained through their school’s international office or the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). There are three types of employment authorisation options available for international students, namely Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and on-campus employment.
Q4. What are the popular scholarships to study in the USA?
Explore various scholarship programs available for Indian students planning to study in the USA, including:
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
- IEFA
- AAUW International Fellowship
Q5. How can I go to US for studies?
Conduct thorough research on your desired courses, university, and location. For guidance, consider reaching out to Gateway International experts who can assist you in navigating the application process and ensuring a smooth transition to studying in the USA.