Why study in the US?
Understand why higher education is best pursued in the United States of America:
- Top Universities in the World: The United States is home to a staggering number of internationally recognized universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, 16 of the top 50 institutions worldwide are located in the United States, including top global institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard.
- Employment Prospects: The United States is home to the maximum number of Fortune 500 firms and is the global hub for innovation, including Silicon Valley, offering unparalleled career launching pads.
- Research Possibilities: US colleges boast esteemed faculties, cutting-edge facilities, and top-notch research opportunities, often leading to global innovation.
- Financial Help and Scholarships: The United States provides the most diverse range of assistantships and scholarships, including need-based aid, merit scholarships, and grants.
- Numerous Popular Courses: There are thousands of different courses available at US institutions, with unparalleled flexibility in course selection and interdisciplinary study.
Programs and Their Duration in the US
Here are the programs that US universities offer:
| Qualification | Duration | PSWR* | Average Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate degree | 2 years | Up to 3 years | $10,000-$20,000 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4 years | Up to 3 years | $15,000-$60,000 |
| Master’s degree/MBA | 1-2 years | Up to 3 years | $15,000-$70,000 |
| Doctorate or PhD | 4-7 years | Up to 3 years | University-specific |
*Note: You might qualify for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, allowing graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields to work for a total of 36 months post-graduation.
IELTS score/Standardised test for US universities
Many US colleges recognize IELTS and TOEFL scores for English proficiency. Additionally, you might need to take standardized tests like:
- ACT/SAT (for Undergraduate admissions)
- GMAT/GRE (for Graduate admissions)
- LSAT/MCAT (for specific Law or Medical programs)
Types of full-time and part-time jobs available to overseas students in the US
International students can choose from a wide range of full-time and part-time employment options in the US, strictly governed by visa rules. The few choices you have are as follows:
- On-Campus Employment: Limited to 20 hours per week during the academic semester.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)/Internships: Must be an integral part of the curriculum.
- Assistantships: Teaching assistantship (TA) and Research assistantship (RA) which often include a stipend and tuition waiver.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Post-study work authorization (12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM).
Academic Intake to Study in the US
US universities usually have 3 intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester.
| Intake | Start Month | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | August – September | November – March |
| Summer | May – June | August – February |
| Spring | January – February | July – November |
US university deadlines
You should begin getting ready for your US application 10 to 12 months before your program starts, especially if applying for the highly competitive Fall Intake or seeking significant financial aid.
Cost of studying in the US
The overall cost of study varies widely based on the university type (Public vs. Private) and location (Major City vs. Rural Area).
- Average Annual Education Cost (Tuition Only): Between $15,000 (Community College/Public State) and $75,000+ (Top Private University).
- Average Annual Cost of Living: The average annual cost of living for a student is between $15,000 and $25,000 (or higher in major cities like New York and San Francisco).
- Visa Financial Requirement (IMPORTANT): The US embassy requires applicants to show Proof of Funds covering the first year’s tuition and living costs as listed on the Form I-20. This total liquid fund requirement often ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 USD, depending on the specific school.
Popular programs to study in the US
The following are the most well-liked, high-demand, and strategically valuable courses in the US, particularly those that qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension:
- Computer Science, Data Science, and Information Technology (Including AI/Machine Learning/Cybersecurity)
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical, Civil)
- Business Management (Especially MBA and MS Finance/Business Analytics)
- Health Professions (Nursing, Public Health, Physical Therapy)
- Physical and Life Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
- Economics
- Psychology
Universities in the US
Explore a complete list of universities in the US here.
Admission Checklist
To ensure a smooth application process, please prepare the following essential documents:
- Passports: Present & Previous (Original)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Language Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS/PTE/TOEFL (Original)
- Birth Registration Certificate
- National ID Card (if eligible)
- Academic Records:
- Result sheets for the last two years (for school students)
- Certificates & Mark Sheets/Transcripts (Original)
- Medium of Instruction Confirmation
- Study Continuation Report (Original)
- Job Experience Certificate (Original, if eligible)
- Extra Qualification Certificate (Original, if eligible)
