USA
Study In USA 2024: Expert Guidance To Select Top Universities With High Visa Success Rate
The United States is a magnet for over a million international students each year, drawing individuals from all across the globe seeking higher education. If you’re curious about education in the USA, the best universities, available courses, fees, visas, and more, you’re in for an exciting journey of discovery!
Why Study in USA ?
The United States of America is amongst the most popular study destinations globally, housing the world’s top-ranked institutions. It is known to host the highest number of international students from all over the globe. Studying in the USA offers a perfectly blended student experience with an exciting campus environment and cultural diversity.
The melting-pot country provides an ideal environment for students’ developmental growth through flexible education methods and promotes creative thinking in various fields of study. It houses all 8 Ivy League universities of the world, of which Harvard University holds the highest rank in the country and is considered the most prestigious. Thanks to the sheer size of the country and a large number of schools and universities, there is a university suited for each student. From the breathtaking L.A. beaches to the Big Apple, the United States is truly the land of opportunities.
Facts
Capital
Washington DCPopulation
333 MillionLanguage
EnglishInternational Students
1.1 MnGDP
$22.675 TrillionDialing Code
+1Currency
US DollarUniversities and Colleges
3982
Average Salary per annum
USD 47,963Global Employability Ranking
6
Our Commitment to USA Agent Quality Framework
Reflects our Student-First approach
Top Universities to Study in USA ?
When considering pursuing higher studies in the United States, there are numerous top-tier universities to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and academic offerings.
Take a look at the top USA university list curated by our study abroad experts.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- Princeton University
- Cornell University
Admission Requirements for USA Study Abroad
Here are the major requirements to study in the USA, which you need to ensure while applying to a USA university:
- Copy of a valid passport
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS test scores)
- ACT/SAT/LSAT for UG programs, GMAT/GRE scores for PG programs
- Academic Transcripts from the previous study
- Academic Reference Letters, the number of reference letters depends from university to university
- Letters of recommendation from the employer/manager (if applicable)
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Essays (if demanded by the university)
- Portfolio (for specific courses)
- Certificates of extracurricular activities
- Evidence of funds
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Highlights
Visa Approval Rate
65%Most Preferred Intake
Fall IntakeMinimum IELTS Score
6.5Minimum TOEFL (iBT) Score
80Approximate Annual Study Cost
INR 20LApproximate Monthly Cost of Living
INR 2L
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Application Process for Studying in USA
Education System in USA
Variety of courses available in USA
Academic Calendar to study in USA
Top Programs to Study in USA ?
The selection of the top courses to study in the USA for international students largely hinges on individual interests, career goals, and academic strengths. However, there are several fields that consistently stand out as popular courses in the USA for international students including computer science and information technology, business and management, engineering, healthcare and medicine, STEM fields, and the social sciences.These courses consistently attract international students due to their reputation, opportunities, and job prospects.
1. Business Management
Business Management is the most popular course for higher education in the United States, with almost 20% of all overseas students enrolling in American colleges choosing it. The United States has the world’s largest economy, meaning overseas students who choose to stay in the country after graduation will have plenty of job prospects.
2. Engineering
According to US News, the engineering industry in the United States is flourishing, with as many as 62% of all overseas graduates enrolling in US colleges taking engineering degrees. The breadth and depth of research opportunities and funding in engineering and STEM areas in the United States are simply unrivaled.
3. Mathematics and Computer Sciences
This category of disciplines is part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, which are becoming increasingly popular among overseas students due to the increased need for STEM graduates in the IT sector.
4. Social Sciences
Humanities and social sciences attract over 75,000 international students, making it one of the most popular courses in the country. Journalism, international relations, economics, and anthropology are all popular disciplines in this area.
5. Medicine and Health Sciences
Biology and medicine have always been popular fields of study in the United States. Medical education in the nation is regarded as one of the greatest in the world, and graduates have a very lucrative profession.
Other popular courses in the USA include – Liberal arts, Law, etc
Cost of Living and Studying in the USA
Monthly Expenses of Staying in The USA
Rent – 400 USD – 700 USD
Transportation – 30 USD- 70 USD
Food – 250 USD
Study Material – 70 USD – 160 USD
Telephone and Internet– 30 USD
Misc. Expenses – 500 USD
Yearly Fees for Studying in The USA
Community College – 6,000 USD – 20,000 USD
UG Degree – 20,000 USD – 60,000 USD
PG/Masters – 20,000 USD – 45,000 USD
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Post Study Work Visa
The F1 visa allows students to work in the United States after completing their studies, depending on the course.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows overseas students to stay and work in the United States for a complete year if they have an F1 visa.
OPT comes in two types –
Pre-Completion OPT – This programme allows overseas students to work while they study.
Post-Completion OPT– Allows overseas students to work after they have completed their degree programmes.
It is required that your first employment following graduation be relevant to your subject of study. International students have 90 days following graduation to find work.
Visa Extension for STEM Courses
Students who have completed STEM courses, i.e. science, technology, engineering, and math, can extend their stay in the US for an additional 2 years, extending their total stay in the country to 3 years.
Get personalized advice to make your SOP stand out
Visa Requirements
Current Passport Valid up to 6 months
I-20, issued by SEVP. You’ll have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee for SEVP to issue your I-20 form. That form should then be signed by you and your institution granting you an admission offer.
DS-160 confirmation
Recent Photographs
Digital Fingerprint scans before F-1 interview.
F1 Visa fee – application payment receipt
Educational Certificates
Proof of Financial Stability
Details of your health insurance policy (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Process
Step 1 – After you’ve been accepted to your preferred university, your institution will issue you a letter of confirmation of enrollment. Now, you are eligible to apply for an F1 visa.
Step 2 – Visit the USA Visas and Immigration website and fill out the online visa application, i.e. Form DS-160
Step 3 – Upload Photographs – on white background (taken within 6 months of applying)
Step 4– Pay the application fee – $160
Step 5 – You will receive the Reference Number once the fee is paid. This will allow you to keep track of your trips to the visa centre.
Step 6 – At the visa centre, you will be required to provide your “biometric information” as part of your visa application.
Step 7 – According to university policy, you must attend a visa interview.
Step 8 – Wait for your visa. The visa application procedure might take anywhere between 3 and 4 weeks.
Scholarships in the USA
Studying in the USA can be expensive and hence there are several scholarships that are available for Indian and international students. Some of these are:
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
ICSP Scholarship at University of Oregon
Clark Global Scholarship Program
PEO International Peace Scholarship For Women
Obama Foundation Scholars’ Program
Fully Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships
Civil Society Leadership Award
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Top Careers in the USA
An essential aspect of a student’s journey to study abroad is finding a well-paying job afterwards. The USA is known for its high employment rate among overseas students; many jobs pay well and are stable there.
Here is a list of the top-paying jobs in the USA –
Health Care Workers – 208,000 USD
Nurse Practitioners – 183,580 USD
Software Developer – 103,560 USD
Front-End Engineer – 105,240 USD
Finance Manager – 120,644 USD
Data Scientist – 107,801 USD
Physical Therapist – 71,483 USD
Social Media Strategist – 110,080 USD
Business Development Manager – 78,480 USD
Frequently Asked Questions For USA
The USA is home to several premium universities and colleges whose cost of studying ranges from $7,000 to $55,000 per year. The cost of studying in the top universities in USA depends on the program and the University you choose for your higher education. The living expenses cost around $10,000 and $25,000 per year. One can avail scholarships and part-time jobs to cut down the overall cost of education. Moreover, students can opt for admission to government-funded institutions as the fees are comparatively low compared to private institutions.
To study in USA, aspiring students must demonstrate English language proficiency. Almost every University you wish to apply to in the USA will want to know your ability to speak, read, and write English.
The most popular English tests conducted in the USA are:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Universally recognized by US universities.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Widely accepted, especially the internet-based version.
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- Cambridge English Qualifications of KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE.
Students must check the websites or contact the respective universities to know the eligibility and the score criteria.
The minimum English proficiency test score required for universities in USA depends on the course and institution. Most of the US universities accept IELTS exam scores of 6 to 6.5. However, one should score 7.0 to gain admission to highly-ranked universities. The TOEFL examination score must be between 80-100, whereas the maximum score is 120; TOEIC scores have no minimum or maximum scoring criteria as different Universities have their requirement set for this test.
It is suggested to directly contact the institution to know the scoring criteria. However, some universities follow a separate pattern of conducting English proficiency tests, and they may have different scoring criteria and requirements.
The USA hosts a large number of international students every year from around the world. It is home to top-tier education institutions. The best Universities in the USA are listed below:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- California institute of technology (CalTech)
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- Princeton University
- Cornell University
The above-listed universities are known for their excellent curriculum and faculties. The USA has many other universities that offer a great learning environment, depending on the program and duration of the course. Additionally, it is essential to understand that the ranking of the universities changes over time.
The USA has numerous cities with excellent educational institutions, cultural experiences, and opportunities for international students. Here are some top cities to study in USA:
- Boston: Surrounded by the world’s best universities and students, values arts and culture, and is known for its fondness for sports.
- Chicago, Illinois: Top 2 Universities, i.e., The University of Chicago and Northwestern University, with bright academics and cultural scene.
- New York: USA’s financial power city with top institutions like Columbia University and New York University (NYU).
- San Francisco: Best known for its technology and innovation with prestigious universities like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.
- Cambridge, Massachusetts: This city is located adjacent to Boston. Some of the top universities are Harvard University and MIT.
- Los Angeles: Known for its rich culture, high creativity, tourism, and its leading universities.
- Austin, Texas: A city with a top-rated entrepreneurial and growing tech ecosystem.
There are various scholarships for international students to study in USA. These scholarships act as financial assistance and help to tackle the burden of expenses, including living costs, books and materials, and other educational costs. Below are some common scholarships available for international students:
- Institutional Scholarships: Provided by several US Colleges and Universities based on academic scores, leadership skills, and other tests.
- Private Scholarships: Offered and funded by private firms and individual businesses for international students.
- Government Scholarships: US government funded scholarship programs offered to graduates and young professionals, excluding the medical field.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: Available during the initial year of studies
- Sports Scholarship: Students can avail of scholarships based on their expertise in some sports.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships that are specific to some industries and offered by industry experts and organizations.
The USA has become the education hub for international students. Every year millions of students flock to the USA for higher studies due to the array of courses available in US universities. Below-mentioned courses are available in most of the top universities in USA.
- Business and Management
- Mathematics and computer science
- Engineering
- Health Sciences and Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
To apply for a USA student visa, typically the F-1 or M-1 student visa along with several key documents are required:
- Form DS-160, Online Non immigrant Visa Application: An online visa form that helps to initiate DS-160 confirmation that is required during a visa interview.
- SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Fee Receipt: A fee receipt is received after paying the SEVIS fee, which is required for all F-1 and M-1 visa applicants.
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status): Once a student receives confirmation from the institution, you will receive a Form I-20. This form needs to be signed by the student and the designated school official, which also guides a student to know the further visa requirement process.
- Passport: Ensure your passport is valid and renewed to study in USA.
- Proof of Financial Statement: To demonstrates the funds in your bank account for living expenses and other costs.
- Ties to Your Home Country: This refers to the factors that reveal your intention to return to your home country post-completion of your education.
- A recent passport-size photograph
- Appointment Confirmation: A visa interview appointment will be scheduled at the U.S. embassy once you pay the visa application fee and fill out the DS-160 form.
- Academic Transcripts and Records
- English Proficiency Test Score
- Other documents: These include optional documents, depending on your country, such as medical tests, resumes, and letters of recommendation.
USA education programs offer a wide range of career options that can help you embark on your future endeavors. The mentioned USA university list can help you to build your career in the below-mentioned leading respective fields.
- Software and IT: USA offers a wide range of job opportunities in the tech field. The salary offered is competitive and according to the industry standards.
- Business and Finance: Students with Business administration degrees can enter into banking, finance, and investment fields.
- Healthcare and Pharmacy: The healthcare sector in the US is constantly evolving, creating numerous job opportunities for students.
- Engineering: Civil, designing, mechanical, and computer engineering provide an excellent scope for students to build a career in the engineering field.
- Data Science and Analytics: The increasing demand for data science has led students to grow their careers in data analysis, machine learning, and business models.
- Science and Research: Students with degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics can contribute to research and development, education, and government agencies.
- Arts and humanities: The creative fields offer entertainment, designing, publishing, media, and communication roles post-completion of the course.
The colleges in the USA have their specialization courses that attract international students. Here is the list of some top colleges to study in USA that students can consider for their higher education:
- Amherst College, Massachusetts
- Moraine Park Technical College, Wisconsin
- Santa Barbara City College, California
- Williams College, Massachusetts
- Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania
- Pomona College, Claremont
- Collins Career Technical College, Ohio
- Haverford College, Pennsylvania
- Middlebury College, Vermont
- Las Positas College, California
The colleges mentioned above are known for their unique programs and discipline in various fields. Remember that the best course can be only one that aligns with your interests and goals.
