- High-Quality Education :
The US has 27 universities ranked in the world’s top 100.
Study in the USA and explore opportunities at 196 QS-ranked universities (2025) across a wide range of in-demand disciplines. Discover key insights about programs, top universities, costs, and scholarships to make your study abroad journey a success.
3200+
Universities (as of July 2021)
$8K – $40K
Annual Tuition Fees
1M
International Students
Up to 3 Year
OPT (Optional Work Permit)
Studying in the USA offers numerous advantages for international students, especially those from India. Home to top-ranked universities and globally recognized degrees, the USA provides a diverse student community and abundant research opportunities, ensuring a vibrant and rewarding academic journey.
The education system in the USA is well-structured and provides flexibility for students at various levels. Indian students, in particular, find the system accommodating for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral studies. While free education in the USA is available primarily at the elementary and secondary levels through public schools, higher education typically requires tuition. However, numerous scholarships, financial aid, and assistantship opportunities are available for Indian students. Student life in the USA revolves around academics, campus activities, and cultural adaptation, offering ample opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
The U.S. evaluates student performance using the Grade Point Average (G.P.A.), based on a 4.0 scale. There are two primary grading methods—Letter Grade and Numerical Grade—which can be converted into a 4.0 GPA for a standardized assessment.
This system assigns grades in the form of letters, from A to F, based on the percentage achieved. The letter ‘E’ is excluded to avoid confusion with the term ‘Excellent.’ These grades are further categorized as follows: A+, A, A-; B+, B, B-; C+, C, C-; D+, D, D-; and F.
The numerical grading system operates on a scale from 0 to 100. These scores can be converted into letter grades for a clearer understanding of student performance.
The table below provides a comprehensive comparison of numerical grades, letter grades, and the corresponding GPA scores for better clarity.
| Percentage | Letter Grade | 4.0 Grade Scale |
| 97-100% | A+ | 4.00 |
| 93-96% | A | 4.00 |
| 90-92% | A- | 3.67 |
| 87-89% | B+ | 3.33 |
| 83-86% | B | 3.00 |
| 80-82% | B- | 2.67 |
| 77-79% | C+ | 2.33 |
| 73-76% | C | 2.00 |
| 70-72% | C- | 1.67 |
| 67-69% | D+ | 1.33 |
| 63-66% | D | 1.00 |
| 60-62% | D- | 0.67 |
| 0-59% | F | 0.00 |
Source: Higher Education Review
The application process in the USA varies depending on the level of study and the university. International students must research their preferred universities, meet the eligibility criteria, and submit their applications along with the required documents, such as transcripts and language test scores.
Each step of the process is carefully designed to evaluate the applicant’s readiness for higher education in the USA.
While the requirements may vary depending on the program and university, certain documents are essential for all international students. These documents ensure that the applicant meets the necessary criteria to study in the USA.
Some commonly required documents include:
The USA is home to some of the best universities globally, offering world-class programs across various disciplines. Renowned for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and diversity, these institutions rank highly for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Whether pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or Ph.D. studies, the USA’s top universities provide students with a robust foundation for academic and professional success.
|
Institution Name |
QS Ranking 2025 |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
#1 |
|
Harvard University |
#4 |
|
Stanford University |
#6 |
|
California Institute of Technology |
#10 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
#11 |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
#12 |
|
Cornell University |
#16 |
|
University of Chicago |
#21 |
|
Princeton University |
#22 |
|
Yale University |
#23 |
The USA offers a variety of courses to study in the USA, making it a global hub for academic excellence. Known for its extensive research facilities and practical learning environment, the USA provides both traditional and cutting-edge courses across various fields.
Here are some of the Best Courses to Study in the USA:
A variety of Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students are available to help manage the high cost of education. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and specific areas of study. Some Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA for International Students cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs, ensuring students can pursue their studies without financial worry.
The USA intakes occur primarily twice a year, providing flexibility for international students:
Some universities may also offer a Summer Intake for specific courses or shorter-term programs.
The Tuition Fee in the USA varies significantly based on the type of institution and course. For undergraduate programs in public universities, tuition ranges around $26,290 per year, depending on which program you enroll in. On average, students spend around $99,417 to complete a course in the USA.
Living Expenses in the USA can vary greatly depending on the location and lifestyle. On average, students may need between $10,000 to $18,000 per year. Major cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco have higher costs, while smaller towns may be more affordable.
Common monthly expenses include:
The USA Student Visa process involves applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Students first need to secure admission to a U.S. university and receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution. Afterward, they can apply for the visa online through the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). The visa fee is approximately $185, with an additional SEVIS fee of $350. Applicants must also attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
The work permit in the USA for international students comes in the form of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students on an F-1 visa can apply for OPT, which allows them to work for up to 12 months after completing their degree. Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can extend this by an additional 24 months, giving them up to 3 years of work experience in the USA. This period is crucial for gaining professional experience and potentially transitioning to an H-1B work visa.
To obtain permanent residence (PR) in the USA, Indian students can pursue various pathways. The most common route to gain USA Citizenship for Indian students is through employer sponsorship, which often leads to an H-1B work visa, followed by an employment-based green card application. Other pathways include family-sponsored green cards, the Diversity Visa Lottery, or investing in a U.S. business (EB-5 Visa). After holding a green card for five years, individuals may apply for U.S. citizenship, provided they meet residency and legal requirements.
The US is known for offering exciting life and quality education. It boasts numerous affordable cities, providing study-life balance, employment opportunities, advanced infrastructural facilities, and many more benefits to international students. It can be supported by the fact that the US has 17 cities ranked in the Q.S. Best Student Cities for 2024.
A list of the cities that made it to the top 75 is mentioned below, with their corresponding Q.S. ranking.
| City | QS Ranking 2024 |
| Boston | 11 |
| New York | 18 |
| San Francisco | 27 |
| Los Angeles | 30 |
| Chicago | 40 |
| Atlanta | 63 |
| Philadelphia | =64 |
| Washington DC | =64 |
| Pittsburgh | 73 |
Source: https://www.topuniversities.com
There are many jobs in the USA available for international students, both on-campus and off-campus. Universities often offer on-campus part-time jobs in the USA, allowing students to balance study and work comfortably. Students can also apply for off-campus jobs.
Here are common job opportunities available for international students.
We make your dream of studying in the USA a reality by offering comprehensive support tailored for Indian students. Our services include university shortlisting, application guidance, visa assistance, and personalized counseling. We ensure that every step of the journey is hassle-free for students, helping them understand the unique aspects of studying abroad. Students also gain access to exclusive scholarships, preparation for standardized tests, and continuous support post-admission, making it the perfect platform for those aspiring to pursue their education in the USA.
You will require the F visa to pursue higher education in the USA. However, it is only possible once you have been accepted by a higher education institution in the country with certification from the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP).
Obtaining a study visa in the USA is not as difficult, in case you meet all the requirements and avoid making errors in your application.
The cost of a study visa in the USA is $185 (INR 15,493).
You can apply for permanent residency in the USA if you are sponsored by a resident citizen/relative, get an offer of permanent employment, and or meet other conditions. You will require an immigrant visa or Green Card. You can apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after your studies to stay back in the country.
No, it is not possible to study in the country without a visa.
You have to first complete the nonimmigrant DS-160 form with all your details and print the confirmation page, while uploading your photograph. You will then have to schedule and prepare for your appointment, gather your documents, and attend the interview.
Yes, there are various opportunities to receive a full scholarship in the USA, including prestigious programs like the Fulbright Program and the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship.
You can study in the USA for free if you receive a full scholarship from your institution or secure funding from an external provider or sponsor.
Indian students should first explore scholarships offered by their university or institution, and then look into government and external scholarships such as the Fulbright Program, Onsi Sawiris Scholarship, Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, Inlaks Scholarship, Tata Cornell Scholarship, and more.
The amount of scholarship you can receive in the USA varies depending on the provider or institution. Many scholarships offer full or partial coverage for tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
Yes, there are several 100% scholarships available in the USA, including the Fulbright Program and many other opportunities.
The percentage required for a USA scholarship varies by institution, but typically, a GPA of around 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4-point scale is recommended.
For undergraduate courses, students typically need a high school diploma, national examination results, SAT scores, proof of English language proficiency, a personal statement, and recommendation letters.
For postgraduate courses, applicants need an undergraduate degree, standardized test scores like the GRE or GMAT (depending on the program), proof of English language proficiency, and other relevant documents.
While English language proficiency is required to study in the USA, IELTS is not the only test accepted. Other tests, such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and others, are also accepted by universities.
You can apply directly through the websites of universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, or use platforms like the Common App for undergraduate applications.
It is not overly difficult, but you must meet all academic and documentation requirements, as well as demonstrate English language proficiency.
The required qualifications include a high school diploma or national examination results for undergraduate programs, or an undergraduate degree for postgraduate programs. Additionally, proof of English language proficiency and standardized test scores are often required.
The eligibility criteria include academic qualifications, proof of language proficiency, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays or personal statements, proof of funds, and other relevant documents.
The average cost of studying in the USA ranges from $23,630 to $42,162 per year (approximately INR 19.78 lakh to INR 35.30 lakh).
No, 10 lakhs will likely be insufficient to cover the tuition fees and other expenses for studying in the USA, given the average costs involved.
Yes, the USA can be more expensive for Indians due to exchange rates and the higher costs of education and living in many areas. However, it still offers a valuable proposition for international students in several ways.
Yes, the USA is a great destination for Indian students, offering some of the world’s best universities, excellent living standards, top-tier academic and research facilities, and access to a large job market with high earning potential.
To cover living expenses, students typically need around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, which is approximately INR 83,747 to INR 1,25,621.
The average tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the USA range from $23,630 to $42,162 per year (approximately INR 19.78 lakh to INR 35.30 lakh).
Tuition fees and living costs are generally slightly lower in Canada compared to the USA. However, it’s important to make a thorough comparison before making a final decision.
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Yes, you can apply for a work permit using the Form I-20 in your field of study. However, there are several formalities that need to be completed with the employer to secure employment.
Yes, Indian students can secure jobs in the USA if they have the required permits and meet the skill and academic qualifications for the position.
While it may not be extremely easy, it is not overly difficult either. Securing a job is possible if the applicant meets all the required criteria for the position.
The minimum wage for students working part-time in the USA is $7.25 per hour (approximately INR 607.20), but this can vary depending on the type of job.
Yes, Indians are eligible to work in the USA if they have the necessary permits and meet all the required work conditions.
The USA has three major intakes: fall (September), spring (January), and summer (May).
The fall (September) intake is considered the best, as it offers a wider range of universities and courses.
Most students prefer the fall (September) intake, as it offers a greater selection of courses and institutions.
Yes, the USA has a January intake, also known as the spring intake.
No, the course duration remains the same regardless of the intake in the USA.
Yes, many universities allow you to defer your admission to the next intake, but this is subject to certain terms and conditions.