Studying in the USA offers a diverse and
enriching experience, with its world-renowned universities and colleges
providing a wide range of programs and cutting-edge research opportunities. The
country boasts a vibrant campus life, with numerous extracurricular activities
and student organizations catering to varied interests. International students
benefit from a multicultural environment that fosters global networking and
cultural exchange. The American education system emphasizes critical thinking,
innovation, and practical skills, preparing students for successful careers.
Additionally, students have access to advanced facilities, resources, and a
supportive learning environment, making the USA a sought-after destination for
higher education.
Know why the USA is
the place to be for higher education:
Globally
Ranked Universities: The US is home to some renowned
universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 16 of
the top 50 universities in the world are in the US.
Variety
of popular courses: US universities have a plethora of courses
you can choose from.
Job
prospects: The US is not just popular for its Silicon Valley but is also
home to a maximum number of Fortune 500 companies.
Research
opportunities: US universities have world-class
research opportunities and renowned faculties.
Scholarships
and financial aid: The US offers the maximum number of
scholarships and assistantship.
Here
are the programs that the 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:
If you are a STEM graduate, you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT
IELTS score
is accepted widely in US institutions. You might also require
taking standardized tests such as:
Act/SAT
GMAT/GRE
According
to the QS World
Universities Rankings 2024, 27 US universities are ranked in the top
100 worldwide. Here are the top US universities for higher education:
S.No. |
Institution |
QS Ranking 2024 (Globally) |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
5 |
|
3 |
4 |
|
4 |
15 |
|
5 |
11 |
|
6 |
17 |
|
7 |
12 |
|
8 |
13 |
|
9 |
16 |
|
10 |
23 |
The US offers a wide array of popular programs that attract students from around the world. Some of the most sought-after fields of study include:
Business and Management: Programs such as MBA (Master of
Business Administration) are highly valued, with many top business schools like
Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton offering prestigious courses.
Engineering: Specializations in Mechanical,
Electrical, Civil, and Computer Engineering are popular, with institutions like
MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley leading in these fields.
Computer Science and IT: With the tech industry's growth,
degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Data Science are in
high demand, especially from universities like MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie
Mellon.
Medicine and Health Sciences: Medical programs, Nursing, Public
Health, and Biomedical Sciences attract many students, with renowned
institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania
offering top-tier education.
Law: Law programs, particularly Juries
Doctor (JD) degrees, are popular, with schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford
being highly respected.
Natural and Physical Sciences: Fields like Biology, Chemistry,
Physics, and Environmental Science are well-regarded, with institutions like
Cal tech, Harvard, and MIT providing excellent programs.
Social Sciences and Humanities: Programs in Psychology, Sociology,
Political Science, and International Relations attract many students, with
universities like Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Chicago being
prominent in these areas.
Arts and Design: Degrees in Fine Arts, Graphic
Design, Fashion, and Film are popular, with institutions like the Rhode Island
School of Design (RISD), Parsons School of Design, and the School of the Art
Institute of Chicago being highly regarded.
These programs are known
for their rigorous curricula, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong
career prospects post-graduation.
US
universities usually have 3 intakes.
In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three
intakes available in the US are:
Intakes |
Deadline |
Fall- Aug/Sept |
November-March |
Summer- May/June |
August-February |
Spring- Jan/Feb |
July-November |
You
need to start preparing for your US application 8-9 months in advance before
the commencement of your program.
Be
prepared for the following documents before you apply for a Student Visa
to study in the US:
l
Passport
l
1 20 and offer letter
l
Visa appointment letter
l
DS-160 confirmation
l
SEMIS-Fee receipt and Visa fee receipt
l
Finances and scholarship
l
6-month bank statement
l
Academic transcripts
l
Work experience certificates
l
Standardized Test scores
l
Internships and other relevant certificates
l Enquire now
The cost of studying in the US can be
quite high and varies significantly depending on the type of institution and
its location. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs at public universities
range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students and $20,000 to
$50,000 for out-of-state students. Private universities typically charge higher
tuition, ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per year. Graduate programs can also
be expensive, with tuition fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. In
addition to tuition, students must consider living expenses, which can range
from $10,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on the city and lifestyle. Other
costs include health insurance, textbooks, transportation, and personal
expenses. However, many institutions offer scholarships, grants, and
assistantship to help offset these costs.
The cost of living in the US varies
widely depending on the location and lifestyle of the student. Major cities
like New York, San Francisco, and Boston are among the most expensive, with
monthly living expenses ranging from $2,000 to $3,500. This includes rent,
utilities, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
In contrast, smaller cities and towns or areas with a lower cost of living, such as the Midwest or Southern states, may have monthly living expenses ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. On average, students should budget between $10,000 and $20,000 per year for living expenses.
Rent is typically the largest expense,
with on-campus housing often being more affordable than off-campus options.
Other factors such as health insurance, textbooks, entertainment, and travel
also contribute to the overall cost of living. Planning and budgeting carefully
can help manage these expenses effectively.
International students in the US have
several work opportunities, though they are subject to specific regulations and
restrictions. During their studies, students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus
for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during
breaks and vacations. On-campus jobs may include positions in libraries,
cafeterias, or administrative offices.
Off-campus employment opportunities
are more limited and generally require special authorization. Students may
apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if the work is directly related
to their field of study and an integral part of their academic program.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to work for up to 12 months
(or 24 months for STEM graduates) in a job related to their major after
completing their degree.
Additionally, students experiencing
unforeseen economic hardship may apply for off-campus employment authorization
after their first year of study. Internship and cooperative education programs
also offer valuable work experience and networking opportunities, enhancing
their future career prospects.
The US offers a variety of part-time and full-time work
opportunities to international students. Here are the few options you can opt
for:
1. Curricular Practical Training/Internships
2. Assistantship
3. Teaching assistantship
4. Research assistantship
5. Resident assistantship
6. Optional practical training