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Study in United States

Complete Guide for Indian Students 2025

The United States remains the world's most popular destination for Indian students seeking world-class education and unparalleled career opportunities. With over 4,000 accredited institutions, the US higher education system offers exceptional flexibility, cutting-edge research facilities, and a diverse range of programs. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program provides valuable work experience, while the strong Indian community across campuses ensures a smooth transition. From the Ivy League prestige to innovative state universities, the USA offers Indian students the perfect platform to achieve academic excellence and build successful global careers in technology, business, engineering, and beyond.

Key Facts About United States

Insights on education, demographics & weather.

Education in USA

Universities & Colleges4,000+
Indian students in USA 2024268,000+
Part-time work permit20 hours per week
Post-study work (OPT)1-3 years after graduation

Country stats

CapitalWashington D.C.
Total population336M (2025)
Economic growth rate in 20252.1%
Primary languageEnglish

Regional Weather

New York
Winter: -3°CSummer: 29°C
California
Winter: 8°CSummer: 32°C
Texas
Winter: 4°CSummer: 36°C
Massachusetts
Winter: -6°CSummer: 28°C

Why study in United States?

World-Leading Education System

  • Home to 8 of top 10 global universities (QS Rankings 2024)
  • Cutting-edge research facilities and innovation hubs
  • Flexible education system with diverse course options
  • Strong emphasis on practical learning and internships

Unparalleled Career Opportunities

  • OPT program allows 1-3 years of post-study work
  • Global headquarters of Fortune 500 companies
  • Thriving startup ecosystem in Silicon Valley and beyond
  • Highest starting salaries for graduates worldwide

Diverse Cultural Experience

  • Melting pot of cultures with global perspectives
  • Vibrant campus life and student communities
  • Opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and cities
  • Strong Indian student community across campuses

Poll

Which US university attracts you the most?

(1850 votes)
33.1%
(1620 votes)
29.0%
(1340 votes)
24.0%
(780 votes)
14.0%
5590 votes | Live

Which US university interests you most? Comment below!

Top Universities in United States

Harvard University

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Private Ivy League

Programs offered: 380

Annual tuition fees: $55,000 - $78,000

#1US ranking
Stanford University

Stanford University

Stanford, California

Private

Programs offered: 350

Annual tuition fees: $57,000 - $82,000

#2US ranking
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Private

Programs offered: 320

Annual tuition fees: $53,000 - $76,000

#3US ranking
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Pasadena, California

Private

Programs offered: 120

Annual tuition fees: $58,000 - $80,000

#4US ranking
Columbia University

Columbia University

New York City, New York

Private Ivy League

Programs offered: 280

Annual tuition fees: $62,000 - $85,000

#5US ranking
University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Public

Programs offered: 350

Annual tuition fees: $44,000 - $68,000

#6US ranking

Popular Courses in United States

Bachelor of Computer Science

48 months
Annual Fees: $45,000 - $85,000
Requirements:
SAT/ACTIELTS/TOEFLHigh School DiplomaLORs

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

21-24 months
Annual Fees: $60,000 - $160,000
Requirements:
GMAT/GREIELTS/TOEFLBachelor's degreeWork Experience

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering

48 months
Annual Fees: $48,000 - $75,000
Requirements:
SAT/ACTIELTS/TOEFLMath & Science BackgroundLORs

Master of Data Science

12-24 months
Annual Fees: $35,000 - $70,000
Requirements:
GREIELTS/TOEFLBachelor's degreeMath/CS Background

Bachelor of Business Administration

48 months
Annual Fees: $40,000 - $65,000
Requirements:
SAT/ACTIELTS/TOEFLHigh School DiplomaEssays

Book a FREE call with our USA Experts!

Get 1:1 support for university applications, F-1 visa process, scholarships & more

Dr. Michael Chen

Dr. Michael Chen

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Sarah Johnson

4.8 (38 reviews)

Speaks English, Spanish & Hindi

95 students in last 12 months

Our USA specialists have helped 3,500+ students achieve their American dream!

Guidance on F-1 visa and OPT process Assistance with scholarship applications Support with internship and job search
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Expenses to Study in United States

The United States offers world-class education with costs that vary significantly depending on the institution type, location, and program. While private universities and programs in major cities can be expensive, public universities and scholarships make quality education accessible. The return on investment through high earning potential and Optional Practical Training (OPT) makes the USA a top choice for international students.

Annual Study Costs

Books and Study Materials$1,000 - $2,000
Accommodation (On-campus)$8,000 - $15,000
Health Insurance$2,000 - $4,000
Utilities & Transport$2,000 - $4,000
Visa & SEVIS Fees$510

Monthly Living Expenses

Food & Dining$3,000 - $6,000
Monthly Living Expenses$1,000 - $2,500

Annual tuition fee as per Education Level

Bachelor's$20,000 - $60,000 per year
Master's$25,000 - $70,000 per year
PhDMostly funded with stipends

USA Scholarships for Indian Students

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

byVarious US Universities
Amount offeredFull tuition + living expenses
Application deadlineVaries by program
No. of Awardees150+ Indians annually
TypeGovernment Funded

Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

byStanford Graduate School
Amount offeredFull tuition + expenses
Application deadlineDecember 1, 2025
No. of Awardees5-8 students
TypeMerit Based

MIT Tata Fellowship

byMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Amount offeredFull tuition + stipend
Application deadlineJanuary 5, 2025
No. of AwardeesVaries
TypeMerit Based

F-1 Student Visa in United States

International students require an F-1 student visa to study in the United States. The process involves receiving Form I-20 from your university, paying SEVIS fees, completing the DS-160 application, and attending a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. The F-1 visa allows students to work on-campus and participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.

$510Cost of F-1 Visa
F-1 Student Visa through US EmbassyApplication process
After receiving I-20 formWhen to apply?
2-8 weeksProcessing time
75%Acceptance rate

Documents Required for F-1 Visa

Valid Passport
Form I-20 from university
DS-160 Confirmation Page

Intakes in United States

US universities primarily have three main intakes: Fall (August/September), Spring (January), and Summer (May). The Fall intake is the primary intake with all programs available, while Spring and Summer intakes offer selected programs with varying admission opportunities.

RecommendedFall Intake (August/September)Main intake with all programs

Pros of Fall Intake (August/September)

  • Main intake with maximum program options
  • Highest scholarship and funding opportunities
  • All universities participate in this intake
  • Perfect timing for academic calendar

Cons of Fall Intake (August/September)

  • Extremely high competition
  • Early application deadlines
  • Limited spots in top universities

Fall Intake (August/September) Timeline

Aug-Dec' 24Begin university research and test preparation
Jan-Mar' 25Take standardized tests (SAT/GRE/GMAT)
Apr-Aug' 25Submit applications with documents
Sep-Dec' 25Receive admission decisions
Jan-Apr' 26Apply for F-1 student visa
Aug' 26Travel and orientation

Success Stories

Rahul Verma

Rahul Verma

Admitted

Graduation92%
GRE330
IELTS8.0

MS in Computer Science

Stanford University

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma

Admitted

Graduation88%
GRE325
IELTS7.5

MBA

Harvard Business School