Study in United States
Why Study in United States?
The United States remains the undisputed global leader in higher education, hosting over one million international students. Home to the Ivy League and world-renowned research institutions, the US offers a flexible education system where you can customize your major and minor to fit your career goals.
Beyond the classroom, the US offers the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international graduates to work in their field for up to 12 months. For students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields, this can be extended by an additional 24 months, granting a total of 3 years of work rights—a massive advantage for career development.
Key Facts to Know
- Language of Instruction: English
- Cost of Study: $20,000 – $60,000 per year (varies by state & institution)
- Funding: Merit-based scholarships, Sports scholarships, Assistantships (RA/TA) for graduates
- Required Exams: SAT/ACT (Undergrad), GRE/GMAT (Grad), TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo
- Degree Levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Intakes: Fall (August – Major), Spring (January – Secondary), Summer (May – Limited)
- Visa: F-1 Student Visa
Popular Courses for International Students
- Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Business Administration (MBA) & Finance
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
- Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences
- Data Analytics & Information Systems
- Media, Communications & Film Studies
Top Universities in USA for International Students
| University | Best Known For | QS Ranking (2025) | THE Ranking (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | Engineering & Computer Science | #1 | #2 |
| Harvard University | Law, Business, Medicine | #4 | #4 |
| Stanford University | Innovation & Business | #6 | #2 |
| Caltech | Physical Sciences | #10 | #7 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Finance & Management | #11 | #14 |
| UC Berkeley | Computer Science | #12 | #8 |
| Cornell University | Ag-Tech & Hotel Management | #16 | #20 |
| University of Chicago | Economics | #21 | #11 |
| Columbia University | Law & Journalism | #34 | #17 |
| New York University (NYU) | Arts & Media | #43 | #27 |
Requirements for Admission
Requirements differ by program level:
Bachelor’s Degree (4 Years)
- Completion of 12 years of High School (IB, A-Levels, or equivalent)
- SAT score of 1200+ or ACT 25+ (many universities are now Test-Optional)
- TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5
Master’s Degree (1.5 – 2 Years)
- 4-Year Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education mandatory for most US universities)
- GRE score (300+) or GMAT (550+) for Business/STEM programs
- TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 7.0
- Relevant work experience (Preferred for MBA)
Doctorate (PhD)
- Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Strong research proposal and contact with a potential supervisor
- GRE scores and published research papers
Exams & Documents Required
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Aptitude: SAT/ACT (Undergrad), GRE/GMAT (Grad), LSAT (Law), MCAT (Medicine)
- Academic Transcripts (Marksheets) sealed by the institution
- I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility) issued by the university
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (3 LORs from Professors/Employers)
- Resume / CV
- Financial Support Proof (Bank Solvency Certificate)
- Passport Copy
Visa Requirements (F-1 Visa)
- Research Note: Updated fees for 2025
- Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond stay)
- Form I-20 (Issued by the US university)
- DS-160 Confirmation Page (Online Visa Application)
- SEVIS Fee Receipt: $350 (One-time fee)
- Visa Application Fee (MRV): $185
- Visa Interview: Mandatory in-person interview at the US Embassy/Consulate
- Proof of Funds: Liquid assets covering 1 year of tuition + living expenses (~$35,000 – $60,000)
| Semester | Intake Month | Application Deadline | Duration / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (Major Intake) | August / September | Apply by Dec – Jan (Previous Year) | Main intake for most programs |
| Spring (Secondary Intake) | January / February | Apply by August – October | Smaller intake, limited seats |
| Summer (Limited Intake) | May / June | Apply by February – March | Very limited programs available |
| Deadlines vary by university (roughly Dec 1 – Jan 15 for Fall intake) |
|---|
Living Expenses in USA
The cost of living varies drastically by state. Coastal cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco are expensive ($2,000+/month), while the Midwest and South (Texas, Ohio) are more affordable ($1,200/month).
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (Rent) | $800 – $1,500 (Shared) / $2,500+ (Private) |
| Groceries & Food | $300 – $600 |
| Transportation | $70 – $150 (Public Transit Pass) |
| Utilities & Internet | $150 – $250 |
| Health Insurance | $100 – $200 (Mandatory) |
| Total Estimated | $1,500 – $2,500 per month |
These basic steps can prove to be effective to ensure you get to live the best experience whilst your time of Study in USA. Need more information? Feel free to Connect with Edvisa- Your Study Abroad Expert, Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while studying in the USA?
Yes, international students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours during breaks. Off-campus work is generally prohibited in the first year.
What is OPT and CPT?
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows you to do paid internships related to your major during your studies. OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows you to work for 12-36 months after graduation in a job directly related to your degree.
Is the GRE mandatory for all Master's programs?
Not anymore. Many universities have made the GRE "optional" or "waived" for students with high GPAs or relevant work experience. However, top-tier STEM and MBA programs still prefer a strong score.
How much money do I need to show for the F-1 visa interview?
You must show liquid funds (savings, fixed deposits) sufficient to cover the first year's total cost of attendance (Tuition + Living) as mentioned on your I-20 form. This is usually between $35,000 and $60,000.
What happens if my student visa is rejected?
If rejected under section 214(b) (immigrant intent), you can reapply. We will help you analyze the interview transcript, strengthen your ties to your home country, and prepare better answers for the next attempt.
