Study in the USA – The United States is one of the most popular academic destinations for Indian students.
According to USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), in the year 2022, 1,99,812 students from India went to the USA for higher studies. This is an increase of 19% from the previous year. Of the total enrollment, girls account for 37%.
The major reasons why students opt to study in the US are manifold – it has a higher number of top universities, is safe, offers a flexible academic curriculum, offers internship opportunities and good job prospects.
Most campuses in America offer a multicultural environment that is accommodating and safe.
Here we discuss everything you need to know about studying in the USA – English language tests required – IELTS Exam, the GRE Test, or TOEFL exam; academic qualification, application process and dates, etc.
Table of Contents
Study in USA – Academic Highlights
| Particulars | Description |
| International Students Studying in USA (2022-23 data) | 4,65,791 The number of international students is projected to increase by 8 – 9% every year. |
| Total Universities in USA | 4,000+ |
| Admission Criteria | UG Courses: High school certificate/mark sheets + SAT / ACT scores (not mandatory if optional) + ELP test scores of TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo PG Courses: Bachelor’s mark sheet + GRE / GMAT + ELP test scores + SOP + LOR + Resume |
| Financial Aids available for candidates | Need-Based, Merit-Based and External Scholarships |
| Average Scholarship | USD 74,808 |
| Part-Time Working Hours | 20 hours a week |
| US F-1 Visa Fee | USD 185 |
| Procedure for Obtaining US Study Visa | Obtain the I-20 Form upon acceptance at US university, pay the SEVIS fee, apply for a visa interview, attend the interview and obtain a study visa. |
| Post Study Stay Back Time Period | 1 year | 3 years (for STEM Courses Applicants) |
| Average Pay Per Hour in USA | USD 28.81 |
| Also Read | Study in Germany – How and when to Apply, Documents, Accommodation, Cost of Living |
Why study in the USA?
Here are a few reasons why you must choose the US for your higher studies.
- Largest number of Top Universities: In the QS World University Rankings 2025, there are 7 US Universities inside the top 20.
- Diverse Educational Opportunities: The US is home to 4,000+ higher education institutions, which include large research universities to small liberal arts colleges. So, the student has a wide spectrum of courses and academic disciplines to choose from.
- Research and Innovation: The top universities in the US are known for their emphasis on research, technology, and innovation. So, if you get admission to any of these institutes, you will not only get the opportunity to get the best education, but bring about revolutionary and worthwhile changes in society.
- Cultural Diversity: Most of the university campuses in the US are teaming with international students; this has been made possible by the liberal policy adopted by the US government. It is estimated that there are around 1 million foreign students currently studying in the US.
- Career Opportunities: One major reason why many students choose to study in the US is that most of the top universities have industry-university linkages, meaning the students learn the skills set that are in demand in the market while they are still in college. So, by the time the candidate completes his or her course, they are job ready. Note that internships and training sessions are available for students in leading industries.
- Flexible Curriculum: Unlike in India, where we more or less follow a very rigid academic curriculum, the trend is just the reverse in the academic colleges in the US. These institutes offer very fluid curriculums with many combinations, which the candidate can choose to match their skills and career goals.
- Support Services for International Students: To help international students, universities in the US have services like orientation programs and English language classes. Assistance is also provided for visa status and employment opportunities. These services make adjusting to the US academic lifestyle easier and more smooth.
Top University Ranking Agencies:
Here are the three most influential and widely accepted global university ranking agencies:
- Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
- Times Higher Education (THE)
- Shanghai Ranking Consultancy (the Academic Ranking of World Universities; ARWU).
Top universities to study in the USA (QS Ranking 2025)
Here are the top 10 universities in the US per QS Ranking 2025.
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2025 |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
| 2 | Harvard University | 4 |
| 3 | Stanford University | 6 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 |
| 5 | University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
| 6 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 |
| 7 | Cornell University | 16 |
| 8 | University of Chicago | 21 |
| 9 | Princeton University | 22 |
| 10 | Yale University | 23 |
When to Apply for Study in the USA – Type of Intakes
Admission in US universities is done in THREE intakes (or semesters).
Fall intake in the US 2025: It is the main intake and STARTS in August. The application submission deadline is December or January of the previous year.
Spring intake in the US 2025: Starts in January. You need to apply for the intake by September or October of the previous year.
Summer Intake in the US 2025: The Summer Intake is the least popular of the three intakes and is offered by a few handful colleges and courses. The intake STARTs around May.
Cost of studying in the USA
| Program of Study | Tuition fees in USD (approx) |
| English language studies | $700 to $2,000 per month |
| Community colleges | $6,000 to $20,000 per year |
| Undergraduate | $16,000 to $30,000 per year |
| Graduate | $20,000 to $38,000 per year |
| Doctoral | $25,000 to $45,000 per year |
Other monthly expenses:
- Rent – $500 – $1500
- Transport – $100
- Entertainment – $200
- Food – $500
Entrance exam to study in the USA:
Here are English language exams you need to take to study in the US:
- IELTS Exam – Types, Dates, Exam Pattern, Scores
- PTE Academic – Dates, Eligibility, Application, Exam Pattern, Scores
- TOEFL Exam – Full Form, Syllabus, Exam Fee, Exam Date & Center
- The GRE Test – Full Form, Syllabus, Exam Fee, Exam Date & Center
Study in the USA – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the academic calendar followed by US universities?
A: The academic year in US universities usually runs from August through May with breaks for holidays. Most universities use either the semester system (two terms), the quarter system (students attend three out of four total terms), or the trimester system (three terms).
Q: What is the age limit to attend U.S. universities?
A: In general, the candidate must have completed high school and must be at least 17 years of age.
Q: What is the difference between “Undergraduate” and “Graduate” degrees?
A: Undergraduate programs can be pursued after completing high school and lead to an associate (two-year) degree or a bachelor (four-year) degree. Bachelor degree holders can take Graduate programs which lead to a master’s or doctoral degree.
Q: What are the different types of undergraduate degrees?
A: Undergraduate programs can be pursued after completing high school and lead to an associate (two-year) degree or a bachelor (four-year) degree. Bachelor degree holders can take Graduate programs which lead to a master’s or doctoral degree.
Q: What are the different types of graduate degrees?
A: Masters: two-year degree providing additional specialization. Doctorate: five to eight-year program certifying the student as a trained research scholar and/or professor.
Q: Can I take a professional degree program in the US without first earning a bachelor’s degree?
A: Yes, but they are highly selective and require a heavy course load across a total of six years of study.
Q: Can I obtain a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree simultaneously?
A: If the candidate pursues a joint-degree program, they will begin a graduate program in their fourth year of college, earning both degrees upon graduation.
Q: What is the duration of an MBA program in the U.S.?
A: The duration of an MBA program in the US is typically one to two years.
Q: Can I work while studying in the United States?
A: With permission of the International Student Office, international students are allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours/week in their first year and can apply to work off-campus in subsequent years.