University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, IL, USAA leading public research university with one of the top-ranked computer science and engineering colleges in the United…
QS #69 2 courses Partner
Study in USA
Home to the world's largest number of top-ranked universities
Studying in USA
The United States hosts over a million international students and offers unmatched choice – more than 4,000 accredited institutions, flexible curricula that let you explore before you specialise, and research facilities that lead the world. STEM graduates can stay on and work for up to three years after graduation through OPT and the STEM extension.
Intakes
Fall (Aug–Sep), Spring (Jan), Summer (May)
Tuition
USD 20,000 – 55,000 / year
Living costs
USD 12,000 – 18,000 / year
International students
1.1M+ international students
Why study in USA?
- Over 150 universities in the global top 500
- Flexible, credit-based curriculum with majors and minors
- Up to 3 years of post-study work for STEM graduates (OPT + STEM OPT)
- Generous assistantships and merit scholarships, especially for Master's and PhD
- Industry links with Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Fortune 500 employers
Top universities in USA
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ, USARanked #1 in the US for innovation for several years running, ASU offers over 400 graduate programmes with strong…
QS #179 2 courses Partner
Northeastern University
Boston, MA, USAKnown for its experiential co-op model, Northeastern combines classroom learning with professional work placements in…
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Popular courses
Cost of study and living
| Tuition fees | USD 20,000 – 55,000 / year |
|---|---|
| Living expenses | USD 12,000 – 18,000 / year |
Tuition varies widely: public state universities typically charge USD 20,000–35,000 per year for international students, while private universities range from USD 35,000–60,000. Budget USD 1,000–1,500 per month for rent, food, transport and health insurance, depending on the city.
Scholarships
Merit scholarships of USD 5,000–20,000 per year are common at public universities. Graduate students can apply for teaching and research assistantships that waive tuition and pay a stipend. External options include Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships and the Inlaks Scholarship.
USA Postgraduate Featured Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships
USIEF
Full tuition, living stipend and airfare
Indian citizens with a 4-year bachelor's degree (or equivalent), at least 3 years of professional experience and demonstrated leadership.
Deadline 15 May 2027
Official site for Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships
Student visa process
- Receive your admission and Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified university
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
- Complete the DS-160 online application and pay the visa fee
- Book biometrics (OFC) and visa interview appointments
- Attend the F-1 interview with financial and academic documents
Visa rules change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration website – our visa team does this for every file.
Work rights during and after study
F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and full time during breaks. After graduation, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 12 months of work, extendable by 24 months for STEM degrees.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the GRE to study in the USA?
Many US universities have made the GRE optional, but a good score still strengthens applications for competitive STEM programmes and assistantships.
Can I work in the USA after graduation?
Yes. F-1 students can work for 12 months on OPT, and STEM graduates can extend this by 24 months – up to 3 years in total.
Ready to study in USA?
Talk to a USA specialist today – your first session is free.