STUDY IN USA

Study in Usa

Study in the USA: The Land of Opportunities

The USA offers a compelling package for Indian students, combining world-class universities, Fortune 500 companies, abundant job opportunities, and a diverse cultural landscape. It's the largest global economy and one of the most influential nations worldwide. People from various backgrounds have migrated to the United States, enriching the nation with a tapestry of cultures and traditions.

Why Choose the USA for Your Education?

With over 190,000 international students selecting the USA as their preferred destination, it is the largest host of international students globally. Indian students, forming the second-largest group of international students, make up 18% of the total. Quality education, diverse opportunities, and a welcoming environment draw students from around the world. International students constitute 5.5% of the higher education population in the USA, making it the leading destination for international education.

Quality of Education in the USA

The USA boasts more universities than any other nation. It annually attracts over a million international students with its cutting-edge resources, innovative teaching methods, technology, and renowned faculty. The smaller class sizes, typically 10-20 students, ensure personalized attention, encouraging active participation and discussion.

University Rankings in the USA

The USA's commitment to excellence is evident in its university rankings. Fifteen American universities are featured in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education's list of best universities in 2020. Moreover, American universities secure prominent positions in global ranking tables, with seventeen in the top 50 and twenty-seven in the top 100 of the QS Top Universities ranking.

Top Universities in the USA

Harvard University
Stanford University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
Columbia University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Yale University
University of Pennsylvania
Princeton University
Cornell University
Types of Educational Institutions in the USA

Public Universities

Public universities receive government or federal funding and offer graduate degrees with a research focus. These institutions, including state colleges and community colleges, provide economical tuition fees and world-class education. The USA has a university in each state, with 25 public universities among the top 100.

Private Universities

Private educational institutions, which are not government-funded, rely on donations, research grants, and alumni support. While tuition fees are higher, private universities offer a wealth of resources and a lower student-to-faculty ratio.

Institutes of Technology, Polytechnics, Technical Institutes

Institutes of technology and polytechnics are research-driven institutions that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Prominent examples include MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and the Colorado School of Mines.

The Ivy League

The Ivy League comprises eight elite institutions known for their rigorous academics, stringent admissions, and higher tuition fees. They are:

Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Harvard University
University of Pennsylvania
Princeton University
Yale University
Liberal Arts Colleges

Liberal arts colleges provide undergraduate education with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. These smaller institutions offer personalized attention, fostering strong student-professor relationships.

Top Courses in the USA

The USA offers a diverse range of courses and degrees across various institution types. Many universities have subjects ranked in the top 10 and top 50 globally.

Undergraduate Courses:

Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Business Administration

Graduate Majors:

Computer Science
Embedded Systems
Business Analytics
Data Sciences

Associate Degrees:

The USA offers three types of associate degrees:

Associate in Arts
Associate in Science
Associate in Applied Science
Career Opportunities

Job Opportunities as a Student

Many Indian students in the USA seek employment to offset the high cost of living and studying. F1 student visa holders are eligible for part-time work during the academic term and full-time work during breaks.

Job Opportunities After Graduation

Upon completing their studies, international students can apply for work permits, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months or 24 months for STEM students. Additionally, the H1B visa allows for six years of employment in the USA, provided the candidate secures a job with a US employer.

Cost of Studying in the USA

The cost of education in the USA varies between public and private institutions. Public universities offer different tuition structures for in-state students, out-of-state students, and international students, while private universities tend to have higher tuition fees.

Accommodation Costs in the USA

The cost of renting an apartment in the USA varies widely, ranging from approximately $500 (INR 36,000) to $3,500 (INR 2,57,000) per month. Generally, the cost of living in the Midwest is lower, while it's more expensive in the East and Northeast regions. On-campus dormitories are a popular choice, with costs ranging from $5,304 (INR 3,90,000) to $8,161 (INR 5,99,000) per academic year.

Additional living expenses in the USA include internet costs, household utilities, monthly phone bills, transportation (if you don't have your own vehicle), books, and stationary supplies.

Scholarships for Indian Students

Indian students pursuing education in the USA have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees. Scholarships are available from the U.S. government, as well as private and public institutions. These scholarships can cover partial or full funding of your education. They are typically awarded to students with exceptional academic records and can also take into account extracurricular activities and volunteer work. It's important to adhere to scholarship application deadlines, as competition for these opportunities is fierce, and early application is often required.

Notable scholarships for Indian students planning to study in the USA include:

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
The amount of scholarship awarded can vary depending on the university and the chosen course of study, with some scholarships covering up to 100 percent of tuition costs, particularly for research programs.

Visa Application Process

To apply for a student visa to study in the USA, you must first obtain acceptance into a university or program. A student visa is a mandatory requirement for studying in the USA. The type of visa you receive, either F or M visa, depends on the type of institution and program you're enrolled in.

F-1 visas are for students attending:

Universities or colleges
High schools
Private elementary schools
Seminaries
Conservatories
Other academic institutions, including language training programs Students with F-1 visas can attend U.S. schools from grades 9 to 12 for a maximum of 12 months.
M-1 visas are for students attending:

Vocational or non-academic training programs
Non-academic training
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
After enrolling in a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school, you can apply for a SEVIS. To register in SEVIS, you're required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee. An approved SEVIS school will issue an I-20 Form, which you'll need to present at the U.S. consulate or embassy when applying for an F or M visa.

Extra: Dual Degrees and Double Major Options

Many universities offer dual degree programs, allowing students to earn two advanced degrees simultaneously. This is a great advantage for students looking to expand their knowledge in two areas in a shorter time. In some cases, students can also choose to graduate with a double major, specializing in two different areas of study. Additionally, Australian universities offer double major options, enabling students to graduate with expertise in two different fields of their choice.