International students’ primary choice for further education has traditionally been the USA. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reports that in 2022, over 5,00,000 Indian students traveled to the USA to pursue higher education. In the US, there were more than 20% more Indian students in 2022. The majority of the world’s best colleges are located in the United States. International students are constantly keen to visit the US and take advantage of the country’s higher education system.
Studying in the USA
STEM courses have been a specialty area for US colleges. Over other possibilities, international students who wish to pursue higher education in STEM fields choose to study in the USA. Not only do top US institutions offer STEM courses, but students wishing to study commerce, management, or the arts can also find these programs.
Top 10 Reasons to study in the states
At the time of applying for a student visa, most international students are questioned as to why they want to study in the U.S. Following are the top 10 reasons why international students choose U.S. colleges and universities:
- Excellent Academics
- Research
- Flexibility in Course Curriculum
- Financial Assistance
- Work Programs
- Internships
- Job Opportunities
- Reorganization of International Students
- Cultural Exchange
- Value
US institutions with the best academic programs (QS Ranking 2023)
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2023 (Globally) |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
| 2 | Stanford University | 3 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 5 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology | 6 |
| 5 | University of Chicago | 10 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | 13 |
| 7 | Yale University | 18 |
| 8 | Columbia University | 22 |
| 9 | Princeton University | 16 |
| 10 | Cornell University | 20 |
Documents Require for an Admission
- Degree / Diploma Mark Sheets and Transcripts
- Degree Certificate
- 12th Marksheet + Certificate (HSC) and Transcripts
- 10th Marksheet + Certificate (SSC) and Transcripts
- TOEFL / IELTS/ PTE Scores
- GRE / GMAT / SAT Scores (if required)
- Bank Statement / Bank Balance Certificate
- Affidavit of Support
- Statement of Purpose
- Photographs
- Passport Copy
Documents require for Visa Process
- Visa Application form DS – 160 (Online fillable form
- Original Passport
- Sevis Fee Receipt
- Interview Appointment letter
- All Academic Documents including TOEFL, GRE, GMAT Score sheet
- Evidence of Financial Resources
- Form I – 20
Cost to study in the USA
Public/State and Private universities make up the two main groups of US universities. A public or state university will often cost less to educate students than a private one. The type of certification you choose and the institution or school you attend will determine how much you have to pay in tuition. You will require between $9,000 and $50,000 (USD) annually (suggestive) to pay for tuition.
| School | Tuition fees in USD (Suggestive) |
| English language studies | $500 to $2,500 a month |
| Community colleges | $5,000 to $18,000 per year |
| Undergraduate bachelor degree | $15,000 to $42,000 per year |
| Graduate programs | $18,000 to $42,000 per year |
| Doctoral degree | $30,000 to $56,000 per year |
Intakes available in the USA
American colleges and universities offer three intakes, as contrast to one in Indian universities. A semester is another term that some universities may use to describe admissions. In the US, there are three intake options:
- Fall : Among Indian students, this is a common intake. September is the start of the Fall intake.
- Spring : January through May; ideally, you want to avoid the September intake.
- Summer : May is often when the summer intake begins for select programs and colleges.
Work Opportunities in USA during and after studies?
International students attending US colleges have access to co-ops, internships, part-time work, and even full-time employment within the US education system. The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) or the international office of their school can provide authorization from the appropriate authorities for international students. International students can obtain employment authorization through three different options: on-campus employment, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Total cost to study in USA?
Public/State and private universities make up the two primary categories of higher education in the US. Tuition at public and state institutions is typically less than that at private universities. The price of your education is determined by a number of variables, including the kind of degree you seek and the particular college or university you enroll in. Your annual tuition costs should cost between $9,000 and $56,000 (USD) on average.
Job Opportunities in the USA
International students with talents are in demand due to a skills shortage in a variety of American industries. Those who are willing to settle in the country can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, which allows them to work permanently in the nation. In the USA, there is a great demand for graduates, particularly in the fields of engineering, computer & information technology, real estate, healthcare, film production, and retail.
International students have the option to enrol in a variety of internship programs.