Study in USA : Top Universities, Scholarships & Fees

Know why International students love studying in the US!

The United States of America (USA) hosts the greatest number of international students in the world. Quality education, a unique curriculum, a multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities are just some of the reasons why many International students want to study in the USA.

Student visa requirements for the US

The US Government offers three different student visa types:

*For detailed information, please visit the US Government’s Department of State website.

Intakes available in the USA

American colleges and universities offer three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in the US are:

• Fall: A popular intake among International students, The Fall intake starts in September

• Spring: Starts in January; it’s best if you miss the September intake

• Summer: Available for limited programs and colleges, the Summer intake usually starts around May

Cost to study in the USA

Universities in the US are majorly divided into two categories - Public/State and Private. The education cost at a public/state university is comparatively less than that of a private institution. Your expenditure on tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for. To cover tuition fees, you will need approx. $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) a year (indicative).

Scholarships to study in the USA

The amount of money available and the type of award varies between institutions. Certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of your living expenditures.

Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to study in the US as an International student:

*This is an indicative list, speak with your IDP expert for details and the best available options suited to your profile

Please note: An MBA degree can cost significantly more, as can professional programs such as law, medicine, dentistry, some design programs, etc. Most doctoral degrees are 100% funded through research/teaching assistantships, research aid and bursaries

If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply to various U.S. scholarships available for International students.

Top courses to study in the US

Here are the top fields preferred by international students to study abroad:

1. Engineering and computer science courses

2. Life science courses

3. Business management courses

Top universities to study in the US (QS Ranking 2023)

Check where your favourite American university ranks

Check where these American universities rank on the Times Higher Education charts.

Job prospects in the USA

Owing to a skills shortage across various sectors in the American market, international students with skills are in demand and those who are willing to settle in America have the option to apply under a Skilled Worker Visa and permanently work and reside in the country. Graduates are in high demand in the USA, especially in the fields of healthcare, film production, real estate, retail sector, agriculture, engineering, and computers & information technology.

There are also various internship programs available that can be taken up by international students.

Cost of living in the USA

In the US, living costs vary by a substantial amount due to the vast territory of the country. Usually, urban areas are more expensive (in or near a big city) in contrast to smaller towns or suburban areas. Therefore, to have a fair view of the general living costs in the US, you should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:

*Note: All costs are indicative and may vary from region to region

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) related to US Education

We know you have a lot of questions in your mind, so have answered common questions students raise about studying and living in the US.

1. How much will it cost to study in the USA?

In the United States, universities are divided into two main categories: Public/State and Private institutions. Public/State universities generally have lower tuition fees compared to their private counterparts. The cost of your education depends on various factors, such as the type of qualification you pursue and the specific university or school you choose to attend. On average, you can expect to spend approximately $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) per year on tuition fees.

For specific programs, the estimated costs are as follows: English language studies range from $700 to $2,000 per month, community colleges range from $6,000 to $20,000 per year, undergraduate bachelor's degrees range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year, graduate programs range from $20,000 to $45,000 per year, and doctoral degrees range from $28,000 to $55,000 per year. These figures serve as an indication of the approximate expenses involved in pursuing higher education in the United States.

2. What is the duration of foundation or diploma programs in the US?

Typically, the duration of these programs in the US is one year, during which you will need to achieve satisfactory grades to progress to the first year of your bachelor's degree. The majority of these programs commence in September as the main intake. However, in certain cases, there may be multiple intakes available if your chosen foundation provider in the USA offers such provisions.

3. Can I work in the USA during and after my studies?

The US education system provides international students enrolled in US institutions with the opportunity to engage in co-ops, internships, part-time, and even full-time jobs. However, international students require authorisation from the relevant authorities, which can be obtained through their school's international office or the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). There are three types of employment authorisation options available for international students, namely Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and on-campus employment.

4. What are the popular scholarships to study in the US?

Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to study in the US as an International student:

1. Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships
2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
3. #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
4. IEFA
5. AAUW International Fellowships

5. How can I go to the US for studies?

Research the course, university and place you want to study and you can also contact IDP experts for guidance.