Study in USA — cost, visa & intakes
The USA hosts more globally ranked universities than any other country, with unmatched research funding, flexible curricula and the OPT/STEM-OPT work pathway that lets you gain up to three years of paid experience after graduation.
Cost of studying in USA
| Expense | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition — public universitiesState universities, most master's programmes | ₹18–32 lakh / year |
| Tuition — private universities | ₹28–50 lakh / year |
| Living expensesVaries sharply between metros and college towns | ₹9–16 lakh / year |
| Health insurance | ₹1–1.8 lakh / year |
| Visa & SEVIS fees | ≈ ₹50,000 one-time |
Indicative ranges for Indian students. Actual costs vary by university, city and exchange rate.
Visa process overview
- 01
Receive your I-20
After you accept an admission offer and prove funds, the university issues Form I-20.
- 02
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee
Pay online and save the receipt — required at the interview.
- 03
Complete DS-160
Fill the online non-immigrant visa application and pay the MRV fee.
- 04
Book biometrics + interview
Two appointments: VAC for biometrics, then the consular interview.
- 05
Attend the F-1 interview
Be ready on course choice, university fit, funding source and post-study intent.
- 06
Passport & travel
Approved passports are couriered back; you may enter the US up to 30 days before your programme starts.
Work rights: 20 hrs/week on-campus during term, plus CPT internships and 12–36 months of OPT after graduation. Detailed visa guidance →
Popular courses among Indian students in USA
Computer Science & Data Science
MS programmes with strong STEM-OPT eligibility and internship pipelines.
Business Analytics & MBA
STEM-designated analytics MBAs are increasingly popular with Indian applicants.
Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial)
Research assistantships frequently offset tuition.
Public Health & Biotechnology
Strong funding and hospital/industry linkages.
Finance & Information Systems
Placed well across US and global markets.
Intake months
August / September
Fall intake
The main intake — widest course choice, most funding. Apply Nov–Jan.
January
Spring intake
Smaller but genuine intake. Apply Jul–Sep.
May
Summer intake
Limited to a few programmes and research starts.
Scholarships for studying in USA
Most US funding is institutional. Graduate students should target assistantships and departmental fellowships; undergraduates should look at need-based aid at private universities that are generous to internationals.
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford)
- Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships
- Need-blind institutional aid at Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton
- Graduate teaching and research assistantships (tuition waiver + stipend)
Let's map your scholarships
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