study in usa

Study in USA for Indian Students: Top Universities, Scholarships, Fees, Intake

Get Admission in USA
  • Washington DC is the capital of USA
    Capital Washington DC
  • Population of USA
    Population 341.1 Million (Approx.)
  • language of USA
    Language English
  • Study in USA for International Students
    Indian Students 3,31,602 (2023-24)
  • GDP of USA
    GDP 30.35 Trillion USD
  • Dialing Code of USA
    Dialing Code +1
  • Currency of USA
    Currency United States Dollar (USD)
  • Universities in USA
    Universities Nearly 4,000

Study In USA Admission Guide For Indian Students (2025-26)

Want to study in USA? More than 3.3 L Indian students were registered in American universities during the 2023–24 academic year, a 23% rise from the previous academic year. However, uncertainties about future immigration laws were brought up by the recent U.S. presidential election in 2025.

Despite these concerns, the United States post-work visa, Optional Practical Training (OPT), allows students to work up to 12 months after studying in US universities and a total of 36 months for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates.

Here are some intriguing facts and figures shared by The Student Helpline study abroad USA consultants.

Parameters Overview
Admission Intake In the USA
  • August/September (Fall Intake)
  • January (Spring Intake)
  • May (Summer Intake)
English Language Proficiency Test Requirement
  • IELTS: 6.0-6.5
  • TOEFL: 100-110
  • PTE: 50-70
Standardized Test Requirement
  • UG: SAT/ACT
  • PG: GRE/GMAT
USA Universities Acceptance Rate Highly Competitive
Graduate Employability Ranking 2023-24 88%
Part-Time Working Hours
  • 20 hours every week
  • Full-time during vacations
US Student Visas
  • J-1 Visa
  • M-1 Visa
  • J Exchange Visa
USA Study Visa Approval Rate in 2023 63.74%
Top Study Destinations in the US (Based on QS Best Cities 2025)
  • California
  • New York
  • Texas
  • Boston
  • San Francisco

Table 1 : Key Highlights About Studying in the USA For Students (Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, DHS.gov, US Department of State.gov)

High-Ranking Universities In USA (2025)

Some of the world's most prominent and high-ranking institutions, known for their academic excellence, innovative research, and varied learning environments, are located in the United States. Studying at prestigious universities in the USA may lead to a world of opportunity owing to its cutting-edge facilities, competent faculty, and abundant networking opportunities.

List of Top 10 High-ranking Universities in the USA (Updated List 2025)

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: #1
  2. Harvard University: #4
  3. Stanford University: #6
  4. California Institute of Technology: #10
  5. University of Pennsylvania: #11
  6. University of California: #12
  7. Cornell University: #16
  8. University of Chicago: #21
  9. Princeton University: #22
  10. Yale University: #23

SEVP-Certified Universities In the USA

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified universities in the USA hold government approval. It collects, maintains, analyzes, and provides information so that only legitimate foreign students or exchange visitors gain entry to the United States.

Opportunities for internships, job placements, and long-term employment in the United States are enhanced by enrolling at SEVP-certified universities.

List of Top 10 SEVP-certified USA universities
  1. New York University
  2. Northeastern University- Boston
  3. Columbia University
  4. University of Southern California
  5. Arizona State University
  6. University of Illinois
  7. Boston University
  8. University of North Texas
  9. Purdue University
  10. University of Michigan

Best Affordable Universities In the USA

Considering high tuition fees, expensive flight tickets, and Visa fees, studying in the US can cost a fortune for some students. Fortunately, some US universities offer quality education with comparatively lower tuition fees than others to make studying in USA affordable.

List of best affordable universities in the USA and their maximum total cost of study:
  1. Lake Superior State University: INR 23.8L
  2. University of New Orleans: INR 23.8L
  3. Alabama State University: INR 23.6L
  4. University of the Virgin Islands: INR 23.2L
  5. Dakota State University: INR 22.6L
  6. South Dakota State University: INR 22.4L

Top Universities With High-Transfer Student Rate

Compared to direct admission, universities sometimes offer flexible admissions guidelines for transfer students. According to the immigration department in the USA, the transfer of international students from community colleges to a college providing a four-year professional degree has increased by 8% since 2024. Additionally, foreign students are eligible for visas through transfer options.

List Of USA Colleges That Enrolled The High Number Of Transfer Students In 2024
  1. Liberty University (5,531 transfer students)
  2. University of Central Florida (5,515 transfer students)
  3. Florida International University (5,295 transfer students)
  4. San Diego State University (4,777 transfer students)
  5. University of Houston (4,442 transfer students)
  6. California State University – Fullerton (4,432 transfer students)
  7. California State University – Long Beach (4,385 transfer students)
  8. California State University – Northridge (4,339 transfer students)

Best Universities In US With High Acceptance Rate

USA is one of the most competitive study-abroad destinations with high-ranking universities selecting students based on rigorous selection criteria. Fortunately, some universities in the USA offer comparatively higher acceptance rates.

Below are the top US universities with a high acceptance rate:
  1. University of Massachusetts: 90.18% Acceptance Rate
  2. Murray State University: 90.37% Acceptance Rate
  3. Kent State University: 90.56% Acceptance Rate
  4. Pennsylvania State University: 91.02% Acceptance Rate
  5. Wright State University: 91.82% Acceptance Rate
  6. School Of Visual Arts (NY): 92.92% Acceptance Rate
  7. South Dakota State University: 93.60% Acceptance Rate
  8. Northern Arizona University: 95.16% Acceptance Rate

Most Popular Courses To Study In USA For Students in 2025

Finding a job in the USA becomes easy if you are aware of which field of study is in demand. In the year 2023-24, nearly 368,333 jobs were given to international students, with Computer Science, Business Management, and Engineering being the top sectors in demand.

List of most popular courses to study in the USA in 2025
S.No. Popular Courses to Study in the USA Number of Students Enrolled in 2024*
1 Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science 108,438
2 Master of Business Administration (MBA) 86,235
3 Bachelor in Electrical and Electronics Engineering 37.322
4 Masters in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics 27,899
5 Masters in Biological Sciences 19,797
6 Masters in Information Technology 28,881

Table 2: Most Popular Courses To Study In USA for Students in 2025

*The data is gathered through an extensive online survey conducted by experienced study abroad consultants at The Student Helpline, reflecting current trends and student preferences.

Best Short-Term Courses To Study In USA For Indian Students

Pursuing short-term courses in the US is one of the popular ways international students opt to get job-ready in just a short period. These courses are usually completed within a year or even less.

List of popular short-term certification courses to pursue in the US for Indian students
  1. Applied Data Science Program: 3 Months
  2. Data Science and Machine Learning: 3 Months
  3. Block-Chain Essentials: 1 month
  4. Human-Computer Interaction II: 2 Months
  5. 5G Strategy for Business Leaders: 4 Months
  6. Agile Project Management: 5 Months
  7. C Programming: 2 Months
  8. Aircraft Dispatcher: 12 Months

Best Courses For High-Paying Job In USA

With 42.9% of students studying mathematics and computer science, 24.5% studying engineering, and 11.2% studying business and management, a sizable percentage of Indian students choose to pursue STEM disciplines.

California, Massachusetts, Texas, and New York offer students the best placement and internship experience, offering an average INR 68.8L/year salary to a graduate.

List of 10 high-paying job courses to study in USA for Indian students
S.No. Education Path High-Paying Job Roles In USA Upper-end Annual Salary*
1. MBBS Anesthesiologist INR 2 Cr.
2. MBBS Psychiatrist INR 1.9 Cr.
3. MBBS Pediatrician INR 1.6 Cr.
4. Master’s in Computer Science or Information Technology IT Manager INR 1.4 Cr.
5. MBA in Marketing Marketing Manager INR 1.2 Cr.
6. Master’s in Finance, or Accounting Financial Manager (CFA certified) INR 1.1 Cr.
7. LLM Lawyer INR 1.1 Cr.
8. Master’s in Data Science, Analytics, or AI/ML specializations Data Scientist INR 1 Cr.
9. Master’s in Software Engineering Software Developer INR 98 L
10. Bachelor’s in Statistics, or Actuarial Science Actuary INR 97L

Table 3: High-paying job roles in the USA and their upper-end annual salary (in INR) based on 2024 data on Glassdoor, Indeed, and US News and World Report

*Note: It represents the salary earned by the top 10-20% of professionals in that career path.

Get Enrolled In Top USA Universities With The Student Helpline

The majority of the top-ranking universities in the USA are very competitive and have lower acceptance rates, students might find it difficult to apply for such universities on their own. We, at The Student Helpline have expert counsellors who are well-equipped with all the study in USA requirements.

Be it writing your academic SOPs or guiding you for your visa interviews and verifying your documents, our counselors will assist you with everything.

Study in USA: Tips, Insights, and Resources for Students

Find tips, insights, and resources to make your study journey in the USA easier and successful.
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Our Commitment to the USA Agent Quality Framework Reflects our Student-First approach
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Documents Checklist to Study In USA For Indian Students

Find the complete list of requirements for Indian students to study in the USA after 12th grade, from academic qualifications to visa essentials.

  • valid passport copy to study in usa
    Valid Passport Copy
  • result of sat act gre to study in usa
    SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT Standardized Tests Scorecard
  • recommendation letter to study in usa
    TOEFL and IELTS English Proficiency Test Scorecard
  • resume to study in usa
    Academic and Professional Statements of Purpose
  • lor to study in usa
    Letter of Recommendation
  • academic transcripts and certificates to study in usa
    Academic Transcripts and Certificates
  • acceptance letter from the usa universities to study in usa
    Acceptance letters from the USA Universities
  • f1 student visa to study in usa
    Financial Stability Proof
  • financial stability proof to study in usa
    Health Insurance Cover
  • health insurance cover to study in usa
    SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
  • Sevis fee payment to study in usa
    DS-160 Form For Non-immigrant Visa Applicants
  • ds-160 form for non immigrant visa applicants to study in usa
    Passport Size photographs
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Study Abroad in USA Admission Overview

Learn the step-by-step admission process to study in the USA, from selecting universities to visa applications. Simplify your journey with essential tips and guidance for international students

List of Admission Requirements To Study Bachelors In USA

  • 65% and above in 10th and 12th standard
  • Standardized Test Scores: SAT (Minimum Score: 400-1600), ACT (Minimum Score: 22)
  • English Language Requirements for UG in USA
    1. IELTS: Minimum Score 6.5 band score and above
    2. TOEFL: Minimum Score 72 – 92
    3. Duolingo: Minimum Score 120
    4. PTE: Minimum Score 68 or higher

Cost of studying UG in USA

INR 6.8L-42.9L per year.

Best Courses in the USA For Indian Students

Some of the best courses for Indian students in USA after 12th include options that offer global exposure and excellent career prospects, helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Best UG Universities in USA

Explore popular universities in the USA for students after 12th, offering diverse programs and excellent opportunities for higher education. Discover top institutions that help shape successful careers.

List of Admission Requirements To Study Masters In USA

  • Minimum 3.00 CGPA in Bachelor’s Degree
  • Standardized Test Scores: GRE (Minimum Score 160 and above), GMAT (Minimum Score 650 - 700)
  • English Language Score Requirement to study masters
    1. IELTS: Minimum Score 6.5 band score and above
    2. TOEFL: Minimum Score 78 – 100
    3. Duolingo: Minimum Score 120
    4. PTE: Minimum Score 70 or higher

Cost Of Studying in USA For Masters

INR 8.5L-47.2L per year

Top Courses To Study in USA For Masters

Find the most popular master's courses in the USA, offering diverse opportunities across various fields.

Top Universities in USA for Masters

List of some popular universities in the USA offering top master's degree, renowned for academic excellence and global recognition.

List of Admission Requirements To Pursue PhD In USA:

  • A relevant Master's degree (with a minimum of 55-60% or equivalent)
  • A Properly Drafted Research Statement
  • Work Experience (for some disciplines)
  • Proof of financial capability to support studies
  • Exam or 1:1 interview to assess research potential
  • English Language Proficiency Requirements For PhD:
    1. IELTS: 6.5–7.0 (overall score), with no individual band score below 6.0.
    2. TOEFL: 90–100.
    3. PTE: 58–65

Cost Estimates To Study PhD In USA

INR 20L-60L (may vary based on funds, discipline, and duration)

Top Research Courses In USA:

Some of the top research programs in the United States for international students include:

Best Research Universities in USA:

Some of the most popular universities for research programs for international students in the United States include:

scholarships to study in usa

Top Scholarships in USA for Indian Students

List of scholarships, fellowships, and grants in the USA for international students, including eligibility, deadlines, application process, selection criteria, and more.

  1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program - Fully funded: tuition fees, health insurance, airfare and living expenses
  2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program - Fully Funded: tuition fees, maintenance allowance, airfare and living expenses
  3. IEFA Non-Government Scholarship - INR 42,763 reward amount
  4. AAUW International Fellowships - INR 17.1L for Masters and INR 21.4L-42.7L post-doctorate
  5. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai MBA Fellowship - INR 1.25 Cr. for a 2-year MBA program
  6. Cornell University Tata Scholarship - Fully Funded: Tuition fees and annual living costs for UG students
  7. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships - Up to INR 85L for MPhil and PhD students

Note: Top scholarships for Indian Students in the USA and their coverage/reward amounts.

(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, DHS.gov, US Department of State.gov)

Types Of Study And Work Visas In USA

Planning to study in the USA? Learn about the post-admission process in U.S. universities, including visa applications, accommodation, and preparing for your academic journey in USA.

Visa for USA

Students Monthly Living Expenses While Study Abroad USA

Get a breakdown of students monthly living expenses while studying in the USA, including housing, food, transportation, and other essentials. Plan your budget effectively for a hassle-free experience to study in USA.

cost of living in USA for international students Rent

$800 - $1,500

cost of food while studying in usa Food

$300 - $500

cost of transport while studying in usa Transport

$50 - $100

other expenses while studying in usa Miscellaneous

$200 - $300

study in usa for international students
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Career and Job Opportunities For International Students After Study In USA

Students visiting the United States of America for study purposes and job opportunities are required to be aware of the part-time work opportunities. After study in USA, they must be informed about the post-study work visa provided by the beautiful country.

Post-Study Work Visa After Study in USA

The OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows the graduates of USA universities to work in their area of specialisation after they finish their course in USA University and obtain a post-study work visa in the United States. OPT enables one to work up to 12 months with the possibility of an extension to 36 months for STEM graduates, which can be useful in gaining experience after study in USA.

Part Time Work Opportunities After Studying in USA

There are various part time jobs available for the students in the United States that can be beneficial for the Indian students studying in USA colleges. Generally, F-1 visa holders are allowed to work on-campus during study abroad in USA but not more than 20 hours per week and they are allowed to work full-time during the vacation periods. Students can check the job opportunities and apply accordingly.

FAQs Related To Study In USA

Which University Has Most Indian Students In USA?

Columbia University is the US University with the highest number of Indian students with over 1300 Indian students enrolled in the academic year 2023-24.

Can I stay in USA after completing my studies?

Yes, after your graduation you are eligible for an Optional Practice Training (OPT) visa. This training will help you work and live in the USA for at least 12 months after graduation and can be further extended upon request.

Which Are The Affordable Courses to Study in the USA?

M.A. in History, B.Ed, M.Ed, and B.A. in Social Sciences are some affordable courses in the USA for international students. Generally, courses offered in Humanities, Education, and Arts are cheaper than any other courses.

How much gap year is accepted at US universities?

A 1-year gap is accepted at the universities in the USA. Always make sure that you explain your gap year briefly and positively in your statement of Purpose. Connect with The Student Helpline study abroad consultants to draft a compelling SOP justifying your gaps.

Can I study in the USA without an IELTS score?

Yes, US universities like Rice University, California State University, Drexel University, State University of New York, and the University of Lowa accept admissions without IELTS. Instead, these universities look for a university-affiliated English Language Preparation Programs (ELP) before starting the degree or provide evidence that previous education was conducted in English.

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