Your dream of studying in
USA is closer than you think!

You will definitely be aware that the USA is home to some of the most reputed universities in the world. These universities offer a diverse range of courses, and many of these have top positions in several national and international rankings as well. You will obviously need to invest time to find the top universities that have good faculty for the course you wish to pursue. The table below will help you get an idea of the popular universities you can choose.

We have a lot more to offer! Do read further!

We understand that, as an international student, you will be in search of authentic and reliable information on studying abroad. We have compiled all the information which you need to apply to your preferred US universities below. We have mentioned all the steps you need to follow so that you can apply to your dream university without space for any errors.

One of the first things you need to consider when studying abroad is that the application process for universities differs from one another. As such, you should know the entire process in detail before proceeding to apply. To help you master these steps clearly, we have explained them in simple terms below. You can continue reading to learn these steps. 

One of the first documents that should be arranged in order to study abroad is the student visa. As an international student, you need to obtain a valid student visa, the requirements of which are listed below for your easy reference.

The steps to be followed for applying for a student visa are as follows.

How to apply for a student visa in the USA?

• Decide on your preferred course and university.
• Visit the official websites of the universities and check the eligibility criteria.
• Fill in the application form and submit the application after paying the application fee.
• You will receive a confirmation email from the university if your application is accepted.

When to Apply for a US Student Visa?

The F-1 student visa is the most common visa type among Indian students in the USA. You can apply for the visa 365 days before the start of your course. However, you cannot enter the country 30 days before the commencement of your classes.

What is the Cost of Applying for a US Student Visa?

The cost of an F-1 student visa is around USD 510. You should make sure to apply early so the authorities get enough time to process your application. It will also ensure you get sufficient time to arrange for the next set of documents to submit your visa application and further your university application.

What are the Requirements to Apply for the F-1 Visa?

To apply for the F-1 student visa, you will need to satisfy the following requirements.

• Hold a valid passport.
• Have printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations.
• All academic transcripts.
• Proof of sufficient funds in the home country.
• Passport-size photographs.
• I-20 form.
• Good English language test scores.

Once you satisfy these requirements, you are halfway through your journey of studying in the USA. 

It is essential for you to have a thorough knowledge about the intakes to study in the USA so that you can plan your journey accordingly. Every year, most US universities offer three intakes, and one of the first things you need to decide before planning to study abroad is regarding this. You should decide which month you plan to shift to the country and then align every other thing based on this. It is advisable to plan about a year ago so that you get enough time to arrange everything.

The table below shows the popular intakes in the USA and their duration.

The cost of studying in the USA is one of the primary factors you need to consider while preparing for your study abroad dream. Against the general opinion, the USA is not a very expensive country to live in and study in. You will additionally find help in scholarships and bursaries about which you can learn as we read further. Apart from this, you have the option to work part-time during your studies. You can also do paid internships. 

One of the primary expenses that come under the cost of living in the USA is accommodation costs. Most reputed universities offer on-campus accommodation, which costs less than the off-campus one. The average cost of living in the USA depends on various factors, which is a fact you have to keep note of. There are a few options from which you can choose. The type of expenses you can expect are tabulated below, along with the average amount.

This amount can vary considerably based on the city you live in, your spending habits, etc. As such, this cannot be considered the exact expense you may incur. The next big expense comes in the form of tuition fees. Your tuition fee amount can vary based on three things.

1. Course
2. Program
3. University

Apart from the expenses mentioned above, you should also consider your medical expenses. All international students are required to take health insurance if they have to study in the USA. The amount may vary, and you should apply for the same while you apply for your student visa. It should always be kept in mind that you are staying away from your homeland, and thus, spending wisely is highly recommended and advisable.

As mentioned above, international students studying in the USA will have several scholarships to choose from. These scholarships will have different eligibility criteria and monetary value depending on the host institution. The US government, universities and private institutions are the major funding bodies for these scholarships. 

To help you learn about a few scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students and get familiarised with them, we have given a table below. You can refer to it and apply if you feel that you lie within the eligibility criteria. 

To ensure that you make the most out of your stay in the USA, we have gathered a few points you can make use of.

• Build a social network
• Try the local cuisines
• Love the lifestyle
• Take part in social activities
• Know about the local culture
• Travel and explore the country
• Stay connected with your friends and family back home

Do you know that the USA offers post-study work options to international students who pursue their education in the country? We will explain how!

As an F-1 visa holder, you will get temporary employment based on your field of study. You can then apply for Optical Practical Training (OPT), which permits you to work in the USA for a year. If you pursue a STEM course, you can stay back in the USA for employment for another two years, which makes it three years in total. Non-STEM students can utilise their past degrees from the USA school of higher education to extend their OPT.

All these mean that apart from holding a certificate that is revered the world over, you will also be able to build a career and also take it to the next level. The USA has a very stable economy which improves your chances of having a better standard of living. The average annual salary can be anywhere from USD 53,000 to USD 1,57,000. 

We have inserted a small table below which will help you understand the median annual salary that you can earn after being employed in some of the most in-demand sectors.