STUDY IN USA
Why study in USA?
● Home to over 4,000 accredited universities, including many of the world’s
top-ranked institutions.
● Offers a wide variety of programs across STEM, business, humanities, and arts.
● Known for cutting-edge research opportunities and access to leading industries.
● Strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and career-oriented education.
● Flexible academic system with the option to change majors and customise study
plans.
● Access to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and System OPT extensions for work
opportunities after graduation.
Top Universities & Global Rankings
| University | QS World Ranking (2025) | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #1 | Engineering, Technology, Innovation |
| Stanford University | Top 5 | Business, Entrepreneurship, Computer Science |
| Harvard University | Top 5 | Law, Business, Medicine |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Top 10 | Science, Engineering |
| University of Chicago | Top 20 | Economics, Social Sciences |
The USA consistently dominates global rankings, with 50+ universities in the top 200 worldwide.
Intakes & Application Deadlines
● Fall (August/September) – Primary intake, widest program availability and
scholarships.
● Spring (January) – Secondary intake, fewer programs compared to Fall.
● Summer (May/June) – Limited programs, mostly short courses.
Deadlines:
● Fall Intake – Apply by November to February (previous year).
● Spring Intake – Apply by June to September (previous year).
Tuition Fees & Living Costs
● Undergraduate Tuition: USD $20,000 – $45,000 per year
● Postgraduate Tuition: USD $25,000 – $50,000 per year
● MBA Programs: USD $50,000 – $80,000+ per year
● Living Costs: USD $12,000 – $18,000 per year (higher in New York, Boston, California)
Students must show proof of funds covering tuition + living expenses when applying for a visa
(I-20 form).
Language Proficiency Requirements – IELTS / TOEFL
● Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 70–80
● Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 – 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 90–100
● Some universities waive English tests if previous education was in English (MOI).
Standardized Tests
● Undergraduate: SAT/ACT (many universities are now test-optional).
● Postgraduate: GRE/GMAT may be required for certain programs (especially STEM &
MBA).
● Law & Medicine: LSAT (Law), MCAT (Medicine).
Application Process & Timeline
1. 12–18 months before intake: Research universities via common platforms (Common
App, Coalition App, university portals).
2. Take Tests: IELTS/TOEFL, SAT/ACT (UG), GRE/GMAT (PG).
3. Prepare Documents: SOP, LORs, academic transcripts, CV/resume.
4. Submit Applications: Before deadlines (Nov–Feb for Fall, Jun–Sep for Spring).
5. Receive I-20 Form: After admission and financial documents verification.
6. Apply for Visa (F-1 Student Visa): DS-160 form, SEVIS fee, interview at US Embassy
USA Student Visa (Study Permit) – Requirements & Documents
● Visa Type: F-1 (most common), J-1 (exchange), M-1 (vocational).
● Visa Application Fee: USD $185 (DS-160)
● Service Fee: USD $350 (for F-1 visa)
● Documents Required:
○ I-20 form issued by university
○ Valid passport
○ DS-160 confirmation
○ SEVIS fee receipt
○ Proof of financial support (bank statement/sponsor letter)
○ Admission letter
○ Academic documents & test scores
Work While Studying & Post-Graduation
● On-Campus Work: Up to 20 hours/week during semesters, full-time during breaks.
● CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Work experience during study (internships).
● OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12 months work permit after graduation.
● STEM OPT Extension: Extra 24 months for STEM graduates (total 36 months).
Many students transition from OPT to H-1B work visa, leading to permanent residence pathways.
List of Universities & Colleges
● Adelphi University
● Arkansas State University
● Avila University
● California State University
● Central Michigan University
● Colorado State University
● Florida Atlantic University
● Florida Institute of Technology
● Florida State University
● Illinois State University
● Iowa State University
● James Madison University
● Johns Hopkins University
● Kent State University
● Marshall University
● Montclair State University
● Morehead State University
● New York University
● Oklahoma State University
● Oregon State University
● Schiller International University
● Stanton University
● Suffolk University
● Texas Wesleyan University, Texas
● Thomas More University
● University at Buffalo
● University of Central Florida
● University of Houston
● University of Kansas
● University of Massachusetts-Boston
● University of Nevada
● University of South Dakota
● University of Texas, San Antonio
● Virginia International University, Virginia
● Washington State University
● Western Kentucky University, Kentucky
● Wichita State University