Study in USA:
Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships, Course Fees and Job Opportunities
The USA is a popular country and dream destination for international students to pursue higher education. The Ministry of External Affairs states that there are over 2,11,000 students that opt for the USA as their study abroad destination each year. Students strive to study in the USA as it is a land of various opportunities in all fields. It is also significant to note that the universities and institutions in the US promote diversity and break all the cultural barriers as much as possible. Let’s delve deep into knowing about securing admissions into the dream universities in the US.
Why Study in The USA?
There are various reasons that justify why International students opt to study in the US. Some of that states why the US is the better choice are listed,
- The USA has various best universities. Most universities and institutions in the US have global rankings, making it the first choice for international students.
- The US degrees are accepted globally, enhancing job opportunities for individuals.
- The education system in the US is flexible, reducing the stress on the students.
- The US universities offer great exposure as students from various countries and cultural backgrounds are offered admission, which also promotes inclusivity.
- The universities also offer various programs for international students to offer support and make them feel at ease.
- Students studying in US universities are permitted to work 20 hours a week during the semester and 40 hours during breaks.
Top 20 Universities in The USA for Indian Students
Universities |
QS Rankings |
US News & World Report Ranking |
International Students Percentage |
1 |
2 |
29.1 |
|
3 |
3 |
24.1 |
|
5 |
1 |
22.9 |
|
6 |
9 |
29.94 |
|
10 |
22 |
21 |
|
13 |
15 |
19 |
|
16 |
16 |
24 |
|
18 |
11 |
21.6 |
|
20 |
21 |
21.8 |
|
22 |
7 |
30 |
|
24 |
10 |
19.2 |
|
25 |
19 |
17 |
|
27 |
4 |
12 |
|
32 |
24 |
22 |
|
39 |
31 |
27.6 |
|
44 |
14 |
7 |
|
50 |
25 |
23 |
|
52 |
118 |
35 |
|
53 |
20 |
21.4 |
|
63 |
129 |
14 |
|
801 |
935 |
126 |
Top Courses Offered by Top Universities in the US
The universities in the US offer various courses. Some of the most preferred courses that international students often opt for are Nursing courses, law courses, photography courses, business courses, HR courses, Biotechnology courses, Healthcare courses, web development courses, dentistry courses, IT courses, Pharmacy courses, Psychology courses, Engineering courses, Journalism courses, and hospitality courses. The top courses offered by the top universities are listed among all these preferred courses.
Top Undergraduate Courses in The US for Indian Students
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science- Systems
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Business Analytics
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science
- Bachelor of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science- Artificial Intelligence
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor of Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Operations Research- Financial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering
- Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry
- BA. International Studies and Business
- BA. Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Top Postgraduate Courses in The US for Indian Students
- Master of Science Computation for Design and Optimization
- Master of Engineering Computer Science and Molecular Biology
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Computational Design
- Master of Science in Applied Computation
- Master of Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Machine Learning
- MBA Business Analytics
- Master of Science Engineering- Data Science
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering
- Master of Public Health Environmental Health
- Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics
- Master of Health Administration
- Master of Science Health Science- General Epidemiology and Methodology
- Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
- Master of Science in Health Policy
- Master of Finance
- Master of Science in Financial Economics
- Master of Arts in Mathematics of Finance
- Master of Financial Engineering
- Master of Science in Bioengineering
- Master of Arts in Biotechnology
- Master of Science in Biotechnology
- Master of Science in Business
- MBA Entrepreneurial Management
- MBA Marketing Management
- Master of Science in Management Studies
- MBA Entrepreneurship
Top Ph.D. Courses in The US for Indian Students
- Ph.D. in Biological Science in Public Health
- Ph.D. in Anthropology
- Ph.D. in Business
- Ph.D. in Accounting
- Ph.D. in Economics
- Ph.D. in Finance
- Ph.D. in Management
- Ph.D. in Business Analytics
- Ph.D. in Marketing
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
- Ph.D. in English
- Ph.D. in Nursing
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Study in USA - Other Courses to Pursue in The US For Indian Students
1–Year Diploma Courses in the USA
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship
- Diploma in General Medicine
- Diploma in Engineering Management
- Diploma in Hotel or Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Game Design
- Diploma in Sports
- Diploma in Communication Design
- Diploma in Media Management
- Diploma in Biomedical Engineering
- Diploma in Business & Management
1-Year PG Diploma Courses in the USA
- PG Diploma in Hotel Management
- PG Diploma in Education
- PG Diploma in Digital Marketing
- PG Diploma in Accounting
- PG Diploma in Engineering
- PG Diploma in Engineering Management
Study in USA - Application Process, Eligibility, and Deadlines to Apply to US Universities
Application Process
Though the application process might vary based on the universities and the courses, there are specific common steps in the application process that a candidate shouldn’t miss while applying for higher studies in the US.
- Search for the best colleges and courses you desire.
- Get in touch with the selected colleges or check the websites of those colleges/ universities for more information.
- Go through the list of colleges or universities and narrow it down as possible.
- Clear the required entrance exams for the course you desire. Those exams include ACT, SAT, TOEFL, GRE, IELTS, and GMAT.
- Keep the SOPs and LORs ready for submission when necessary.
- Once selected for admission, there will be a video interview round for confirmation.
- The intimation of acceptance will be sent after the interview, after which the visa process should be started.
Study in USA - Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements differ based on the university and the course. However, some of the common eligibility and requirements that apply to all the universities and courses are listed,
- Students applying to any university in the US must be above 18 years of age.
- Students to work up to 20 hours/week or less on-campus and full-time during the academic break.
- Must be a student enrolled on an F-1 student visa.
- Exams required to apply for universities in the US- GRE, GMAT, SAT, and LSAT.
- Exams required to prove language proficiency- IELTS and TOEFL
- Document requirements to apply for universities in the US- Statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, and resume. Complied with an exclusive document on entry requirements.
Study in USA - Entrance Exam Requirements
The entrance exam requirement varies based on the university. However, the approximate scores for each test required to obtain admission are listed,
TOEFL
The required TOEFL score range for admission to graduate and postgraduate courses is 65 to 85.
The required TOEFL score range for admission to Ph.D. courses is 90-100.
The applicants must have a minimum score of 20 in each section of the TOEFL. iBT
IELTS
The average IELTS score to acquire admission to US universities for Indian students ranges from 6.5 to 9.
Over 3400 colleges and universities in the US offer admission based on the IELTS score.
PTE
Over 700+ universities and colleges in the US offer admission based on the PTE score.
The required PTE score to acquire admission is 70. The required score might increase based on the course.
SAT
The minimum SAT score required to acquire admission to undergraduate courses in the US is 1300.
To get into top universities in the US, a minimum score of 1520 is required.
GRE
A minimum GRE score of 3320 is required to acquire admission to US universities.
Candidates applying for an MBA in the US can submit GRE instead of GMAT scores.
GMAT
A minimum GMAT score of 700 is required to seek admission to US universities.
To get into top business schools in the US, a minimum score of 740 is required.
Apart from these exams, some other exams that a candidate has to take based on the courses are LSAT, MCAT, DAT, and OAT.
Study in USA - Application Deadlines
US universities usually have three academic intakes: fall, spring, and summer. The deadlines for each intake are listed,
Fall Intake
The fall cycle starts in early November and ends in late July
It is easy for students to claim scholarships and waivers during the fall cycle
The fall cycle is the primary intake for all the available programs
During this cycle, the maximum number of applications are received and accepted
Spring Intake
The spring cycle starts in early July and ends in late December
The international students that prefer this intake are comparatively low
The scholarships, grants, and financial aid are limited during this intake
Not all universities and programs offer admission in this intake as it is the secondary intake
Summer Intake
The summer intake cycle starts in early March
The availability of financial aid and scholarship opportunities is close to .none
The number of applicants applying for admission is very few in this intake
Only very few universities and programs offer admission through this intake
How to Study in the USA?
There are various things to do to enroll for a course in the USA for international students.
- Research the various options that are available out there for international students.
- It is essential to plan the finances beforehand to avoid any financial crisis.
- Plan and draft the application form as early as possible to avoid delay.
- Check the required standardized exams. Prepare and clear the exams to acquire admission.
- Apply for a US visa immediately after receiving the admission confirmation form the universities applied for.
Ensure that everything is ready for departure. Once the visa is approved, then it’ll be time for departure.
Study in USA - Cost of Living in The USA
The cost of living might vary based on location, personal expenses, and more. The average yearly costs of severydaymmon expenses are listed,
- Food- $2500
- Clothes and footwear- $500
- Books and stationary- $500- $1000
- Travel- $500- $1200
- Miscellaneous expenses- $2000
Study in USA - Course Fee for Study Abroad Programs for Indian Students
The course fee for international students for study abroad programs in the US might vary based on factors like the university, course, scholarships, and more. However, the approximate costs are listed,
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in The US
Cost of studying bachelor’s degree in the US- 7000-36000 USD/ year
Cost of studying master’s degree in the US- 9000- 36000 USD/ year
Cost of studying in private universities in the US
Cost of studying bachelor’s degree in the US- 26,000- 50,000 USD/ year
Cost of studying master’s degree in the US- 23,000- 56,000 USD/ year
Study in USA - Student Visa Application Process for Study Abroad Programs
International students are offered three different types of student visas to pursue higher education in the US. They are F1 student visa, J1 Exchange visa, and M-1 Vocational or non-academic student visa. The documents that are required to apply for any of these visas include a valid passport, printed copy of DS-160, SEVIS fee receipt, interview appointment letter, form 1-20, visa fee payment confirmation receipt, bank statement, pay/salary slips, original mark sheets, TOEFL/ IELTS/ ELP/ ACT/ SAT/ GRE/ GMAT score sheets, and required financial documents. There are various steps to apply for a visa, which are listed as follows,
- The first and foremost step to applying for a visa is applying to a US school and getting the I-0 document. Ensure that the name and date of birth are the same on the I-20 form and passport.
- Pay the SEVIS fee to start the visa application process. The SEVIS fee is $350.
- Fill in the online DS-160 application form. Ensure to print the confirmation page with the barcode. If the passport needs renewal, it should be done before submitting the DS-160 form.
- After filling in the DS-160, pay the visa application fee of $160.
- Book an interview at the Embassy. Plan and book ahead, as waiting times might be longer during January and August.
- Prepare all the documents required for the interview and attend the interview.
Study in USA - Study Abroad Scholarships for International Students
Various scholarships are available for international students to study in the USA. Certain universities or research programs offer scholarships, even up to 100%, to cover the total expenses of the tuition fee. A student can apply for three different categories of scholarships: government-funded US scholarships, non-governmental US scholarships, and university-specific US scholarships.
Government-funded US Scholarships
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Non-governmental US Scholarships
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Civil Society Leadership Awards, Preply Scholarship
David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship
Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
Non-governmental US Scholarships for Asian Students
Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program
Japan-United States Friendship Commission
East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships
Non-governmental US Scholarships for Australian Students
Fulbright Program
Non-governmental Scholarships for Female Students
MIT-Zaragoza Women in Logistics, Bat and Ball Game Women’s Sports Scholarship
AAUW International Fellowships and SCM Scholarship
Non-governmental Scholarships for Graduate Students
Rotary Peace Fellowships
Non-governmental Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries
MasterCard Foundation Scholarships and Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program.
University-Specific US Scholarships
- Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Clark University Global Scholars Program
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
- Harvard University Scholarships
- New York University Wagner International Scholarships
- University of Arkansas International Scholarships
- Illinois State University International Awards
- Michigan State University International Scholarships, and more.
Study in USA - Job Prospects for Indian Students After Higher Education
After higher education, there are various career opportunities and job prospects for international students in the US. Thetop career opportunities are,
- Career Opportunities after MBBS in the US- General Internists, Anesthesiologists, Surgeons, and more
- Career Opportunities after Engineering- Aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and more
- Career Opportunities after MBA- Senior Accountant, Marketing Manager, Business Development Director, Managing Director, Accounting Manager, and more.
- Career Opportunities after Diploma Courses- Engineering Trainee, IT Assistant, Graphic Designer, Creative Director, UX Designer, High School Teacher, Clinical Manager, Business Analyst IT, and more.
- Career Opportunities in the Health Care Domain- Psychiatrist, anesthesiologist, obstetrics & gynecology physician (OB-GYN), Orthodontist, and more.
- Career Opportunities in the Legal domain- Corporate lawyer, Patient attorney, Intellectual property paralegal, Chief legal officer, and more.
- Career Opportunities in Information Technology Domain-Network architect, IT Manager, Site reliability engineer, Software engineer, and more.
- Career Opportunities in the Managing Companies and Enterprises Domain- Marketing managers, chief executives, financial managers, and more.
- Career Opportunities in the Finance Domain- Insurance advisor, Compliance officer, Investment banker, Budget analyst, and more.
- Other job prospects include Criminology, Economics, Agriculture, Psychology, Human Resources, Political Science, and Earth Sciences. Read US job market trends here.
Study in USA - Platforms for Indian Students to Find Job Opportunities
Various platforms can help Indian students find the job they desire in the USA after completing their degree. Some of the winsing which Indian students can find employment in the US are,
- Job fairs and career events which inform the students regarding job openings, pay scale, and academic requirements.
- University career services assist Indian students to get a job by helping them prepare their CVs for interview preparation with 100% placement assistance.
- Recruitment agencies and websites also play a significant role in helping Indian students find a job in the US.
- Social media platforms also aid students in finding and applying for jobs by keeping them updated with the latest industry developments and requirements.
- Newspapers are one of the most convenient sources for students to start a job search in the US.