Studying in the United States can change your life since it provides a vibrant and diverse learning environment. You may choose to study in the United States due to:
Requirement | Description |
---|---|
Eligible Institution | Enrolment in a U.S. government-approved educational institution, such as a university or college. |
Form I-20 | Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status (Form I-20) from the institution. |
SEVIS Fee | Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before applying for a visa. |
Visa Application Form (DS-160) | Complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application form (DS-160) and obtain the confirmation page. |
Visa Application Fee | Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. |
Passport | Possess a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay. |
Visa Interview | Schedule and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. |
Financial Evidence | Provide proof of financial ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation. |
English Proficiency | Demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS. |
Academic Transcripts | Submit academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from previous institutions attended. |
Intent to Return | Demonstrate ties to the home country and the intention to return upon completion of the program. |
Health Insurance | Show proof of health insurance coverage while in the U.S. |
Photographs | Provide passport-sized photographs as per U.S. visa requirements |
Step | Description |
---|---|
Acceptance from a U.S. Institution | Receive acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)-approved U.S. educational institution. |
Obtain Form I-20 | The institution issues the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status (Form I-20). |
Pay SEVIS Fee | Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online and obtain the payment confirmation receipt. |
Complete DS-160 | Fill out the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application form (DS-160) and obtain the confirmation page. |
Pay Visa Fee | Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which varies based on the type of visa and country of residence. |
Schedule Interview | Schedule a visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. |
Attend Visa Interview | Attend the visa interview, bringing all required documents, including Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation, and visa fee receipt. |
Visa Processing | The consular officer reviews the application and makes a decision. If approved, they will issue the visa. |
Pay SEVIS and Visa Fees | Pay the SEVIS fee and the visa application fee before traveling to the U.S. |
Travel to the U.S. | Arrive in the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date mentioned on Form I-20. |
Attend Orientation | Attend the institution's orientation and fulfil any additional requirements upon arrival. |
Maintain Status | Comply with U.S. immigration regulations, including maintaining full-time enrolment and reporting any changes in address or program. |
Unlike Indian universities, which typically have a single annual intake system, American colleges and universities often offer three intakes, or semesters. These intakes met the students' diverse needs and preferences.
The two main types of higher education institutions in the US are private universities and public/state universities. The overall cost of education is significantly impacted by the distinctions among different universities.
Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Award Amount | Application Process |
---|---|---|---|
Fulbright Scholarship> | Graduate students and scholars; various programs available. | Full funding for the duration of study. | Apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. |
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship | Mid-career professionals; various fields of study. | Full funding for a year of non-degree graduate-level study. | Apply through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission. |
Merit-Based Scholarships> | Undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional academic achievements. | Varies by institution | Automatically considered during the admission process. |
Need-Based Scholarships | Undergraduate and graduate students demonstrating financial need. | Varies by institution | Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
Private Organization Scholarships | Various criteria set by private organizations or foundations. | Varies by organization | Apply directly through the respective organization's website. |
STEM Scholarships | Students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. | Varies by institution | Apply through the institution or specific STEM scholarship programs. |
International Peace Scholarship (IPS) | Female international students pursuing graduate study in the U.S. | $12,500 per year | Apply through the International Peace Scholarship program. |
Rotary Foundation Global Grants | Graduate students pursuing one to four years of study abroad. | Up to $30,000 per year | Apply through local Rotary Clubs and Rotary Foundation. |
Field of Study | Description |
---|---|
Computer Science | Focuses on software development, algorithms, and computing. |
Business Administration | Covers business principles, management, and leadership. |
Engineering (Various Disciplines) | Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc. |
Biomedical Sciences | Integrates biology and medicine, with a focus on health research. |
Nursing | Prepares students for careers in healthcare and patient care. |
Economics | Studies economic theories, policies, and financial systems. |
Psychology | Examines behavior, mental processes, and human development. |
Environmental Science | Addresses environmental issues and sustainability. |
Aerospace Engineering | Focuses on the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft. |
Data Science and Analytics | Analyzes and interprets complex data sets. |
University Name | Location | Notable Programs |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Engineering, Computer Science, Business |
Stanford University | Stanford, California | Computer Science, Business, Engineering |
Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Law, Business, Medicine |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Pasadena, California | Physical Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry |
University of Oxford | Oxford, England (with a strong presence in the USA) | Various disciplines |
University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois | Economics, Business, Social Sciences |
Princeton University | Princeton, New Jersey | Mathematics, Physics, Public Affairs |
Columbia University | New York City, New York | Journalism, Business, International Affairs |
University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, California | Computer Science, Engineering, Economics |
Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | Law, Medicine, History |
Field of Study | Potential Career |
---|---|
Computer Science | Software Developer, Data Scientist, IT Consultant. |
Business Administration | Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst. |
Engineering (Various Disciplines) | Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Civil Engineer. |
Biomedical Sciences | Biomedical Scientist, Medical Researcher, Lab Technician. |
Nursing | Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator. |
Economics | Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Analyst. |
Psychology | Psychologist, Counselor, Human Resources Specialist. |
Environmental Science | Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, Environmental Analyst. |
Aerospace Engineering | Aerospace Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Aircraft Designer. |
Data Science and Analytics | Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst. |
The location, way of life, and personal spending habits of an individual all have a major impact on the cost of living in the United States. Here are some broad explanations of the main factors influencing the cost of living in the US.
Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (USD) | Description |
---|---|---|
Accommodation | $500 - $1,500 | Rent for shared apartments or dormitories, varies by location. |
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) | $50 - $150 | Monthly costs for basic utilities. |
Groceries | $200 - $400 | Food expenses, including groceries and basic kitchen supplies. |
Transportation | $50 - $150 | Public transportation, occasional rideshare, or bicycle maintenance. |
Health Insurance | $50 - $200 | Cost varies based on coverage and university requirements. |
Books and Supplies | $50 - $100 | Textbooks, stationery, and other academic materials. |
Internet and Phone | $50 - $100 | Monthly internet and phone plan expenses. |
Miscellaneous | $100 - $200 | Personal expenses, entertainment, and unforeseen costs. |