Study in the USA

The United States of America, a confederation of 50 states, occupies the most number of international students in the world.

USA - Live your American Dream with Scholarships

Study in the United States, the land of opportunities. Experience a strong economy, vibrant campus life and the variety academic options it offers. Choose from some of the world’s top-ranking universities and earn a degree that is recognised all around the world.

The United States is one of the most popular destinations for students looking for higher studies abroad. This is no surprise because American institutions consistently feature in the list of top universities in the world.

Why study in the USA?

The universities in the USA

Take any university league tables or world university rankings, you will find universities from the US ruling the list. Some of the names that you have been hearing for years, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California are all located in the United States. United States has had the most number of Nobel Prize winners. Universities in the united states also get ranked first for specific subjects, such as the MIT for Engineering and Technology, Harvard for Life Science and Medicine, New York University for Philosophy and so on.

The beauty of the USA

The USA is made up of 50 states and is one of the largest countries in the world, in terms of landmass and size. It is the largest English-speaking country in the world. That gives us an advantage as most of us are used to the English medium of education. If experiencing different season can excite you, you will love the USA with its distinct summers, winters, fall (autumn) and spring. Remember that the country covers different time zones and the climate can vary widely – from the freezing cold of Alaska to the pleasant tropical climate of Hawaii.

The education system in the USA

There are three types of higher education institutions where Indian students can opt to study in the USA:

  1. Universities:Offer a range of graduate programmes, including doctoral programmes. Universities are usually larger than colleges in terms of size and opportunities. There are two types of universities in the USA – public and private. Public universities are funded by the US state government. State/public universities have a variety of courses on offer and are home to a large number of students from all over the world. These types of universities are usually located in both, large cities and small towns. The tuition fees at public universities are lesser when compared to private universities. Private universities are run by student tuition fees, research outcome, donations, and other funding sources. Since private universities are not state-funded, they have the flexibility to choose their funding scheme and decide whether to invest the funds towards research opportunities. Now it is up to you to decide whether you would like to enrol in a public university or a private university.
  2. Community colleges:Community colleges in the USA are small community-based two-year colleges that offer vocational and certificate programmes to students. These colleges work closely with some employers, and also offer different pathways programmes for students. Class sizes in community colleges are relatively small. International students can choose such colleges to opt for any bridge programmes or enhance specific skills before taking it to the next level.
  3. Liberal arts colleges:Liberal arts colleges in the USA emphasise on providing undergraduate degrees in liberal arts and sciences. These colleges could be either private or public institutions. Compared with a usual vocational or technical or professional degree, a liberal arts degree lasts for four years of full-time study.

Quick facts:

  • Ranked no 1 for overall quality of education

  • Numerous Study Choices

  • Internationally recognised

  • Flexible Education system

  • Merit based university assistance provided

  • Scholarships and fellowships awarded by departments

  • Tuition fee waivers

  • On campus jobs with minimal wages

  • Leader in latest technologies and advancement

  • Industry based training and research

  • Options to apply for graduate assistantship, Teaching assistantship and research assistantship

  • Vibrant Campus life

Life as a student in the USA

As a student in the USA, it is important that one is aware of one's rights and local laws. All leading institutions conduct a Student Orientation Programme, which helps the student acclimatise to life in the USA. Most US institutions offer some flexible programmes for all students, which help them find their interest before deciding on a major. Students who are interested to study in the USA, but who are unsure about their course choice in the first year of undergraduate programme can get adequate time to choose their major. Students can opt for a double major, i.e., a degree in two different subjects. Most US colleges are well equipped with advanced technology and facilities. They have plenty of clubs and societies where students can engage themselves, outside classrooms. Students get the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities and get better at it.

Course options in the USA

At the undergraduate level, some of the most popular courses include Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. At the postgraduate level, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Data Science and Engineering courses are some of the most popular ones preferred by Indian students applying to U.S. institutions. You will also be able to find other specialised postgraduate courses in streams like medicine, cosmetic surgery, para-psychology, diabetes and genetics. These are also quite popular.

Academic pattern and intakes

Some of the US institutes have three academic years/admission cycles for students. But mostly admissions happen during the fall and spring semesters. The curriculum comprises of short-term or mid-term assessments for students, with assignments to complete. The overall performance of students is based not on the final exams, but on how they perform in each assessment.

How to study in the USA

The first step would be to identify the right course and university you would like to apply to. Once you have made your choice, you will have to make sure you clear all the exams as required by your course and university and get your documents in order. Remember that you should also figure out ways to fund your studies.Once you get accepted by an SEVP-certified institution, you can apply for a visa to study in the USA. Direct visa interview will be conducted. Once you have your visa, you can start planning your journey to the U.S.

Cost of studying in the USA

The cost of studying in the USA will include the cost of living and the tuition fees apart from other expenses. Food and living expenses in the USA normally range between $9000 and $12000, barring the cost of transportation and other expenses. It will cost you a minimum of INR 15 lakhs per year for studying an undergraduate programme. Postgraduate courses will cost you around INR 25 lakhs. But cost varies according to institutions.

Scholarships for international students

Some of the popular scholarships that you can apply for are:

  • Fullbright foreign student programme
  • Aga Khan Foundation international scholarship programme
  • ETS TOEFL scholarships
  • British Council IELTS scholarship award for Indian students

Staying back after studies

Post-study work visa is one of the most important factors for students going to pursue higher studies in the USA. F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and j1 visa are three types of student visas that allow students to stay in the US for a limited time period after completing their studies. As an f1 student visa holder, international students can complete up to a year of temporary employment directly related to their major field of study. F1 visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their studies.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a one-year work and stay-back permit given to international students on completion of a degree program in the US. There are two types of OPT – one which can be used during one’s studies i.e. Pre Completion OPT, and another which starts after completing one’s studies i.e. Post-Completion OPT. The job you get after finishing your course must be directly related to your field of study. You have to find the job within 90 days after graduation. One can apply for OPT nine months after enrolling in their course. However, one can start working only after obtaining Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. EAD is issued to those who enrolled for at least a year. One can apply for EAD without the job offer and one can work under OPT employment anywhere in the USA.

Duration to stay back

You get to stay in the US for one year after completion of your course on an F1 visa.

Extension

For students studying STEM courses Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) a new rule allows a 24-month extension. This means you can continue to stay in the US for three years after finishing your course of study. STEM OPT extension allows graduates to stay and work for two more years in an approved STEM field/area.

How to get OPT permit

The first thing is to have the Designated School Official (DSO) at your university recommend your case for OPT. A DSO is someone who assists and manages the status of international students. To be put forward, you will need to complete a certification process at your university. This includes submitting OPT I-20 request form to International Services Office. You can download this form from your university’s website.

Benefits of studying in the USA

The benefits of studying in the USA is multi-fold. However, here are a few reasons to convince you that you have made the right decision to study in the USA.

  • World-class education
  • A wide variety of research-centric science and technology courses.
  • Job-oriented management courses.
  • Scholarships and fellowships offered by institutions and the American government.
  • An American degree that is highly valued by many employers around the world.
  • A vast country with a different landscapes that offers a lot for a tourist and a nature lover.

You can achieve it too!