USA
"Unleash Your Potential with an American Education"
Study Abroad Opportunities in the USA
How to apply yourself?
Step 1 : Research universities and programs
- Research universities and programs that fit your academic and personal interests, and meet your eligibility requirements. You can start by using websites like CollegeBoard, Peterson's, and US News to gather information about different universities and programs.
- For example, if you are interested in pursuing a degree in engineering, you can search for universities with strong engineering programs like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) or California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Step 2 : Take required standardized tests
- Most universities in the US require standardized test scores as part of the admission process. Commonly accepted tests include the SAT, ACT, GRE, and TOEFL. Make sure to check with each university to see which tests they require.
- You can register for these tests on their respective websites: SAT, ACT, GRE, and TOEFL.
- For example, if you are applying to a university that requires the SAT, you would need to register for the test, pay the registration fee (approximately INR 6,000), and select the test date and location that works best for you.
Step 3 : Submit application and required documents
- Once you have researched universities and taken the required standardized tests, you can start the application process. Most universities have an online application portal where you can submit your application and required documents.
- Required documents typically include transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and proof of English proficiency. Make sure to check with each university to see what specific documents they require.
- For example, if you are applying to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), you would need to submit your application through the University of California Application portal and include your official transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and proof of English proficiency.
Step 4 : Apply for scholarships and financial aid
- Scholarships and financial aid can help make studying in the US more affordable. Many universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students, and there are also external scholarships available through organizations like Fulbright and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- You can search for scholarships and financial aid opportunities on websites like InternationalStudent.com, Scholarships.com, and Fastweb.com.
- For example, if you are applying to Columbia University and want to search for external scholarships, you can use the scholarship search tool on Columbia's website or search for scholarships through the Indian government's National Scholarship Portal.
Step 5 : Obtain student visa
- Once you have been accepted to a university and have received your I-20 form, you can apply for a student visa. The type of visa you will need is the F-1 visa.
- To apply for a student visa, you will need to complete the online application (DS-160), pay the application fee (approximately INR 13,500), and schedule an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country.
- You can find more information about the student visa process on the US Department of State website.
Step 6 : Finalize Accommodations and Make Travel Arrangements
Once the student has been accepted to a university and has obtained their visa, it's time to start making travel arrangements and finalize accommodations.
- The university may offer on-campus housing options or provide recommendations for off-campus housing. Students can also use websites like ApartmentGuide, Zillow, or Rent.com to find off-campus housing options.
- It's important to ensure that the student has enough money for living expenses, such as rent, food, and transportation. It's recommended that students have at least $10,000 to $15,000 (in INR, approximately 7 to 11 lakhs) per year for living expenses.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in the USA. Most universities offer their own health insurance plans, but students can also purchase insurance from private companies like ISO or HCC Medical Insurance Services.
- Students should also research and make travel arrangements for their journey to the USA. It's recommended to book flights at least two to three months in advance to get the best deals. Websites like Skyscanner or Kayak can help find affordable flight options.
- Students may also want to consider getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) which offers discounts on travel, accommodation, and other services around the world.
Step 7 : Prepare for living in the US
- Before you arrive in the US, there are several things you will need to prepare for. You will need to purchase health insurance that meets your university's requirements. Some universities offer health insurance plans for international students, while others require students to purchase their own.
- You will also need to budget for living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. It's a good idea to research the cost of living in the area where your university is located to get an idea of how much you will need to budget.
- Finally, you may want to consider finding a part-time job on campus to help cover some of your expenses. International students in the US are allowed to work part-time on campus (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires special permission and is limited. The university's international student office can provide information on work options and regulations. Good Luck.
Good Luck.
Top US Universities in which large number of Indian Study
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is known for its strong emphasis on science and engineering programs, and its faculty, students, and alumni have contributed to numerous groundbreaking technological advancements. MIT offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a wide range of fields, and it is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.
Stanford University
Located in California’s Silicon Valley, Stanford University is a private research university known for its strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of fields, and it is particularly well-known for its programs in engineering, computer science, and business. Stanford has produced numerous successful entrepreneurs and tech industry leaders.
Harvard University
Harvard is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, and it is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. Harvard offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a wide range of fields, including law, medicine, and business. The university is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and its distinguished faculty.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA is a public research university that offers over 125 majors and is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the US.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its strong emphasis on research and its rigorous academic programs. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of fields, including economics, law, and the humanities. The University of Chicago is also home to the Booth School of Business, one of the top business schools in the world.
University of Pennsylvania
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League university known for its strong programs in business, law, and medicine. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of fields, and it is home to the prestigious Wharton School of Business.
Princeton University
Princeton is a private Ivy League university located in Princeton, New Jersey. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and its rigorous academic standards. Princeton offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of fields, and it is particularly well-known for its programs in economics and political science.
Yale University
Yale is a private Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and its distinguished faculty. Yale offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of fields, including law, business, and the arts.
Cornell University
Cornell is a private Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York. It is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and the sciences. Cornell offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of fields, and it is also home to the prestigious Cornell Tech campus in New York City.
Columbia University
Columbia is a private Ivy League university located in New York City. It is known for its strong programs in journalism, law, and business. Columbia offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of fields, and it is also home to numerous research centers and institutes.
Johns Hopkins University
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University is a private research university known for its strong programs in medicine and public health. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of fields, and it is home to several renowned research centers, including the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and the sciences. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of fields, and it is also home to numerous research centers and institutes.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Located in Berkeley, California, UC Berkeley is a public research university that is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the US and is known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and business.
Northwestern University
Northwestern is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. It is known for its strong programs in journalism, law, and business. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of fields, and it is also home to the prestigious Medill School of Journalism and the Kellogg School of Management.
New York University (NYU)
Located in New York City, NYU is a private research university that offers over 230 undergraduate programs and is known for its global presence and strong programs in the arts and humanities.
Duke University
Duke is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its strong programs in medicine, law, and business. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of fields, and it is also home to the prestigious Fuqua School of Business.
List of Top US universities
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 1.
- Stanford University, Stanford, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 3.
- Harvard University, Cambridge, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 5.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 6.
- University of Chicago, Chicago, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 10.
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 13.
- Princeton University, Princeton, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 16.
- Yale University, New Haven, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 18.
- Cornell University, Ithaca, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 20.
- Columbia University, New York City, United States, QS 2023 Rank: 22.
Frequently Asked Questions
US universities offer a wide range of programs for international students at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. These include fields such as engineering, business, computer science, medicine, law, and many more.
Yes, there are many scholarships available for Indian students to study in the US, including those offered by universities, government agencies, and private organizations. Some examples include the Fulbright Scholarship, the Inlaks Scholarship, and the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University.
US universities are typically either public or private institutions. Public universities are owned and funded by state governments, while private universities are owned and funded by private organizations or individuals.
Admission requirements vary depending on the university and program, but generally, Indian students must have completed a recognized secondary school education and be proficient in English. Students may also be required to take standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE, and submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Each university website should provide a detailed breakdown of their admission requirements.
You can search for universities in the US on websites such as CollegeBoard, Peterson’s, and US News & World Report. You can also visit individual university websites to learn more about their programs and admission requirements
CollegeBoard : https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
Peterson’s : https://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx
US News & World Report : https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges
There are many scholarships available for Indian students to study in the US, such as the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, Tata Scholarship at Cornell University, and the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation scholarships. You can find more scholarship opportunities on websites such as Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Study in the USA.
Fulbright Scholarships : https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
American Association of University Women : https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
The academic calendar in the UAE varies depending on the institution and program. Typically, the academic year is divided into two semesters, with the fall semester starting in September and the spring semester starting in January. Some universities may also offer summer sessions.
Indeed : https://www.indeed.com/
Glassdoor : https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm
Internships.com : https://www.internships.com/
The process for obtaining a student visa involves obtaining an I-20 form from your chosen university, paying the SEVIS fee, completing the DS-160 form, scheduling an interview at the US embassy or consulate, and providing evidence of financial support and ties to your home country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html