Studying in the USA can be a dream come true for many Indian students.
However, it is important to be aware of the challenges that come with studying abroad, such as the complex application process, high tuition fees, and the cultural adjustment.
Fortunately, there are several resources to help Indian students study in the USA and overcome these challenges. Resources include university-based support services, online communities of Indian students studying in the USA, and BNPS International.
In this article, we will discuss the cost of studying in the USA for Indian students, intakes, popular courses in the USA, top universities to study in the USA for Indian students, requirements, eligibility, and more.
By taking advantage of these resources you can increase your chances of studying in the USA and achieve your academic and career goals.
Why study in the USA?
The USA has always been a global leader in higher education, and there are many reasons why Indian students choose to study in the USA. Here are a few of the most popular reasons:
- High-Quality Education: The USA is also a hub of the best universities in the world. Around 216 universities from the United States have ranked in QS World Rankings 2024 and the average ranking of the top 10 US Universities is 6.8.
- Wide Range of Programs: The USA also offers a wide range of programs ranging from undergraduate degrees to PhDs. This means that you can choose a program that is a good fit for your academic and career goals.
- Opportunities For Research: The United States is a leader in the field of research and development. Many US universities have world-class research facilities and opportunities for students to get involved in research projects.
- Diverse Culture: Like other countries, the USA is a very diverse country with people from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the student population in US universities. Indian students will have the opportunity to learn and interact with many other students from different backgrounds.
- Job Opportunities: As the USA has a strong economy there is always a high demand for skilled workers. Indian students who graduate from US universities will be placed in high-paying jobs.
In addition to this, many Indian students also choose to study in the USA because of the American culture.
Why not study in the USA for Indian students?
Besides the reasons to study in the USA for Indian students, here are some reasons why Indian students might choose not to study in the USA:
- Cost: The tuition fee and living expenses can be very high for international students in comparison to other countries.
- Visa Process: The visa process for studying in the USA for Indian students can be very complex and time-consuming.
- Cultural Adjustment: It can be difficult for some Indian students to adapt and adjust to American culture.
- Safety: The USA has a higher crime rate than any other country, which can be a concern for you.
- Discrimination: There have been reports of discrimination against Indian students in the USA.
In addition to these reasons, many Indian students are having successful experiences studying in the USA. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to study in the USA is a personal one.
Intakes for studying in the USA for Indian students
There are three intakes to study in the USA for Indian students, here are they:
- The major intake to study in the USA is fall intake (August to September), which is also known as major intake, where most of the universities are accepting applications including Ivy League Universities.
- The next intake comes in January every year which is also known as Spring Intake. In this intake, only a few options are available for the students, and Ivy League Universities are not accepting applications in this intake.
- The last intake comes in the summer from May to June, when a few of the universities take applications and the other smallest universities too.
Popular courses to study in the USA for Indian students 
As we have stated earlier, the USA has a wide range of programs and the best courses you can choose to study. The curriculum of every course is designed in such a way that it suits your taste.
Here are some of the most popular courses to study in the USA for Indian Students:
- Computer Science: It is another popular choice among Indian students due to the high demand for software engineers these days. These programs teach students skills required to develop mobile and web applications, and other digital products.
- Engineering: It is a popular choice for Indian students as it offers a strong foundation in technical skills that are high in demand in the global market from the jobs perspective. Engineering disciplines include computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and more.
- Business Administration: It is a broader field with a variety of topics, like accounting, finance, marketing, and management. It prepares students for careers in a variety of industries like banking and finance.
- Mathematics & Statistics: These are one of the essential skills for many fields like data science. These programs develop analytical and problem-solving skills in the students.
- Healthcare: The United States has a world-class healthcare system, and the demand for healthcare professionals is increasing in the country.
There are other popular courses as well like liberal arts, data science, and business analytics.
Duration Of Courses In The USA
The duration is different for different courses in the USA, if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the United States after the 12th then you have to devote 3 to 4 years depending on the university and the program.
If you want to pursue a Master’s degree in the USA after completing your bachelor’s then you have to devote 1 to 2 years depending on the university and the program you have chosen.
Top universities to study in the USA for Indian students
The USA is a hub of top universities that offer a diverse range of courses, and world-class education and are ranked in the QS World Rankings 2024.
The table below will help you to get an idea of the top universities with their QS World 2024 rankings.
Ivy League Universities: This is a group of top 8 universities in the USA, which can bring great opportunities for the students and these are expensive for Indian students as well.
To be accepted to an Ivy League university, students typically need to have very high academic grades, standardised test scores, and extracurricular activities.
Other universities to study in the USA for Indian students
Many Indian students missed the chance to study at top universities in the USA.
Don’t worry, there are many other great universities to study in the USA that are well-reputed, provide employment opportunities, and more to students.
Here is the list of those universities:
- Arizona State University
- George Mason University
- Suffolk University Boston
- Umass Boston
- the University Of North Texas
- the University Of Sunnyalbeny
- the University Of Illinois, Chicago
- the University Of California
The list does not end here, there are more universities to study in the USA other than top universities.
“To learn more about them, connect with our experts today”
Cost of studying in the USA for Indian students
The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students can vary depending on a number of factors, including the university you have chosen, the program you have selected, and the city you live in.
However, on average, Indian students can expect to pay the annual cost of attendance around $20,000 to $50,000 for tuition and fees per annum. In addition, you will need to budget for living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.
Here are the tuition fees and living expenses to study in the USA for Indian students:
- The average tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s can be around $18,000 to $25,000 (Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs) for 1 year.
- The average living expense that an Indian student needs to incur is around $12,000 (Rs 10 Lakhs) annually.
Requirements to study in the USA for Indian students
To study in the USA for Indian students, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- It is mandatory to have 3 letters of recommendation.
- Your academic mark sheet for both the 10th and 12th classes and you have scored a minimum of 55% and above in aggregate ( for the undergraduate course)
- For postgraduate courses, along with the mark sheets of both the 10th and 12th classes, you should have a mark sheet of your bachelor’s and you have scored a minimum of 56% and above in aggregate.
- The scores of any of these English Proficiency Tests you have taken:
- An Ideal Score
- IELTS (minimum band 6.5 no band less than 6)
- TOEFL (minimum score of 78)
- PTE ( minimum score of 58)
- DET (minimum score of 115)
Note: “These above requirements may vary according to the courses and universities”
Optional requirements for bachelor’s
These are the optional requirements that may or may not be asked by the universities at the time of application for undergraduate courses:
- School Aptitude Test (SAT), in this test your minimum score should be 1150+.
- American College Testing (ACT), in this test your minimum score should be 25+.
Optional requirements for master’s
These are the optional requirements which may or may not be asked by the universities at the time of application for postgraduate courses:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE), there should be a minimum score of 310.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), there should be a minimum score of 550.
Note: “These above requirements may vary according to the courses and universities”
Post-study work opportunities for Indian students in the USA
American culture emphasizes hard work and self-sufficiency because of this students are encouraged to work part-time as well as full-time while studying.
There are certain conditions which are to be met before you start working in the USA:
- You should hold an F-1 Visa to do a job in the USA. This visa allows employers to employ international students.
- F-1 Visa holders can work up to 20 hours every week while on campus.
- During breaks and holidays, you can work up to 40 hours every week.
- Holders of F-1 Visa can also opt for the Optical Training Program (OPT), which is a program that allows international students to work in the USA for up to 12 months for non-STEM courses and an additional 24 months for STEM courses after their graduation.
To be eligible, you have to make sure that you have completed at least one year of full-time study in the US and you should have a job offer from a US employer.
- You can also opt for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a program that allows you to work in the US as a part of your academic program.
To be eligible for this program, you must have a job offer from a US employer and the job must be related to your field of study.
Tips to study in the USA for Indian students
Here are some tips that you can follow if you are planning to go to USA to pursue your education:
- The application process for US universities can be very complex and time-consuming, so it is important to start planning early. Give at least one year to yourself to prepare everything properly.
- Involve yourself in some extracurricular activities as US universities value them a lot, it is a great way to make your application more competitive.
- Studying in the USA will be a new experience for you, so it is important for you to be open-minded and adaptable. In the meantime, you can start learning and reading about American culture.
- Still, if you need any help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. BNPS International is your “Global Guardian for Overseas Education”. Connect with our team of experts to learn more about studying in the USA!
Takeaway
Studying in the USA can be a dream come true for many of you. We hope that we have covered all the details that can help you to study in the USA and this blog served as a guide to answer all of your questions.
Thanks For Reading!
