Here are the reasons why the United States is the top choice for international students

With abundant footfall, good quality education, renowned universities and amazing job prospects, the US tops the charts! Know why studying in the US is a life-changing experience.

Why study in the US?

Know why the USA is the place to be for higher education:

  1. Globally Ranked Universities: The US is home to some renowned universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 16 of the top 50 universities in the world are in the US.

  2. Variety of popular courses: US universities have a plethora of courses you can choose from.

  3. Job prospects: The US is not just popular for its Silicon Valley but is also home to a maximum number of Fortune 500 companies.

  4. Research opportunities: US universities have world-class research opportunities and renowned faculties.

  5. Scholarships and financial aid: The US offers the maximum number of scholarships and assistantships.

Programs and their duration in the US

Here are the programs that the US universities offer:

Qualification

Duration

PSWR*

Average Fee (USD)

Associate degree

2 years

Up to 3 years

$10,000-$20,000

Bachelor’s degree

4 years

Up to 3 years

$15,000-$60,000

Master’s degree/MBA

1-2 years

Up to 3 years

$15,000-$70,000

Doctorate or PhD

4-7 years

Up to 3 years

University-specific


*Note: If you are a STEM graduate, you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT

IELTS score/Standardised test for US universities

IELTS score is accepted widely in US institutions. You might also require taking standardised tests such as:

  • Act/SAT

  • GMAT/GRE

Types of part-time and full-time work in the US for international students

The US offers a variety of part-time and full-time work opportunities to international students. Here are the few options you can opt for:

  • Curricular Practical Training/Internships

  • Assistantships

  • Teaching assistantship

  • Research assistantship

  • Resident assistantship

  • Optional practical training

Academic Intake to study in the US

US universities usually have 3 intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in the US are:

Intakes

Deadline

Fall- Aug/Sep

November-March

Summer- May/June

August-February

Spring- Jan/Feb

July-November

Deadline for US universities

You need to start preparing for your US application 8-9 months in advance before the commencement of your program.

Cost of studying in the US

The average cost of studying in the US ranges from $10,000-$75,000 per year while the cost of living ranges from $8,000-20,000 per year.

Popular programs to study in the US

It is best to do your research before you apply to any of the universities and shortlist the ones you find the most suitable as per your dreams and aspirations. Here are the popular courses in the US:

  • Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Physical Health

  • Psychology

  • Business Management

  • Life Science

  • Finance

  • Economics

Top universities for studying in the US

According to the QS World Universities Rankings 2024, 27 US universities are ranked in the top 100 worldwide. Here are the top US universities for higher education:

S.No.

Institution

QS Ranking 2024 (Globally)

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

2

Stanford University

5

3

Harvard University

4

4

California Institute of Technology (CalTech)

15

5

University of Chicago

11

6

Princeton University

17

7

University of Pennsylvania

12

8

Cornell University

13

9

Yale University

16

10

Columbia University

23

Student visa checklist for the US

Be prepared for the following documents before you apply for a Student Visa to study in the US:

  • Passport

  • 1 20 and offer letter

  • Visa appointment letter

  • DS-160 confirmation

  • SEVIS-Fee receipt and Visa fee receipt

  • Finances and scholarship

  • 6-month bank statement

  • Academic transcripts

  • Work experience certificates

  • Standardised Test scores

  • Internships and other relevant certificates

Top universities in the United States

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