Job Opportunities as a Student

Studying and living in the USA can be expensive, leading many Indian students to seek part-time employment. Students with an F1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and 40 hours per week during breaks. Job opportunities are available both on-campus and off-campus.

Job Opportunities After Graduation or Post-Study Work Permit

Indian students who wish to remain in the USA for career opportunities can apply for a work visa after completing their studies. The F1, M1, and J1 visas allow international students to stay in the USA for a specific period after graduation. F1 visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits them to work in the country for 12 months, with an extension of 24 months for STEM students. The H1B visa allows candidates to work in the USA for up to six years, provided they secure a suitable position with a company.

Cost of Studying in the USA for Indian Students

The high quality of education in the USA comes with a significant cost. Universities in the USA are categorized into public and private institutions, with private universities typically being more expensive than public ones.

Public universities in the USA structure their courses differently for:

Note: Prices and exchange rates are subject to change. The costs mentioned exclude specialty programs like dentistry, law, medicine, and MBA courses.

Accommodation Costs

The average cost of renting an apartment ranges from $500 (approximately INR 36,000) to $3,500 (approximately INR 2,57,000). Living costs are lower in the Midwest and higher in the East and Northeast regions. On-campus dormitories are the most common housing option, with costs ranging between $5,304 (approximately INR 3,90,000) and $8,161 (approximately INR 5,99,000).

Scholarships for Indian Students

Indian students can apply for scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees. Scholarships are offered by the U.S. government, as well as private and public institutions, and can be either partially or fully funded. Scholarships are usually awarded based on academic excellence, though some also consider extracurricular activities and volunteer work.

Scholarships for Indian students include:

The amount of scholarship awarded depends on the university and the course of study. Some research programs offer up to 100% scholarships.

Visa Application

Students must be accepted into a program or university before applying for a student visa.

F1 Visas are issued for students attending:

F1 visa holders can attend grades 9-12 for up to 12 months.

M1 Visas are issued for students pursuing:

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

Once enrolled in a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school, students can apply for SEVIS. A SEVIS I-901 fee must be paid, and the approved SEVIS school will issue an I-20 form. This form is required when applying for an M or F visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Additional Information: Many universities offer dual degree programs, allowing students to earn two degrees in a shorter time. For instance, a double master’s degree program enables students to obtain two advanced degrees simultaneously.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses vary, but the following are generally required:

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to study in the USA?

  
  Tuition at public and state universities ranges from $8,000 to $35,000 per year, while private university tuition ranges from $25,000 to $55,000, depending on the program and duration.



• Is studying in the USA expensive?

  
  Yes, the cost of higher education in the USA is higher than in many other countries. However, the USA remains a top choice for international students seeking quality education abroad.



• What are the acceptance rates for the top 10 U.S. universities?

  
  Here are the acceptance rates for the class of 2023 at top U.S. universities:
  
  • Stanford University: 3.75%
  • Harvard University: 4.7%
  • Columbia University: 5.4%
  • Princeton University: 5.5%
  • Caltech: 6.4%
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 6.7%
  • University of Chicago: 7.3%