StudyAbroad

Study in USA:

Top Universities, Courses, Fees & Student Guide

Discover world-class education, campus life, and global career opportunities. Everything you need for your USA study abroad journey universities, scholarships, visa tips, and expert advice.

Intakes for Study

in the USA

To get admission in the USA, there are three primary intakes for overseas students: intakes in January, May, and August. Universities in the United States have three-semester admission cycles: spring, autumn, and summer. The intake period depends on the university and program you choose. Students must start planning...

Education Types in the USA

Explore the different levels of higher education in the United States and find the pathway that’s right for your academic and career goals.

Eligibility & Registration

Get a step-by-step overview of how to apply to US universities and what makes you eligible for study in the USA.

US University Admission Process

Eligibility Criteria

Research & Shortlist:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Prepare & Take Required Tests:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Gather Application Documents:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Apply Online:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Obtain I-20 & Apply for Visa:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Completed 12th grade (for undergraduate programs) or a recognized bachelor’s degree (for master’s).

TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test scores (minimum required varies by university/level).

SAT/ACT (Bachelor’s), GRE/GMAT (Master’s), as required by your target course.

Varies by university/program; generally 60–70% and above for top schools.

Sufficient funds to support tuition and living costs (required for visa and sometimes at the application stage).

Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation, resume/CV, and co-curriculars (where asked).

Registration Steps

Research & Shortlist:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Prepare & Take Required Tests:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Gather Application Documents:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Apply Online:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Obtain I-20 & Apply for Visa:

Identify preferred universities and courses; check deadlines, requirements, and intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Eligibility Criteria

Completed 12th grade (for undergraduate programs) or a recognized bachelor’s degree (for master’s).

TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test scores (minimum required varies by university/level).

SAT/ACT (Bachelor’s), GRE/GMAT (Master’s), as required by your target course.

Varies by university/program; generally 60–70% and above for top schools.

Sufficient funds to support tuition and living costs (required for visa and sometimes at the application stage).

Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation, resume/CV, and co-curriculars (where asked).

Documents Required for

Studying in the USA

Preparing your study abroad journey starts with the right paperwork. Here’s a complete checklist of essential documents you’ll need for both university admission and your USA student visa application so you can ensure a smooth application process from start to finish. Keep original copies and extra sets handy for both steps!

Document For University For Visa
Academic transcripts/certificates
Yes
Yes
Test scores (SAT/GRE/TOEFL)
Yes
No
Statement of Purpose/Essays
No
Yes
Letters of Recommendation
No
No
Passport (copy/original)
Yes (Sometimes)
No
Admission Offer Letter
No
Yes
I-20 form
Yes
No

Top Courses in the USA

The US is renowned for its academic excellence across thousands of programs. Here are the top fields chosen by students, known for great job prospects and world-class teaching.

Cost of Studying in USA

It is a dream location for anyone looking to study abroad. It should also be noted that the United States is not a cheap nation. Your costs will be greater if your institution is in a posh city like New York. To be well-prepared, you need to think carefully about the kinds of costs you might have in the United States.
USA's Average Cost of Living:
If you want to study in the USA, you should know that There is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" strategy for everyone. On average, you should budget between USD 1000 and USD 3000 for your costs. It also depends on where you stay.

Type of Expense Avg. Yearly Cost (USD)
Tuition Fees
30000.00
Living and Accommodation
25000.00
Airfare
688.00
Visa Fees + Sevis
535.00
Total
56223

USA Student Visa Guide

Get expert help understanding and applying for the right student visa. Whether you’re planning for undergraduate, postgraduate, language, or short-term study.

Scholarships For Studying in USA

Scholarships are available from the US government, institutions, and private organizations to help overseas students pay for their studies. Here is a list of the most popular scholarships for studying in the United States:

Careers in USA

Part-time Work Opportunities

Students are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. With an F-1 visa, you can work on campus, but you can't work off campus until after the first year of school. During breaks, you may work up to 40 hours per week.

Full-Time Work Opportunities

Some students with a bachelor's or master's degree can apply for an extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) and stay in the United States for another year. The STEM OPT extension provides students studying STEM courses with an extra 17 months (for a total of 29 months). With a J-1 or M-1 visa, students have 30 days to apply for a work visa.

Common Graduate Job Outcomes

FAQs & Guides

Every question is important! Find clear answers to the most common student and parent queries, plus helpful guides to make your USA STUDY simple.

1. Why do international students choose to study in the USA?

Because the U.S. boasts world-class academic institutions, diverse programs, strong career prospects, and a rich multicultural experience, making it the most popular study destination globally.

2. When are the key intake periods for U.S. universities?

U.S. institutions generally have three main intake cycles: Spring (January), Summer (May), and Fall (August/September). The Fall intake is the most popular, followed by Spring, while Summer usually offers shorter or specialized programs.

3. What levels of degrees can international students pursue in the USA?

Options include:

  • 2-year Associate Degrees

  • 4-year Bachelor’s Degrees (with majors, minors, and electives)

  • 1–2 year Professional Master’s and 2-year Academic Master’s degrees

  • MBAs (often 1–2 years, with accelerated 1-year variants)

  • Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs, typically spanning 5–8 years

4. What criteria determine my eligibility for U.S. universities?

Common requirements include:

  • Academic transcripts

  • Proof of English proficiency

  • Standardized test scores (when required)

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • Statement of Purpose or essays

  • Proof of sufficient financial resources

5. What documents are typically needed for U.S. student visa applications?

Key documents include:

  • Passport

  • Proof of English proficiency

  • Health certificates (if required)

  • I-20 form from the institution

  • Resume or CV

  • Proof of financial funding

  • Academic transcripts

  • Statement of Purpose

6. What are the estimated annual costs for studying in the USA?

On average, international students should budget around USD 30,000 for tuition and an additional USD 25,000 for living expenses. Including airfare and visa-related fees, the total can exceed USD 56,000 annually.

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