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STUDY DESTINATION
United States of America
Work 3 Years After Graduation — The World's #1 Study Destination
The USA is home to the world's best universities, the most advanced research facilities and the highest graduate salaries. With 3-year STEM OPT work rights, Indian students can build a real career in Silicon Valley, New York or Boston after graduation.
AVG ANNUAL FEE
$20,000 – $45,000
AVG GRADUATE INCOME
$70,000 – $98,000 per year
POST STUDY VISA
OPT 1 year + STEM OPT up to 3 years
COST OF LIVING
$12,000 – $20,000 per year
Why Study in the USA?
The USA offers unmatched academic quality with 10 of the top 20 universities in the world. Indian students thrive here because the education system rewards hard work, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. You can switch majors, take electives across departments and build a truly customised degree. The Indian student community in the USA is over 300,000 strong — the largest international student group — meaning you will never feel alone. Post-study, the OPT and STEM OPT programs give you 1 to 3 years to work legally and build your career before needing any employer sponsorship.
WHY NOT OTHER COUNTRIES?
Unlike Germany or France, all education in the USA is in English — no language barrier. Unlike Canada, the USA has higher salaries and more global brand recognition. Unlike the UK, the STEM OPT gives you 3 years not 2. Unlike Australia, the USA has more universities in the global top 100 and a larger job market. If your goal is a high-paying global career at companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft or Goldman Sachs — the USA is the only real answer.
TOP COURSES
MS Computer Science · MS Data Science · MS Electrical Engineering · MBA · MS Mechanical Engineering · MS Civil Engineering · MS Finance · MS Business Analytics · MS Information Systems · Public Health
COST OF EDUCATION
Public universities charge $8,000 to $35,000 per year for international students. Private universities charge $25,000 to $55,000 per year. Community colleges are the most affordable at $5,000 to $15,000 per year and allow transfer to 4-year universities. Engineering and business programs are typically on the higher end. Many universities offer teaching and research assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend for graduate students.
INTAKES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
The Fall intake starting in August is the most popular and has the widest range of programs available. The Spring intake in January is suitable if you miss the Fall deadline. Merit scholarships at US universities range from 10% to 50% tuition reduction based on GPA and test scores. Teaching assistantships (TA) and research assistantships (RA) at graduate level can cover full tuition plus a monthly stipend of $1,000 to $2,500. External scholarships include Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship and Hubert Humphrey Fellowship.
EXAM REQUIREMENTS
IELTS: 6.0 to 7.0 overall · TOEFL iBT: 80 to 100 · Duolingo: 105 to 120 · GRE: Required by most MS programs (300+ preferred) · GMAT: Required for MBA programs (600+ preferred) · Many universities are now test-optional for GRE and GMAT — USWS will guide you on which universities accept without GRE.
VISA PROCESS
Step 1 — Receive your university admission letter and Form I-20.
Step 2 — Pay the SEVIS fee of $350.
Step 3 — Fill the DS-160 visa application form online.
Step 4 — Schedule your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in India.
Step 5 — Attend the interview with your documents — passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS receipt, financial documents and university acceptance letter.
USWS provides full mock interview preparation and document checklist support.
PR PATHWAY
H-1B visa — employer sponsored
WORK WHILE STUDYING
Up to 20 hours per week on campus from day one. Off-campus work allowed after 1 year on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
English only
IELTS 6.0 to 7.0
LIFE IN THE COUNTRY
Life in the USA as an Indian student is exciting, diverse and full of opportunity. Campus life is vibrant with clubs, sports, cultural events and networking opportunities. Indian student associations exist at almost every university. The food scene is diverse with Indian restaurants and grocery stores in most college towns. On-campus work up to 20 hours per week is allowed from day one. The weather varies dramatically by location — from sunny California to snowy New York.