Study in USA for Indian Students 2025: Top Tips!
Indian students alone make up one-fifth of all the international students in the USA. After completing 12th grade, the USA is the top destination for Indian students. It’s because the USA has the largest number of reputable universities worldwide. Plus, living in the US is a dream come true for many students.
Going to study in USA for Indian students is a giant leap. But this can give your career the right boost it needs, and you can graduate from a university that is recognized worldwide. In this article, I will talk about different aspects of higher studies in USA for Indian students.
Why Should I Study In The USA?
There are a handful of reasons why you should study in the USA. Apart from being a developed country, there are many other benefits of studying in USA for Indian students.
Let’s explore some of the reasons:
A Plethora Of Top Universities
The USA has the highest number of QS top universities. Throughout the USA, there are more than 5,000 universities. Some of these universities are top-ranked and respected worldwide.
Very Flexible Education System
USA universities offer a very flexible education system. You can decide your courses and class time. You won’t have to decide on your master’s subject in the first year. You can decide that later on in your second year.
Worldwide Accepted Degree
US degrees are respected and accepted by all other countries in the world. If you have a degree from a US university, you can start your career in any country. A US degree will be handy if you want to study further in other countries.
Better Career Opportunities
If you study in the US, you will have better career opportunities inside and outside the US. A degree from a US university will help you land a good job. Besides, the USA has many job opportunities that are unavailable in many parts of the world.
Vibrant Culture
The USA has the most vibrant culture in the world. You will find people from every corner of the world here. So, this country is culturally vibrant. Living in the USA will be an excellent experience for you.
Part-Time Job Opportunity
You can work 20 hours a week part-time while studying in the USA. During semester breaks, you can even work for 40 hours per week. So, you can earn some bucks and support your living expenses.
Support For International Students
The USA offers different kinds of support for international students. These supports are provided through scholarships, language workshops, orientation programs, etc.
Must Read:
- What is the Secure English Language Test (SELT)?
- Why Study in the UK, Not in India?
- Vocational Courses in the UK for International Students

What Are The Top Universities In The USA?
US universities are recognized worldwide. That’s why hundreds of thousands of students come to this country each year for higher studies.
The table below shows the top universities in the USA according to QS World University Ranking 2024 :
University Name | QS World University Ranking 2024 | Minimum IELTS Requirement | Offered Programs | Tuition Fee |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 01 | 7.0 | UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma | 53,450 USD |
Stanford University | 05 | 7.0 | UG, PG, PhD | 56,170 USD |
Harvard University | 04 | 7.5 | UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma | 54,000 USD |
California Institute of Technology (CalTech) | 10 | SAT 1530 | UG, PG, Ph.D. | 56,860 USD |
University of Chicago | 11 | 7.0 | UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma | 60,550 USD |
University of Pennsylvania | 12 | 7.0 | UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma | 60,000 USD |
Princeton University | 17 | 7.0 | UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma | 48,500 USD |
Yale University | 16 | 7.0 | UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma | 57,700 USD |
Cornell University | 13 | 7.5 | UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma | 59,280 USD |
Columbia University | 23 | 7.5 | UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma | 61,670 USD |
What Are The Entry Requirements For Indian Students In The USA?
Indian students have to have some requirements for studying in the USA. Different US universities have different requirements. However, there are some standard eligibilities that all Indian students must possess.
Here are the requirements to study in USA for Indian students:
Undergrad Program
To study for a bachelor’s degree in the US, you must complete 12 years of education in India. Plus, you will need to submit all these certificates. UG programs in the USA also require a 5.5 IELTS band score as the English proficiency course. The TOEFL score will have to be between 70 to 89.
Postgraduate Program
To apply for a postgrad program, you will have to submit a bachelor’s degree certificate with a minimum of 65% to 70%. You must take the GRE test and achieve a minimum of 290 scores. IELTS or TOEFL score is also a must.
Ph.D. Program
You have to complete a master’s degree to apply for a Ph.D. program. Then it would help if you took aptitude tests like the GRE and GMAT.
Language Proficiency Requirement
You must prove your English language proficiency to study in the USA from India. Let’s see the language proficiency score required by the US universities:
- IELTS: minimum band score of 5.5
- TOEFL: minimum score of 70 to 89.

Which Are The Top Courses In The USA?
USA universities offer many courses in various fields. Let’s see the best courses to study in the USA:
Course Name | Best University | QS Ranking 2024 |
Business Management | Stanford Graduate School of Business | 03 |
Finance | University of Chicago | 10 |
Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 01 |
Mathematics and Computer Sciences | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 01 |
Humanities & Social Sciences | Harvard University | 05 |
Physical and Life Sciences | Harvard University | 05 |
Medicine | Harvard University | 05 |
Data Science | University of California – UC Berkeley | 27 |
What Are The Costs Of Studying In USA For Indian Students?
The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students is very high. The total cost includes tuition fees and living expenses. Let’s see the cost of studying in the USA for Indian students in rupees as well.
Here are the average tuition fees in US universities in different programs:
Programs | Average Tuition Fee in USD | Average Tuition Fee in INR |
Undergraduate | 20,000 to 40,000 | 16,00,000 to 31,00,000 |
Postgraduate | 20,000 to 45,000 | 16,00,000 to 35,00,000 |
MBA | 45,000 to 77,000 | 35,00,000 to 6,270,918 |
PhD | 28,000 to 55,000 | 22,00,000 to 43,00,000 |
MBBS | 24,000 to 66,000 | 18,00,000 to 50,00,000 |
Now, let’s look at the average living expenses for Indian students in the USA:
Expense | Amount |
Accommodation | USD 9800 to 11,000 |
Food | USD 400 to 600 |
Transportation | USD 45 to 100 |
Health Insurance | USD 700 to 1100 |
Miscellaneous | USD 300 to 1000 |
Scholarships For Indian Students In USA
The USA offers many scholarships for international students. Let’s check out what scholarships are available for Indian students:
Scholarship Name | Awarded To | Eligibility | Amount |
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Awarded to particular courses | 5 years or more work experience | Covers full tuition fee, monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare |
Fulbright Scholarship | Awarded to PG and PhD students | Excellent Academic record | Covers full tuition fee, monthly stipend; health insurance, airfare |
AEF Scholarship | Open for PG students | Based on merit | USD 20,000 |
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Covers full tuition fee, monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare | Merit-based scholarship | USD 7,000 |
Asian Women in Business Scholarship Fund | Open for Asian female students | Minimum CGPA of 3.0 | USD 2,500 |
Cornell University Tata Scholarship | Awarded to UG students from India | Merit and need-based scholarship | USD 7,800 |

How Can Indian Students Get A USA Student Visa?
Many Indian students dream of studying in the USA. While the process is rigorous, it is achievable with proper planning and preparation. Here’s a detailed guide on how Indian students can secure a USA student visa.
1. Choose Your Course and Institution
The first step is to decide on the course and the institution you wish to attend. Ensure the institution is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This certification is crucial as it allows the institution to provide you with the necessary documentation for the visa application.
2. Apply and Get Accepted
Once you’ve selected your preferred institutions, apply to them. Each institution has its admission requirements, typically including academic transcripts, standardized test scores (like TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or GRE), recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose. Upon acceptance, you’ll receive an I-20 form from the institution.
US Student Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
To apply for a USA student visa, Indian citizens must meet several requirements. Here are the key steps and documents needed:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the USA.
- Form I-20: Issued by the SEVP-certified institution you will attend.
- DS-160 Form: This is the online non-immigrant visa application form.
- Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt: Pay the visa application fee, which is non-refundable.
- SEVIS Fee Receipt: Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.
- Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph as per the USA visa specifications.
- Financial Evidence: Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs during your stay.
- Academic Documents: Transcripts, degrees, diplomas, or certificates from schools you have attended.
- Standardized Test Scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, GRE, or other required test scores.
- Proof of Ties to Home Country: Evidence demonstrates you intend to return to India after your studies.
3. Schedule and Attend Visa Interview
After gathering the necessary documents, schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. The wait time for interview appointments can vary, so applying as early as possible is advisable. During the interview, consular officers will ask about your study plans, institution, finances, and post-graduation plans. Be honest and confident in your responses.
4. Post-Visa Approval
If your visa is approved, you will be informed about how and when your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you. Upon receiving your visa, make travel and accommodation arrangements before your program’s start date.
5. Arrival in the USA
Upon arrival in the USA, you’ll need to present your passport, visa, and I-20 form to the immigration officer at the port of entry. The officer will determine your eligibility to enter the country and will stamp your passport, allowing you entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does studying in the USA cost for an Indian?
Studying in the USA can be quite expensive for Indian students. On average, tuition fees range from $20,000 to $60,000 (₹16.5 lakhs to ₹49.5 lakhs) per year, depending on the university and program. Additionally, living expenses can amount to $10,000 to $25,000 (₹8.3 lakhs to ₹20.7 lakhs) annually.
How much are the USA student visa fees in Indian Rupees?
The total cost for a USA student visa for Indian students includes two main fees: the visa application fee and the SEVIS fee. The visa application fee is $185 (approximately ₹15,143), and the SEVIS fee is $350 (approximately ₹28,700), bringing the total to approximately ₹43,843.
Is it worth studying in the USA for Indian students?
The USA is the top destination for international students. More than 30% of international students study in the USA. So, it will be a worthy destination for Indian students.
What is the US student visa processing time in India?
The processing time for a US student visa in India can vary significantly based on the volume of applications and the specific consulate. On average, it can take about 5-6 weeks. However, it might extend up to several months due to high demand.
Can Indians study in the USA for free?
Indian students can study for free in the USA if they can secure a full-funding scholarship. Many universities and colleges do not require tuition fees.
What is the age limit for a student visa in USA?
Generally, a student visa in the USA has no PRACTICAL age limit. However, students between the ages of 14 and 79 can apply for a US student visa as per the rule.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the USA offers Indian students unparalleled opportunities for academic growth, cultural exchange, and career advancement. With world-renowned institutions and diverse academic programs, the journey, although challenging, is immensely rewarding. For those aspiring to achieve their educational dreams, “Study in USA for Indian Students” involves thorough planning and preparation. Following the outlined steps and meeting all requirements, Indian students can successfully navigate this journey and embark on a transformative educational experience in the USA.