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2026–27 Country Guide

Study in the USA from India

The USA has the world's largest choice of universities, flexible programs and strong research and STEM career opportunities.

Tuition

$25,000 – $70,000 per year

Living costs

Around $12,000 – $20,000 per year

Intakes

Fall (August) and Spring (January)

Work rights

On-campus work during studies; OPT after graduation (extended for STEM)

Figures are approximate and vary by course and university. Ask us for exact costs.

Where to apply

Top universities in the USA

  • 01MIT
  • 02Harvard University
  • 03Stanford University
  • 04Carnegie Mellon University
  • 05University of California, Berkeley
  • 06Arizona State University

Visa process

US F-1 Student Visa: step by step

  1. 1Get admission and your I-20 from the university
  2. 2Pay the SEVIS fee
  3. 3Fill the DS-160 form and book your appointment
  4. 4Prepare for and attend the visa interview
  5. 5Receive your visa and travel

Funding

Scholarships for Indian students

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

Prestigious funding for Indian students for master's study

University assistantships

Teaching and research assistantships with fee waivers

Merit scholarships

Many universities offer awards based on your profile

How Mission Career helps

  • Free profile evaluation and university shortlisting
  • Application and SOP support
  • Visa documentation and mock interviews
  • Scholarship and education loan guidance
  • Pre-departure and accommodation help

More from us

Explore Mission Career

FAQs

Common questions

Is GRE or SAT required for the USA?

It depends on the university and program. Many are test-optional; strong scores can still help with scholarships.

How do I prepare for the F-1 interview?

We run mock visa interviews so you can answer confidently about your course, funding and plans.

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Gautam Umashankar, International Admission ExpertTalk to Gautam Sir