Study in the USA

Your American dream starts here.

Start Your USA Journey View Top Universities

1.1M+

International Students

4,500+

Universities & Colleges

Annual Intakes

95%

IAEC Visa Success

Why Choose USA for Higher Education?

The United States stands as the world's premier destination for international education, offering unmatched academic excellence and career opportunities.

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World-Class Universities

Home to 15+ universities in global top 20 rankings including MIT, Stanford, and Harvard with cutting-edge research facilities.

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Multicultural Environment

Experience diverse cultures from 195+ countries, developing global perspectives and international networks.

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Work Opportunities

On-campus work during studies (20 hrs/week) + Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 3 years post-graduation.

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Innovation Hub

Access to Silicon Valley, NASA, and world's leading tech companies. Perfect launchpad for entrepreneurial dreams.

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Abundant Scholarships

Over $45 billion in financial aid available annually through merit, need-based, and university-specific scholarships.

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Diverse Geography

From California beaches to New York skyscrapers, experience diverse climates and landscapes across 50 states.

US Higher Education System

Understanding the American credit-based system and degree structures

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Associate Degree

2 Years

Foundation program offered by community colleges. Pathway to bachelor's degree.

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Bachelor's Degree

4 Years

120-130 credit hours. Comprehensive undergraduate education with major specialization.

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Master's Degree

1.5-3 Years

30-64 credit hours. Advanced specialization with research or coursework focus.

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Doctorate (PhD)

5-8 Years

Original research contribution. Highest level of academic achievement.

Types of US Institutions

Public Universities

• State-funded institutions
• Lower tuition fees for all students
• Large student populations
• Extensive research opportunities

Private Universities

• Privately funded institutions
• Smaller class sizes
• More personalized attention
• Higher tuition but more financial aid

Top US Universities for International Students

World-renowned institutions offering exceptional education and research opportunities

University	QS Ranking 2025	Annual Tuition	Location
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Engineering, Technology, Sciences	#1	$50,000 - $55,000	Cambridge, MA
Stanford University Business, Engineering, Medicine	#3	$25,000 - $55,000	Stanford, CA
Harvard University Medicine, Law, Business	#5	$25,000 - $51,000	Cambridge, MA
California Institute of Technology Science, Engineering	#6	$44,000 - $57,000	Pasadena, CA
University of Chicago Economics, Business, Medicine	#10	$55,000 - $59,000	Chicago, IL

US University Admission Requirements

Complete guide to application requirements for international students

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Bachelor's Degree Requirements

Academic Qualifications

12th grade completion with minimum GPA 2.5-3.6

English Proficiency

TOEFL iBT 61+ or IELTS 6.0+ or PTE 44+

Standardized Tests

SAT or ACT scores (varies by university)

Documents

Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation

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Master's Degree Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with minimum CGPA 2.5-3.6

English Proficiency

TOEFL iBT 78-100 or IELTS 6.5+ or PTE 58+

Standardized Tests

GRE (General/Subject) or GMAT for business programs

Experience

Work experience, Research experience (field-specific)

Cost of Studying in USA

Comprehensive breakdown of tuition fees and living expenses

Annual Tuition Fees

Public Universities (Bachelor's)$8,000 - $25,000

Private Universities (Bachelor's)$25,000 - $55,000

Public Universities (Master's)$10,000 - $35,000

Private Universities (Master's)$30,000 - $60,000

Annual Living Expenses

Accommodation$7,500 - $22,000

Food & Meals$8,500

Transportation$2,200

Books & Supplies$1,400

Personal Expenses$2,000

Estimated Total Annual Cost

Public Universities

$30,000 - $50,000

Private Universities

$50,000 - $80,000

F1 Student Visa Process

Step-by-step guide to obtaining your US student visa

University Admission

Get accepted by SEVP-approved institution and receive Form I-20

Pay SEVIS Fee

Pay $350 SEVIS I-901 fee at least 3 days before visa interview

DS-160 Application

Complete online DS-160 form and upload photograph

Book Interview

Schedule visa interview appointment at US Embassy/Consulate

Attend Interview

Appear for visa interview with required documents

Visa Approval

Receive passport with F1 visa and prepare for travel

Required Documents for F1 Visa

Mandatory Documents

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Form I-20 from university
• DS-160 confirmation page
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Visa application fee receipt
• Passport-sized photographs

Supporting Documents

• Academic transcripts
• Financial documents (bank statements)
• Scholarship letters (if applicable)
• English proficiency test scores
• Admission letter from university
• Statement of Purpose

Scholarships for International Students

Over $45 billion in financial aid available annually

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and airfare

For: Graduate programs

Coverage: Full funding

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship

For experienced professionals pursuing graduate study

For: Mid-career professionals

Coverage: Full tuition + stipend

AAUW International Fellowships

For women pursuing graduate and postgraduate degrees

For: Female students

Amount: $12,500 - $30,000

University-Specific Scholarships

Merit-based aid offered by individual universities

For: All degree levels

Amount: Varies by university

Private Foundation Grants

Funding from private organizations and foundations

For: Specific fields/regions

Amount: $5,000 - $25,000

Graduate Assistantships

Teaching/Research assistantships with tuition waiver

For: Graduate students

Benefits: Tuition waiver + stipend

Work Opportunities in USA

On-campus and off-campus employment options for international students

During Studies

On-Campus Employment

• Up to 20 hours per week during semester
• Full-time during academic breaks
• Library assistant, research assistant, tutor
• Average: $12-17 per hour

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

• Internships as part of curriculum
• Must be integral to degree program
• Part-time or full-time options
• Gain valuable industry experience

After Graduation

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• 12 months for all degree programs
• Additional 24 months for STEM fields
• Work in field related to studies
• Pathway to H1B visa sponsorship

H1B Work Visa

• 3+3 years (renewable once)
• Employer sponsorship required
• Pathway to Green Card (Permanent Residency)
• Specialty occupation requirement

Average Salary by Field (USD/Year)

Computer Science

$126,830

Engineering

$100,830

Management

$144,830

Data Science

$103,930

Chemical Engineering

$108,540

Business

$85,000+

USA Application Timeline

Plan your application process with our comprehensive timeline

Fall Intake (August/September)

Most popular intake with maximum opportunities

June-August (Previous Year)

Start preparing, shortlist universities, prepare for standardized tests

September-November

Take standardized tests, prepare documents, submit applications

December-April

Receive admission decisions, apply for scholarships

May-July

F1 visa process, accommodation, pre-departure preparations

Spring Intake (January/February)

Second major intake with good program variety

January-March (Previous Year)

Research and shortlist universities, begin test preparation

April-July

Take tests, prepare application materials, submit applications

August-October

Receive decisions, scholarship applications, confirm enrollment

November-December

Visa processing, accommodation, travel preparations

Summer Intake (May/June)

Limited programs, mainly for specific courses

August-October (Previous Year)

Research programs, prepare for standardized tests

November-January

Complete tests, finalize applications, submit documents

February-March

Admission decisions, scholarship notifications

April-May

Visa application, travel arrangements

Why Choose IAEC for USA Studies?

Expert guidance with 95% visa success rate and comprehensive support

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University Selection

Expert counseling to choose the right university and program based on your profile and career goals.

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Application Assistance

Complete support for application process, SOP writing, and document preparation.

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Scholarship Guidance

Identify and apply for relevant scholarships to minimize your education costs.

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Test Preparation

IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT preparation with experienced trainers.

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Visa Assistance

Complete F1 visa guidance with mock interviews and document preparation.

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Pre-Departure

Comprehensive pre-departure orientation covering accommodation, banking, and cultural preparation.

Success Statistics

95%

Visa Success Rate

5000+

Students Counseled

15+

Years Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Common queries about studying in the USA

What is the minimum GPA required for US universities?

Most universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 for bachelor's programs and 3.0-3.5 for master's programs. Top universities may require higher GPAs (3.5+).

Can I work while studying in the USA?

Yes, F1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires special authorization through CPT or OPT.

How much bank balance is required for F1 visa?

You need to show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the first year, typically $45,000-$80,000 depending on the university and location.

Is IELTS mandatory for USA?

English proficiency is mandatory but you can choose between IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Some universities may waive this requirement if you've studied in English medium previously.

What is the validity of F1 visa?

F1 visa validity varies by country but your stay is authorized as long as you maintain student status. You can remain in the US as long as you're enrolled in studies.

Can I get permanent residency after studies?

Yes, through various pathways: H1B work visa leading to Green Card, family sponsorship, investment visa, or other immigration categories. OPT provides initial work authorization.