University options
Top Universities in United States
01
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
02
Stanford University
03
Harvard University
04
University of California, Berkeley
05
Columbia University
06
New York University
Fees
Undergraduate: USD 25,000 to USD 60,000 per year at many universities; community colleges may be lower.
Graduate: USD 20,000 to USD 55,000 per year depending on program and institution.
Living costs vary widely by state, city and housing choice.
Scholarships
- University merit scholarships
- Graduate assistantships
- Need-aware or need-based aid at selected universities
- Department funding
- External education foundations
Intakes
- Fall: August/September main intake.
- Spring: January intake at many institutions.
- Summer: May/June intake for selected programs.
Visa Process
- Shortlist accredited institutions and receive admission.
- Receive Form I-20 from the university.
- Pay the SEVIS fee and complete DS-160.
- Book and attend the F-1 visa interview with financial and academic documents.
- Prepare arrival documents and student orientation.
On-campus jobs are common for eligible F-1 students during study.
CPT can support curriculum-linked internships when approved by the university.
OPT and STEM OPT may support post-study work if eligibility is met.
The USA has no direct PR route simply for completing a degree.
Students commonly progress through OPT, employer sponsorship, H-1B and employment-based immigration where eligible.
Long-term pathways depend on employer, field, status history and U.S. immigration rules.