Unlock world-class education opportunities at America's prestigious universities and colleges. Your journey to academic excellence and global career success starts here.
4,000+
Accredited Institutions
1.1M+
International Students
$40-60K
Average Annual Cost
3 Years
OPT Work Permit (STEM)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Stanford, California
Berkeley, California
Research and shortlist universities based on programs, rankings, location, and costs. Create a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools.
Register and prepare for required tests like SAT/ACT (undergraduate) or GRE/GMAT (graduate). Schedule test dates allowing time for retakes if needed.
Complete and submit applications through Common App or university portals. Pay application fees and ensure all required documents are uploaded.
Review admission offers, compare financial aid packages, and make your final decision. Pay enrollment deposit to secure your spot.
After receiving your I-20, pay the SEVIS fee and apply for an F-1 student visa. Prepare for the visa interview and gather required financial documents.
"Start your application early and give yourself plenty of time for revisions. Last-minute applications often contain errors that could have been avoided."
"Be authentic in your personal statement. We want to hear your unique voice and understand what motivates you, not generic statements you think we want to hear."
"Demonstrate how you'll contribute to our campus community beyond academics. Involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service matter."
After accepting your admission offer, the university will issue Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350) online at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
Fill out the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) form on the U.S. Department of State website.
Pay the visa application fee ($160) and schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Attend your visa interview with all required documents. Be prepared to discuss your study plans and ties to your home country.
If approved, you'll receive your F-1 visa stamp in your passport. You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date.
Be clear about your study plans
Clearly articulate why you chose your specific program and university, and how it aligns with your career goals.
Demonstrate strong ties to your home country
Be prepared to explain your intentions to return home after completing your studies. Family, property, or job prospects can demonstrate these ties.
Practice your English
The interview will be conducted in English, so practice speaking clearly and confidently about your academic plans.
Be honest and concise
Answer questions truthfully and directly. Visa officers appreciate straightforward, honest responses.
On-campus housing is typically $10,000-$15,000/year. Off-campus apartments range from $800-$2,500/month depending on location.
Meal plans cost $3,000-$5,000/year. Grocery shopping and occasional dining out costs approximately $300-$500/month.
Textbooks, course materials, and laptop/technology expenses. Digital textbook rentals can help reduce costs.
Public transportation, ride-sharing services, or car maintenance if you have your own vehicle.
Most universities require international students to have health insurance. University plans typically cost $1,500-$2,500/year.
Clothing, entertainment, phone plan, gym membership, and other personal expenses.
Visa application fees, SEVIS fee, flights, initial housing deposit, and setup costs for your accommodation.
Student services fee, technology fee, recreation fee, and other mandatory university fees.
Create a detailed budget before arrival
Research costs specific to your university location and create a monthly budget including all expenses.
Open a U.S. bank account
Set up a U.S. bank account soon after arrival to avoid international transaction fees and simplify payments.
Build an emergency fund
Set aside at least $1,000-$2,000 for unexpected expenses like medical emergencies or urgent travel.
Explore student discounts
Use your student ID for discounts on transportation, entertainment, software, and retail purchases.
Awarded based on academic excellence, standardized test scores, and extracurricular achievements.
Award Range: $5,000 - Full Tuition
Designed to promote diversity and support students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Award Range: $2,000 - $25,000 per year
For students with exceptional athletic abilities who will compete on university sports teams.
Award Range: Partial to Full Tuition + Expenses
Offered by specific academic departments for students in those fields of study.
Award Range: $1,000 - $15,000 per year
Prestigious awards for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad.
Award: Full Funding + Stipend
For outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies.
Award: 50% Grant, 50% Loan
For graduate-level studies related to Rotary's areas of focus, such as peace and conflict resolution.
Award Range: $30,000+
Numerous private foundations offer scholarships based on specific criteria, fields of study, or nationalities.
Award Range: $1,000 - $50,000
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Scholarships | Indian citizens under 30 years of age with exceptional academic records | Up to $100,000 | April 15 (annually) |
| Tata Scholarships at Cornell | Indian students admitted to Cornell University with financial need | Full tuition coverage | With Cornell application |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Indian nationals applying to Stanford MBA with intention to return to India | Up to $80,000 | June 1 (annually) |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | Indian graduates planning higher studies abroad | Rs. 10 lakhs (loan scholarship) | March 31 (annually) |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | Indian students with excellent academic records | Interest-free loan up to Rs. 20 lakhs | February 28 (annually) |
Start early and apply widely
Begin your scholarship search at least 12-18 months before your intended start date. Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances.
Tailor each application
Customize your essays and personal statements for each scholarship, addressing the specific values and goals of the funding organization.
Highlight your unique qualities
Emphasize what makes you stand out—whether it's academic achievements, leadership experience, community service, or overcoming challenges.
Get strong recommendation letters
Request letters from professors or employers who know you well and can speak specifically about your abilities and potential.
University-managed residence halls with shared or private rooms, often with meal plans included.
University-owned apartment-style housing with private bedrooms and shared living spaces.
Private apartments or houses in the surrounding community, often shared with roommates.
Living with a local family, which can provide cultural immersion and sometimes includes meals.
Most universities have 200+ student clubs covering interests from academic to cultural, religious, political, and recreational. Great for networking and making friends.
Participate in intramural sports, fitness classes, or use campus recreation facilities. Many universities have state-of-the-art gyms, pools, and sports fields.
Join student government associations to develop leadership skills and influence campus policies. Great for building your resume.
Engage in community service through university-organized programs. Many universities have dedicated service centers that coordinate volunteer activities.
Provides visa guidance, cultural adjustment support, and organizes events for international students.
Free or low-cost mental health support, including individual counseling and group therapy sessions.
Tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising to help you succeed in your coursework.
Resume reviews, interview preparation, job fairs, and networking events to help with career planning.
Arjun Mehta, Computer Science at UC Berkeley
"Join cultural student associations, but don't limit yourself to just Indian groups. I made my best friends by joining the robotics club and intramural soccer team, which helped me experience American campus life fully."
Priya Sharma, MBA at University of Michigan
"Embrace the classroom culture differences. In the US, active participation and expressing your opinions are highly valued. Don't be shy to speak up in class discussions—it's actually a significant part of your grade in many courses."
Vikram Patel, Engineering at Georgia Tech
"Find the balance between maintaining your cultural identity and adapting to American culture. I still celebrate Indian festivals with the Indian Students Association, but I also participate in American traditions like Thanksgiving and Super Bowl parties."
Meet with your Designated School Official (DSO) at your university's international student office to request a recommendation for OPT.
Your DSO will update your SEVIS record and issue a new I-20 with OPT recommendation. Review it carefully for accuracy.
Complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and gather supporting documents, including photos and fee payment.
Mail your complete application package to USCIS or file online. Must be received by USCIS within 30 days of DSO recommendation.
After approval, you'll receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. You cannot begin working until you have the physical card and the start date has arrived.
Employer-sponsored work visa for specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge.
For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
Permanent residency pathways for long-term stay and work authorization.
Anjali Bhardwaj, MS Computer Science from Stanford (2020)
"After completing my master's, I did OPT at a tech startup in San Francisco. The startup was acquired by Google, where I now work as a Senior Software Engineer. My US education opened doors I never imagined possible, and the STEM OPT extension gave me enough time to prove my value to the company, which eventually sponsored my H-1B visa."
Rahul Kapoor, MBA from Wharton (2019)
"My MBA experience transformed my career trajectory. I interned at McKinsey during my summer break, which led to a full-time offer after graduation. The network I built during my time at Wharton continues to be invaluable. After three years at McKinsey, I co-founded a fintech startup that recently secured $5 million in Series A funding."
Dr. Meera Patel, PhD Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins (2018)
"I came to the US for my PhD and was able to conduct groundbreaking research in cancer diagnostics. After completing my program, I used OPT to work at a biotech company, which later sponsored my O-1 visa due to my specialized research. I'm now leading a research team developing early cancer detection technologies that have the potential to save millions of lives."
MS in Computer Science
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
"Coming from Mumbai to study in the US was both exciting and challenging. The academic environment here encourages critical thinking rather than memorization, which was a significant adjustment. The professors are incredibly accessible, and the research opportunities are unparalleled. My advice to new students: don't hesitate to ask questions and seek help when needed."
MBA
New York University (Stern)
"My MBA experience at NYU Stern has been transformative. The diversity of perspectives in every class discussion enriches the learning experience. Living in New York City offers incredible networking opportunities—I've connected with industry leaders through campus events and alumni meetups. The career services team has been instrumental in helping me secure internships at top firms."
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Purdue University
"The hands-on learning approach at Purdue has been incredible. I've worked on real-world engineering projects with industry partners, which has given me practical experience that complements classroom learning. Campus life is vibrant with cultural events and clubs. The winter was a shock coming from Delhi, but I've even learned to enjoy the snow days!"
PhD in Biomedical Sciences
University of California, San Francisco
"As a PhD student, the research facilities and mentorship at UCSF have exceeded my expectations. I've collaborated with leading scientists in my field and published in top journals. The visa process was complex, but the international office provided excellent support. San Francisco's diversity makes it easy to find community while still experiencing American culture."
"In this video, Ravi shares his experience applying to MIT, navigating the visa process, and adapting to life in the United States. He discusses the challenges he faced and how he overcame them, as well as the opportunities that studying in the US has provided for his career."
Watch more student storiesOur expert counselors can guide you through every step of the process, from university selection to visa application and pre-departure preparation.
Get a customized list of universities based on your academic profile, budget, and career goals.
Receive expert help with your applications and statement of purpose to maximize admission chances.
Get comprehensive preparation for your F-1 visa interview, including mock interviews and document review.
The US has one of the world's largest higher education systems with thousands of accredited institutions.
The US hosts more international students than any other country, creating diverse campus environments.
US universities produce more research publications and hold more patents than institutions in any other country.
US colleges and universities provide billions in financial aid to international students annually.
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Mid-year entry option
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