Explore United States

Overview

Study in USA for Indian Students 2025-26: Admission to Study in USA for Indian Students is done on the basis of 10+2 marks and SAT or ACT test for UG courses and for PG courses, a UG degree and GMAT or GRE tests are required. The applicants also need to clear the English language proficiency test like TOEFL and IELTS. The admissions are conducted in two intakes, the main intake is the fall intake and 2nd is the spring intake. Admission process is going to start on 15 May 2025, and the last date to submit the application form will be 31 July 2025 for study in USA for Indian students 2025-26. The application form fee is USD 185, and the average course fee is USD 80,000 to USD 1,30,000. 

Many Indian students prefer the United States as their top priority when seeking higher education opportunities. Although the USA has more than 1.1 million students, still the country provides world-class academic programs, research facilities, and a multicultural environment to its students. 

There are more than 4000 universities in the USA, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Caltech are the top names and most prestigious universities among them. Students will receive the highest quality of education in academic programs like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Business, Medicine, and Social Sciences. Almost all prestigious universities in the USA are offering these programs to students.

When it comes to academic programs, Indian students choose the USA because the country provides flexible learning options along with industrial experience and the best employment opportunities. The US universities enable students to gain internships, sponsor networking initiatives, and help establish links with leading organizations to boost their career potential.

Why Study in USA for Indian Students

Indian students choose the USA as their main study abroad destination because it provides world-class educational programs, research possibilities, and job opportunities.

• Top-Level Universities: Three leading universities MIT, Harvard, and Stanford are in the USA providing students with innovative learning facilities and superior academic standards.

• Outstanding Research Facilities: Students will get modern research facilities and financial support for STEM-related fields in US universities. 

• Career Growth and Global Exposure: Students having US academic degrees often find jobs in top-level MNCs and secure excellent salary packages all over the world.

• Advanced Technology and Innovation: Technology innovation at a high level dominates the US educational system. Students can learn AI and robotics directly from the expert faculty members.

• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Several prestigious scholarships offer financial aid to Indian students among them are the Fullbright - Nehru Fellowship and Standford  Reliance Fellowship.

Eligibility to Study in USA for Indian Students 2025-26

The eligibility requirements for Indian students who want to enroll in US universities consist of the following factors:

• Indian students looking for Undergraduate programs in US universities must have a 12th completion certificate (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board). 

• Those looking for Postgraduate programs in the USA must have a bachelor’s degree obtained from an accredited university. 

• SAT and ACT scores are required for admission to undergraduate courses.

• For Postgraduate programs, GRE or GMAT (for specific courses) scores are required.

• Indian students need to have a TOEFL (minimum 61-89) or IELTS (minimum 6.5 score.

• Indian students need to provide evidence showing they can afford their educational costs together with their daily living expenditures.

• Students must get accepted into an institution that participates in the SEVP program through the issuance of Form I-20 from the university.

• It is advisable to keep the following documents, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and Academic transcripts and Financial documents.

Study in USA Fee Structure 2025-26

Indian students who are planning to study in the USA must know the approximate cost of studying in US universities. Below we have provided a table with approximate values, however, the final cost may change depending on the course and the university.

Additional Costs:

There are other costs as well that students have to bear while studying in the USA. These additional expenses include:

• Indian students have to pay a $50 – $100 (₹4,344.50 - ₹8,689.00) application fee per university.

• Student health insurance is mandatory in almost every US university, this will be around $700 – $1,500 (₹60,823.00 - ₹130,335.00) per year.

• Students have to pay the F-1 Visa application fee. The cost for this Visa is $185 (₹16,070.65).

• While studying you have to bear the textbooks and other study material costs as well. You have to spend between $500 – $1,000(₹43,445.00 - ₹86,890.00) per year for this.

Living Cost to Study in USA for Indian Students

Most Indian students prefer to study in the USA but before you dream to study there, it is important to check the cost of living in the USA as it is too high. The cost of living in the United States ranges from USD 10,000 to 25,000 USD per year. This value has a big variation due to a lot of factors such as choice of city, lifestyle, etc. However, some of the common expenses are food, water, accommodation, travel and health insurance. Therefore we have created a table to guide you.

So, in big cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston, you will find higher living costs, and suburban areas like Texas and Seattle are affordable. There are various ways through which you can reduce expenses, like doing a part-time job, opting for shared housing, using public transport, and avoiding fancy cafes and restaurants.

How to apply to Study in USA 2025

If you are planning to study in the USA, then you must read the application procedure first:

Step 1: First, choose a program that you want to study and then do a thorough university research offering that program.

Step 2: To meet the eligibility requirements, you have to take tests such as the SAT or ACT for an undergraduate program and the GRE or GMAT for a Postgraduate program. Along with this take English proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS.

Step 3: Now you have to apply to your selected university by submitting the the required documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and standardized test scores.

Step 4: Explore the scholarship opportunities and student loans to fund your education.

Step 5: Once you get the acceptance letter and I-20 form from the university, apply for an F-1 student visa. This can be done at the US Embassy.

Step 6: Do prepare for the departure. Once you get the visa approval, check out the accommodation options, health insurance, and travel tickets.

Required documents to Study in USA:

• 12th marksheets 

• Bachelor’s degree 

• SAT/ACT  score for UG programs 

• GRE/GMAT score PG programs 

• TOEFL/IELTS score

• Application documents, Statement of Purpose(SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR), and Resume.

• Bank account statements

• Valid Passport 

• I-20 form (issued by the university)

Top 10 Universities to Study in USA for Indian Students

Many Indian students prefer to study in US universities as they offer world-class education facilities and other academic benefits and employment opportunities. But, it is crucial to know the top universities in the USA before applying and paying the hefty money. We have made a list of the best Universities based on QS World University Rankings 2025. These universities are known for their academic excellence, innovation, and global network opportunities. 

Therefore, whether you are interested in technology, business, medicine or any other course, these top 10 universities should be your first choice:

10 Popular Courses to Study in USA for Indian Students

There are more than 4000 universities in the USA offering a wide array of courses to students from all over the world. But some courses are high in demand among /Indian students. We have provided the list of those courses along with their approximate fee values and notable universities. Have a look:

Scholarships to Study in USA for India Students

Most of the students in India want to study in the top-ranked universities in the US. But, due to the high cost of education, and expensive accommodation, students drop their US study plans. The average cost of studying in the USA is somewhere around $45,000 (36 lakhs INR) per year and it is way too much. Now you can make your US study dream come true with their scholarship programs. The scholarship programs will cover tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses as well. 

We are listing down the top 7 scholarships for Indian students who want to study in the USA: