Study in the USA in 2025: A Complete Guide for International Students

The USA remains one of the top destinations for higher education due to its globally ranked universities, flexible curriculum, advanced research facilities, and diverse cultural exposure.

How to Apply for Ms in USA (Step-by-Step Process)

• Choose your degree program and university
• Check application deadlines and requirements
• Prepare standardized test scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
• Submit your online application and supporting documents
• Pay application and enrollment fees
• Apply for an F-1 Student Visa
• Arrange travel, health insurance, and housing

Cost of Living in USA for International Students (2025 Estimates)

Monthly Cost (USD)

Rent: $1,651

Groceries: $231

Dining Out: $83

Transport: $67

Utilities: $347

Pro Tip: Cities like Austin, Houston, and Atlanta are cheaper alternatives to New York, San Francisco, or Boston.

Tuition Fees in the USA for International Students (2025)

Annual Fees (USD)

Tuition fees for UG in USA: $20,000 – $50,000

Tuition fees for Ms in USA: $25,000 – $60,000

Tuition fees for PhD in USA: $15,000 – $45,000

Note: Private universities generally charge more than public universities. STEM and MBA programs also tend to be more expensive.

Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students (2025)

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

- Funded by: U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)

• For: Indian students applying to U.S. universities for master’s programs in fields like public policy, international affairs, and women’s studies
• Covers: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more

2. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

• For: Postgraduate study in the U.S. (excluding engineering, computer science, business, medicine)
• Offers: Up to USD 100,000 for tuition, living, and travel
• Highly competitive and merit-based

3. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

• For: Indian students applying to the Stanford MBA program
• Covers: Approximately 80% of the tuition and associated fees
• Requires a commitment to return and work in India for at least two years post-MBA

4. Tata Scholarship – Cornell University

• For: Indian undergraduate students accepted at Cornell University
• Funded by: Tata Education and Development Trust
• Covers: Full tuition and living costs for the duration of the undergraduate program

5. AAUW International Fellowships (for Women)

• Funded by: American Association of University Women (AAUW)
• For: Women from around the world pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the U.S.
• Amount: $18,000–$30,000 depending on level of study

6. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

• For: Mid-career professionals from developing countries (including India)
• Offers: Non-degree study and professional development in the U.S. for 10 months
• Covers: Full funding including tuition, travel, and living expenses

7. Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

• For: Graduate-level coursework or research in one of Rotary’s areas of focus (e.g., peace, disease prevention, education)
• Offers: Minimum funding of $30,000
• Requires involvement with a local Rotary club in India

8. University-Specific Scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to international students, including:

• Yale University – Yale International Student Scholarship
• Harvard University – Need-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students
• New York University – Wagner Scholarships for public service students
• Columbia University – International Student Fellowships

👉 Apply for Scholarship Guidance: Inforens Plans

Allowed Work Hours:

Up to 20 hours/week during the semester

Full-time during scheduled breaks

Minimum Wages by State (2025):

• Federal: $7.25/hr

• California: $16.00/hr

• New York: $15.00/hr

Common Part-Time Jobs:

• On-campus: Research assistant, library staff
• Food service: Barista, server
• Retail: Sales associate
• Freelancing: Tutoring, graphic design

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in the USA

• University career centers and student portals
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Professors and academic advisors
• Student networking events and community boards

Work Opportunities After Graduation in the USA (OPT & H-1B)

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Up to 12 months (36 months for STEM grads)
• H-1B Visa: Sponsored work visa for skilled professionals
• CPT: Curricular Practical Training during your studies

Average Entry-Level Salaries:

• Computer Science: $70K–$100K
• Engineering: $65K–$90K
• Business & Finance: $55K–$80K
• Healthcare: $60K–$100K

Top Companies Hiring International Graduates in the USA

• Google
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Meta
• JPMorgan Chase
• Tesla

How to Land a Job in the USA as an International Student

• Build a strong LinkedIn profile and resume
• Practice for behavioral and technical interviews
• Utilize university career fairs and alumni networks
• Apply early for internships and OPT roles

Testimonial: Breaking into the US Job Market

"What helped me stand out? Intentionality. From the start, I knew I couldn’t afford to take a passive approach. I connected with alumni, reached out to professionals, and asked for coffee chats—even when I didn’t know exactly what to say. Networking was a learning process, but over time, it became an essential tool to build genuine relationships—not just to hunt for a job." - – Nayanika, International Law Graduate

"Crafting a personal brand was key. I spent hours refining my résumé to highlight not just tasks, but outcomes. I created a deal sheet showcasing my work and used LinkedIn to network, not just as a digital résumé, but as a platform to share ideas and connect with people whose work genuinely inspired me."

To read more about this journey and how she cracked the US job market, click here.

Choosing between studying in the UK or the USA can be a tough decision, as both countries are home to some of the world’s most renowned universities and offer top-notch research opportunities. However, the two countries have distinct differences that may influence your decision as an international student.

Education System in UK vs USA

The US educational system is known for being more practical, with a focus on projects, research, and internships. The British system, on the other hand, places more emphasis on theory. Usually, all levels of study take less number of years to complete in the UK compared to US.

Cost of Education

When it comes to the cost of education, the UK tends to be a more affordable option compared to the US, mainly because courses in the UK are typically shorter in duration.

Cost of Living

In terms of the cost of living, the USA is generally more affordable than the UK.

Both countries offer great opportunities, but the best choice depends on your priorities, whether it’s cost, work opportunities after graduation, or the type of education you’re seeking. To explore the full details and decide which option is best for you, click here to read more.

If you're an international student planning to pursue higher education abroad, it's essential to understand what exams are required to study in USA. These exams help U.S. universities evaluate your academic capabilities and language proficiency. Below is a breakdown of the most common exams to study in USA:

1. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (Language Proficiency)

English language proficiency is a must for studying in the United States. Most universities accept one of the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Widely accepted across U.S. institutions.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Recognized by many U.S. universities.
• Duolingo English Test: A newer, affordable alternative increasingly accepted.

These exams to study in USA are required for students from non-English-speaking countries.

2. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

If you’re applying for a Master’s or PhD program, especially in engineering, sciences, or social sciences, you may need to take the GRE. However, some universities have made it optional in recent years.

3. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Planning to study business or management? The GMAT is required for most MBA programs in the U.S. It assesses quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills.

4. SAT or ACT (For Undergraduate Admissions)

Undergraduate students need to appear for either the SAT or ACT. These exams test your readiness for college-level academics and are a key part of the application process—although many universities now offer test-optional policies.

5. Other Exams (Program-Specific)

Certain professional courses may require additional exams:

• LSAT – For law school admission.
• MCAT – For medical school admission.

Understanding what exams are required to study in USA can help you plan your application timeline and prepare effectively. Always verify the latest admission requirements on the official university websites.