The University of Southern Mississippi

The USA has always remained the top choice for higher studies among international students. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 3,37,630 Indian students went to the USA for higher studies in 2024. The number of Indian students in the US increased by 141.2% in 2024. However, in 2025, there was a massive drop in admissions, which is by 17% as per IIE. This was due to heightened visa scrutiny, social media scrutiny and fewer interview slots to complete the process. Despite these reasons, India still remains a top source of international students to study in USA.

The US is home to the largest number of top universities in the world. There is always an eagerness among international students to go to the US and experience the higher education system there. The majority of Indian national students apply in huge numbers at US universities for admission each year.

Why international students strive to study in the USA is because of numerous reasons - higher education quality and research, degrees are globally recognised and accepted, a wide range of STEM education courses, top-ranking US universities globally, good opportunities for getting hands-on experience and many others.

Study in the USA

US universities have carved a niche for themselves in STEM courses. International students looking to pursue higher studies in STEM courses prefer to go to the USA over other options. Also, it is not just the STEM courses, students looking to study business, management or arts courses can also find top universities in the US. MBA in USA, Engineering courses or MS in USA and Medicine courses are some of the popular options that applicants look at while applying to US universities.

Studying in USA for Indian students has become challenging in the past two years, because of changing policies. Since the US universities are globally renowned and at par with international education standards, this is also why students still prefer to study in USA and apply in huge numbers every year for admissions.

Study in USA for International Students Highlights

Education System in USA

Before applicants start their studies in the USA, they must know about its education system. The US Education System is categorised into different groups. First, it is primary school followed by middle school, and then post-secondary education. When it comes to the higher education system in the USA, there are 4 types of institutions in the USA namely:

1. State Colleges or Public Universities in US
2. Private Colleges or Universities
3. Community Colleges in USA
4. Technology Institutes

Indian students' life in USA is more independent and self-sufficient. Once applicants are enrolled in any of these universities, they are on their own. Interested in knowing about what an Indian student's life in the USA is like? Check out Indian Student Life in USA.

Top 10 Courses in USA in 2026

Business and management, engineering, mathematics, computer science and social sciences are some of the popular courses in the USA. US universities are known to offer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. Some of the popular courses in the USA are:

1. MBA
2. Computer Science
3. Mechanical Engineering
4. Electrical Engineering
5. Computer Engineering
6. Finance
7. MBBS/MD in USA
8. Biotechnology
9. Data Science
10. Business Analytics

Apart from these, there is a wide range of specialisations offered in USA for study. Applicants can choose them mostly at the PG level, but many courses allow it at UG level as well. Check out all possible options before making a choice.

How to Study in the US from India?

Indian applicants can study in US in five easy steps. These not just include shortlisting and planning things ahead, there are many other things involved. The steps to study in US are as follows:

1. Shortlist course and US university for study.
2. Know and arrange for funds to study in US, this is essential for I-20 and student visa.
3. Prepare all necessary documents that need to go with admission application and be aware of deadlines.
4. Take English proficiency and stadardised tests if required and apply.
5. If accepted, get I-20 and apply for student visa - F1.
6. Acceptance rates at US universities is lower for Ivy League schools and privately funded universities. Since the competition is high it is essential to keep the application complete and as per the guidelines.
7. There are also high acceptance rate universities in the US. In case applicants cannot apply to top universities, they can consider these tier 2/3 universities for admission also.

Once student visa application is accepted, applicants have to start their application process for F1 visa and F1 visa interview. Upon clearing the interview, plan to fly to US for study.

Major Intakes in USA for Admission 2026

There are two major intakes in USA for admisison to UG and PG courses. These are Fall and Spring intakes. The most popular and competitive intake is Fall as compared to Spring intake. Here is their timeline for 2026 admissions:

Apart from the two intakes in the USA, there is also a third intake - the summer intake. This is not for regular courses' admission. In fact, it is mostly for short courses and certificate-type courses.

The dedicated timelines are mentioned below also for reference. For those who want to keep track, can check out our updated US intake timelines from time to time.

Admission Requirements to Study in US Universities

Admission requirements for a UG and PG program are different for US universities. Below we have mentioned the general admission requirements to study at USA universities.

• Academic Transcripts
• Standardised test scores
  • SAT or ACT for UG admissions
  • GMAT or GRE for PG admissions
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic or Duolingo) - both UG/PG
• Essay
• Statement of purpose
• Letter of Recommendations
• Current or updated resume or CV
• Copy of your valid passport
• Proof of finances

Admission requirements will vary per course, university and level of study in USA. All prospective applicants must check the minimum eligibility criteria and admission requirements before preparing to apply.

Applications for UG admissions in US universities may be accepted via Common or Coalition Application system. While PG admission applications are mostly accepted through university websites through dedicated departments of study.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USA

Candidates looking for scholarships to study in the USA can check out the most comprehensive study-abroad scholarships on our website. There are also some fully funded scholarships for Indian students in USA which can be considered. Some of the fully funded scholarships available to study in US include:

• Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
• Need-Based Scholarships at Harvard University
• Yale University Need Blind Scholarship
• Need Blind Scholarship at MIT
• AAUW Fellowship
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

Though the cost of studying in US for Indian students is costly, apart from fully funded scholarships, applicants can also check out need blind universities in US.

In addition to this, Shiksha Abroad USA currently enlists over 200 scholarships spread across 11 Countries, amounting to over INR 1,315 crores in total.

International Student Visa in USA

Those who get I-20 form to study in USA have to then apply for a student visa in USA. There are three types of student visas in USA, and each of them serves a different purpose. Check out the table below to understand the different types of student visas in USA and how they differ from one another:

International students applying for admission to USA must note that processing times for student visas in USA will vary. Thus, applicants must avoid last-minute interview scheduling and procure I-20 in time and submit the DS-160 visa application form, SEVIS fee, and relevant documents/biometric (OFC appointment). It is mandatory to get a student visa in USA to study in America.

Post-Study Work Permit in USA

F1 visa holders can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) within 60 days of completing their studies. OPT is a one-year-long work and stay-back permit. Applicants can take up OPT while pursuing their degree or after they graduate. Those who study in the USA are allowed for OPT only if they find employment in the field in which they pursued their degree.

Working after studies in the USA is one of the most important factors that students choose to pursue higher education in the USA. Students should know everything about the post-study work visa in the USA before applying for the program.

USA Permanent Residence Permit

A USA Permanent Residence card or a green card in the USA gives you official immigration status in the United States. It entitles you to certain rights and responsibilities. A green card is required to become a US citizen. Your status as an immigrant or as a citizen determines who you can bring (sponsor) to live and work in the US. If you are a permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children. Applicants can also get a PR after studying in America through the H-1B Cap Gap Extension.

Overall, in order to study in USA, Indian students will have to have an exceptional academic background. Extracurricular involvement is equally good, and to be able to make it through admissions, the applicants should be able to have an all-around application for submission.