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. The US is home to the maximum number of top universities in the world. There is always an eagerness among international students for going to the US and experience the higher education system there. 

Why international students thrive to study in USA is because of numerous reasons – highe 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. Want more details?

Studying 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, MS in USA and Medicine courses are some of the popular options that applicants look at while applying to US universities. Check out Why Students Still Prefer to Study in USA in 2025?

Latest Updates for Studying in USA 2025:

• On June 18, 2025, after an official confirmation from the US State Department, the visa interviews have resumed. But this time, applicants will have to give access to their social media accounts for scrutiny (during interview) in order to get through the process. The social media vetting rules for US student visa include:
  • The US visa officers will look at student’s posts, reactions and comments on their accounts to guarantee that they are not hostile toward the US, including its government, people or its institutions.
  • Any hostile reaction or comment if found against USA during social media vetting, can directly lead towards a rejection of the student visa for USA. 
• On May 27, 2025, it was announced that the US student visa interviews were closing temporarily and no interview slots could be booked. The US government halted the process to bring into picture – ‘social media vetting of applicants‘. Check How Temporary US Student Visa Interview Freeze Affecting Indian Students?  

Study in USA Highlights

Education System in USA

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 Universities
2. Private Colleges or Universities
3. Community Colleges
4. Technology Institutes

Interested in knowing about how an Indian student life in USA looks like? Check out Indian Student Life in USA. 

Top 10 Courses in USA in 2025

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

Check out: List of 100 American Slang Words

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

Check out the Top 10 Reasons to Study in USA

Scholarships 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. Our website currently enlists over 200 scholarships spread across 11 Countries, amounting to over INR 1,315 crores in total.

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 DS-160 visa application form, SEVIS fee along 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

International students require an F1-Visa to study in the USA. This visa allows them to stay for 60 days in the USA after their graduation date. F1 visa holders can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after completing their studies. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a one-year work and stay-back permit given to international students upon completing a degree program in the US.

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.