Study in America: Everything About Courses, Colleges, Eligibility & Funding (2026 Guide)

Everything You Need to Know About Studying in America in 2026 For overseas students seeking higher education, the United States has consistently been the top option. 3,37,630 Indian students pursued higher education in the United States in 2024, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In 2024, there were 141.2% more Indian students in the US. There are the most prestigious universities in the world in the United States. International students are constantly keen to visit the United States and experience the country’s higher education system.

High-quality education and research, degrees that are recognized and accepted around the world, a variety of STEM education courses, top-ranked US universities worldwide, excellent chances to gain practical experience, and many other factors are the main reasons why international students choose to study in the United States.

Studying in the USA

In STEM courses, US institutions have made a name for themselves. The USA is the preferred destination for international students who want to continue their education in STEM fields. Additionally, major US colleges offer courses in business, administration, and the arts in addition to STEM. When applying to US institutions, some of the most common alternatives include MBA programs, MS programs, and medical courses.

Date	Update	Details
June 18, 2025	US Student Visa Interviews Resumed	The US State Department officially confirmed the resumption of visa interviews for student applicants. However, new regulations now require candidates to grant access to their social media accounts during the visa process for security and background checks.
	Social Media Vetting Rules Introduced	Under the new guidelines, US visa officers will review applicants’ social media activity, including posts, reactions, and comments, to ensure they are not hostile toward the United States, its government, people, or institutions.
	Possible Visa Rejection Due to Online Behavior	If an applicant is found to have shared or reacted to anti-US content, their student visa may be rejected immediately during the vetting process.
May 27, 2025	Temporary Closure o	The US authorities halted new slot bookings and temporarily halted visa interviews prior to the restart. The purpose of this halt was to establish the social media screening mechanism for all applications for student visas.

Study in USA Highlights

Category	Details
Total Universities in the USA	4,000+
Top Universities for Indian Students	– Harvard University – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Stanford University – California Institute of Technology (CalTech) – University of Pennsylvania
Average Living Expense	INR 9 – 15 Lakhs per annum
Popular Courses	MS in USA \| MBA in USA \| BTech in USA \| MIM in USA
Part-Time Work Allowance	20 hours per week
Work Permit (Post-Study)	12 months
USA Study Visa Cost	USD 185 (≈ INR 16,230)

The American Educational System

The US educational system is divided into several categories. Primary school comes first, then middle school, and finally post-secondary education. There are four different kinds of American institutions in the country’s higher education system, which are as follows:

State Colleges or Universities
Private Colleges or Universities
Community Colleges
Technology Institutes

Curious About Indian Student Life in the USA?

Wondering what it’s like to live and study in the United States as an Indian student? Discover more about campus experiences, cultural life, and student opportunities in our detailed guide on Indian Student Life in the USA.

Top 10 Courses to Study in the USA in 2026

The USA continues to be a global education hub, offering world-class programs in business, technology, and sciences. Universities across the country are particularly renowned for their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, attracting thousands of Indian students each year.

Here are the most popular courses in the USA for 2026:

Rank	Course Name
1	MBA (Master of Business Administration)
2	Computer Science
3	Mechanical Engineering
4	Electrical Engineering
5	Computer Engineering
6	Finance
7	MBBS/MD (Medicine)
8	Biotechnology
9	Data Science
10	Business Analytics

Admission Requirements to Study in US Universities

Admission criteria vary for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs in the USA. However, most universities share some common requirements. Below is a summary of the general admission requirements for studying in the USA:

Requirement	Details / Applicable Level
Academic Transcripts	Required for all UG and PG programs
Standardized Test Scores	SAT or ACT – for UG admissions GRE or GMAT – for PG admissions
English Proficiency Tests	TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo – required for both UG and PG
Essay	Usually required for UG applicants
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Mandatory for PG programs; sometimes required for UG
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)	Typically 2–3 letters from academic or professional referees
Resume / CV	Updated version highlighting academic and professional achievements
Copy of Valid Passport	Proof of identity and nationality
Proof of Finances	Bank statements or financial documents showing the ability to cover tuition and living expenses

Pro Tip:Craft a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) and strong LORs — these documents play a crucial role in your US university application.

Scholarships to Study in the USA

Students planning to study in the USA can explore a variety of international scholarships available for Indian and global candidates.

Our platform lists 200+ scholarships across 11 countries, with a total value exceeding INR 1,315 crores — helping students make their dream of studying abroad more affordable.

USA student visa

In the United States, there are three main kinds of student visas, each with a distinct function. To learn about the many kinds of student visas available in the United States and how they vary from one another, look at the table below:

🇺🇸 Types of US Student Visas: F1 vs J1 vs M1

Factors	F1 Visa (Academic Students)	J1 Visa (Exchange Visitors)	M1 Visa (Vocational Students)
Meaning	The F1 visais issued to international students enrolled in full-time academic programs that last 18 months or longer at recognized US institutions.	The J1 visais designed for students participating in official exchange programs, including research, training, or study-based exchanges.	The M1 visais granted to applicants pursuing vocational or non-academic training courses in the USA.
Eligibility	For students admitted to full-time degree or diploma programs at accredited US universities or colleges.	For international students coming under exchange or cultural programs approved by the US government.	For students enrolling in vocational or technical education programs.
Application / MRV Fee	USD 185	USD 185	USD 185
SEVIS Fee	USD 350	USD 220 (may or may not be applicable for payment depending on program type)	USD 350
Interview Requirement	Mandatory, unless eligible for the Dropbox facility in the USA.	Mandatory interview required at the US Embassy or Consulate.	Mandatory interview required for obtaining an M1 visa.

International applicants should be aware that the time it takes to get a student visa in the United States varies. Therefore, candidates must avoid organizing interviews at the last minute, get an I-20 in advance, and submit the DS-160 visa application form, SEVIS fee, and any necessary paperwork or biometrics (OFC appointment). To study in the United States, a student visa is required.

USA Post-Study Work Permit

After finishing their studies, F1 visa holders have 60 days to apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training). OPT is a work and stay-back authorization valid for one year.

One of the most significant reasons why students decide to pursue higher education in the USA is the opportunity to work following their studies. Before applying for the program, students should be well informed about the post-study work visa in the United States.

Permanent Residence Permit for the United States

You can obtain formal immigration status in the USA with a USA Permanent Residence card, often known as a green card. It gives you specific obligations and privileges. To become a citizen of the United States, one must get a green card. Who you can bring (sponsor) to live and work in the United States depends on whether you are an immigrant or a citizen. You may sponsor your spouse and unmarried children if you are a permanent resident. Through the H-1B Cap Gap Extension, applicants can also get a PR after studying in the United States.

Top 10 Universities in the USA: Rankings, Fees & Courses

University	Ranking	1st Year Tuition Fees (USD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	$45,000 – $145,000
Harvard University	2	$21,000 – $97,000
Stanford University	3	$31,000 – $156,000
Princeton University	4	$54,000 – $68,000
University of California – Berkeley	5	$26,000 – $120,000
Yale University	6	$0 – $91,000
California Institute of Technology (CalTech)	7	$55,000 – $70,000
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)	8	$18,000 – $97,000
University of Chicago	9	$24,000 – $120,000
Columbia University	10	$25,000 – $145,000