The United States of America (USA) has long been a top destination for international students worldwide. It is no surprise that a majority of the international students choose to pursue their education in the USA. This global appeal is especially true for Indian students, who make up a substantial portion of the international student population in the United States. There are several compelling reasons why Indian students are drawn to study in the USA, including the high quality of education, a unique curriculum, cultural diversity, and a wealth of opportunities.
High Quality of Education:
One of the primary reasons why many Indian students opt for higher education in the USA is the country's renowned quality of education. American universities and colleges are globally recognised for their academic standards and cutting-edge research. They offer a wide range of programs and fields of study, ensuring that students have access to top-notch education across various disciplines.
Distinctive Curriculum:
The USA's educational system is renowned for its flexibility and adaptability. Students have the freedom to choose their majors, and minors, and customise their academic path to match their interests and career goals. This unique curriculum allows for interdisciplinary learning and fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Cultural Diversity:
The United States is known for its cultural diversity, which attracts international students, including those from India. Studying in the USA exposes students to the rich culture. This multicultural environment not only broadens their horizons but also fosters cross-cultural understanding, making it a valuable experience for personal growth.
Abundance of Opportunities:
The USA offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development. International students have access to numerous resources, including internships, part-time jobs, and post-graduation employment options. This encourages students to gain hands-on experience and develop a strong network.
Research and Innovation:
The USA is a global leader in research and innovation, making it an ideal destination for students aspiring to pursue cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial endeavours. Many universities have state-of-the-art facilities and foster a culture of innovation, allowing students to engage in groundbreaking research projects.
Studying in the USA offers a wide range of benefits, including unique educational opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, as well as in the fields of Art and Literature. Here's a breakdown of these advantages:
STEM Programs:
World-Class Institutions: The United States is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities and research institutions, such as MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. These institutions are renowned for their cutting-edge STEM programs and research facilities.
Diverse Course Offerings: American universities provide a vast array of STEM courses and specialisations, catering to a wide range of interests and career goals. Students can find programs in areas like computer science, engineering, biotechnology, and more.
Research Opportunities: The USA encourages research and innovation. Students have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research projects, access state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborate with renowned professors.
Industry Connections: Many American universities have strong ties to industries, providing students with internship opportunities that lead to valuable hands-on experience.
Immigration Opportunities: STEM graduates often have access to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the STEM OPT extension, which allow them to work in the US for an extended period after completing their degrees.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The United States has a reputation for nurturing and promoting innovation and entrepreneurial endeavours. Many tech giants are based in the country, providing opportunities for STEM graduates to launch their own startups or work for innovative companies.
Art and Literature Programs:
Diverse Academic Environment: American universities offer a wide range of courses and programs in the arts and humanities. Students can explore different aspects of art, literature, and culture from around the world.
Renowned Institutions: The USA boasts world-renowned institutions in the arts and literature, including institutions like the Juilliard School for Performing Arts and the Iowa Writers' Workshop for Creative Writing.
Cultural Diversity: The United States is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, making it an ideal place for studying art and literature. Students can gain unique insights and perspectives on various artistic forms and cultural expressions.
Creative Freedom: American universities encourage creativity and self-expression. Students in art and literature programs are encouraged to explore their creative talents and push boundaries in their respective fields.
Exposure to Multidisciplinary Studies: Many American universities promote interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to blend their artistic or literary pursuits with other disciplines such as psychology, history, or technology, leading to innovative and unique insights.
Networking and Career Opportunities: Being in the USA provides students in art and literature programs with opportunities to network with industry professionals, attend cultural events, and participate in internships or collaborations that can advance their careers.
Studying in the USA offers unique educational opportunities in STEM programs and Art and Literature due to its world-class institutions, diverse academic offerings, strong industry connections, research opportunities, and the chance to experience a culturally diverse and innovative environment which are advantageous for students.
Intakes Available In The USA
In the United States, universities typically offer multiple intakes throughout the year, allowing students some flexibility in choosing when to start their academic programs. The primary intakes available in the USA are:
Fall Intake (August/September): The fall intake is the most common and popular in the USA. It usually starts in August or September, the beginning of the academic year. Most undergraduate and graduate programs, including STEM and humanities fields, admit a significant number of students during this intake.
Spring Intake (January/February): The spring intake is the second-largest admission period, with programs commencing in January or February. While the number of available seats may be slightly lower than in the fall, many universities still admit a considerable number of students during this intake. It is a good option for those who might have missed the fall intake.
Summer Intake (May/June): Some universities offer a summer intake that begins in May or June. However, this intake is less common, and the selection of programs available may be limited. It's often used for specific courses or as an option for international students looking to start their studies at a different time.
Rolling Admissions: Some universities have rolling admissions, which means they accept applications and admit students on an ongoing basis throughout the year. This can provide flexibility, especially for non-traditional students or those seeking part-time or online programs.
It's essential to note that not all programs and universities offer intakes for each of these periods. The availability of intakes varies depending on the institution and the specific academic program. Additionally, application deadlines for each intake can vary widely among universities, so it's crucial to check with the universities you're interested in for their specific application deadlines.
International students should also consider factors like visa processing time and financial readiness when choosing an intake. Applying well in advance and meeting all the requirements promptly is essential to ensure a smooth transition to studying in the USA.
Studying in the USA can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. Scholarships are a great way to help finance your education in the United States. There are various scholarships available to international students.
Fulbright Program: The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious international exchange programs in the world. It provides scholarships for students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, and conduct research in the USA.
US Government Scholarships: The U.S. government offers several scholarship programs, such as the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) and the Humphrey Fellowship Program, for international students.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many U.S. universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, standardised test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition costs.
Need-Based Scholarships: Some universities also offer need-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are designed to help cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
A multitude of private organizations and foundations extend scholarships to international students. Examples include the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program and the Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Some countries have specific scholarships to send their citizens to study in the USA. For instance, the United World Colleges (UWC) movement provides scholarships to students from various countries.
Sports Scholarships: If you are exceptionally skilled in a particular sport, you may be eligible for athletic scholarships at U.S. colleges and universities.
Diversity Scholarships: Some institutions offer scholarships to promote diversity on campus. These may be based on factors such as gender, ethnicity, or background.
Field of Study Scholarships: Depending on your chosen field of study, you may find specialised scholarships. For example, if you're pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), there are many STEM scholarships available.
Graduate Assistantships: These are more common at the graduate level. They often involve working as a teaching or research assistant while receiving a stipend and/or tuition remission.
Harvard University, established in 1636, is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is ranked 3rd in the QS World University Rankings 2021. 8 U.S. Presidents, 252 Marshall Scholars, 369 Rhodes Scholars, and 188 living billionaires are amongst Harvard’s alumni.
Columbia University, established in 1754, is a private Ivy League university located in New York City. Amongst the alumni are 5 founding fathers of the United States, 3 U.S. Presidents, 96 Nobel Laureates, 11 Olympic Medalists and 33 Academy Award Winners. The third largest private research library in the United States is located on it’s campus.
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League University located in Philadelphia and is the oldest collegiate school of business in the world. Warren Buffet, Elon Musk and former CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies are amongst their alumni.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA is a private university established in 1861. It is the top-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2021. Nobel laureates, Turing award winners, 41 astronauts have graduated from this university.
I was from an architectural background and I wanted to apply for a design course in good schools in the US and Canada. I did not expect to get into a great school because I did not have confidence in my profile. Dr. Karan Gupta took one look at my case and told me that with a little bit of hard work, I can get into the top 10 schools for design. Because of his guidance and the KGC team's dedication to my application process, I got accepted into Columbia University. I feel so lucky to attend a program at an Ivy League school and it would be impossible if Karan Sir had not seen my potential.
Shriya had an architectural background but was keen to pursue a Masters in Production Design. When she came to us, she was low on confidence considering that she wanted to get into the top schools in the US or Canada. With Dr Gupta's guidance, encouragement and hardwork on her part, Shriya was accepted into Columbia University.
Some images and names in the reviews have been changed to protect the privacy of the concerned.
The first step is university selection. Based on your profile and the course you wish to study, Dr Gupta will personally mark a list of universities for you. Keeping this list in mind, we will be able to determine the requirements for applications. After you have finalized your university list, you can move on to the next step.
A few months after your application has been submitted, universities will get back to you with their answers. You will be notified over email or university website about the outcome of your application. We will discuss these outcomes with you in detail and keep your priorities in mind, we will arrive at the university which you will be attending.
Once your visa application is accepted, before you leave to study abroad we have a pre departure workshop where we talk to you about insurance, loans, ticketing, medical requirements and other issues. The pre-departure session along with a networking session will help you prepare for every aspect of studying abroad you will initially come across when you fly to your university.
On average, tuition fees are around USD $30,000 per year and the average living expenses are about USD $10,000 per year. However fees can vary widely from college to college, and course to course. Prestigious MBA or other postgraduate courses can be substantially higher. When planning your finances for overseas study makes sure you factor in all possible costs to avoid not completing your course for financial reasons.
Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available for international students for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. Graduate students are also eligible to apply for Graduate Assistantships (Research or Teaching Assistantship), whereby they can work for, or research with, academic professionals. These awards offer a full tuition waiver and also provide a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. Competition is extremely tough and you will need to be well-prepared to succeed in winning a place.
Some private institutes offer needs-based financial aid which can be obtained by following the Foreign Student Financial Aid (FSFA) process. The scholarship committee considers the overall profile of students including the past academic record, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities and past achievements in assessing funding levels
Students from India can get education loans from state banks for up to Rs.2.5 Million. Security of up to 100% of the loan amount will be needed and the repayment period varies from 5-7 years. Do make sure you have taken appropriate advice and understand fully the implications of any loan agreement before entering into it.
Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was a gift to the USA from France?
The United States of America has an excellent choice of universities to choose from along with some of the best universities in the world like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and others. I recommend students pursuing STEM majors to think of the US as an option because of OPT and work visas for such majors due to their demand. The US is a huge country with the largest economy in the world and has a diverse culture and a range of opportunities to choose from for aspiring students.
There are two types of student visas that you can apply to study in the US – F-1 and M-1.
The F1 visa is the most common for students who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States and the M1 visa is for specific cases where a student wishes to study a vocational subject or train at a US institute. The student visa application procedure for F1 visas is very straightforward and starts by filling in a DS-160 form and paying the visa fee. Once you are done with this process, you need to book two visa appointments with the US embassies and consulates in India, one appointment to collect your Biometrics and the other would be your visa interview appointment. After your visa interview appointment, the Consulate General or Embassy of the United States will issue your machine-readable US student visa.
There are around 8 types of work visas a student can apply for depending on their expertise and they are L1, E1, E2, H1-B, H2-B, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-4. They are all meant for different purposes and the bachelor’s or master’s degree and your occupation can define which category is the most suitable for you. Due to the increase in demand for STEM courses, the H1-B visa is the among most popular options for international students.
You should consider applying at least 1 year before your university term begins to have the best chance of getting into a university and also have access to scholarships opportunities.
No. As long as you submit the right documents, show proper finances and prepare well for your interview, getting a US student visa is as easy as getting one for any other country.
Some universities will accept your 3 years degree but others will ask you for a 4 year degree. Yu may have to apply for a WES certificate to prove that your 3 year degree was equivalent to a 4 year degree in the US so check the requirements for your course carefully.
If you are an undergraduate student, you will have to give the SAT or ACT along with TOEFL and if you are a postgraduate student, you will have to appear for the GRE or GMAT depending on your course requirement along with TOEFL.
This depends on the course you are planning to study, where you will be living and what your lifestyle is like. The US has a wide range of universities that have a wide range of tuition fees as well. Cities like NYC can be very expensive but you can find several funding options for the same. The UK can tend to have lower tuition fees and the courses are for a short duration but the cost of living in the UK can be higher in certain cities.
Engineering, computer science, business administration (MBA), data science, healthcare, and STEM are popular courses among Indian students.
To cover living expenses, students can look into on-campus jobs, internships, assistantships, or part-time jobs (up to 20 hours per week during the academic year).
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