A guide on studying in the USA for Indian students

Made the amazing choice of studying in the USA and having the experience of a lifetime? Well, we can only say it’s the best thing you can do! We know you have numerous questions and are searching the internet for everything or calling relatives in the States for advice-how to proceed, which university to choose, how to finance your study in USA journey, learning about the Visa interview, accommodation, and more. If you’re reading this, you’ve landed on the right page because we’re here to guide you through every little detail you need to know before planning your education in the United States.

Why Study in the USA?

But we ask, why not? Although, the reasons are plenty, let’s focus on some standout features that will  assert your decision to pursue higher education in the USA.

• The United States of America is home to over 5300 top universities offering a wide range of  programs and courses.

• We all know that employers love American degrees, boosting the chances of you securing a high-end  job after your course completion.

• With highly advanced research laboratories, manufacturing workshops, and more, you would be able  to take part in groundbreaking research and create innovative new products.

• Most American universities thrive on diversity as their strongest defining pillar. You are sure to make  friends from different nationalities and ethnicities.

Top 10 Universities to Study in the USA in 2024-2025

As per Forbes’ annual list of the best American colleges for 2024 - 2025, here’s a list of the top 10  universities in the US. These schools are said to produce successful, high-earning and influential  graduates from all economic backgrounds with less student debt.

The Categorisation of American Universities

Popular Student Cities in the US

The United States is home to numerous locations with some of the best academic institutions for  students from various parts of the world to pursue their education. Let’s have a look at some of the best  student cities as per the QS world ranking 2025:

Cost of Studying in the US

With public and private universities available for higher education, tuition fees are the primary expense  for studying in the USA. The cost of education in the USA for Indian students typically ranges from  $35,000 (INR 29,49,504) to $85,000 (INR 71,62,759) per year, depending on the type of institution (public or private) and location.

Let’s take a look at the estimated annual cost of studying for a postgraduate degree for international  students in the USA, including tuition fees, room and board, and other expenses.

Researching the Best University & Course

Now that you’ve decided to pursue your higher education in the USA, the next question is which  university you will choose and what course you will pursue.

We recommend applying to a few universities to keep your options open. On the US Department of  Education’s College Navigator site, you can search for various associate’s, bachelor’s, and advanced  degrees. To find the most suitable university, check out some renowned university rankings lists by  U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, The Princeton Review, and Times Higher Education. But,  remember, rankings should not be the only criteria you use to choose a university.  Ensure shortlisting universities that are welcoming to students from around the world – and also align  with your academic and professional goals.

Moreover, your major should be the most important factor when choosing colleges to apply to in the  United States.

Additionally, keep in mind factors like each college’s location in the US, the climate (weather), tests  required (academic standardized and English proficiency tests), tuition fees, scholarships, international  student services, campus facilities, internships and job placement options to shortlist universities that  best suit your needs.

University Applications

Once you’ve chosen the program you wish to pursue and shortlisted some universities, let’s begin your  university applications.

You can start applying on the universities’ online portal by providing some necessary information and  submitting specific documents listed by the university.

It is also important to know when the academic year commences in the USA. Most universities in the  United States commence their classes in August-September usually known as the Fall intake. A few  colleges also provide a January-February intake, called the Spring intake, that lasts till April. A  Summer intake is also available for limited short-term programs between May and August. The  duration of each course depends on the university and specialisation.

Applying for Education Loans to Study in the USA

There are numerous options available for Indian students to finance their dream of studying in USA. Education loans are among the most affordable choices. To study in USA, Indian students can opt for secured education loans, unsecured education loans, US cosigner education loans, or no cosigner no collateral education loans.

Securing an education loan to study in the USA can be a time-consuming process as you will want to  compare various lenders to find the most suitable loan for you. It is recommended to start the loan  process to study in the US at least 3-4 months before your enrolment day to ensure smooth and timely  completion.

At Lorien Finance, we ensure you don’t have to go through this daunting process that can take months,  and thus, we do all the hard work for you.

On getting in touch with you, our loan counsellors understand all your needs related to securing a study  abroad loan for the USA in your dream university and help you compare the interest rates from among  15 international and domestic banks and NBFCs. They negotiate with these lenders on your behalf so  that you fulfil your study-abroad dream cost-effectively.

Once you find the most suitable lender per your needs, the loan counsellor will help you proceed with  the application process. After submitting all required information and necessary documents, your  application will be logged in with the lender, who after carefully scrutinising it, will approve or reject it. 

Lorien’s loan counsellors help you throughout the way to minimise any chances of loan rejection. Once  the loan is sanctioned, you decide your loan disbursement date and finalise your loan.

We aim to ensure you have a smooth loan application process without any hassle so that your focus  remains on your education abroad.

How to Apply for your F-1 visa for Studying in the US?

To get your student visa i.e. F-1 visa for studying in the United States from India, you’ll be required to  complete the following steps:

• On getting accepted by a recognised US university approved by the DHS (Department of Homeland  Security) through the SEVP (Student & Exchange Visitor Program), the university issues an I-20  form, a certificate of eligibility for your non-immigrant student status.

• You will be required to pay a SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 fee  worth $350. SEVP uses SEVIS to track and monitor schools, exchange visitor programs; and F, M,  and J non-immigrants while they visit the United States and participate in the US education system.

• To kickstart your visa application, you will have to fill out the online non-immigrant visa application,  DS-160 and pay a processing fee of $185.

• The next step is to schedule your visa interview at your nearest US Embassy. It is recommended to  apply for your visa well in advance as the wait times for interview appointments can be anywhere  from a month to 3 months.

Requirements

While applying for your US student visa, ensure that you take the following documents at the  time of your interview:

• Your valid passport

• Your passport-size photograph

• Your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmation pages

• Your I-20 form

• Your school transcript and official test scores submitted to the university

• Your bank statements

Costs

To estimate the total costs involved in applying for your US student visa, you will have to incur  around $535. This cost is divided into a SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 and the DS-160 form fee of $185. 

Where to Apply?

Being in India, if you’re wondering how to apply for a US study visa, the US embassy’s Indian website helps you with several US consulates and embassies in India where you can schedule your interview. Some of these US embassy locations are:

What if I’m Late in Applying for my Visa?

If, by any chance, you are late in your US student visa application process, don’t panic! The US  Embassies have an expedited interview appointment option for students like you who are about to start  their intake. Even for an expedited appointment, you must go through the regular visa process and pay  the visa fees involved.

To expedite the scheduling of your interview, the US Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends reaching  out to the embassy where you want to conduct your interview to make an appointment for an expedited  meeting. The Embassy will reach out to you with further instructions after you submit your request. 

What if my Visa to Study in the USA is denied?

Unfortunately, if you do not meet the student visa requirements for the USA from India and your visa  application has been denied, that decision is final, and you cannot appeal. The better part? You can  reapply.

It is important to understand the cause of denial in the first go so that you fix the problem before your  next interview. Whether it is missing documents or a lack of finances, make sure you solve the issue in  advance for your next interview.

How Long is my F-1 Visa Valid?

 F-1 visas are valid for your entire study term. International students get 60 days of stay in the United  States after their university program ends, as per the Department of State. For instance, your course  starts in January 2025, and the duration of your course is 2 years. This means January 2027 plus a 60- day grace period is the maximum time you can spend in the United States.

Can I Transfer to Another College on Reaching the USA?

As an international student in the US, on an F-1 visa, you can transfer to a different school in the  United States. It is recommended to discuss your plan of transferring with your designated School  Officer, before applying.

You can apply for a change of status if you need a different visa type for continued schooling or an  accepted work program.

Can I Travel Internationally on an F-1 Visa?

You are permitted to travel internationally on your F-1 visa, provided your passport is valid at least six months into the future.

In addition to your visa, you should also carry the following documents whenever entering or exiting  the United States: 

• Your I-20

• Your financial documents

Departure Preparations

In the midst of the visa queries, do not forget to think about your departure day from your home country. Your university in the US will let you know when you are supposed to arrive for the beginning of the academic term or an orientation. Also, it’s important to remember that you are allowed to enter the United States no more than 30 days in advance of the start date of your program, as stated in your I-20, as per the Immigration Regulations. 

It is recommended to travel early to give yourself enough time to adapt to the new environment and  prepare before your classes start.

Before leaving your house, ensure you have kept all the required documents needed to present when  leaving your home country and entering the US.

Finding Housing Options in the USA

Depending on your university’s location, you can start hunting the most suited accommodation option  before even arriving in the USA. Most universities have on-campus housing, while you are also welcome to opt for off-campus accommodation like shared apartments, studios or complexes.

You should carefully choose your accommodation before leaving for the US. Keep your budget in mind, and also if you have figured out flat mates, you can opt for a shared apartment for cost saving. 

Opening a Bank Account in the US

With the rapid advancement in technology, you can open a bank account from the comfort of your home. However, as an international student, you should do it in person to avoid potential complications.

You will need to carry your passport, I-20 form, university acceptance letter, the money you want to deposit in your account and your personal details. These requirements may differ across banks, so  ensure you connect with your chosen bank before visiting their branch.

Working in the US as a Student

Working in the United States as an international student can be financially beneficial and an  opportunity to develop practical skills. However, it is important to understand the rules and visa  restrictions on international students working in the USA.

On-campus employment

The easiest form of employment for F-1 visa holders, on-campus employment does not require any approval from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service). This involves  taking up on-campus like research or teacher assistantship, or at the library or cafeteria in the  university itself. Students can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic term and full-time during holidays. However, these options limit you and do not relate to your field.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT enables F-1 students to work off-campus in a job related to their major, both, during and  after their program. To apply for OPT, students must have enrolled for at least nine months and completed at least one year of study. They can only start working once they receive their  Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS. For students completing their degree, OPT can be part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic term and full-time during  holidays. After degree completion, OPT employment must be full-time (40 hours per week) and  completed within 14 months.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

For F-1 students, whose work experience is an important part of their academic curriculum, CPT  is the most suitable. CPT includes alternative work/study or internships required for academic  credit or directly related to their degree program. You must obtain prior authorization from the school’s International Student Office and notify USCIS before opting for CPT. To qualify for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one year. It’s important to note that  working full-time on CPT for 12 months or more will make you ineligible for OPT. 

FAQs

Can I work in the USA during and after my studies?

The US education system provides numerous opportunities for international students in the form of internships, part-time, and even full-time jobs. There are three types of employment authorisation options available for international students, namely Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional  Practical Training (OPT), and on-campus employment.

How to prepare F-1 interview for a US student visa?

Along with carrying all the necessary documents, applicants should be confident and knowledgeable. They must know everything about their chosen course and university. Applicants should clearly demonstrate that they can finance their study in USA journey. Additionally, they should express their intent to return to their home country and explain convincingly why they wish to study in the USA.

What are the top courses Indian students pursue in the USA?

Popular programs include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields, Business & Management, Medicine, and Data Science

Are scholarships available for Indian students to study in the USA?

A lot of universities offer merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and assistantships. External scholarships like Fulbright, Tata, and Inlaks are also available.

What health insurance is required for Indian students in the USA?

Health insurance is a mandate if you’re travelling to the US for your higher education. Universities  often provide plans, but you can choose private insurance based on your needs. 

How do I open a bank account in the USA?

To open a student bank account, you’ll need your passport, I-20 form, visa, and proof of residence. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are the top choices for students.