Study in United States
Home to the world's top research universities, Silicon Valley innovation, and STEM OPT pathways up to 36 months.
Destination snapshot
United States at a glance
The United States enrolls more international students than any other country—over one million annually. From Ivy League research powerhouses to specialized institutes, students access CPT/OPT work experience, merit aid, and alumni networks spanning Fortune 500 and startup ecosystems in New York, Boston, and the Bay Area.
1M+
International students
Annual enrolment
36 months
STEM OPT extension
Eligible programs
$25K–55K
Avg. master's tuition
Per year
94%
Visa success (our students)
F-1 cohort
Benefits
Why study in United States?
Strategic advantages international students gain when choosing this destination.
STEM OPT advantage
36-month Optional Practical Training for eligible STEM graduates—critical for US work experience.
Research & innovation
Access to NIH, NSF-funded labs, and Silicon Valley internships from day one via CPT.
Merit scholarships
Assistantships, partial tuition waivers, and external fellowships for strong profiles.
Global alumni networks
Career pipelines into consulting, tech, and healthcare across NYC, Chicago, and Seattle.
Institutions
Top universities
Leading institutions our counselors shortlist most often for international applicants.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Popular programs
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Popular programs
Columbia University
New York, NY
Popular programs
NYU
New York, NY
Popular programs
Programs
Popular courses
High-demand programs aligned with graduate outcomes and visa pathways.
MS Computer Science
Career outlook: FAANG, startups, research labs; OPT eligible
MBA
Career outlook: Consulting, finance, product leadership
Public Health (MPH)
Career outlook: Healthcare policy, pharma, NGOs
Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering
Career outlook: Defense, automotive, space sector
Investment
Tuition fees
Typical annual ranges: $20,000 – $55,000 / year (avg. master's)
Public university (out-of-state)
$25,000 – $40,000
Research I institutions
Private university master's
$35,000 – $60,000
STEM & business premium
MBA (top 20)
$65,000 – $85,000
Plus living in major metros
Budget
Living expenses
NYC and SF are highest; Midwest and Southern college towns reduce costs 25–35%. F-1 students must show proof of funds covering tuition + living for I-20 issuance.
Accommodation
$900 – $2,200
per month
Food
$350 – $600
per month
Transport
$80 – $150
per month
Health insurance
$150 – $350
per month
Personal
$250 – $500
per month
Timeline
Intake calendar
Plan applications backward from these key deadlines.
Fall
Apply by
Dec – Mar (priority)
Classes begin
August / September
Primary intake; max funding & OPT alignment
Spring
Apply by
Sep – Oct
Classes begin
January
Smaller cohort; good for MS programs
Summer
Apply by
Feb – Apr
Classes begin
May / June
Limited seats; research & short courses
Immigration
Visa guidance
After I-20 issuance, pay SEVIS fee, complete DS-160, and attend a visa interview demonstrating ties, finances, and academic intent. ScholarBridge runs mock interviews and financial packaging reviews.
Visa type
F-1 Student Visa
Processing time
6–10 weeks (embassy dependent)
Work rights
20 hrs/week on-campus; CPT/OPT per program rules
Requirements
- •Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school
- •SEVIS fee payment receipt
- •Proof of funds for year 1 tuition + living
- •Valid passport & visa photos
- •Clear academic progression narrative
Documents
- •I-20
- •SEVIS receipt
- •DS-160 confirmation
- •Financial affidavits
- •Transcripts & test scores
Application timeline
Step 1
Admission & I-20 request
Week 1–3
Step 2
SEVIS & DS-160
Week 3–4
Step 3
Visa interview prep
Week 4–5
Step 4
Embassy interview
Week 5–6
Step 5
Visa stamping & travel
Week 6–10
Funding
Scholarships & financial aid
Combine merit, government, and university awards to reduce total cost.
Graduate Assistantships
50–100% tuition + stipend
Research & teaching roles
Fulbright Foreign Student
Full funding
Country-specific competition
University merit awards
$5,000 – $25,000
GPA 3.5+ / GRE optional schools
External foundations
Varies
Women in STEM, developing nation talent
Experience
Student life
What daily life feels like while studying in United States.
Campus diversity
400+ student orgs, ISS offices, and OPT workshops every semester.
City experiences
NYC skyline campuses, Boston research corridors, Bay Area tech meetups.
Athletics & spirit
D-I sports, intramurals, and homecoming traditions at large publics.
Support
FAQs — United States
Answers to the questions students and parents ask us most.
Explore more destinations
Compare pathways across our most popular study hubs.
United Kingdom
Russell Group excellence, one-year master's degrees, and the Graduate Route visa for up to two years post-study.
- 1-year Masters
- Graduate Route 2 yrs
- Russell Group
Canada
World-class universities, welcoming immigration pathways, and a Post-Graduation Work Permit that bridges study to PR.
- PGWP up to 3 years
- PR-friendly pathways
- Co-op & research strength
Australia
Group of Eight universities, high graduate employability, and post-study work rights up to four years.
- 2–4 yr post-study work
- Go8 research
- High employability