A path around your interests
Compare majors, specialisations and degree formats. The right curriculum should build on your academic background and suit your next step.
Your ambition. A world of possibility.
Study in USA.
Make it your
next chapter.
A guide for Indian students, from choosing your course to preparing your application. Build a US study plan around your interests, your budget and where you want to go.
Bachelor’s · Master’s / MS · Research degrees
THE UNITED STATESDifferent paths. Your direction.Start with the right fit.
Study optionsUndergraduate & graduate
Common start periodsFall & Spring
Academic student visaF-1
Your first stepA personal study plan
Why study in the USA?
Choose the education.
Shape your experience.
Look beyond a university name. Compare what you will learn, how you will study and what the full experience will cost.
Look closely at the details
Explore project work, faculty research, laboratories and student support. Ask what is available to students on your specific course.
Fit comes before prestige
Balance entry requirements, city costs and confirmed funding. Build a shortlist with choices you would be happy to accept.
Which subject is your next step?
Explore these areas when building your shortlist.
Computer science & data
Compare software, data science and AI curricula, prerequisites and project opportunities.
Engineering
Look at specialisations, laboratory access and thesis or professional degree formats.
Business & analytics
Compare MS, management and MBA options against your experience and career direction.
Health & life sciences
Check academic prerequisites and any separate licensing requirements for clinical careers.
Design & architecture
Review portfolio expectations, studio teaching and programme accreditation.
Research degrees
Explore faculty interests, supervision and the terms of any advertised funding.
Universities in the USA
A shortlist with a reason behind it.
Compare these university options with your course interests, academic profile and budget.
Arizona
Arizona State University
Explore graduate admission criteria and the requirements for your chosen department.
Arizona State University admission requirements
Discuss ASU with a counsellorChicago, Illinois
Illinois Institute of Technology
Review international graduate admission, degree equivalency and programme requirements.
Illinois Institute of Technology admission requirements
Discuss IIT with a counsellorKent, Ohio
Kent State University
Compare undergraduate and graduate options, entry criteria and international student costs.
Kent State University admission requirements
Discuss KSU with a counsellorYour profile should lead the shortlist. Bring your marksheets, course interests, preferred intake and budget to counselling.
Build my shortlistUSA tuition fees & living costs
See the whole budget.
Your budget needs to cover more than tuition. Use each university’s current international cost of attendance and your programme’s fee schedule.
A published example · 2026–27
Kent State University
Standard international estimates for one academic year.
Undergraduate total$42,593
Graduate total$39,464
Includes tuition and fees, estimated living expenses, medical insurance and books/supplies. Programme costs can differ. These figures apply to this example, not every US university.
View the cost breakdown
| Expense | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & fees | $24,298 | $21,169 |
| Living expenses | $14,360 | $14,360 |
| Insurance & books/supplies | $3,935 | $3,935 |
| Total estimate | $42,593 | $39,464 |
Source: Kent State University, International Student Aid & Tuition, 2026–27 estimates. Course-specific fees may differ.
What to include in your plan
Tuition & university feesCheck credit load, course duration and mandatory fees.
Housing & daily livingCompare campus housing, meals, local transport and personal spending.
Insurance, books & travelAllow for health cover, course materials, flights and initial setup.
Funding & exchange ratesPlan the funding source and allow for currency movement. Do not rely on an unconfirmed job or scholarship.
Scholarships in the USA
Explore funding. Understand the terms.
University scholarships, departmental awards and graduate assistantships may help with costs. Compare eligibility, deadlines, renewal conditions and any teaching or research duties. Count an award in your budget once it is confirmed in writing.
Discuss funding for your shortlistUSA admission requirements
Know what your course needs.
Admission requirements are set by the university and department. Check the current requirements for your course and intake.
Bachelor’s in the USA
Complete secondary education and check the university's subject prerequisites, academic criteria and SAT/ACT policy. Portfolios or additional materials may be required for some courses.
Master’s / MS in the USA
Hold a qualification accepted by the university and meet the department's academic and prerequisite requirements. Degree equivalency, GRE/GMAT policies and work experience requirements differ by programme.
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo and GRE: what should I take?
Check accepted English tests, test versions, overall and section scores, and exemption rules on the official admissions page. GRE, GMAT and SAT/ACT requirements are separate and programme specific. A waiver at one university does not apply to another.
Explore test preparation Check requirements for my shortlistYour application document checklist
- Passport and academic transcripts or certificates
- Statement of purpose or essays, where requested
- Letters of recommendation and CV, where requested
- Required test results and any course-specific portfolio
- Application fee, deadline and document-format requirements
Follow the department’s checklist. Keep dates and academic details consistent across your application.
USA university intakes
Work back from your start date.
Course availability and scholarship deadlines can differ from general admission dates. Check both before choosing an intake.
Fall intake
August–SeptemberExplore the course start dates and priority deadlines published by your target departments.
Spring intake
JanuaryCheck whether your course accepts spring applications; availability differs by programme.
Summer intake
May–JuneAvailable for selected courses. Confirm the start date directly with the university.
From application to arrival
A clear next step, at every stage.
Ratnas Overseas helps you organise the process. Admissions, scholarships and visas are decided by the relevant institutions and authorities.
- 01
Define your shortlist
Review academics, subject interests, intake and budget to choose suitable courses.
- 02
Prepare your application
Organise transcripts, test results, statement of purpose, recommendations and CV where required.
- 03
Compare your offers
Review curriculum, full costs, deposit terms and any written funding award.
- 04
Arrange your I-20
Follow your SEVP-certified school's admission and financial-document instructions.
- 05
Prepare for the F-1 visa
Complete the DS-160, follow fee and appointment instructions, and prepare genuine supporting documents.
- 06
Plan your arrival
Arrange housing, insurance and travel after your visa decision; follow your school's reporting instructions.
Understand the F-1 student visa process.
Explore Form I-20, DS-160, documents and interview preparation in the dedicated guide.
Reference: US Department of State student visa instructions.
Career planning
Understand practical training.
Plan beyond the degree.
Look at how a course develops the skills you want. Check its curriculum, practical training options and any professional licensing requirements.
CPT, OPT & STEM OPT
CPT needs school authorisation and must be part of the curriculum. Eligible F-1 students may apply for up to 12 months of OPT at an education level. A qualifying STEM degree can support a further 24-month extension, subject to the applicable requirements.
Confirm the course’s eligibility and required authorisations with the school’s designated school official before making a work plan. A degree does not guarantee a job or permanent residence.
Explore work permissions in our F-1 guideReference: ICE practical training guidance.
Your questions, answered
Planning to study in the USA?
Answers to help you plan your next step.
How much does it cost to study in the USA for Indian students?
The cost depends on your university, programme and location. Compare tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, insurance, books and travel. For one published example, Kent State's 2026–27 standard international estimate is $42,593 for undergraduate study or $39,464 for graduate study for one academic year. These are examples for that institution, not a national fee range; programme-specific costs can differ.
What are the admission requirements for MS in the USA?
Each department sets its own criteria. Check accepted bachelor's qualifications, subject prerequisites, academic requirements, English proficiency, GRE or GMAT policy, statement of purpose, recommendations and deadlines. A single percentage or GPA does not apply to every US university.
Can I study in the USA without GRE or IELTS?
Only if your chosen programme permits it. GRE requirements and English-language exemptions are separate policies. Check the current course page before booking a test or assuming a waiver. The accepted test, test version and minimum scores can vary.
Are scholarships available for Indian students in the USA?
Look for university scholarships, departmental funding and graduate assistantships. Eligibility, award value and deadlines vary. Use the written award terms in your budget, and plan how to cover the remaining costs.
Which intake should I choose for US universities?
Choose an intake that your course offers and that gives you time to prepare a complete application and funding plan. Fall and spring are common start periods; summer entry is available for selected programmes. Always check the department's actual deadline.
What is the difference between CPT, OPT and STEM OPT?
CPT is practical training that forms part of the curriculum and needs school authorisation. Eligible F-1 students may apply for up to 12 months of OPT at an education level. A qualifying STEM degree may support an additional 24-month extension, subject to employer, training and reporting requirements. These are conditional permissions, not guaranteed jobs.
Does studying in the USA guarantee a job or permanent residence?
No. Admission, a degree and any practical-training permission do not guarantee employment or permanent residence. Work authorisation and any later immigration application have separate eligibility rules and decisions.
How can Ratnas Overseas help with my USA application?
We help you review your profile, shortlist universities, plan applications and prepare for the student visa process. Request free counselling in Uppal or Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad, Vijayawada or Hanamkonda, or discuss online counselling. Universities decide admissions and funding; US authorities decide visas.
Free USA study counselling
Your next chapter.
Let’s plan it together.
Discuss your academics, course preferences, budget and intake. Leave with a clearer idea of what to research and prepare next.
+91 92810 31981USA study counselling in Uppal and Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad; Vijayawada; and Hanamkonda. Online counselling available.
Find your nearest branch