Study in USA 2026
Complete Guide for Indian Students
From F1 visa to job placement — everything you need to know about pursuing higher education in the United States. Based on 28 years of EEC's consular expertise.
Quick Answer: Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students
Total cost for MS in USA: ₹25-80 Lakhs (2 years). This includes tuition (₹15-50 Lakhs), living expenses (₹8-15 Lakhs/year), and SEVIS/visa fees (~₹50,000). Public universities in Texas, Ohio, and Arizona offer tuition under ₹20 Lakhs/year. Scholarships can reduce costs by 20-50%.
Why Study in USA?
The United States hosts the largest number of international students globally, with over 1.1 million Indian students choosing US universities in 2024. Here's why USA remains the #1 destination:
World-Class Universities
8 of the top 10 global universities are in USA. MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Caltech lead in research and innovation.
STEM OPT (3-Year Work)
STEM graduates can work for up to 3 years after graduation, providing time to secure H1B sponsorship.
Highest ROI
Average MS graduate earns $75,000-$120,000/year. Investment recovery in 2-3 years.
Global Network
Access to Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and Fortune 500 companies. Strong Indian alumni network.
F1 Visa Process: Step-by-Step
Get University Admission & I-20
Apply to SEVP-certified universities. Once admitted, receive Form I-20 from the university.
Pay SEVIS Fee ($350)
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com. Keep the receipt for your interview.
Complete DS-160 Online
Fill the DS-160 application at ceac.state.gov. Takes 60-90 minutes. Save confirmation number.
Pay Visa Fee ($185) & Schedule Interview
Pay MRV fee online and book appointment at US Embassy (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata).
Attend Visa Interview
2-3 minute interview. Be prepared for questions about: Why this university? How will you fund? What are your plans after graduation?
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