Study in United States
The biggest league in higher education. Discover verified tuition costs, monthly living expenses, post-study work rights, and residency options.
Overview & Key Advantages
The United States is home to the world's most extensive, diverse, and well-funded higher education ecosystem. From Ivy League universities and Silicon Valley research hubs to world-class public flagships, American degrees offer unmatched entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility, and global alumni power.
Up to 3 Years STEM OPT
Graduates in STEM fields are eligible for a 24-month extension beyond the standard 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing 3 full years of US employment.
Unrivalled University Endowment & Research
US universities command billions in research funding, providing state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and venture incubation.
Flexible Academic Curricula
Change your major, combine interdisciplinary fields, or add double minors without starting your degree from scratch.
Silicon Valley & Fortune 500 Pipelines
Direct access to top global employers in technology, finance, consulting, media, and biotechnology.
Student Visa & Entry Requirements
F-1 Student Visa
Application Fee: US$185 (plus US$350 SEVIS fee)
University-mandated health insurance
University-mandated health insurance (varies by institution)
Varies by institution — shown on Form I-20
Varies by institution — shown on Form I-20
Application Roadmap to United States
Receive Form I-20
Gain admission to an SEVP-certified institution and provide proof of funds covering first-year tuition and living costs.
Pay SEVIS I-901 Fee
Pay the US$350 SEVIS fee online via FMJfee.com prior to scheduling your visa interview.
Complete Form DS-160 & Pay Fee
Submit the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) and pay the US$185 visa fee.
Attend US Consular Interview
Complete an in-person interview at your local US Embassy or Consulate to demonstrate strong nonimmigrant intent.
Tuition Fees & Cost of Living Breakdown
Estimated Annual Tuition by Degree Level
| Degree Level | Typical Annual Cost | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Public Universities)Out-of-state tuition at flagship public institutions like UC Berkeley, Michigan, or UIUC. | US$25,000 – US$45,000 / year | Out-of-state tuition at flagship public institutions like UC Berkeley, Michigan, or UIUC. |
| Undergraduate (Private Universities)Private research universities and liberal arts colleges, often with generous merit/need aid. | US$40,000 – US$65,000+ / year | Private research universities and liberal arts colleges, often with generous merit/need aid. |
| Graduate / Master's Programmes1 to 2-year duration depending on course format and thesis requirements. | US$28,000 – US$55,000 / year | 1 to 2-year duration depending on course format and thesis requirements. |
Monthly Living Expenses Budget
Average total: US$1,500–$3,000/moOn-campus dorm or shared off-campus apartment.
Campus dining plus independent cooking.
Health, vision, and emergency medical protection.
Local commute and student lifestyle essentials.
Work Rights & Settlement Pathways
Working While Enrolled
F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus while school is in session, and full-time during holidays. Off-campus work requires CPT authorization.
Post-Study Work Visa (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides 12 months of employment in your field of study. STEM degree graduates receive an additional 24-month extension (36 months total).
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
OPT candidates typically seek employer sponsorship for an H-1B specialty occupation visa or O-1 visa, which can lead to employer-sponsored Green Card (EB-2/EB-3) permanent residency.
High Demand Employment Sectors for Graduates
Top Universities in United States
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, MA
The world's undisputed pinnacle of technological innovation, science, and engineering.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
The heart of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship, venture capital, and elite research.
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
America's oldest higher education institution with peerless global prestige and networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEM OPT and who qualifies?
Graduates with an eligible degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics can apply for a 24-month extension to their standard 12-month OPT, giving 3 full years of work authorization in the USA.
Can international students work off-campus in the US?
During studies, off-campus work is only permitted through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) that is directly integral to your degree program, or under severe economic hardship authorization.
What does the Form I-20 indicate?
The Form I-20 is your Certificate of Eligibility issued by your university, recording your SEVIS ID, program start and end dates, estimated annual costs, and funding sources.
Are scholarships available for international students in the USA?
Yes. Many private universities offer merit scholarships and institutional grants. Top institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton even offer need-blind admissions for international applicants.
A note on immigration routes
Visa categories, post-study work rights and permanent residence pathways shown on NELO are guidance only, based on publicly available rules at the time of writing — they are not immigration advice and can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with the official government immigration authority for your destination before making any decisions.
- United KingdomUK Visas and Immigration (gov.uk)Opens in a new tab
- CanadaImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaOpens in a new tab
- AustraliaDepartment of Home Affairs (Australia)Opens in a new tab
- United StatesStudy in the States (U.S. DHS)Opens in a new tab
- IrelandIrish Immigration Service DeliveryOpens in a new tab
- GermanyMake it in Germany (Federal Government)Opens in a new tab
- New ZealandImmigration New ZealandOpens in a new tab
- MalaysiaMalaysia Immigration Department (Imigresen)Opens in a new tab
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