Study & Work in the USA
Home to the world's top universities and tech companies. The USA offers unparalleled opportunities for education, research, and career growth for international students.
1M+
International Students
4,000+
Universities & Colleges
3 Years
STEM OPT Duration
$100K+
Avg Tech Salary
Visa Types & Work Authorization
F-1 Student Visa
Primary visa for full-time academic students at accredited universities
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
Work authorization for F-1 students to gain practical experience
H-1B Work Visa
Specialty occupation visa for skilled workers
J-1 Exchange Visitor
For students participating in exchange programs
Cost of Studying in the USA
Tuition Fees
Living Expenses
Other Costs
Total Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $100,000+ per year depending on university and location
Top Universities for International Students
MIT
Massachusetts
Top Programs: STEM, Engineering
Stanford University
California
Top Programs: Tech, Business, AI
Harvard University
Massachusetts
Top Programs: Law, Business, Medicine
Caltech
California
Top Programs: Science, Engineering
University of Chicago
Illinois
Top Programs: Economics, Business
Carnegie Mellon
Pennsylvania
Top Programs: CS, Robotics, AI
Scholarships for International Students
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship
University Merit Scholarships
AAUW International Fellowships
Salary Expectations (USD)
| Role | Entry Level | Mid Level (5+ years) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $100,000 - $150,000 | $150,000 - $250,000 |
| Data Scientist | $90,000 - $130,000 | $130,000 - $200,000 |
| Product Manager | $110,000 - $150,000 | $150,000 - $250,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $70,000 - $90,000 | $100,000 - $150,000 |
| Marketing Manager | $60,000 - $80,000 | $90,000 - $140,000 |
| Consultant | $80,000 - $120,000 | $150,000 - $300,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while studying in the USA on F-1 visa?
Yes, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic semester and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work is restricted to CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) programs.
What is the difference between OPT and STEM OPT?
Regular OPT provides 12 months of work authorization after graduation. STEM OPT is a 24-month extension available for students who graduated from STEM-designated degree programs, allowing a total of 36 months of work authorization.
How do I convert from F-1 to H-1B visa?
During OPT, you can apply for H-1B through an employer. The H-1B lottery occurs annually in March. If selected, you can transition from F-1/OPT status to H-1B by October 1st of that year.
What GPA do I need for US graduate schools?
Most US graduate schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (approximately 75% or 7.5 CGPA on Indian 10-point scale). Top programs typically expect 3.5+ GPA along with strong GRE/GMAT scores and research experience.
How much does it cost to study in the USA?
Total costs range from $40,000 to $80,000+ per year depending on the university and location. This includes tuition ($25,000-$75,000), living expenses ($12,000-$25,000), health insurance, and other costs.