The USA remains a top choice for international students, with a significant increase in Indian students pursuing higher education there. In 2022, 199,812 Indian students went to the US for studies, marking a 19% increase from 2021. Getting a student visa isn't overly challenging, especially if the paperwork, applications, and interviews are well-prepared.
There are three main types of US study visas: F1 for university-level studies, J1 for exchange programs, and M1 for vocational education. The application assessment timeline varies for each visa type.
This guide focuses on the F1 Student Visa, which is for both bachelor's and master's programs in the USA. It outlines the types of visas, the application process, and key considerations for aspiring students.
There are three main student visas for the USA:
-
F1 Student Visa:
For programs with over 18 hours of weekly study, like undergraduate and graduate courses such as MS or MBA.
-
J1 Exchange Visitor Visa:
For exchange programs, including scholars, short-term study abroad, vocational training, or research fellowships.
-
M1 Vocational / Non-Academic Student Visa:
Reserved for vocational and technical schools.
Accompanying family members get F-2, J-2, or M-2 visas. Spouses may be allowed to work with prior permission. M1 visas have stricter time limits.
Application fees for different types of USA Student Visas:
Obtaining an F1 student visa for the USA involves two fees:
-
SEVIS Fee: Currently $350 (approximately INR 26,256).
-
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): Presently $160 (about INR 12,003).
Breakdown of application fees for different types of Student Visas:
|
Types of Student Visas |
F1 |
J1 |
M1 |
|
SEVIS Fee* |
$350 (INR 28,826) |
$220 (INR 18,129) |
$350 (INR 28,826) |
|
MRV Application Fee / Visa Application Fee** |
$160 (INR 13,185) |
$160 (INR 13,185) |
$160 (INR 13,185) |
Cost of Studying in the USA for Indian Students:
The cost of studying in the USA varies based on the chosen study program, qualification, and institution. Humanities, education, and arts programs generally have lower fees compared to fields like medicine, engineering, and business management.
|
Study Program |
Average Tuition Fee per Year (USD) |
Cost in Indian Rupees (INR) |
|
Undergraduate |
$8,000 – $40,000 |
INR 663,680 – INR 3,318,400 |
|
Associate |
$3,800 |
INR 315,008 |
|
Postgraduate |
$10,000 – $60,000 |
INR 829,600 – INR 4,757,600 |
|
Doctoral |
$28,000 to $55,000 |
INR 2,318,880 – INR 4,557,200 |
Cost of Studying at Top Universities in the USA
|
University |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
Cost in Indian Rupees (INR) |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
1 |
$50,000 – $55,000 |
INR 4,147,200 – INR 4,556,800 |
|
Stanford University |
3 |
$25,000 – $55,000 |
INR 2,074,000 – INR 4,556,800 |
|
Harvard University |
5 |
$25,000 – $51,000 |
INR 2,074,000 – INR 4,223,760 |
|
California Institute of Technology |
6 |
$44,000 – $57,000 |
INR 3,650,240 – INR 4,729,520 |
|
University of Chicago |
10 |
$55,000 – $59,000 |
INR 4,556,800 – INR 4,903,040 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
13 |
$60,000 – $62,000 |
INR 4,975,360 – INR 5,139,520 |
|
Princeton University |
16 |
$56,000 – $58,000 |
INR 4,646,560 – INR 4,802,880 |
|
Yale University |
18 |
$58,000 – $60,000 |
INR 4,802,880 – INR 4,975,360 |
|
Cornell University |
20 |
$56,000 – $60,000 |
INR 4,646,560 – INR 4,975,360 |
|
Columbia University |
22 |
$58,000 – $78,000 |
INR 4,802,880 – INR 6,475,680 |
Top Courses in the USA and Average Annual Tuition Fees
The cost of studying in the USA varies by the chosen course for Indian students. USA universities provide diverse options, including:
-
Business and Management
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Law
-
Liberal Arts
-
Marine Biology and Life Sciences
-
Maths & Computer Science
-
Medicine
-
Social Sciences
|
Top Courses |
Duration |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
Cost in Indian Rupees (INR) |
|
BSc Nursing (BSN) |
4 years |
$45,000/ year |
INR 3,733,200/ year |
|
MBBS (BS+MD+Residency) |
8-10 years |
$40,000/ year |
INR 3,318,400/ year |
|
LLM |
1 year |
$60,000/ year |
INR 4,975,360/ year |
|
MA Applied Economics |
2 years |
$35,000/ year |
INR 2,907,600/ year |
|
MBA |
2 years |
$70,000/ year |
INR 5,806,400/ year |
|
MPH |
1 to 2 years |
$50,000/ year |
INR 4,148,000/ year |
|
MSc Computer Science |
1 to 2 years |
$50,000/ year |
INR 4,148,000/ year |
|
MSc Data Science |
1 to 2 years |
$70,000/ year |
INR 5,806,400/ year |
Average Cost of Living in the USA
Besides education expenses, the cost of living is a significant part of studying in the USA. It varies based on students' lifestyles, and budget-conscious individuals can consider student accommodation options.
|
Expense |
Average Cost per Year (USD) |
Cost in Indian Rupees (INR) |
|
Rent for housing including utilities |
$21,710 |
INR 1,798,021 |
|
Dormitory housing |
$7,588 – $11,914 |
INR 628,086 – INR 987,789 |
|
Food |
$8,500 |
INR 705,680 |
|
Books and Supplies |
$13,800 |
INR 1,150,368 |
|
Transportation |
$2,180 |
INR 180,732 |
|
Miscellaneous |
$1,000 |
INR 82,960 |
Costs before arriving in the USA for education
Before arriving in the USA for education, Indian students should consider one-time pre-arrival expenses. These cover application fees, English proficiency tests, standardized tests, and student visas.
|
Expense |
Cost (USD) |
Cost in Indian Rupees (INR) |
|
IELTS exam fee |
₹15,750 |
₹15,750 |
|
TOEFL exam fee |
$190 |
₹15,761 |
|
University app fees |
$50 |
₹4,148 |
|
Student visa |
$160 |
₹13,259 |
|
GRE exam fees |
$213 |
₹17,686 |
|
GMAT exam fees |
$275 |
₹22,779 |
Cost after arrival to the USA for education
Post-arrival costs in the USA are ongoing expenses that students incur during their studies, distinct from one-time pre-arrival costs.
|
Expense |
Cost Per Year (USD) |
Cost in Indian Rupees (INR) |
|
Tuition Fee |
||
|
- Bachelors |
$8,000 – $40,000 |
INR 663,680 – INR 3,318,400 |
|
- Masters |
$10,000 – $60,000 |
INR 829,600 – INR 4,757,600 |
|
Health Insurance |
$1,000 – $1,500 |
INR 82,960 – INR 124,440 |
|
Living Expenses |
$20,000 – $22,000 |
INR 1,659,200 – INR 1,824,320 |
