Studying in the USA means getting admitted to a US university, receiving an I-20, and applying for an F-1 student visa. India is the largest source of international students, with 363,019 Indian students in the 2024 to 2025 academic year. You can work on campus while you study and apply for OPT afterwards. Since 15 September 2026, F-1 students are admitted for a fixed period instead of "duration of status," so plan your timeline more carefully than earlier batches did.

Why Study in the USA?

The US offers the widest range of courses, research funding and campus choice of any study destination. You can start at a community college and transfer, join a large public research university, or apply to a small liberal arts college. Master's and PhD students in science and technology often work with labs that drive the industry, and STEM graduates can stay on OPT for up to three years in total.

The trade-offs are cost and policy risk. Fees are high, the visa process has become stricter, and work visas after graduation are competitive. Go in with a budget and a backup plan. Our page on studying in the USA from Delhi explains how AbroadUp handles USA admissions and visas.

What Changed for F-1 Students in 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on 17 July 2026 that replaces the open-ended "duration of status" system with a fixed period of admission. It was due to take effect on 15 September 2026. Check the Study in the States website for the latest position, since a major rule can still face review or legal challenge.

• Fixed admission period: your I-94 shows an end date based on your I-20 program length, up to a maximum of four years, plus short arrival and departure windows.
• Extension of stay: if you need more time to finish, you generally have to file an extension with USCIS before your admission ends, or you start accruing unlawful presence.
• Shorter grace period: the post-completion window is 30 days instead of 60.
• No repeating a degree level: after finishing a program, you may only move to a higher level, so a second master's for extra work authorisation is no longer a fallback.
• Stricter checks: the State Department reviews the online presence of student visa applicants, and most applicants attend an in-person interview.
• Fees: a $250 visa integrity fee has been enacted, but its rollout has been unclear, so confirm whether it applies when you apply.

OPT and STEM OPT still exist, but you must keep your F-1 status valid throughout. Plan to finish on time, keep your documents consistent, and avoid unnecessary changes of major or school.

Degrees, Intakes and Tests

Fall (August to September) is the main intake and has the widest choice of courses and funding. Spring (January) exists at many universities, but fewer programs and less funding are on offer. Test policies differ by university and program and change from year to year, so confirm each one before you book an exam.

Eligibility and English Requirements

• For a bachelor's: Class 12 with strong marks, a solid school record and, at some universities, SAT or ACT scores.
• For a master's: a relevant bachelor's degree, good grades, and a strong statement of purpose and references. Some programs ask for GRE or GMAT scores, and many do not.
• English: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo, depending on what the university accepts.
• Documents: transcripts, degree certificates, CV, recommendations, and sometimes a portfolio, writing sample or research statement.

If you need an English or aptitude score, AbroadUp's IELTS preparation course, GRE classes and exam preparation team can help you plan the right score for your shortlist.

Choosing the Right Type of University

Ranking matters less than program fit, funding and location. A mid-ranked university with strong employer links can serve you better than a famous name with a weak department for your field.

Cost of Studying in the USA

These figures vary widely by university, program and city. Your I-20 shows the university's estimate of your first-year cost, and you must show that you can pay it. Many students look at lower-cost routes before deciding, so compare with our budget friendly degrees page and our Study Free In Germany guide.

Scholarships and Assistantships

Many universities award merit scholarships that cut tuition by a fixed amount or percentage, and some programs offer teaching or research assistantships that pay a stipend and part of the tuition. Assistantships are most common for PhD students and some research master's students. Apply early and read each university's funding page, because funding often goes to earlier applicants.

How to Apply to a US University Step by Step

1. Shortlist universities and programs by fit, funding, location and total cost.
2. Prepare your tests (English, and GRE, GMAT, SAT or ACT where needed).
3. Prepare your application: transcripts, a focused statement of purpose or essays, recommendations and a CV.
4. Apply through each university's portal or a common application platform, before the deadline.
5. Accept your offer and pay the deposit.
6. Receive your I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee.
7. Apply for your F-1 visa and attend your interview.

F-1 Student Visa for Indian Applicants

After you receive your I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee, you complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fee and book an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India. Bring your I-20, passport, admission letter, financial documents and academic records. The officer wants to see a clear study plan, sufficient funds and strong ties that show you intend to return after your studies.

Your online presence is part of the review, so keep your social media accounts consistent with your application. Appointments can be scarce in peak months, so book as soon as your I-20 arrives. AbroadUp's visa and services team prepares you for the interview and checks your documents before you file.

Working During and After Your Studies

On an F-1 visa you can work on campus for up to 20 hours a week during term and more during official breaks. Off-campus work is limited. Curricular Practical Training lets you take an internship connected to your course, usually after your first academic year. After graduation, Optional Practical Training gives up to 12 months of work authorisation, and graduates of STEM-designated degrees can apply for a 24-month extension.

Moving from OPT to a long-term work visa is the hard part. The H-1B is subject to a lottery and to changing rules and fees, so many advisers suggest planning for cap-exempt employers, other visa options or a second destination as a backup. Read our pages on the UK and the Germany destination page if you want to compare post-study options.

Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Make

• Assuming OPT leads to an H-1B. Treat the H-1B as an uncertain step and plan alternatives.
• Ignoring the new fixed admission period. Finish on time and file extensions early if you need one.
• Applying only to top universities. A balanced list of ambitious, likely and safe options works better.
• Weak financial documents. Unexplained funds and inconsistent numbers lead to refusals.
• Booking the visa interview late. Slots fill quickly before Fall.

Frequently Asked Questions