USA · CHAPTER 19
Studying in the USA:your questions answered.
The questions Indian students ask most about the USA, answered briefly.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
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QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Roughly $25,000–65,000 a year in tuition plus $15,000–30,000 in living costs, depending on university and city.
$185 visa fee and $350 SEVIS fee.
12 months, plus 24 months for eligible STEM graduates.
On campus up to 20 hours a week in term; off campus only with CPT or OPT authorisation.
Not always; many programmes are GRE-optional.
The I-20 is your university's certificate of eligibility. The F-1 is the visa stamped in your passport after the interview. You need both to enter and study.
Yes, through a SEVIS transfer between schools, usually between terms. You do not need a new visa if your F-1 is still valid.
No. F-2 dependants cannot work and can only study part-time.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
USA GUIDE
Why study in the USA
Research universities, STEM OPT and the largest graduate job market: the real advantages, costs and 2026 policy risks of studying in the USA.
USA GUIDE
Fees & cost of living
US tuition at public and private universities, health insurance, SEVIS and visa fees and monthly living costs for Indian students in 2026–27.
USA GUIDE
F-1 student visa
F-1 visa from India: I-20, $350 SEVIS fee, DS-160, $185 fee, interview questions, social media details and the 2026 fixed-admission rule.
ANSWERS
FAQ
Quick answers to the questions students and parents ask us most.
FROM INDIA
A guide for parents
Study abroad answers for Indian parents: true costs, loans and co-applicants, sending money, safety, health, visiting your child and checking an agent.
TOOL
Compare countries
Compare countries on fees, living costs, visa rules and post-study work, in one table.
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