Do I need the GRE or GMAT to study in the USA?

It depends on the program. Many STEM master's programs have made the GRE optional or waived it entirely since 2020, while competitive MBA and some business analytics programs still expect a GMAT or GRE score. Check each program's current admissions page rather than assuming.

How much does it cost to study a master's in the USA?

Tuition alone typically runs $20,000–$60,000 a year, and living costs add a further $10,000–$25,000 depending on the city. Public universities are usually cheaper than private ones, though international students pay out-of-state rates at public schools.

Can I work in the US after graduating?

F-1 graduates are eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Graduates of designated STEM majors can apply for a 24-month STEM-OPT extension, giving up to 36 months of work authorisation in total.

What paperwork do I need for the F-1 visa interview?

At minimum: your passport, Form I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation, admission letter, and financial proof. Bring originals and copies — officers may ask to see any of them.

Study destination

Study in the USA

The United States has the largest and most varied higher-education system in the world — thousands of universities, every field imaginable, and a research and innovation ecosystem few other countries can match. That range is also why so many aspirants find US admissions confusing. This guide covers what actually matters: how programs differ, what the F-1 visa process requires, and what paperwork to prepare before you apply.

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Why study in the USA

The widest range of programs and specialisations of any single country, from applied engineering to interdisciplinary research degrees.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets F-1 graduates work in the US for up to 12 months after a degree — 24 months longer for many STEM majors.
A dense concentration of research funding, industry partnerships and start-up ecosystems around major university hubs.
Flexible curricula — many master's programs allow you to mix courses across departments rather than following one fixed track.

Popular fields

Computer Science & Data Science
Engineering (all disciplines)
Business Administration (MBA/MS)
Biotechnology & Life Sciences
Public Policy & International Affairs

Best universities for a master's in the USA

There is no single "best" university for a master's in the US — the right choice depends on your field, funding situation, and career goal. Global rankings (QS, THE, US News) are a reasonable starting filter, but they weight research output and reputation, not fit for a specific program or your specific profile. Use rankings to build a shortlist, then evaluate each program on curriculum, faculty research areas, and outcomes for your intended path.

MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon — strong for computer science and engineering-heavy programs

Harvard, Columbia, University of Chicago — strong across business, policy and social sciences

UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, Georgia Tech — large public research universities with broad program depth

UT Austin, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue — strong engineering programs with lower relative cost than private peers

These are widely recognised examples across common fields, not a ranked list — a program ranked lower overall can still be the stronger choice for a specific specialisation, advisor, or funding package.

What it costs

Tuition

Roughly $20,000–$60,000 a year for a master's, depending on whether the university is public or private and the specific program. Public universities often publish separate (higher) rates for international students.

Living costs

Varies enormously by city — a university town in the Midwest can cost half of what a program in New York, Boston or the Bay Area costs for housing and daily expenses.

Funding

Research and teaching assistantships are common for STEM master's and PhD applicants and can cover tuition plus a stipend; they are far less common for professional master's programs (MBA, most MS in business).

The F-1 student visa: what it requires

These are the core pieces of the process — always confirm current requirements and fees on the relevant embassy or immigration website before you apply, since exact figures and forms are updated periodically.

Form I-20

Issued by your university through the SEVIS system once you accept admission and pay the initial deposit. You need the I-20 before you can apply for the visa or pay the SEVIS fee.

SEVIS I-901 fee

A one-time fee tied to your SEVIS ID (printed on your I-20), paid before your visa interview. Keep the payment receipt — you'll need it at the interview.

DS-160 form

The online nonimmigrant visa application, completed before you schedule your interview. It asks for travel history, education, and program details from your I-20.

Visa interview

Conducted at a US embassy or consulate. Officers typically assess intent to return home after your studies, financial capacity, and clarity about your chosen program — so be ready to explain why this specific program and university.

The application process, step by step

Shortlist programs

Filter by field, funding availability, and admission requirements rather than ranking alone.

Prepare tests & documents

GRE/GMAT (where required), TOEFL/IELTS, transcripts, SOP, resume and letters of recommendation.

Submit applications

Most Fall-intake deadlines fall between December and February; some programs also offer a smaller Spring intake.

Accept & get your I-20

Once admitted, confirm your seat and deposit so the university can issue your SEVIS I-20.

Apply for your F-1 visa

Pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160, and attend your visa interview with your I-20 and financial documents.

Intake timing: Fall (August/September start) is the primary intake for almost every US program and carries the widest course and funding availability. A smaller Spring (January) intake exists for some programs but with fewer options.

Paperwork checklist

What most applicants for the USA need to have ready before their visa application:

Valid passport (with at least six months' validity beyond your intended stay)
Form I-20 issued by your university
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa interview appointment confirmation
Admission/offer letter from the university
Proof of funds — bank statements, loan sanction letter, or affidavit of support
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Standardised test scores where required (GRE/GMAT)
Passport-size photographs meeting US visa specifications

For a step-by-step walkthrough of each document, read the full USA study visa paperwork checklist.