FAQs

Studying for Masters in the USA offers access to world-renowned universities, diverse academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, liberal financial assistance and enhanced career prospects. The USA is a hub for innovation and academic excellence.

Top universities for Master's degrees in the USA include MIT, Stanford University, Harvard University, UC Berkeley, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Cornell, and others. Rankings may vary based on the field of study.

Popular Master's degree courses in the USA include Computer Science, various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, Data Science, and Business Administration (MBA).

The application deadlines for Master's programs vary by university and program. Generally, it is advisable to start the application process at least a year before the intended start date. While Fall (August/September) intake is more popular, many universities also offer Spring intake (January/February).

Prerequisites vary by university and program. Admission to US universities is generally based on the following factors: (1) GRE score, (2) academic record of Bachelor's degree, (3) relevant work experience, (4) co-curricular activities like paper presentations, internships and projects, (5) statement of purpose, letters of recommendation etc., (6) proof of English proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL).

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is crucial to the admission process. It allows applicants to explain their academic and professional background, career goals, and reasons for pursuing the specific Master's program. It helps admission committees assess the applicant's suitability for the program.

LOR stands for Letter of Recommendation. It is a document written by someone familiar with the applicant's academic or professional achievement, such as a professor or reporting manager. LORs provide insights into the applicant's character, abilities, and suitability for the Master's program.

Generally, most universities, except top ranked universities, accept such students. It is important to justify this in the Statement of Purpose.

Students are given the F-1 visa, which is valid for five years or until the course is completed. To get the visa, you have to apply to the US consulate in India and carry the following documents at the time of interview: (1) I-20 form (2) Passport (3) Proof of adequate finance from the sponsor (4) Income Tax Returns (5) visa application form (DS-160), (6) SEVIS fee payment receipt, and (7) visa appointment confirmation. Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.

Financial assistance can come in the form of (a) tuition scholarships, (b) assistantships (research, teaching or graduate), or (c) fellowships. If your academic performance in your Bachelor's course in India is outstanding and your GRE score is impressive, you may get financial aid at the time of admission. Otherwise, you need to perform well in the first and second semesters of your MS course to stand a better chance of getting a Research Assistantship (RA) or a Teaching Assistantship (TA). Contact the university's financial aid office to explore available options and application procedures.

Below are the options for international students to work on an F-1 (student) visa: Campus jobs - students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week on-campus, earning approximately $10 - $15 per hour. Internships - during summer breaks, Co-op jobs - while studying

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a program that allows international students to work as interns outside the campus after completing two semesters of the course. Sometimes, universities also allow you to continue the internship in the third or the fourth semester. You can use your CPT for up to 364 days. CPT helps students gain practical work experience related to their field of study as part of the curriculum.

OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a period during which international students are allowed to work in the US after completing their degree without obtaining a work permit (H-1 visa). It is valid for 12 months. But if you are from the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) category, you can extend your OPT for up to 36 months.

Living expenses for Indian students in the USA vary by location and lifestyle. It can range from $10,000 to $15,000 annually, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses.

The duration of Master's programs in the USA typically ranges from one to two years, depending on the program and the university.

Yes, having prior relevant work experience in the field of your Master's specialization can enhance your job prospects after completing your MS, as it can make you more competitive in the job market.

Students with an American Master's degree in the STEM category can avail of a special quota of 20,000 H-1B visas. In addition to this quota, they can also apply for the general quota comprising 65,000 H-1B visas.

Generally, the number of H-1B visa applicants exceeds the allotted quota. Hence, the US administration follows the lottery system. You can apply for the H-1B visa once a year, in April. If your visa petition is not picked in the first attempt, and you are from the STEM category, you can apply for the visa again in the next two years since your OPT period is three years.