As per various reports, the United States of America is one of the most popular study destinations around the world. These reports make it even more enticing for Nepalese students to make studying in the USA their primary choice. However, it becomes extremely important to understand various aspects of studying in the USA, including the requirements to study in the USA, the cost of studying in the USA, post-work study opportunities for international students, and much more.
Why Study in the USA from Nepal?
The USA has been an attractive destination for students from all over the world. Here are some of the compelling reasons why many choose to pursue their studies in America: Firstly, education in the US is highly valued and provides numerous opportunities for career advancement.
Below is a list of reasons why studying in the USA is a perfect choice for Nepalese students:
- World’s Top Universities
The USA has one of the top-ranked universities in the world. Over 4,000 schools and universities are located in the United States. In the United States, you can find outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs. For their excellence, US degrees are recognized and accepted all around the world.
- Career Opportunities
The United States has the world’s largest economy. When it comes to dividing the world’s top 100 companies, the United States still has the largest share. A degree from a US institution opens up a wide range of job opportunities, and a degree from a well-known university boosts the chances even more.
- Job Opportunities
When it comes to providing opportunities for excellent and well-paying jobs, the United States is one of the world’s leaders (https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/job-offers). Additionally, the US government provides a lot of assistance to students who want to continue their education to graduate with a good career.
- Travel Opportunities
With so many cities and states in the United States, it’s easy to get lost and wind up doing a variety of activities. Rather than sticking in one city or region, it is always a good idea to travel to new areas, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. Some wonderful destinations to visit are New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Miami, and many more.
- Excellent Support for International Students
Institutions assist international students living in a foreign country. They conduct webinars, workshops, open days, orientation programs, and training, among other things. These institutes also offer language seminars to help international students integrate into their new culture.
Interesting Facts about USA
- Harvard University was the first university ever established in the United States.
- Every day, Americans consume over 100 acres of pizza.
- Women gained the right to vote in the United States for the first time in 1920.Alaska was a part of Russia in the nineteenth century.
- London owns the Liberty Bell of the United States.
- Philadelphia was the nation’s original capital, while Washington did not become the capital until 1790.
- The American flag is made up of 50 stars, each representing one of the 50 states.
- The Harvard Library is the world’s largest academic library
Top Universities and Colleges in USA
These are World’s top universities in the United States, according to the QS World University Ranking and the US News Ranking.
| S.N | Universities | QS World Ranking 2023 | U.S Ranking 2023 |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Stanford University | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 5 | 2 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology | 6 | 9 |
| 5 | University of Chicago | 10 | 6 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | 13 | 8 |
| 7 | Princeton University | 16 | 1 |
Popular Courses in USA
| S.N | Courses |
| 1 | Business Management |
| 2 | Engineering |
| 3 | Information Technology (IT) |
| 4 | Physical and Life Science |
| 5 | Law |
| 6 | Medicine |
| 7 | Hospitality Management |
| 8 | Architecture |
Cost to Study in USA
| Program | Fee (USD) |
| Community Colleges | $6,000 to $20,000 per year |
| Undergraduate Programs | $20,000 to $40,000 per year |
| Graduate Programs | $20,000 to $45,000 per year |
| Doctoral Degree | $28,000 to $55,000 per year |
Cost of Living in USA
| Expenses | Cost in USD |
| Electricity | $60 to $100 per month |
| Internet | $45 to $50 per month |
| Transportation | $45 to $100 per month |
| Food | $400 to $600 per month |
| Phone | $50 to $100 per month |
*The cost may range higher or lower depending on the student’s lifestyle.
Best Cities to Study in USA
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Boston
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- San Francisco
- Washington DC
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
Intakes in USA for Nepalese Students
Each year, students from around the world flock to study in the USA. The school year is divided into three distinct intake periods: Fall, spring, and Summer. Following is an overview of each period, including relevant deadlines for applications:
- Fall Intake: Beginning in August or September, Fall intake is a widely used option among universities throughout America. It marks a popular start to an academic year, providing plenty of opportunities for new students to get involved in various courses and programmes offered by each university. Undoubtedly, it is an ideal choice for those just beginning their studies.
- Spring Intake: For those seeking more flexibility in their study timeline, a Spring intake can be a great alternative for international students. This option usually begins in January or February, and while there may be slightly fewer programmes available than in the fall, many universities still offer an extensive selection of courses to choose from. For those who didn’t make it in time for Fall enrollment, this could be an excellent opportunity.
- Summer Intake: While not as widespread as regular semesters, some universities offer a Summer intake, typically beginning in May or June. This can be a great opportunity for students wanting to speed up their academic progress by taking additional courses or doing internships. However, it is important to check with each institution, as not all programmes may be available during this period.
The following table displays specific timeframes for intakes and their associated deadlines:
| Intake | Deadlines |
| Fall | May – July (varies by university) |
| Spring | October – December (varies by university) |
| Summer | February – April (varies by university) |
Types of Scholarships
1. University Scholarships
Most colleges will provide some form of financial help to overseas students. The majority of universities provide some sort of financial help for international students.
2. Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded depending on a student’s academic achievement. Merit scholarships come in a variety of forms, including:
Academic Scholarships: These scholarships may be provided by the institution or university, as well as by private groups. They are given to students who have high grades on SAT or ACT scores.
Sports Scholarships: There are several rules about how a student earns sports scholarships, and they are quite competitive. For international student athletes who wish to study in the US, this is one of the greatest possibilities.
Financial Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded depending on the recipient’s financial need. The majority of these are exclusively accessible to citizens of the United States, Certain colleges will provide need-based scholarships to overseas students.
Job Opportunities in USA
Part-Time Job
Working part-time not only helps to solve this problem, but it is also a great chance to meet new people and build key skills that will improve your CV.
However, there are certain limits on part-time work for overseas students in the United States that you should be aware of before you begin applying.
Here are some of the best-paying part-time jobs for international students.
| S.N | Job | Average Wage |
| 1 | Campus ambassador | $10.94 per hour |
| 2 | Library assistant | $13.24 per hour |
| 3 | Receptionist | $13.31 per hour |
| 4 | Teaching Assistant | $11.85 per hour |
| 5 | Research study assistant | $15.48 per hour |
| 6 | Sales assistant | $20.00 per hour |
| 7 | Barista | $11.59 per hour |
| 8 | Food runner or catering assistant | $16.81 per hour |
| 9 | Tutor pr peer mentor | $21.31 per hour |
| 10 | Department Assistant | $16.44 per hour |
Visa Application Process
- Receive your I-20 along with your SEVIS number.
- Complete the DS 160 form.
- Pay the $185 interview fee at Nepal Investment Bank.
- Book an appointment with the US Embassy for the visa interview.
- Pay the $350 SEVIS fee at Nepal Investment Bank or any other bank.
- Bring your passport, I-20, original academic transcripts, SEVIS and DS 160 receipt to the interview.
- Prepare for the Interview
Congratulations if you receive your visa; if not, reapply using the DS 160 form. (You do not have to pay for your SEVIS again because it is valid for one year.)
Post-study Work Opportunities in the USA for Nepalese Students
Studying in the United States of America presents a great range of post-study work opportunities for its many foreign students. Listed below are some popular pathways to explore:
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows international students to work in the country for up to 12 months after graduating from college. Those with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics may be eligible for a 24-month extension of this programme. To take advantage of this opportunity, applicants must apply through USCIS and acquire employment related to their field of study.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programme allows foreign students to gain paid or unpaid work experience through internships and cooperative education programmes as part of their studies. Authorisation from the designated school official is mandatory for CPT, with opportunities available to be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis during the academic year and summer break.
- H-1B Visa: For those seeking to live and work in America, one of their options is an H-1B visa. This visa enables U.S. employers to take on international professionals who specialise in specific occupations. After completing their studies, international students may be eligible for sponsorship towards an H-1B visa; however, since there are specific requirements and an annual cap on visas granted, competition can be fierce.
- Employer Sponsorship: Securing a job in the U.S. may be possible when studying abroad, especially with employers that are willing to sponsor visas such as the H-1B and O-1 visas. The latter option is designed particularly to benefit those with impressive skill sets in their field of study. Investing in these types of visas unlocks a wealth of employment prospects here in the United States that foreign students can take advantage of.
- Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Aspiring business owners with an original concept may take advantage of varying initiatives designed for foreign entrepreneurs, such as the Optional Practical Training for Entrepreneurs (OPT-E) and the Startup Visa programme. These programmes provide a platform to establish and develop their ventures in America.
