How to Study in USA from Nepal?
Choosing to study in the USA from Nepal provides numerous advantages, making it a highly sought-after option for international students. The primary language of instruction is English.
The cost of study ranges from $20,000 to $70,000, and various funding sources are available, including scholarships, grants, personal savings, educational loans, sponsorships, and financial aid from universities or external organizations.
To pursue education in the USA, international students typically need to take language proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. The degrees offered include Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral programs, with the academic classes generally starting in August or January.
Overall, to reach your American dream you have to go through certain measures in order to prove your efficiency to them.
Why Choose USA?
The United States is recognized as a premier global education destination, attracting over 900,000 students from more than 200 countries. Renowned for its diversity and safety, it is considered an attractive and promising destination for international students.
One key part contributing to its popularity is the flexibility in education, allowing students to switch universities and transfer credits, providing them with the freedom to tailor their educational experiences as per one’s interests and career goals.
Top Universities in the USA
Several top-tier universities in the United States stand out for their academic excellence. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is renowned for innovation across various fields, while Harvard University, established in 1636, boasts a prestigious reputation and diverse academic offerings.
Stanford University, ranked 5th globally, emphasizes discovery, creativity, and information. The University of California, Berkeley (UCB), a public research institution, is recognized for its teaching and research facilities, ranking 10th globally.
The University of Chicago, a private research university, is distinguished for its professional schools and excellence in arts and sciences.
Levels of Study Options
U.S. universities offer diverse academic pathways, including Undergraduate Programs for Bachelor’s degrees, Masters Programs at the graduate level, Professional Programs specializing in specific fields, and Doctoral Programs for advanced research pursuits.
Popular Courses for International Students
International students in the U.S. can choose from a variety of fields like Engineering, Business, Mathematics, Computer Science, Fine Arts, Health Professions, Communication, and Journalism.
After completing their studies, students have post-study work options through Optional Practical Training (OPT) where graduating students are provided with a one-year work permit after graduation. In fact, when a student graduates with a STEM-designated degree, they may qualify for an additional 2-year extension which totals to a 3-year work experience opportunity for students.
These opportunities not only improve academic experiences but also offer practical exposure, contributing to students’ overall career development.
Scholarships for Nepalese Students in USA
Various programs support international students in the U.S.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate students, the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program focuses on leadership development, the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship covers full tuition for Nepalese students, and The Next Gen Scholarship provides a $1,000 stipend for students in Maryland, Washington, or Virginia, promoting educational opportunities and regional support.
Likewise, there are many different kind of scholarships available for international students in the USA which are specific to the university you will apply to.
For example, The University of Toledo offers International Rocket Award, Truman University offers TruMerit Scholarships, Jacksonville State University offers Gamecock Achievement Award and Gamecock Success Award. These scholarships offer vary in amount depending on the university that is awarding the students.
English language requirements for US student visa
To demonstrate English proficiency, student can take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. While IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by all the universities, we recommend you to check for other language tests like PTE or Duolingo which may not be accepted in some universities.
Who can sponsor me to study in the USA?
Securing sponsorship to study in the USA can be accomplished through various factors. Family members, private organizations, individuals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), can act as sponsors for your education and living expenses.
Employers may also sponsor, for educational matter often with an expectation of continued service post-studies. Moreover, many governments have scholarship programs for international students, and U.S. universities themselves provide scholarships based on academic merit or other criteria.
Visa Application Process
To qualify for a U.S. student visa, applicants must apply as a full-time student in a SEVP-accepted institution by providing necessary financial and academic credentials as well as English language proficiency scores.
To secure an appointment for the visa interview, you will need a valid passport, a completed DS-160 Form, I-20 Form from the university you are applying to, transcripts from the educational institutions you have attended, test scores, and passport size photographs which are not more than 6 months old.
The application process involves submitting admission documents, getting accepted into the program, getting your I-20, getting the DS-160 payment receipt, a SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt, scheduling and taking a visa interview.
During the visa interview, you will also be completing the biometrics requirement right before the interview in the US Embassy of Nepal saving you wait times like in some other countries.
Securing Visa
Visa approval is a crucial step in this entire process. It is very important that you stay authentic and be able to convey your genuine interest and aspirations with the program you have applied to.
It is also important to clearly express your financial planning and future career plans in Nepal which are also the important areas they will be evaluating your interview upon.
However, various factor can lead to a visa denial such as Incomplete or Inaccurate Details under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 221(g), insufficient financial proof, lack of ties to your home country, issues with background check etc.
Studying in the USA offers a wealth of educational opportunities to gain deep knowledge with a blend of practical learning and expert mentorship opportunities.
So, understanding the application process, sponsorship, post-study work options, and scholarship opportunity is crucial for a successful experience. Therefore, in order to help driven students like you, we have a dedicated team at Edwise Foundation.
We offer personalized service and guidance for these crucial steps to help you secure your F1-visa to study in the USA and realize your American dream.