Country guide
Quick answer
The USA suits students who want flexibility, research opportunities and access to funding. You'll need an I-20 from a SEVP-approved school, the SEVIS fee receipt, a DS-160 form and a successful F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy in Nepal.
Key takeaways
- Main intakes: Fall (August/September) and Spring (January)
- Bachelor's degrees usually take four years; master's one to two years
- The visa interview is a key step, so preparation matters
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows work experience after study, with extensions for eligible STEM fields
- Scholarships and assistantships are available for strong profiles
Studying in United States: an overview
American universities range from large research institutions to small liberal-arts colleges and community colleges. This variety means there is a fit for almost every profile and budget.
How US study works
Undergraduate students take general education courses before declaring a major. Graduate programs are more specialised and may offer teaching or research assistantships that cover part of your costs.
Who it suits
The USA suits ambitious students who can prepare well for applications and interviews, especially in STEM, business and research-focused fields.
Quick facts
- Intakes
- Fall (Aug/Sep) and Spring (Jan)
- Work while studying
- Up to 20 hours a week on campus while classes are in session, and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work needs separate authorisation (CPT or OPT).
- Post-study work
- Optional Practical Training (OPT); STEM OPT extension for eligible fields
- English requirement
- Usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL score. Many universities also accept Duolingo or PTE.
- Average tuition
- Varies widely. Public universities often cost less than private ones, and scholarships can reduce costs a lot. Ask us for a costing based on your shortlist.
- Living cost
- Depends on the city and your lifestyle. Big coastal cities cost more than college towns. We'll help you plan a realistic budget.
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
Why study in United States?
Flexible curriculum
Explore different subjects before choosing your major.
Research & innovation
Access world-class labs, faculty and industry links.
Funding opportunities
Merit scholarships and graduate assistantships can reduce costs significantly.
Practical training
OPT lets you apply your learning in a US workplace after graduation.
- Main intakes
- Fall & Spring
- Visa
- F-1
- Post-study
- OPT
Ready to plan your United States journey?
Popular courses
| Field | Levels | Career outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD | Software engineer, ML engineer |
| Data Science & Analytics | Master's | Data scientist, business intelligence analyst |
| Business Analytics & MBA | Master's | Analyst, product manager |
| Engineering | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD | Electrical, civil, mechanical engineer |
| Public Health | Master's | Epidemiologist, health program manager |
Cost of studying in United States
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Tuition: undergraduate (per year) | Varies by university and course. Ask us for a costing based on your shortlist. |
| Tuition: postgraduate (per year) | Depends on the course and university. We'll calculate this for your profile. |
| Living costs (per year) | Depends on the city and your lifestyle. We'll help you plan a realistic budget. |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | Paid online before your visa interview. We'll confirm the current amount. |
| Visa application (MRV) fee | Paid before you book your interview. We'll confirm the current amount. |
| Health insurance | Most universities require their own student health plan or an approved equivalent. |
Figures are indicative and change with fees, exchange rates and policy. Your counsellor will confirm current costs for your course.
Eligibility by background
| Your background | Options | Academic minimum | English score |
|---|---|---|---|
| After +2 (NEB) / A-Levels | Bachelor's degree, diploma, foundation or pathway program | Good +2 results. Each university sets its own minimum, and we'll check yours against your shortlist. | Usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL, Duolingo or PTE score |
| After bachelor's | Master's, postgraduate diploma or graduate certificate | A recognised 3 or 4 year bachelor's degree. Minimum grades vary by university and course. | Usually IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL, Duolingo or PTE score. Some programs also ask for GRE or GMAT. |
Requirements
Academic
- Completed +2 for undergraduate admission (SAT optional at many universities)
- Recognised bachelor's for graduate study; some programs require GRE/GMAT
- Strong academic record improves scholarship chances
English
- TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test or PTE, depending on the university
Financial
- Proof that you can pay tuition and living costs for the period required by the visa
- Funds or loans from acceptable sources, with a clear paper trail
- Sponsor's legitimate income sources documented (tax clearance, salary, business registration)
- Financial documents matching the amount shown on your I-20
Documents checklist
- Valid passport
- SEE, +2 and (if applicable) bachelor's transcripts, certificates and character certificates
- English test score report (IELTS, PTE or as accepted)
- Offer letter from your institution
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Bank balance certificate and education loan letter (if any)
- Sponsor's income documents (salary, business, rent, agriculture) with tax records
- Relationship verification certificate (if sponsored by family)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Work experience letters and gap explanation (if applicable)
- Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved school
- SEVIS fee receipt
- DS-160 confirmation and interview appointment
Application & visa process
- 1
Free counselling
Build a balanced list of universities with ambitious, target and safe options.
- 2
Tests & documents
Prepare English test scores (and SAT/GRE/GMAT if needed), SOP and recommendation letters.
- 3
Apply & receive admission
Submit applications and compare offers and scholarships.
- 4
Receive I-20
Submit financial documents to the university to receive your I-20.
- 5
SEVIS fee, DS-160 & NOC
Pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and obtain your NOC.
- 6
Visa interview
Practise with mock interviews, then attend your F-1 interview at the US Embassy.
- 7
Pre-departure
Plan travel, housing, insurance and orientation.
Scholarships in United States
US universities offer merit scholarships for undergraduates and assistantships (teaching or research) for many graduate students. Need-based aid is available at some universities.
Many scholarships have priority deadlines, so applying early makes a real difference. Good grades, test scores and a clear statement of purpose improve your chances, and we help you plan all three.
FAQs about studying in United States
Know your course, university and funding inside out, and be ready to explain your plans honestly and clearly. Realpath runs mock interviews to help you practise.
Many universities are test-optional, but some programs and scholarships still require or reward strong scores. We'll advise for your shortlist.
F-1 students can usually work on campus within limits. Off-campus work requires specific authorisation such as CPT or OPT.