Study in USA: The Ultimate Guide for Nepali Students
Dreaming of studying in the USA? 🇺🇸 You’re not alone! Every year, thousands of Nepali students choose the United States as their study destination. With world-ranked universities, diverse courses, abundant scholarships, and career opportunities, the USA offers everything a Nepali student needs to succeed.
This guide covers everything — from courses and universities to scholarships, costs, admissions, and visa requirements.
Why Choose USA for Higher Studies?
Here are the top reasons why Nepali students are choosing the USA:
- World-Class Education – Home to Ivy League and top global universities.
- Strong Job Market – Opportunities in IT, healthcare, business, engineering, and more.
- Diverse Courses – From tech to arts, students can pick from 4,000+ universities.
- Scholarship Options – Merit-based, need-based, and fully funded opportunities.
- Cultural Diversity – Exposure to international peers and global networking.
- Pathway to PR & Work Visa – Post-study options for work and residency.
- Cutting-edge Research – Access to the best labs, professors, and innovation hubs.
- Global Exposure – U.S. degrees are highly respected worldwide.
Key Facts about Studying in USA
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Language spoken | English |
| Cost of study | $10,000 – $55,000 per year (varies by program & institution) |
| Source of funding | Scholarships, assistantships, grants, part-time jobs |
| Exams required | TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT (depending on program) |
| Degrees Offered | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Diploma programs |
| Intakes | Fall (Sept), Spring (Jan), Summer (May/Jun – limited) |
| Visa Type | F-1 Visa (Student), J-1 (Exchange), M-1 (Vocational) |
What Makes USA Stand Out for International Students?
- Affordable scholarships for deserving students
- Global networking and career prospects
- High employability after graduation
- Stay-back work opportunities under OPT & H-1B
- Multicultural lifestyle and exposure
Trending Courses in USA for Nepali Students
| Field of Study | Example Programs | Avg. Tuition Fee (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | MBA, Finance, Marketing | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Engineering & Technology | Computer Science, Mechanical, AI | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Health & Life Sciences | Medicine, Nursing, Biotechnology | $30,000 – $70,000 |
| Hospitality & Tourism | Hotel & Event Management | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Arts & Humanities | Psychology, Literature, Sociology | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Leading Universities in USA for Nepali Students
| University | Ranking | Key Programs | Avg. Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Top 5 | Business, Law, Medicine | $50,000+ |
| Stanford University | Top 5 | Engineering, AI, Business | $45,000+ |
| MIT (Massachusetts Institute) | Top 10 | Computer Science, Robotics | $47,000+ |
| University of California, LA | Top 50 | Media, Technology, Business | $40,000 |
| New York University (NYU) | Top 50 | Arts, Business, International | $45,000 |
| University of Chicago | Top 20 | Economics, Social Sciences | $48,000 |
Admission Requirements for USA
Step-by-Step Requirements:
- Academic Qualifications – 12 years for bachelor’s, relevant bachelor’s for master’s.
- Language Proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL required (6.0+ band typical).
- Entrance Exams – SAT, GRE, GMAT depending on program.
- SOP & Recommendation Letters – Compulsory for most universities.
- Documents Required:
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- Passport
- Bank statements & financial proof
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- Recommendation letters
How to Get a Student Visa for USA
- Visa Process (F-1 for Nepali Students):
- Receive I-20 from university
- Pay SEVIS fee
- Fill DS-160 form online
- Book visa interview at U.S. Embassy (Kathmandu)
- Attend visa interview & get approval
Document Requird:
- Valid Passport
- I-20 Form
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Bank Statement
- Academic Certificates
- Visa Application Form (DS-160)
Academic Intakes & Application Windows
| Intake | Duration | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Sept – Dec | Jan – May |
| Spring | Jan – May | Aug – Nov |
| Summer | May – Aug | Dec – Mar (limited) |
Education & Living Expenses in USA
Tuition Fees
- Public Universities: $10,000 – $30,000/year
- Private Universities: $25,000 – $55,000/year
Living Costs (per month)
| Expense | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $600 – $1,200 |
| Food | $200 – $400 |
| Transport | $70 – $150 |
| Insurance | $100 – $250 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 – $300 |
Scholarship Opportunities for Nepali Students
Popular Scholarships:
- Fulbright Scholarship (Fully Funded)
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship
- AAUW International Fellowship (For women)
- University-specific grants (Harvard, MIT, NYU, etc.)
Real Cost of Living in USA (USD vs NPR)
| Expense | USD (Monthly) | NPR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $1,000 – $4,500 | NPR 1.3L – 6L |
| Accommodation | $800 | NPR 1L+ |
| Food | $300 | NPR 40,000 |
| Transport | $100 | NPR 13,000 |
| Insurance | $150 | NPR 20,000 |
Career & Work Options After Graduation
| Job Field | Avg. Salary (per year) | Stay-back Option |
|---|---|---|
| IT & Engineering | $70,000 – $120,000 | OPT (1–3 years) |
| Business & Finance | $60,000 – $100,000 | H-1B Work Visa |
| Healthcare | $80,000 – $150,000 | OPT + H-1B |
| Hospitality & Tourism | $40,000 – $70,000 | OPT Work Permit |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is IELTS required for the USA?
Yes, most universities require IELTS or TOEFL for Nepali students.
Q2. Can I work part-time in the USA?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week on-campus during semesters.
Q3. What is the average tuition fee?
Between $10,000 – $55,000 per year, depending on program & university.
Q4. Is education free in the USA?
No, but many scholarships cover partial or full tuition.
Q5. Can I apply for PR after studying in the USA?
Yes, via H-1B work visa & Green Card pathways.