Several Indian students aim to study abroad in the USA due to its career opportunities, high-quality education, campus culture, and more. However, they fail to get admission to US universities, thinking that the admission requirements and process are the same as Indian universities, and underestimate the preparation involved. Are you one of the students who are seeking the admission requirements to study at the best universities in the US? Then here is a brief guide.
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Top US universities often require 16 years of education for admission; however, a 15-year Indian education is also acceptable. When applying for admission in the United States, you must submit your official transcripts and relevant diplomas and degrees. These documents serve as proof of your academic qualifications. If you plan to study in the USA, you must aim for high marks in your 10th or 12th standard. Here’s what you would require based on your degree in the USA.
USA accepts standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT based on university and program requirements. The tests usually measure the student’s knowledge required for admission.
As an Indian student, you must prove your English language proficiency. USA accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, and Cambridge English Tests for admission. However, the scores vary widely depending on your specialization, program, and university. Here are the standard test requirements:
English Language Test | Required Average Score |
TOEFL | 80 – 90 |
IELTS | 6.0 – 7.0 |
PTE | 50 – 65 |
Duolingo | 95 – 120 |
Cambridge English Tests | C1 Advanced or higher / C2 |
To study in USA, Indian students require several documents and application materials apart from academic scores and English language proficiency scores. Here’s what every Indian student must prepare before applying for admission to the United States:
Documents Required | Details |
Passport | You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended stay |
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | 2 – 3 LORs from your teacher or mentor are often required for admission |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | SOP is a detailed essay explaining everything about you, from your history to your goals, to the reasons for studying in the USA |
Financial Documents | Bank statements or proof of funds are often required to prove that you can cover your tuition and living expenses |
Resume / CV | Updated resume or CV highlighting academic and professional experience |
I-20 Form | Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by a US university required to apply for a US visa |
DS-160 | Confirmation page of the online non-immigrant application form used by students to apply for a US visa |
SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System | A SEVIS fee receipt is required before applying for a US visa |
To study a PhD, Master’s, or Bachelor’s in the USA, you must prove that you have the funds to cover your tuition and living expenses without burdening the country. You must have documents such as the CSS Profile, family income tax returns, bank statements, and a sponsor or support letter.
While many top US universities offer scholarships or financial aid to Indian students, not everyone receives enough to cover the full cost. As a result, education loans are an essential option for many Indian students. To make this easier, Nomad Credit guides students in exploring and comparing education loan options by matching them with the best lender based on their academic profile and financial needs.
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Here are the top universities in the USA for Indian students:
University Name | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
Harvard University | 4 |
Stanford University | 6 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 |
University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 |
Cornell University | 16 |
University of Chicago | 21 |
Princeton University | 22 |
Yale University | 23 |
Yes, you can attend top universities in the USA without the GRE. Several universities have waived the requirements or have made the test optional for their master’s programs.
Top universities in the USA without IELTS verify English language proficiency through alternative English tests such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge, etc.
To study in the USA as an Indian student, you must have a GPA of 3.0 – 4.0. However, this may vary depending on the university and programs.
For Indian students, the Fall intake is considered the best time to study in the USA. It offers a wide variety of programs and is considered the most popular option.
While the F1 visa application process may seem daunting for Indian students, it is not difficult to obtain. However, you must follow all the instructions and prepare thoroughly for the visa.
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