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Study in USA from India: costs, universities and eligibility

Last updated 25 October 2026

Living funds, tuition examples, selected QS 2027 universities and master's eligibility for USA, with documents, dates, application steps and official links.

Living cost

USD 23,712 (University of Iowa) to USD 29,255 (Johns Hopkins, sum of the five living lines, excluding health insurance) per year, about Rs 22.5 to 27.8 lakh. University estimates, not a government minimum.

1 USD = Rs 95.1, as of 23 October 2026. Rates are as of 23 October 2026 and will move. Your bank may use a different rate and add charges.

Living funds and tuition are separate. Minimum visa funds are not a full course budget.

Tuition examples

Check your university's official fee page. Johns Hopkins 2025-26 ITGL program: USD 63,360 per year, about Rs 60 lakh. Private university, example only.

Tuition varies by university, course and year. Add living funds and tuition together only after checking your own university.

Universities in the QS 2027 list

QS World University Rankings 2027, published June 2026. A selected list, not a recommendation or an affordability rating.

UniversityRank
MIT1
Stanford2 (tied)

Eligibility at a glance

Yocket general guide

  • A four-year bachelor's degree is preferred. Some universities accept three-year degrees, depending on the programme. A credential evaluation, for example WES, is often needed.
  • The guide says GPA around 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, with top universities asking more.
  • The guide says GRE scores around 300 to 325 are common for many MS programmes. These are not strict cut-offs, and some programmes are test-optional.
  • English: TOEFL iBT about 80 to 100 and IELTS about 6.5 to 7.5, varying by university. Some accept Duolingo. Some waive the test if your degree was taught in English.
  • Documents: transcripts, test scores, statement of purpose, 2 to 3 recommendation letters and resume.
  • For the F-1 visa: valid passport, admission letter, Form I-20, SEVIS fee, DS-160, visa fee, proof of funds and visa interview. This checklist does not promise a visa.

Yocket, eligibility for MS in USA · checked 25 Oct 2026

General guide only. Every university and course sets its own rules. Check the programme page.

Documents you will need

F-1 visa

  • Form I-20 from your SEVP-approved school
  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment
  • Valid passport
  • Admission letter
  • Proof of funds
  • Interview

Check the embassy or consulate website for the exact application steps for your location.

US State Department student visa page (Official)

University application, usual set

  • Transcripts, test scores (GRE where asked, TOEFL or IELTS), statement of purpose, 2 to 3 recommendation letters and resume.

Yocket, eligibility for MS in USA (Guide)

Rules, fees and dates change. Confirm on the official site before you act. Checked 25 October 2026.

Important dates and timing

ItemWhat the source saysSource label
New student visa issuanceCan be issued up to 365 days before the start date of your course.US State Department student visa page (Official)
Entry to the USYou cannot enter on a student visa more than 30 days before the start date.US State Department student visa page (Official)
InterviewApplicants aged 14 to 79 generally need an interview.US State Department student visa page (Official)
Wait timesWait times vary, so apply early.US State Department student visa page (Official)
University deadlinesCheck each university's page.Yocket, eligibility for MS in USA (Guide)

Rules, fees and dates change. Confirm on the official site before you act. Checked 25 October 2026.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Apply to an SEVP-approved school.US State Department student visa page (Official)
  2. Once accepted, the school issues Form I-20.US State Department student visa page (Official)
  3. You are registered in SEVIS and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.US State Department student visa page (Official)
  4. Apply at a US Embassy or Consulate.US State Department student visa page (Official)
  5. Attend the interview. Digital fingerprints are usually taken.US State Department student visa page (Official)

Rules, fees and dates change. Confirm on the official site before you act. Checked 25 October 2026.

Prepare in time

Our suggested planning order, not an official timeline

  1. Shortlist programmes and read each programme page.
  2. Book the English test required by your programme.
  3. Ask referees early.
  4. Draft the statement of purpose.
  5. Collect certified transcripts and the documents your programme asks for.
  6. Check funds against your course and the official requirements.
  7. Run your numbers in the calculator and talk to your lender before you accept an offer

Open the calculator

Rules, fees and dates change. Confirm on the official site before you act. Checked 25 October 2026.

Loan reality check

A course offer and a repayment plan are different checks. Use your own university's costs and compare the calculator's scenarios. The calculator does not decide admission or visa eligibility.

Open the loan calculator

Sources

General information, not financial or admissions advice. No admission or visa is promised. Confirm current costs and rules on the university and official government pages.

Last reviewed 25 October 2026

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