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5 June 2025

4 minutes read

How to Pursue Postgraduate Studies in USA for Indian and International Students?

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

26 August 2024

4 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Postgraduate studies in USA offer world-class education, diverse courses, and research-driven learning in top-ranked American universities.
  • Postgraduate studies in USA include opportunities for scholarships, assistantships, and work visas for international students.
  • Postgraduate studies in USA require standardized tests like GRE or GMAT and English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL.

Postgraduate courses in the USA open doors to a universe of academic as well as professional opportunities for international students, particularly from India.

With world-class universities, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a welcoming cultural atmosphere, the country welcomes more than a million international students annually.

This handbook makes the process of joining a master’s or postgraduate course in the USA easy, covering eligibility, most sought-after courses, living expenses, and scholarships. Students seeking an international education to prepare them for career opportunities tend to opt for American institutions.

Whether looking at a degree program in business, science, law, or engineering, here is all you need to know.

Why Study in USA for Your Masters Program?

Fun fact: The USA has 5 of the world’s top 10 universities!

postgraduate studies in usa 1

It is thus an excellent place for students to study from all over the globe.

  • Has a wide range of courses in the USA across various disciplines
  • American universities offer access to state-of-the-art research avenues
  • Wide availability of scholarships, grants, and financial aids
  • Loosely structured academic system and global perspective
  • The benefit of being able to stay in the US on a work visa after postgraduation

How to Pursue Masters in USA for International Students?

Fun fact: Over 200,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in US graduate schools!

That number keeps growing due to the broad academic options and career opportunities available.

What are Some Popular Postgraduate Courses in USA Universities?

Fun fact: Many international students choose courses like MBA, Data Science, and Engineering in the US due to their industry relevance.

postgraduate studies in usa 2

Here is a detailed table of top 10 postgraduate courses, the universities offering them, and their estimated fees:

Sl. No.CourseUniversityTuition Fee (USD/year)
1MBA in USAHarvard University$73,440
2MS in Computer ScienceStanford University$57,861
3MS in Data ScienceUniversity of Chicago$62,000
4MS in EngineeringMIT$55,510
5MS in Public HealthJohns Hopkins University$58,000
6MS in International LawColumbia University$69,000
7MS in Business AnalyticsNYU$56,000
8MS in Artificial IntelligenceCarnegie Mellon University$54,000
9MS in BiotechnologyUniversity of Pennsylvania$59,000
10MS in FinanceUniversity of North Carolina$47,000

These courses in US universities cater to students looking for a postgraduate program with strong career prospects. The fees for postgraduate courses vary and depend on the type of institution (private universities are usually more expensive than public universities).

Cost of Living, Tuition Fee and Scholarship Options to Study in America

Fun fact: The average cost of living for an international student in the US ranges from $10,000 to $18,000 per year depending on the course and city!

Cost of Living:

  • Accommodation costs depend on the city and type of housing
  • Health insurance is mandatory for foreign students in the US
  • Groceries and utilities can cost around $300-$500 per month
  • Transportation costs depend on whether you live on or off campus
  • Personal expenses such as books, clothing, and entertainment vary widely

Tuition Fee:

  • Public universities: $20,000 to $35,000 per academic year
  • Private universities: $35,000 to $55,000 per academic year
  • Tuition fees and living vary depending on the course and location
  • Professional courses like MBA in USA tend to have higher tuition fees
  • Courses may have additional lab or material charges

Scholarship Options:

  • Fulbright Foreign Student Programme for international education
  • University-specific scholarships (e.g., Harvard, Stanford University)
  • Need-based funding opportunities for eligible foreign student applicants
  • Scholarships for Indian students offered by private organizations
  • Research assistantships and teaching assistantships that waive tuition fee
CategoryAverage Cost/DetailsEligibilityCutoffs (if any)
Cost of Living$10,000 – $18,000/yearAll studentsNA
Fee (Public)$20,000 – $35,000/yearDepends on type of institutionNA
Fee (Private)$35,000 – $55,000/yearExpensive than publicNA
Fulbright ScholarshipCovers tuition + livingMaster’s degree applicantsAcademic merit + TOEFL/IELTS
Research AssistantshipWaives full/partial tuitionPostgrad and PhD studentsDepends on programme
University ScholarshipsPartial/full tuition waiverBased on GPA and SOP3.5+ GPA usually

What Does the Student Life in USA Look Like?

Fun fact: Students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time on campus!

  • Vibrant campus culture with student clubs and sports
  • Access to career counseling and internship opportunities
  • Events, lectures, and workshops enhance international outlook
  • On-campus housing and dining options make life easier
  • Students from around the world create a global community

Conclusion

Solving to secure a postgraduate degree in the USA can be a life-changing experience.

With institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of Chicago providing a wide array of postgraduate studies, international students receive unmatched exposure and professional advancement.

From learning the application process and getting ready for GRE or GMAT, to selecting the apt course and canvassing for funding, each step moves you closer to your goal. Although tuition for postgraduate and living expenses can be costly, scholarships and assistantships provide respite.

Should you wish to study in the USA and excel within a multicultural learning environment, the time to organize master’s degrees in United States for the 2023 to 2025 academic years is now.

Look up courses by topic, arrange your student visa, and open the doors to world-class schooling with Ambitio, your trusted abroad study partner.

FAQs

What are the basic requirements for postgraduate studies in USA?

To apply for postgraduate studies in USA, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, GRE/GMAT scores, IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency, and academic transcripts.

How much do postgraduate studies in USA cost on average?

Postgraduate studies in USA cost between $20,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on whether you choose public or private universities and your field of study.

Can I get scholarships for postgraduate studies in USA?

Yes, many scholarships are available for postgraduate studies in USA, including Fulbright, university-specific grants, and assistantships for eligible students.

What are the popular courses for postgraduate studies in USA?

Popular courses for postgraduate studies in USA include MBA, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, International Law, and Public Health.

Is GRE compulsory for all postgraduate studies in USA?

While GRE is required for many postgraduate studies in USA, some programs, especially MBA, may accept GMAT or waive tests depending on the university.

What is the duration of postgraduate studies in USA?

Most postgraduate studies in USA last 1.5 to 2 years, though some specialized programs and research degrees may take longer to complete.

Can international students work during postgraduate studies in USA?

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during postgraduate studies in USA and apply for OPT post graduation.

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