QS 2027#1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Physics
Study in the USA
More universities than anywhere else, flexible majors and up to three years of OPT work after a STEM degree.
CapitalWashington, D.C.
LanguageEnglish
CurrencyUS dollar (USD)
TimeSix time zones
Main intakesFall (Aug/Sep), Spring (Jan)
The numbers that shape your plan.
20 hrs
Weekly on-campus work limit in term
+24 mo
STEM OPT extension after 12 months of OPT
4 yrs
Typical length of a bachelor's degree
Your guide to the USA.
Most degree students use the F-1 visa. It starts with a Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school.
What you need
An I-20, the SEVIS I-901 fee, the DS-160 form, proof of funds and a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Fixed admission period
Since 15 September 2026, new F-1 admissions carry a fixed end date tied to your programme rather than 'duration of status'. Keep track of your end date and any extension you may need.
Working while you study
You can work on campus up to 20 hours a week in term. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows course-related work off campus.
After you graduate
Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives 12 months of work. Eligible STEM graduates can extend it by 24 months.
Your I-20 lists the total cost the school expects you to cover, and you must show funds to match.
Funding
Many universities offer merit scholarships, and graduate assistantships can cover tuition for some master's and most PhD students.
City choice
Costs vary widely. A campus in the Midwest or South can cost far less than one in New York or California.
Health insurance
Most universities require their student health plan or an approved equivalent.
Fall (August or September) is the main intake. Spring (January) suits many master's programmes.
Undergraduate
Applications usually go through the Common App, with deadlines from November to January for Fall entry.
Tests and essays
Some programmes ask for the SAT, GRE or GMAT. Essays and recommendation letters carry real weight.
Visa interview
Appointment wait times vary by country. Book your interview as early as you can and prepare for it.
Big campuses, active student life and a huge range of places to live.
Campus life
Most undergraduates live on campus in the first year, which makes settling in easier.
Flexible study
You can often explore subjects before choosing a major, and add a minor alongside it.
Settling in
If you take a campus job, apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), and set up a bank account and phone plan.
Checked October 2026. Rules change, so check the official source before you apply.
Popular subjects in the USA.
Universities in the USA you can apply to.
A few well-known options you can apply to. They are examples, not our partners. A counsellor can build a shortlist around your grades and budget that includes universities not shown here. Ranks: QS World University Rankings 2027.
QS 2027#2joint
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
- Computer science
- Business
- Engineering
QS 2027#5
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
- Law
- Medicine
- Business
QS 2027#7
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
- Physics
- Engineering
- Space science
QS 2027#16
Yale University
New Haven, CT
- Law
- Humanities
- Public health
QS 2027#20
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
- Medicine
- Public health
- Engineering
Scholarships to know about.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Value: Often covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend and health insurance. Terms vary by country.
Who can apply: Graduate students and young professionals, selected through the Fulbright commission or US embassy in their country.
Official page for Fulbright Foreign Student Program (opens in a new tab)Merit and need-based university aid
Value: From partial tuition discounts to full funding, plus assistantships for graduate students.
Who can apply: Applicants to universities that offer aid to international students. Check each university's financial aid page.
Official page for Merit and need-based university aid (opens in a new tab)
Ready to plan the USA?
Ask for a free consultation, and a counsellor can shortlist universities in the USA that fit you and plan the deadlines for your intake.