How to study in the United States

The United States has long been the preferred destination for business students. Some of the best places to study in the United States are also located in some of the world’s most exciting cities, including New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco. 

 

Not to mention, the United States is home to the world’s biggest companies, and a lively tech startup ecosystem. This has made it a top choice for career opportunities, whether you’re hoping for a senior management position or want to develop a business idea into a successful startup.  

 

If your goal is to study at a top-ranked business school in the United States, you might be wondering how exactly you achieve that dream. Our guide to studying in the United States covers everything you need to know, including: 

• The benefits of studying in the United States
• How to apply to US universities
• How to get a US student visa
• The cost of studying in the United States
• Scholarships for international students in the United States

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What are the benefits of studying in the United States for international students?

For many years, international students have been drawn to the United States because of its cultural diversity, top-ranked business schools, and promising career prospects at top companies. At a US university or business school, you’ll meet people from around the world, broadening your cultural horizons and growing your network significantly. 

 

The United States also attracts students seeking a vibrant lifestyle beyond their academic experience. While studying in the United States, you’ll have the chance to visit some of the country’s 63 national parks, encompassing ancient forests, pristine beaches, desert landscapes, and staggering mountain ranges.  

This diversity extends to your study destination: whether you want to live in a laid-back beachside town or in the heart of one of the world’s biggest cities, there’ll be an institution in the United States that fits your preferences.

 

Is the United States good for business students? 

 

The United States has been consistently ranked the top destination in the world for business students, although the share of non-US candidates preferring to study in the United States dropped to 28 percent in 2025. 

Recent changes to the student and post-graduation visas are making some students rethink their plans, which we’ll discuss below, but the United States remains home to some of the best MBA and Master in Management programs globally. Indeed, the best MBA in the world, according to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026, is at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.  

As the world’s largest economy, the United States has long attracted candidates who want to start a career in business after their studies. The country is home to a vast number of multinational companies, including big players in technology such as Google, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon, as well as McKinsey, AT&T, and JPMorgan Chase. 

Although recent research suggests that international students may be reconsidering their intentions to study in the United States, the country still attracts the most business school applicants worldwide. 

 

How do I start my application process to study in the United States?

 

Whether you’re planning on studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll apply directly through your university or business school of choice.

 

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll typically require an English language exam result as part of your application. There are plenty of accepted English exams to choose from, but two of the most popular are the IELTS and TOEFL.

 

Other documents you’ll need to include in your application are:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• CV/resume
• Motivation letter or statement of intent
• Professional references 

If you’re applying for an MBA in the United StatesS, you’ll also likely need to take the GMAT exam and provide a GMAT score. Competition for a space on a top-ranked US MBA is fierce, so getting a high GMAT score can help increase your chances of being accepted. 

  

How do I apply for an F-1 visa to study in the United States?

 

Once you’ve been accepted to a university or business school in the US, you can apply for the F-1 student visa. First, you’ll need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is $350; afterwards, you’ll pay the visa fee of $185. As of October 2025, an additional visa integrity fee of $250 is also now required for all non-immigrant applicants. 

 

There have been delays with visa issuance to applicants from some countries in 2025, with visa appointments difficult to obtain in countries such as India and South Africa, so it is vital to research the situation in your country. 

 

Although your student visa may be issued up to 120 days before your program's start date, you are only permitted to arrive in the United States up to 30 days before the course officially begins.

 

This US student visa also allows you to undertake an internship in the United States after completing at least one full year of your academic program. 

If your internship is longer than 12 months, however, you will lose out on the chance to do Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to stay in the United States to work for up to 12 months after graduation.  

 

For the most up-to-date details available, check out the latest US Study & Exchange information or read the most recent government guidance on how to get a student visa to study in the US, as well as your home country's US Embassy website. Indian nationals seeking to study in the United States can find the latest information via the US Embassy and Consulates in India. 

 

How much does it cost to study in the United States?

 

For students considering studying in the United States, the high cost of living can require significant forethought. The United States is among the top 15 most expensive countries in the world for cost of living, but it remains more affordable than Switzerland and Singapore, both of which are also popular business study destinations.

 

Cities such as New York and Los Angeles are known for being expensive (both are among the top 10 most expensive cities in the world), so if keeping costs low is a priority, you could consider other locations.

 

Many top-ranked US business programs are situated in more cost-friendly locations, such as Durham, North Carolina (Duke Fuqua School of Business) and Houston, Texas (Rice University). Consequently, there are plenty of program options depending on your budget.

 

To give you an approximate idea of how expensive studying in the United States could be, here are some average monthly prices for everyday bills and items, although they are likely to be higher in major cities like New York:

• Rent: $500-$2,000
• Monthly groceries: $200-$400
• Transport: $50-$150
• Restaurant meal: $20
• Gym membership: $45

Data gathered from numbeo.com and aeccglobal.co.id.

 

What are the average tuition fees for international students in the United States?

MBA programs in the United States have high tuition fees for international students, ranging from $157,000 to $185,000 for a traditional two-year program at top schools. Including additional fees, living expenses, and healthcare charges, the estimated cost of an MBA at a top US business school totals more than $267,000.

Comparatively, tuition fees for a business master's program could be anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. 

When considering the overall cost of studying in the United States, however, you shouldn’t neglect to include future salary. Graduate business programs in the United States have high costs, but they can also offer a significant return on investment (ROI), particularly MBA programs if you secure a role upon graduation. Some students report upward of 100 percent salary increases.

The post-graduation H-1B visa which offers graduates the opportunity to apply to stay in the United States for an initial three years, with a three-year extension option, is undergoing changes. The US president has added a $100,000 fee to employers’ H-1B visa sponsorship fees, however, which may change the work opportunities for international students who wish to remain in the country after graduation. Legal challenges to the extra fee are ongoing. For the latest information on the H-1B visa, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.  

What scholarships are available for international students in the United States?

Given that the United States is one of the top destinations for international students, you’ll be pleased to hear that numerous scholarships are available, which may offset some of your study costs.

Some large organizations provide competitive US scholarships for international students who want to study in the United States, including Fulbright and the American Association of University Women (AAUW). These scholarships have specific requirements, so always read the stipulations carefully before applying.

Your university or business school will also have allotted financial aid for students, some of which may be reserved for individuals from specific countries or economic backgrounds.

While international students can’t access US government student loans, there are options for those who need more financial assistance. For example, third-party companies, including Juno and Prodigy Finance, offer loans to non-US students. 

TL;DR: How to study abroad in the United States

• The United States has long been a top destination for business students, offering world-class universities, exciting cities, and unrivalled career opportunities. However, this comes at a cost, and the United States also has some of the most expensive business programs in the world.  
• A US student visa is essential, and you’ll need to prove financial readiness and follow the proper application process. Visa issuance delays mean that it’s vital that you begin making arrangements as soon as you have secured a firm offer at a school. You can arrive up to 30 days before your program starts. 
• Living costs vary significantly. Rent can range from $500 to $2,000 per month, with cities like New York and LA being the most costly places to study. 
• Despite the steep costs, US MBAs have historically delivered high returns, with many graduates reporting salary jumps of 100% or more after graduation. Changes to the H-1B post-graduation work visas are proposed. It’s important to keep up to date with these developments. 

Interested in studying in the United States? Connect with top business schools and learn about your study options at a GMAC Tour. Find out more