How to Study in the US
The US has long been the preferred destination for business students. Some of the best places to study in the US are also located in some of the world’s most exciting cities, including New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco.
Not to mention, the US 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 US, you might be wondering how exactly you achieve that dream. Our guide to studying in the US covers everything you need to know, including:
- The benefits of studying in the US
- How to apply to US universities
- How to get a US student visa
- The cost of studying in the US
- Scholarships for international students in the US
What are the Benefits of Studying in the US for International Students?
For many years, international students have been drawn to the US 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 US also attracts students seeking a lively lifestyle beyond their academic experience. While studying in the US, 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 laidback beachside town or in the heart of one of the world’s biggest cities, there’ll be an institution in the US that fits your preferences.
Is the US Good for Business Students?
The US has been consistently ranked the top destination in the world for business students. In 2024, 44% of prospective business students said they wished to study in the country, preferring it over Canada and Western Europe.
Recent changes to the student and post-graduation visas are making some students rethink their plans, which we’ll discuss below, but the US remains home to some of the best MBAs and Master’s in Management globally. Indeed, the best MBA in the world is at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
As the world’s largest economy, the US 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 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 US, the country still attracts the most business school applicants worldwide.
How Do I Start My Application Process to Study in the US?
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:
If you’re applying for an MBA in the US, 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 US?
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 applicants from some countries.
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 US up to 30 days before the course officially begins.
This USA student visa also allows you to undertake an internship in the US after completing at least one full year of your academic program.
However, if your internship is longer than 12 months, you will lose out on the chance to do Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to stay in the US 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 US can find the latest information via the US Embassy and Consulates in India.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in the US?
For students considering studying in the US, the high cost of living can require significant forethought. The US is among the top ten most expensive countries in the world for cost of living. However, 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 ten 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 US could be, here are some average monthly prices for everyday bills and items:
- 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 US?
MBA programs in the US have high tuition fees for international students, ranging from $100,000 to $160,000 for a traditional two-year program. 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.
However, when considering the overall cost of studying in the US, you shouldn’t neglect to include future salary. Graduate business programs in the US 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 upwards of 100% salary increases.
The post-graduation H1B visa which offers graduates the opportunity to apply to stay in the US for an initial three years, with a three-year extension option, is undergoing changes. Currently there are plans to significantly increase the cost of this visa in 2026, to $100,000, which may change the work opportunities for international students in the United States if you wish to remain in the country after you graduate. For the latest information on the H1B visa, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
What Scholarships are Available for International Students in the US?
Given that the US 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 US, including Fulbright and the American Association of University Women (AAUW). However, 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 US
- The US 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 US 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; consider post-study work options such as OPT to extend your stay.
- Living costs vary significantly. Rent can range from $500 to $2,000/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 H1B post-graduation work visas are proposed. It’s important to keep up-to-date with these developments.
Interested in studying in the US? Connect with top business schools and learn about your study options at a GMAC Tour. Find out more