Study in USA
Why Do Nepali Students Choose to Study in the USA?
World-Class Universities
Home to MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and many top public and private universities. There are top universities for both undergraduate and masters degree in US.
Flexible Programs
Choose majors, minors, electives, or even double majors.
Shorter Master’s Programss
Many master’s degrees take only 1–2 years, saving time and cost. If you are going for a masters degree in US, it would be more beneficial.
Work Opportunities
OPT (12 months) and STEM OPT (extra 24 months) allow practical work experience after graduation.
Diverse Experience
The U.S. hosts students from over 200 countries, creating multicultural classrooms. You can have a cultural experience when you study in US from Nepal.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Merit-based tuition waivers, assistantships, and funding from U.S. government programs like Fulbright.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in the USA from Nepal?
Tuition Fees
| Study Level / Institution | Cost (USD/year) | Approx. Cost (NPR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Community College (Associate) | $6,000 – $18,000 | NPR 8 – 24 lakh |
| Public University (Bachelor’s) | $10,000 – $25,000 | NPR 13 – 33 lakh |
| Private University (Bachelor’s) | $18,000 – $60,000+ | NPR 33 – 80 lakh+ |
| Master’s (Public/Private) | $20,000 – $50,000 | NPR 26 – 66 lakh |
| PhD (often funded) | Tuition waived / stipend provided | Often covered |
Living Expenses
| City Type | Range (USD/year) | Approx. (NPR/year) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-cost metros | $16,000 – $22,000 | NPR 21 – 29 lakh | NYC, Boston, San Francisco |
| Mid-range cities | $12,000 – $18,000 | NPR 16 – 24 lakh | Chicago, Seattle, Denver |
| Lower-cost | $10,000 – $15,000 | NPR 13 – 20 lakh | Texas, Ohio, Kansas |
Application Fees
| Fee | Amount (USD) | Approx. (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 | $350 | NPR 46,000 |
| Visa Application (MRV) | $185 | NPR 25,000 |
| Health Insurance | $600 – $1,500 / year | NPR 80,000 – 2 lakh |
| Books & Supplies | $800 – $1,200 / year | NPR 1 – 1.6 lakh |
What is the U.S. Education System Like?
- Fall (Aug/Sep) – Main intake with most programs and scholarships.
- Spring (Jan) – Many universities offer admission.
- Summer (May/June) – Limited programs.
Suggested Timeline for Fall Intake:
- 12 months before – Prepare IELTS/TOEFL, SAT/GRE/GMAT (if needed).
- 9 months before – Apply to universities.
- 6 months before – Receive I-20, pay SEVIS fee, plan finances.
- 3–4 months before – Apply for F-1 visa at U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu.
Which documents are needed to apply for US Student Visa?
As you study in US from Nepal, collecting required document is crucial. Here are the required document you need for US student visa:
- Valid Passport (6+ months validity)
- Transcripts & Certificates (SLC/SEE + +2/A-levels for UG; bachelor’s for master’s)
- English Test Results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE – waiver possible at some universities)
- Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT for UG, GRE/GMAT for some master’s)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Essay
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (usually 2–3)
- Updated CV/Resume
- Proof of Funds (bank statement, affidavit of support, scholarship letter)
- I-20 from University
- Visa documents: DS-160 form, SEVIS fee receipt, MRV visa fee receipt
- Note: For the latest and most accurate details about the U.S. student visa (F-1, M-1, and J-1), always refer to the official U.S. Department of State website: U.S. Student Visa – travel.state.gov
Which Scholarships Are Available to Study in USA?
- Fulbright Nepal (U.S. Govt.)
- EducationUSA Nepal programs
- University Scholarships – merit-based, need-based, international awards
- Graduate Assistantships (RA/TA)
- Private & external awards – e.g., Asian Development Bank, NGOs
How Can Nepali Students Apply for a U.S. F-1 Student Visa?
- Get admission → receive I-20 from U.S. university.
- Pay SEVIS I-901 fee ($350 / NPR ~46,000).
- Fill DS-160 form online.
- Pay MRV visa fee at Nabil Bank (approx. NPR 21,000–25,000).
- Book interview at U.S. Embassy, Kathmandu.
- Prepare documents (I-20, bank statements, SOP, transcripts).
- Attend visa interview – demonstrate academic intent, strong ties to Nepal, and funding.
What Work Rights do Students Have in the U.S.?
- During study: up to 20 hrs/week on-campus.
- During breaks: up to 40 hrs/week.
- CPT: Internship/part-time work tied to major.
- OPT: 12 months after graduation.
- STEM OPT: +24-month extension for eligible degrees.
Which are the popular Masters Degree in US?
As you prepare for masters degree in US, here are some of the popular masters courses in US:
- MBA (Business Administration)
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
- Public Health & Nursing
- Finance & Economics
- Environmental Science
FAQ About Study in USA
1. How much does it cost to study in USA from Nepal?
On average, NPR 20 – 50 lakh per year (tuition + living). Elite universities can exceed this.
2. Can I work while studying?
Yes. Part-time on-campus (20 hrs/week) and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work is allowed only under CPT/OPT.
3. Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory?
Usually yes, unless waived (if your previous education was fully in English).
4. Can Nepali students get full scholarships?
Yes. Programs like Fulbright and some universities offer full tuition or full-ride scholarships, but competition is very high.
5. How can I apply for a US student visa?
You can apply for a US student visa yourself. Additionally, KIEC helps you with the DS-160 form, SEVIS fee, visa interview preparation, and complete guidance. Contact us now to start your US visa process with Surya Park Educational Consultancy