Study in the USA
The United States is home to the world's highest concentration of top-ranked universities — including 17 of the global top 20 — and offers unmatched academic flexibility, research opportunities, and career prospects.
Academic Excellence, Research Leadership & OPT Work Rights
Academic Excellence, Research Leadership & OPT Work Rights
World-Leading Research Universities
The US is home to Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, and 17 of the QS Top 20 universities. American degrees are recognized as the gold standard by employers and institutions globally.
OPT: Work Up to 3 Years After Graduation
All F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. STEM degree holders can extend for an additional 24 months — a total of 36 months of US work experience.
Major Intakes
August/September (Fall — Primary, widest selection), January (Spring — Secondary), June (Summer — select programs only)
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility) — issued by the US institution after admission
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates (Class 10, Class 12/NEB, Bachelor's Degree)
- IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo English Test Score Sheet
- SAT/ACT Scores (for undergraduate admission to most universities)
- GRE/GMAT Scores (for postgraduate/MBA programs)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Essay
- Letters of Recommendation (typically 2–3 academic/professional)
- Financial Support Documents (bank statement showing USD 30,000–60,000 per year)
- Proof of SEVIS Fee Payment (USD 350 — paid before visa appointment)
- DS-160 Confirmation Page (online nonimmigrant visa application)
- Passport-size Photographs (US visa photo specifications)
Eligibility for Nepali Students
Undergraduate / Bachelors
- 1
Completion of 12 years of schooling (NEB +2 Certificate). Some universities require a foundation year or additional coursework.
- 2
SAT score (typically 1100–1500 depending on university selectivity). Many universities have now made SAT optional — check individual requirements.
- 3
TOEFL iBT 61–100 or IELTS 6.0–7.0 (varies significantly by institution — community colleges typically require lower scores than research universities).
- 4
GPA: Generally 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale (approximately 60%+ in NEB). Top universities require 3.7+.
- 5
Extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experience are considered for holistic admissions at selective universities.
Masters / Postgraduate
- 1
Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a strong academic record (GPA 3.0+ / 60%+ aggregate for most programs; 3.5+ for competitive programs).
- 2
GRE General Test: Typically 300–320 combined score (Verbal + Quantitative). Some programs have waived GRE requirements post-COVID.
- 3
GMAT: 550–700+ for MBA programs (top business schools require 700+).
- 4
TOEFL iBT 80–100 or IELTS 6.5–7.5 (most research universities require TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 7.0+).
- 5
2–5 years of relevant work experience (required for MBA; preferred for professional master's programs).
- 6
Strong Statement of Purpose, 3 Letters of Recommendation, and a detailed Resume/CV.
F-1 Student Visa Journey for Nepali Students
Step 1: Receive Admission & I-20 from a SEVP-Certified School
Apply to and receive admission from a US institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After accepting your offer and paying the enrollment deposit, the institution will issue your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). The I-20 contains your SEVIS ID number and is essential for all subsequent visa steps.
Step 2: Pay SEVIS Fee (USD 350) and Apply for NOC
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of USD 350 online at the FMJfee.com website. Keep the payment receipt — you will need it for your visa appointment. Simultaneously, apply for your No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST). The NOC is a Nepal-specific requirement for all students going abroad for higher studies.
Step 3: Complete DS-160 Online Visa Application
Complete the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application form online at the US Department of State website (ceac.state.gov). This comprehensive form collects your personal information, travel history, US contacts, study plans, and financial information. After completing, print your DS-160 confirmation page with barcode — this is required at your visa interview.
Step 4: Schedule & Attend Visa Interview at US Embassy Kathmandu
Schedule your F-1 student visa appointment through the US Embassy Kathmandu website (np.usembassy.gov). The Embassy is located in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. At the interview, bring: passport, DS-160 confirmation, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, IELTS/TOEFL score, admission letter, financial documents, and academic transcripts. The visa officer will ask about your study plans, financial capacity, and ties to Nepal. Transit Education conducts comprehensive mock interview preparation sessions.
Step 5: Visa Stamping & Pre-Departure Preparation
If approved, your F-1 visa will be stamped in your passport within 2–5 business days. You can enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date as listed on your I-20. Before departure, Transit Education provides a pre-departure briefing covering US airport arrival procedures, bank account setup, Social Security Number process, on-campus vs off-campus housing, and cultural adjustment tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover at least the first year of study as stated on your I-20. This typically ranges from USD 30,000–60,000 depending on the university and location. Funds can be demonstrated through: personal savings (bank statement with 3–6 months history), parents'/sponsors' bank statements, property valuations, fixed deposits, or a combination. A financial affidavit from your sponsor may also be required.
F-1 students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work is generally not permitted during the first year. After one academic year, you may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships directly related to your field. After graduation, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 12 months of work; STEM graduates can extend for 24 additional months for a total of 36 months.
The F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, is typically brief — 3 to 5 minutes. The visa officer will ask questions such as: Why did you choose this university and program? Who is funding your studies? What will you do after graduation? Do you have ties to Nepal? The key is to demonstrate genuine academic intent, clear funding, and strong ties to Nepal showing your intention to return after studies. Transit Education provides full mock interview preparation tailored to the US Embassy's typical questions.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a US government program allowing F-1 students to work in the US for up to 12 months after completing their degree. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving a total of 36 months. During OPT, many students secure H-1B employer sponsorship and transition to long-term US residency. OPT is one of the most valuable post-study benefits of studying in the US.
Tuition costs vary enormously: Community colleges USD 6,000–20,000/year (excellent pathway to university transfer); State (public) universities USD 18,000–35,000/year for out-of-state international students; Private universities USD 35,000–60,000/year; Top private universities (Harvard, MIT, etc.) USD 55,000–80,000/year. Living costs range from USD 10,000–20,000/year depending on city. New York, San Francisco, and Boston are the most expensive. Smaller university towns in the Midwest and South are significantly more affordable.
US scholarships include: (1) Fulbright Foreign Student Program — fully funded scholarship for master's and PhD students from Nepal (highly competitive, apply through USEF Nepal); (2) University-specific merit scholarships — many universities offer 20%–100% tuition waivers for outstanding international students; (3) Graduate Assistantships (Teaching/Research) — cover tuition + monthly stipend for PhD and master's students; (4) Community college foundation scholarships; (5) Private scholarships through organizations like Aga Khan Foundation. Discuss your profile with Transit Education to identify your best scholarship options.