Study in the USA from Nepal Guide (2026)

This is a fully comprehensive USA study guide for 2026,  with real application practice followed by Nepali students. It covers academics, costs, scholarships, visa steps, SEVIS, DS-160, interview process, timelines, and common mistakes.

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1. Why Study in the USA?

• Home to 4,000+ accredited institutions

• Flexible education system (major + electives)

• Strong global degree recognition

• High scholarship availability

• Unmatched internship & post-study work exposure

• STEM programs offer up to 36 months of work authorization

The USA is best understood as a career-building destination, not a shortcut country.

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2. Education System Overview

Bachelor’s Degree

• Duration: 4 years

• Entry after +2 / A Levels / IB

• Flexible major change options

Master’s Degree

• Duration: 1.5–2 years

• Coursework or research-based

• STEM designation gives extended work rights

Community College Pathway

• 2 years at community college

• Transfer to university (2+2 system)

• Lower tuition, easier academic entry

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3. Intakes for 2025–2026

Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 are strongly recommended.

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4. Academic Requirements (Typical)

Bachelor’s

• +2 completed

• GPA: 2.5–3.0+ (varies by institution)

• Study gap accepted with justification

Master’s

• 3 or 4 years Bachelor’s degree

• GPA: 2.6–3.0+

• Work experience helpful but not mandatory

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5. English Language Requirements (2025–2026)

Most US institutions accept:

• IELTS: 5.5 above in each band, Normally 6.0

• PTE: 50–58

• Duolingo: 90–120

• TOEFL iBT: 70–90

✔ Without IELTS / PTE  possible for some Universities
✔ Duolingo widely accepted
✔ Conditional admission available in some cases

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6. Tuition Fees (Estimated)

Public universities are generally more affordable.

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7. Living Cost Estimate (Per Year)

• Average: USD 10,000 – 14,000

• Depends on city and state

• Lower cost states include Texas, Ohio, Missouri

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8. Scholarships for International Students

Types

• Merit-based scholarships

• Automatic university grants

• Departmental funding

• Limited need-based aid

Typical Amount

• USD 3,000 – 20,000 per year

• Some students receive 40–50% tuition reduction

Early application significantly increases scholarship chances.

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9. Work Rights in the USA

During Study

• 20 hours/week (on-campus only)

CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

• Paid internships related to course

• Can be part-time or full-time

OPT (Optional Practical Training)

• 12 months after graduation

• STEM programs: additional 24 months

• Total up to 36 months

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10. Financial Requirement & Proof

US student visa requires one year of total cost to be shown.

Example (Bachelor’s – Average Case)

• Tuition: USD 18,000

• Living: USD 12,000

• Total: USD 30,000
  ≈ NPR 40–42 lakh

Acceptable Sources

• Family savings

• Education loan

• Combination of both

• Income proof and asset clarity are critical

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11. USA Student Visa (F-1) – Overview

• Visa Type: F-1 Student Visa

• Interview mandatory

• Focus on academic logic, finance, and study intent

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12. SEVIS Fee (Mandatory)

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee must be paid before booking the visa interview.

• Fee Amount: USD 350

• Paid online after receiving I-20

• SEVIS receipt must be printed and carried to interview

📌 SEVIS fee is non-refundable

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13. DS-160 Form (Visa Application Form)

DS-160 is the official online visa application form.

Key Points

• Filled online

• Requires passport, I-20, and personal details

• Must be accurate and consistent with documents

After submission:

• You receive a DS-160 confirmation page

• This page is required for interview booking

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14. Visa Application Fee

• USD 185

• Paid before scheduling the interview

• Non-refundable

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15. Visa Interview Booking Process

Step-by-Step

1. Receive I-20 from university

2. Pay SEVIS fee (USD 350)

3. Complete DS-160 form

4. Pay visa fee (USD 185)

5. Schedule interview appointment

6. Attend interview

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16. Visa Interview Procedure

• Interview duration: 2–4 minutes

• Conducted in English

• Questions are direct and concise

Common Focus Areas

• Why this university?

• Why this course?

• How will you fund your education?

• What are your plans after graduation?

Documents are checked only if required. Confidence and clarity matter more than memorization.

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17. Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

• Weak academic logic

• Unclear financial source

• Poor course relevance

• Inconsistent answers

• Random university selection

Proper planning significantly reduces refusal risk.

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18. After Visa Approval

• Pre-departure briefing

• Accommodation arrangement

• Health insurance

• Flight booking

• Arrival orientation

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19. USA After Graduation – Reality Check

• No direct PR pathway

• Strong global work exposure

• Career opens doors to:

  • Employer sponsorship

  • Canada or Australia migration

  • Long-term global mobility

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20. Complete Application Timeline (Ideal)

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21. Why Apply Through Faith International Education Services?

• Strategic university selection

• Scholarship-focused applications

• Strong SOP & visa interview preparation

• Transparent financial structuring

• End-to-end guidance until departure
  

• Good Student support history

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📞 Faith International Education Services Pvt. Ltd.

📍 Putalisadak Chowk (Way to Dillibazar), Kathmandu
📞 +977-01-4538738
📱 +977-9843176714 (WhatsApp)
📧 info@faith.edu.np
🌐 www.faith.edu.np