Achieve Your Dreams: Study in the USA with Scholarships, Jobs & World-Class Universities

Discover what its like to be an international student in USA

Study in USA for international students opens the door to a world of academic excellence, global opportunities, and diverse cultural experiences. From world-renowned universities and cutting-edge research to vibrant campus life and career pathways, the U.S. offers everything international students need to thrive. This guide walks you through everythingβ€”from finding the right university and applying for a student visa to securing scholarships, understanding living costs, and settling into life as an international student in the USA.

🌍 Top 50 U.S. Universities for South Asian, Southeast Asian & African Students

Choosing the right university is key when studying abroad. If you’re a student from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, or African countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, this list is tailored for you.

These U.S. universities stand out for:

  • βœ… Large international student populations
  • βœ… Welcoming campus environments
  • βœ… High visa approval and post-study work support
  • βœ… Strong representation of students from your region

Explore the top 50 schools with the most inclusive campuses, cultural support, and academic excellence for South and Southeast Asian and African students.
Whether you’re looking for affordable universities in the USA for international students, or institutions offering scholarships and cultural support, this guide is your starting point.

✨ Also explore: Top UK Universities

Two female students seated on a bench engage with a standing male student in an outdoor campus setting.
  • Very High International % (40–51%)
  • Illinois Institute of Technology – 51% international
  • Carnegie Mellon University – 44% international
  • Stevens Institute of Technology – 42% international
  • Northeastern University – 40% international
  • The New School (NYC) – 40% international
  • Columbia University – 40% international
  • Johns Hopkins University – 39% international
  • New York University (NYU) – ~38% international
  • Clark University – 34% international
  • University of Rochester – ~34% international
  • Boston University – ~30% international
  • MIT – ~30% international
  • Harvard University – 29% international
  • USC – University of Southern California – 28% international
  • Washington University in St. Louis – 28% international
  • University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) – 27% international
  • Brandeis University – 27% international
  • Top Private & Technical Schools (23–27%)
  • Rice University – ~26% (majority from Asia)
  • Cornell University – 26% international
  • Duke University – 25% international
  • Stanford University – 24% international
  • Yale University – 24% international
  • Northwestern University – 24% international
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) – 23–25%
  • Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) – 23%
  • University of Texas at Dallas – 23% international
  • Princeton University – 23% international
  • University of Chicago – 16% international
  • Emory University – 16% with large South Asian cohorts
  • Florida Institute of Technology – ~16%
  • Andrews University – ~20% international
  • Gannon University – ~13% international
  • Dartmouth College – 13% international
  • Saint Leo University – 15% international
  • Flagship Public & Diverse Universities
  • Arizona State University (ASU) – large raw numbers from India/Nigeria
  • University of Michigan – Ann Arbor – 16.9% international
  • University of Washington – Seattle – ~14% international
  • University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – ~14%
  • UC Berkeley – 16%+
  • UCLA – University of California, Los Angeles – large absolute count
  • UC Irvine – ~14% international
  • UC Davis – ~15% international
  • University of Wisconsin – Madison – ~9,500 international students
  • Pennsylvania State University – ~9,000 international students
  • Michigan State University – strong Indian/Nigerian cohort
  • University of Texas at Arlington – heavy Indian enrollment
  • Indiana University Bloomington – growing African/Asian presence
  • Ohio State University – popular with South Asians
  • University of North Texas – ~11,900 international students
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – widely diverse
  • Georgetown University – ~14% international

πŸ”— Want to explore more rankings? Check out the U.S. News list of most international universities for updated data and comparisons.

βœ”οΈ Fulbright Foreign Student Program
One of the most prestigious scholarships for graduate students from over 155 countries. Covers tuition, living, travel, and health insurance.
🌐 https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org

βœ”οΈ Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
For mid-career professionals from developing countries. Provides full financial support for one year of study and professional development.
🌐 https://www.humphreyfellowship.org

βœ”οΈ Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Offers full funding for graduate degrees at Stanford, focusing on leadership and impact.
🌐 https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

βœ”οΈ Yale University – Yale Scholarships
Need-based scholarships for undergrad international students.
🌐 https://finaid.yale.edu

βœ”οΈ University of Oregon – ICSP Scholarship
Offers tuition waivers to international students based on need and academic merit.
🌐 https://admissions.uoregon.edu/icsp

βœ”οΈ AAUW International Fellowships (for women)
Open to women from all countries pursuing graduate or postgraduate study in the U.S.
🌐 https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/

βœ”οΈ The PEO International Peace Scholarship
For women from other countries pursuing graduate study in the U.S. or Canada.
🌐 https://www.peointernational.org

βœ”οΈ Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
For exceptional students from developing countries (including South Asia & Africa). It’s a 50% grant / 50% loan program.
🌐 https://www.akdn.org

βœ”οΈ East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship (Hawaii)
Supports students from Asia and the Pacific to pursue master’s or doctoral study at the University of Hawaiβ€˜i.
🌐 https://www.eastwestcenter.org

βœ”οΈ MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Partners with select U.S. universities to offer full scholarships to students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
🌐 https://mastercardfoundation.org

βœ”οΈ Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
Support graduate-level coursework or research for one to four academic years in U.S. universities.
🌐 https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships

🏫 1. University-Managed Housing

Most U.S. universities offer on-campus accommodation in dorms or residence halls. These are safe, often include meal plans, and offer great chances to meet other students.

Examples of universities with strong housing options:


🏒 2. U.S.-Based Private Student Accommodation Providers

These companies offer fully furnished, secure student housing near major universities:


🌐 3. Global Student Housing Platforms

Use these platforms to search and book housing before arrival:

  • AmberStudent – Partnered with U.S. properties and offers support for international students.
  • HousingAnywhere – Great for students going on exchange or internships.
  • Unilodgers – Compare and book housing by location, amenities, or pricing.
  • Student.com – Global listings for U.S. student cities.

🏠 4. Private Housing & Flatshares

Off-campus private apartments or shared housing offer more independence but require extra planning:

  • Popular search platforms:
  • What to check for:
    • Proximity to university and transport
    • Safety of the neighborhood
    • Included utilities and internet

🀝 5. South Asian-Friendly Housing Support Platforms

These platforms or groups can help South Asian & international students settle in:

  • YourDOST – Online counseling and support for Indian students abroad.
  • [Indian Student Organizations (ISOs) at most U.S. universities – They often assist with pre-arrival guidance and housing tips.
  • WhatsApp/Telegram groups – Join city- or university-specific groups shared by current students.
  • Facebook groups:
    • Indians in USA
    • South Asians in New York/Boston/California
    • Desi Roommates USA

1. πŸ› South Asian & Southeast Asian Restaurants – Comprehensive List

Restaurant Discovery Platforms:

Popular Restaurants in Major Cities:

New York City

Chicago

California

Houston/Dallas

Boston


2. πŸ›’ South Asian & Southeast Asian Grocery Stores (Online & Offline)

Online Stores (Nationwide Delivery):

Major Physical Stores (Select Cities):

New Jersey:

California:

Texas:

Illinois:


3. 🍱 U.S. Food Ordering Sites with Ethnic Cuisine Filters

Search keywords to use:

  • “Indian”, “Pakistani”, “Nepalese”, “African”, “Halal”, “Spicy”, “Thai”, “Vegetarian”

4. 🚚 Food & Grocery Delivery Services (With Ethnic Options)


5. 🍳 Cooking Support – Recipes, Tools & Channels

YouTube Channels:

Recipe Blogs:

Student Tips:


6. 🌍 Community Food Help & Peer Support Platforms

Facebook Groups (Search by city or ethnicity):

Food Sharing Platforms:


1. πŸ›‚ U.S. Student Visa (F-1 / J-1 Visa) – Process & Guidelines

Overview:

  • Most international students apply for an F-1 (academic) or J-1 (exchange) visa.

Key Resources:

Visa Fee & Processing:


2. πŸ’¬ University Student Support & Wellbeing Services

Universities offer support services such as:

  • Counseling & mental health
  • Academic tutoring & ESL help
  • Immigration advising
  • Disability accommodations
  • Financial hardship support

Examples from Major U.S. Universities:


3. 🌎 International Student Societies & Cultural Groups

These student-led organizations help with cultural exchange, festivals, events, and peer support.

Popular Associations:

✨ Tip: Search your university name + “South Asian student group” on Facebook/Instagram.


4. 🀝 Community & Volunteer Support Groups

These organizations provide cultural, emotional, legal, and community assistance.

Student & Diaspora Networks:

Volunteering Platforms:


5. πŸ“± Useful Apps, Websites & Student Life Tools

Essential Apps for International Students:

Useful Websites:

1. πŸš† Trains & Intercity Travel (Amtrak & Regional Rail)

Nationwide:

Regional Rail Services:

Tips:

  • Look for student discounts via university ID
  • Book in advance on Amtrak for lower fares

2. πŸš‡ City Metros, Subways, Light Rail & Trams

Major U.S. City Systems:

Pass Options:

  • Monthly/weekly passes for frequent riders
  • Student transit cards (varies by university/city)

3. 🚌 Buses & Intercity Coaches (City + Long Distance)

City Buses:

  • Included in most metro systems above (MTA, CTA, WMATA, etc.)
  • Google Maps or local transit app for routes/timing

Intercity Coaches:

Budget tip: Book early on FlixBus or Megabus for $1–$10 tickets!


4. πŸš– Taxis, Ride-Hailing & Airport Transfers

Ride-Hailing Apps:

Student-Friendly Shuttle Services:

Local Cabs:

  • Usually called via Google, or available at stations/airports
  • Higher fare than app-based rides

5. πŸ—ΊοΈ Maps, Traffic & Real-Time Transit Apps

Transit Navigation Apps:

Travel Planning:


6. 🚲 Bonus: Cycling, Scooters & Student Travel Cards

Bike Sharing & Scooters:

Student Transit Passes & Cards:

✨ Some universities include transit passes in your tuition or student services fee.

1. πŸ’Έ Essential Student Discounts & Freebies in the USA

Many brands (Apple, Nike, Spotify, Adobe) offer exclusive student-only pricing through these platforms.


2. πŸ†” Student ID Cards & Discount Platforms

ISIC and Student Advantage are accepted at retailers, restaurants, transit systems, and museums across the U.S.


3. πŸš† Travel & Transport Discounts

✈️ Some universities offer regional transit passes for free or discounted fares. Check your campus transportation page.


4. πŸ• Food, Coffee & Grocery Deals

Always ask for student discounts at independent cafes & grocery stores near universities!


5. πŸ›οΈ Fashion & Shopping


6. πŸ’» Tech & Software Discounts

Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva Pro, and AutoDesk also offer deep student discounts.


7. 🏦 Student Bank Accounts & Perks

Most student accounts offer mobile banking, zero overdraft fees, and budgeting tools.


8. πŸ“š Subscriptions, Learning Platforms & Campus Events


🎯 1. Overview of Standardized Tests for U.S. Admissions

To study in the USA, many universities require standardized test scores for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs.

πŸ“‹ Most common tests:

  • TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo English Test – English proficiency
  • SAT / ACT – Undergraduate admissions
  • GRE – Graduate programs (MS, MA, PhD)
  • GMAT – Business schools & MBA programs
  • LSAT / MCAT – Law & Medicine

🧾 Always check individual university and program requirements before applying.


πŸ—£οΈ 2. English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)

U.S. universities require international students to prove English language ability.

  • πŸ‘‰ TOEFL iBT – Widely accepted by U.S. universities
  • πŸ‘‰ IELTS Academic – Also accepted by most U.S. schools
  • πŸ‘‰ Duolingo English Test – Accepted by over 4,000 institutions, budget-friendly and taken from home

πŸ’‘ Minimum scores typically range from TOEFL 80–100, IELTS 6.0–7.0, or Duolingo 105–120.


🧠 3. GRE – Graduate Record Examination

The GRE is required for most MS, MA, and PhD programs in engineering, sciences, and humanities.

  • πŸ‘‰ GRE Official Site – ETS
  • Sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing
  • Duration: ~1 hour 58 minutes (new GRE format)

🎯 Top tips:

  • Start prep 3–6 months in advance
  • Use GRE-specific platforms like Magoosh, ETS PowerPrep, and Kaplan
  • Check if your program offers a GRE waiver

πŸ“Š 4. GMAT – For MBA and Business Programs

Most U.S. business schools require the GMAT for MBA or Masters in Management/Finance programs.

  • πŸ‘‰ GMAT Official Website
  • Focus areas: Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights, and Analytical Writing
  • Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes (GMAT Focus Edition)

πŸ’Ό Some universities now accept GRE instead of GMAT for MBA programs.


πŸ“š 5. SAT / ACT – For Undergraduate Admissions

These are required for undergraduate programs at many U.S. universities.

🧠 Prep tools: Khan Academy (free), Kaplan, The Princeton Review, CollegeVine


πŸŽ“ 6. Test-Optional Policies & Waivers

Due to changing admission trends, many U.S. schools now offer test-optional or test-flexible admissions.

βœ… This means:

  • You may apply without GRE/SAT/ACT at some universities
  • Some graduate programs waive GMAT/GRE for applicants with strong work experience or academic records
  • English test waivers are available for applicants from English-speaking countries or with prior English-medium education

πŸ” Always check university websites or contact admissions for updated policies.