USA

The United States of America remains one of the most popular and prestigious study destinations for Nepalese students. With over 4,500 accredited higher education institutions, including Ivy League universities, public research institutions, and community colleges, the USA offers unmatched academic diversity, world-class facilities, and career opportunities for international students.

At DDAS YOKOSO, we specialise in helping Nepalese students apply to top U.S. universities and colleges, guiding them through every step – from course selection and scholarship application to visa processing and pre-departure support.

Here’s everything you need to know about studying in the USA from Nepal, including admission requirements, standardised tests, tuition costs, scholarships, visa processes, post-study options, and more.

Why Choose the USA as Your Study Destination?

1. Globally Ranked Universities

Home to top-ranked institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, and Princeton
Over 200 U.S. universities featured in global rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education.

2. Wide Range of Programs and Flexibility

Over 20,000 programs across undergraduate and graduate levels
Students can customise majors and minors
Credit transfer options and course flexibility encourage interdisciplinary learning

3. Research and Innovation

The USA is a global leader in innovation, research funding, and technology
Opportunities to work with professors on funded research projects

4. Career-Focused Learning

Industry-relevant curricula, practical training, and internship programs (CPT/OPT)
Emphasis on analytical skills, leadership, and independent learning

5. Multicultural Environment

Over 1 million international students study in the U.S. annually
Culturally diverse campuses with inclusive student support services

6. Post-Study Work Options

F-1 visa holders can work under Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months
STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension (total: 36 months)

7. Pathway to U.S. Employment and Residency

Students can transition to H-1B work visas
Long-term potential for Green Card (permanent residency) through employer sponsorship or family-based immigration

U.S. Intakes for Nepalese Students

Intake	Application Window	Common Programs
Fall (August / September)	November - March	All undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the largest intake
Spring (January)	July - October	Many undergraduate/postgraduate programs
Summer (May)	January - March	Limited programs, mostly ESL or specific UG/PG courses

Most Nepalese students apply for the Fall intake due to higher course availability and funding opportunities.

Popular Programs Among Nepalese Students in the USA

Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Chemical
Information Technology: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, AI, Software Engineering
Business & Management: BBA, MBA, Finance, Marketing, Accounting
Health & Life Sciences: Nursing, Public Health, Biotechnology
Social Sciences: Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Sociology
Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel Management, Travel Administration

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s):

High school completion (+2, A-Level, or equivalent)
Minimum GPA: 2.5 and above (varies by institution)
SAT (optional or required, depending on the university)
IELTS: Minimum 6.0 or TOEFL iBT: 70+ or Duolingo: 95+
Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation, transcripts, and passport.

Graduate Programs (Master’s):

A recognised bachelor's degree (4 years preferred)
Minimum GPA: 2.75 and above
GRE/GMAT (depending on the program)
IELTS: Minimum 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 80+ or Duolingo: 105+
Resume/CV, SOP, LORs, work experience (if applicable)

Community Colleges & ESL Programs:

No standardised test required
IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo may be waived in ESL programs

Standardised Tests for U.S. Admissions

SAT: Required by many universities for undergraduate admissions
GRE: Required for most graduate-level science and engineering programs
GMAT: Preferred for MBA and business-related programs
TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: Required for English proficiency (varies by school)

Our team provides test preparation resources and personalised test guidance.

Tuition and Living Costs in the USA

Type of Institution	Tuition (USD/year)	Approx. NPR/year
Community Colleges	$6,000 – $10,000	NPR 800K – 1.3M
Public Universities	$12,000 – $22,000	NPR 1.6M – 3.2M
Private Universities	$25,000 – $50,000	NPR 3.5M – 7M
Living Costs	$10,000 – $15,000	NPR 1.3M – 2M

Living costs vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco are more expensive than midwestern or southern states.

Scholarships for Nepalese Students in the USA

1. University Scholarships

Merit-based tuition waivers
Athletic scholarships
Graduate assistantships and teaching fellowships

2. Government & External Scholarships

Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship
United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships

3. Need-Based Aid

Available at select institutions for eligible students

Many universities offer automatic scholarships based on GPA and application strength. We help students identify and apply for suitable funding opportunities.

U.S. Student Visa (F-1) Application Process

Step-by-Step Process:

Secure admission and receive the I-20 form from a SEVP-approved U.S. institution
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
Complete the DS-160 visa application form online
Pay visa application fee ($185)
Schedule and attend a U.S. visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu

Required Documents:

Valid passport
I-20 form
DS-160 confirmation
SEVIS fee receipt
Academic transcripts
Standardised test scores (if applicable)
Financial documents showing sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsor letter, affidavits)
Visa appointment letter

Visa Approval Tips:

Provide consistent and truthful answers
Demonstrate strong ties to Nepal
Clearly articulate your academic goals and future plans.

Working While Studying in the USA

On-campus work: Up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions
Off-campus work: Only after one academic year and with prior approval (CPT/OPT)
OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12-month post-study work permit (24-month STEM extension)
CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Internships or training programs during studies

Post-Study Work and Immigration Pathways

1. OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Allows F-1 visa holders to work for 12 months after graduation
STEM degree holders can extend OPT by an additional 24 months

2. H-1B Visa

Requires sponsorship by a U.S. employer
Valid for up to 6 years
Subject to annual quota and lottery system

3. Green Card (Permanent Residency)

Apply through employment-based sponsorship or family-based immigration
International graduates with high-demand skills have better chances

Why Choose DDAS YOKOSO for Studying in the USA?

20+ years of experience supporting Nepalese students
University partnerships and application expertise
Guidance for scholarship applications and SOP writing
Test prep assistance (SAT, GRE, IELTS, Duolingo)
1-on-1 visa interview preparation
Pre-departure briefing and travel support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much GPA is required to study in the USA from Nepal?

Most universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5 for UG and 2.75 for PG programs.

2. Can I study in the U.S. without SAT or GRE?

Yes, many universities have test-optional policies, especially for Fall 2025. However, competitive programs may still require scores.

3. What is the success rate of U.S. student visas for Nepalese students?

With complete documentation and proper interview preparation, the visa approval rate is high.

4. How much bank balance is required for a U.S. student visa?

Enough to cover the first year’s tuition and living expenses, typically $25,000 to $50,000 depending on your program and location.

5. Can I get PR after studying in the USA?

Yes. While studying does not directly lead to PR, graduates can work under OPT, transition to H-1B, and eventually apply for a Green Card through employment or family.

Contact DDAS YOKOSO for USA Study Counselling

Let us help you build your academic future in the United States. From university selection and SOP guidance to visa success, we are with you at every step.

Contact Details:

Address: Bagbazar, Kathmandu
Phone: +977-01-4257376
Email: info@ddasyokoso.com.np
Website: www.ddasyokoso.com.np

Book a Free Consultation Now and Begin Your U.S. Journey Today