Planning to Study in USA in 2027? An Overview of Fees, Visas, and OPT for Indian Students
Srujan YeletiFounder, Unlimit Mobile
6 min read
Planning to study in USA for Indian students in 2027? The United States is still one of the most popular destinations for Indian students. It offers a wide range of universities, flexible courses, research options and practical training after your studies.
According to the latest Open Doors 2025 data, 363,019 Indian students studied in the USA in 2024/25. That makes India the largest source of international students in the country.
Planning for 2027? Get to know the fees, scholarships, F-1 visa requirements, application timelines and OPT. This helps you prepare well in advance.
Study in USA for Indian Students 2027
Factor | Key Information |
Main student visa | F-1 |
Major intake | Fall, though intakes vary by university |
Tuition fees | Vary by university, course and degree |
Living costs | Depend on city and lifestyle |
Scholarships | University and external scholarships available |
Regular OPT | Up to 12 months for eligible students |
STEM OPT | Up to 24 more months for qualifying STEM OPT students |
Ideal preparation time | 12–18 months before enrollment |
EducationUSA recommends starting your U.S. study research 12–18 months before the academic year you plan to enroll in.
Why Study in USA in 2027?
Indian students can choose from thousands of programs. They cover technology, engineering, business, sciences, healthcare and other fields. Popular courses include:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Biotechnology
- Public Health
STEM programs are especially popular with international students. Open Doors reported that 57% of international students in the USA studied STEM fields in 2024/25.
However, the right course depends on your academic background, budget and career goals.
What Budget Should Indian Students Plan for Studying in the USA?
There is no fixed cost for studying in the USA. Your total expenses usually include:
- Tuition fees
- University fees
- Accommodation
- Food
- Health insurance
- Transportation
- Books and supplies
- Personal expenses
- Travel costs
Tuition varies a lot between public universities, private universities and programs. Living expenses also depend heavily on location.
So when you compare universities, work out the total yearly cost, not just tuition. EducationUSA also recommends counting tuition, fees and living expenses when you plan your budget.
How Can Indian Students Reduce Costs?
Students can explore:
- University scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based financial aid
- Graduate assistantships
- Research or teaching assistantships
- Community college transfer pathways for eligible undergraduate students
EducationUSA provides resources for international students looking for financial aid.
What Scholarships Can Indian Students Get to Study in the USA in 2027?
Scholarship opportunities can vary by university, course and eligibility. Check each university's official financial-aid page before you apply.
A strong scholarship application may highlight:
- Academic performance
- Research experience
- Projects
- Leadership
- Extracurricular activities
- Internships
- Strong essays and recommendations
Start researching scholarships early. Deadlines can vary, and some funding opportunities have separate application requirements.
F-1 Visa for Indian Students
Indian students enrolled in academic programs at U.S. colleges and universities generally use the F-1 student visa.
The F-1 visa process
The general process is:
- University admission
- Form I-20
- SEVIS registration
- DS-160
- Visa application
- Interview
The U.S. Department of State says students must first be accepted by a SEVP-approved school. After acceptance, the student receives Form I-20. They can then move on with the student visa process.
F-1 visa fees
The current F student visa application processing fee is $185. The current I-901 SEVIS fee for F students is $350.
These amounts can change. If you are planning for 2027, verify the latest fees before you pay.
Which Documents Are Required for an F-1 Visa for Indian Students?
Indian students should generally prepare:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation
- Form I-20
- SEVIS information
- University admission documents
- Academic records
- Test scores, where applicable
- Financial documents
- Any additional paperwork requested during the visa interview
Be ready to explain your course choice, university selection and education funding accurately.
What Is OPT for Indian Students?
OPT (Optional Practical Training) lets eligible F-1 students gain temporary practical training related to their field of study.
Eligible students can generally receive up to 12 months of regular OPT. Students who meet STEM OPT requirements may qualify for 24 more months. That could allow up to 36 months of practical training in total.
Who qualifies for STEM OPT
STEM OPT is not automatically available to every technology or science student. It depends on the qualifying degree and other requirements. These include applicable employer conditions.
Confirm that you qualify with your university's Designated School Official (DSO). Also check the current USCIS/ICE guidance.
Staying Connected in the USA as an Indian Student
Moving to the USA for higher education involves more than university admission, accommodation and a student visa. Indian students should also think about everyday essentials such as a phone connection. This is especially true in your first few days after you arrive.
A reliable mobile connection can help you:
- Contact your university and accommodation provider
- Keep in touch with friends and family
- Use maps and transport apps
- Manage day-to-day tasks after you arrive
You can explore U.S. mobile connectivity options before you travel. Unlimit Mobile offers mobile options for the USA, including SIM and eSIM. These can be useful for international students planning their move to the country.
Before you pick a mobile plan, check:
- Your phone's compatibility
- Network coverage
- How much data you need
- Whether your device supports eSIM
Want to explore your options before you travel? Visit Unlimit Mobile and review the available USA plans.
2027 Application Timeline for Indian Students
If you are aiming for a 2027 intake, here is a timeline that works:
- 2026: Research universities, shortlist courses, prepare tests and documents, and research scholarships.
- Late 2026–Early 2027: Submit university and scholarship applications by their own deadlines.
- After admission: Accept your offer, complete university requirements and get your Form I-20.
- Before departure: Complete the visa process, arrange accommodation and prepare for travel.
Before departure, you can also arrange essential services such as a phone connection. Setting up a suitable U.S. SIM or eSIM in advance can help. You can then stay in touch with your university, family and accommodation provider as soon as you arrive.
Unlimit Mobile is one option students can explore for a U.S. phone connection.
Deadlines vary, so always check the official university website for the exact application date.
Final Thoughts
Starting early is key if you plan to study in the United States in 2027. First, choose the right course and compare universities. Then work out the complete cost of your education.
Next, research scholarships and prepare your application. Make sure you understand the F-1 visa and OPT requirements.
Along with applications and visa preparation, plan the everyday side of moving to the USA. That includes accommodation, transport and your phone connection.
A suitable SIM or eSIM arranged before or around the time you arrive makes it easier to stay connected. You can reach family, university staff and other important contacts. Students can explore services such as Unlimit Mobile when planning their U.S. phone connection.
Most importantly, verify 2027 university deadlines, visa fees and immigration rules from official sources. These details can change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost Indian students to study in the United States?
Costs vary by university, program and location. Students should add up tuition, fees, housing, food, insurance and personal expenses.
What kind of student visa should Indian students apply for in order to study in the United States?
Indian students in academic programs at U.S. colleges and universities generally use the F-1 student visa.
How Many Months of OPT Can Indian Students Get in the USA?
Eligible students can generally receive up to 12 months of regular OPT. Qualifying STEM students may receive an extra 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Can Indian students get scholarships in USA?
Yes. Universities and external organizations offer scholarships and financial aid. Eligibility and deadlines vary.
When should I begin applying to institutions in the United States for 2027?
Ideally, start researching 12–18 months before enrollment. For a 2027 start, beginning your preparation during 2026 is a practical approach.
Should Indian Students Get a SIM or eSIM Before Travelling to the USA?
Getting a U.S. SIM or eSIM before travelling can be useful. It helps if you want to be connected right after you arrive in the country. Compare options by phone compatibility, coverage, data needs and budget.
Unlimit Mobile offers USA mobile connectivity options that students can explore before their move.
