USA

INTRODUCTION 

The United States of America (USA) is the dream destination for millions of international students—and Nepali students are no exception. With over 4,000 universities and colleges, a wide range of academic programs, world-class research facilities, and a multicultural society, the USA is the perfect place to achieve both academic and career success.

A degree from the USA is globally recognized and highly valued, giving Nepali students a strong competitive advantage in the international job market. Whether you want to study Engineering, Business, IT, Healthcare, or Arts, the USA offers unmatched opportunities for growth.

Why Choose the USA for Higher Studies?

U.S. colleges and universities are attractive to international students for many reasons. The surveys say that almost 600,000 international students are currently pursuing their higher education degrees in the U.S. Following are the top ten reasons why Nepalese students choose U.S. colleges and universities:
1. Excellent Academics
It is believed that world’s finest higher education is available in the U.S., especially in the field of technology. U.S. degrees are accepted across the world and are considered to be among the most prestigious.
2. High Quality Research
If research is your passion, the U.S. is the right choice. There are numerous research opportunities in every field that allow students to gain practical experience during their studies. In addition, due to funding from the U.S. government and public and private corporations, students who work as research assistants often receive a waiver of tuition fees and are provided with a stipend to help with their living expenses.
3. Flexibility in Course Curriculum Offerings
In addition to their major field of study and courses, students often have the option to take courses (called “electives”) in other subject areas, based on their interests. In addition, the selection of course offerings at most colleges and universities is very large and diverse. Sometimes students may even be able to “cross-register” or take courses at other nearby universities as part of their degree program.
4. Financial Assistance
In some situations, financial assistance is provided to international students. Most of the universities financially support international students either in the form of providing teaching or research assistantships. These assistantships are based on academic merit, rather than financial need. Awarded students will receive stipends, and/or either partial or full tuition waivers. In some cases, a student’s education could turn out to be completely free if the student exhibits exceptional skills in his or her field of study. Students also have the opportunity to receive grants, loans, and scholarships from various organizations.
5. On-Campus Work Opportunities
Most colleges and universities allow international students to work on their campus as part-time employees. Students who are on F-1 student visas can work on-campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours a week in the summer or vacation periods. The students are usually paid an hourly rate (usually from US$ 8.00-US$15.00 an hour), and their earnings help to cover their living expenses. Students are placed in jobs based on their financial need and personal skills and experience. For example, an English major may be placed at the university library, while someone who has a lifeguard certification may be placed at the campus Aquatic Center.
6. Internships
Students are allowed to work as interns in their respective academic fields outside of the campus during summer vacation. There are internship programs during the academic year as well. Internships are a valuable part of education as they help students gain practical experience while taking classes. Most universities also offer academic credit for internship experience.
7. Job Opportunities / Professional Training
Once students complete their degrees, they are authorized to work full-time for one year in a related field in order to gain practical experience. (As of 2008, students in certain fields can extend this to 17 months.) This program is called the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Many talented students are hired as a permanent employee after they complete their OPT period by securing sponsorship from their employers for an H-1 visa. The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit for foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations like Software, Engineering, Teaching, Accounting, or Marketing. Students may continue their work without leaving the U.S. after the status change approval.
8. International Student Affairs Offices
Most all U.S. colleges and universities have an international student affairs office with advisors who provide extraordinary support to international students to help them navigate the sometimes-confusing university and immigration bureaucracy and to get the most out of their educational experience. In addition to immigration and academic advising, these offices also often host events and workshops to help international students meet other students and get involved in campus life.
9. Cultural Exchange
Apart from what is taught in the classroom, international students also get to interact with and learn from other students from many different countries and diverse religions, cultures, economic and ethnic backgrounds. This experience can be eye-opening for many international students and helps them to become true global citizens.
10. Value
The success of any student will be directly proportional to the amount of dedication and hard work he or she exercises. Undoubtedly, the U.S. offers a very high quality of education. The variety of skills and cross-cultural environment can make the learning experience in U.S. universities a rich and unique one. With such diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, international students are better prepared for working with absolute ease anywhere in the world.
 

Job Opportunities

You can work in the US while studying or after graduating. Most international students begin their professional journey through on-campus jobs. These jobs help you get by with the various expenses while you are still studying.

1.On-Campus Employment
F-1 visa holders can work on-campus at the school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location, which is associated with the school’s established curriculum or part of contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level. On-campus employment includes work at school premises, such as a bookstore or cafeteria that provides services directly to students. International students must meet certain conditions, such as working part-time (no more than 20 hours per week) and obtaining a certification letter for a Social Security Number. Full-time work is permitted during school breaks, and students must report their work to the designated school official. On-campus work is only permitted while studying and is not available after graduation.

2.Off-Campus Employment
As an international student studying in the US, you are only allowed to work on-campus during your first year. After that, you may be eligible for off-campus work, but you must meet certain requirements, including obtaining authorization from the Designated School Official, being in good academic standing, and facing extreme financial hardship. You must also obtain a work permit from the USCIS and are still limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week, with a maximum of 40 hours per week during school breaks. However, not all types of jobs are permitted, and restrictions and requirements apply. Read on to learn about the opportunities available to international students for off-campus work in the US.

3.Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
The CPT is a temporary employment authorization for F1 visa non-immigrant foreign students in America. It offers temporary employment while students are enrolled in a college-level degree programmed. This practical training program is a crucial part of every educational institution’s curriculum, providing students with real-world experience in their chosen field of study. This training can take many forms, such as internships, cooperative education jobs, practicums, or any other work experience required to complete your degree. The maximum number of CPT authorizations allowed for any student is three per degree programmed.

This training must be completed before graduation, and it can be done part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (20 hours or more per week). You become ineligible for OPT if you work full-time for 12 months in CPT.

4.Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that provides temporary employment or training opportunities for international students who want to work off campus. The program is designed to offer foreign students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study. The OPT programmed allows international students in the United States to work temporarily for up to 12 months. During the OPT period authorization, you should be employed or actively seek employment. This programmed limits the kind of jobs you can apply for, including the number of days you can remain unemployed.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
Students majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics are eligible to apply for a 17-month extension to their OPT. To qualify for the full 24-month extension, you must currently be in a valid period of OPT and have graduated from a SEVP-certified educational institution with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Additionally, your employer must fulfill the EM OPT Employer Responsibilities.

Lifestyle 

Living in the USA is exciting and enriching. Here’s what Nepali students can expect:

a. Cultural Diversity: Interact with students from all over the world and learn from different cultures.

b. Campus Life: Join clubs, societies, sports teams, and cultural events.

c. Food & Cuisine: Enjoy a mix of local and international cuisines, including options for Nepali foods in certain cities.

d. Housing Options: Dormitories, shared apartments, or off-campus housing depending on preferences and budget.

e. Transportation: Access to buses, subways, and rideshare options in most cities.

f. Safety and Healthcare: Universities provide campus security, health services, and counseling support.

TOP Universities 

Discover the best colleges in the US according to the Times Higher Education’s trusted World University Rankings. This list highlights the which universities in the US excel in teaching, research, and global influence.

The Times Higher Education US college rankings are based on a trusted methodology that evaluates universities across key performance indicators, including academic reputation, teaching quality and international outlook.

This table provides valuable insights to help students, academics, and policymakers navigate the US university ranking landscape:

a. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
b. Princeton University
c. Harvard University
d. Stanford University
e. California Institute of Technology
f. University of California, Berkeley
g. Yale University
h. New York University
i. University of California, San Diego
j. Boston University
k. University of Florida

Popular Courses for Nepali Students in the USA

1. Engineering & IT: Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Robotics
2. Business & Management: MBA, Finance, Marketing, International Business
3. Healthcare & Medicine: Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences
4. Social Sciences & Humanities: Psychology, International Relations, Sociology, Education
5. STEM Programs: Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology

Intakes 

Fall Intake (August/September) – Largest intake, most courses, and best scholarship opportunities.

Spring Intake (January) – Alternative option for students who miss Fall deadlines.

Summer Intake (May/June) – Limited courses, mostly for language or vocational programs.

Scholarships in the USA 

Although studying in the USA can be expensive, there are many scholarships for international students:

A. University Scholarships – Partial or full tuition waivers, grants, or financial aid.

B. Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded for academic, sports, or extracurricular excellence.

C. Financial Need-Based Scholarships – Some universities offer need-based aid for international students.

D. Special Programs – Fulbright, private organizations, and foundations offer scholarships worth $20,000+ annually.

Work While Studying in the USA

International students can gain real-world experience while studying:

A. On-Campus Jobs

• F-1 visa students can work up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during breaks.
• Jobs include bookstores, libraries, labs, and cafeterias.

B. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

• Temporary employment authorization related to your field of study.
• Can be part-time or full-time before graduation.

C. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Post-study work authorization for up to 12 months, with STEM extensions up to 24 months.
• Provides valuable professional experience in your field.

D. Off-Campus Employment

After the first year, F-1 students may work off-campus with Designated School Official (DSO) approval.

Student Visa for the USA 

1. F-1 Visa

• For full-time degree programs at SEVIS-approved universities.
• Work on-campus up to 20 hours/week; brings dependents under F-2 (no work allowed).

Duration: Program length + 60-day grace period.

2. NJ-1 Visa

• For exchange or sponsored programs, internships, or research.
• Work up to 20 hours/week; dependents can work under J-2.

Duration: Program length + 30-day grace period.

3. M-1 Visa

• For technical or vocational courses.
• Limited work rights related to the program; dependents cannot work.

Duration: Usually 1 year, extendable depending on the program.

Conclusion

Studying in the USA offers unmatched academic opportunities, career prospects, and personal growth for Nepali students. With top universities, flexible courses, scholarships, and work options, you can gain both knowledge and global exposure.

Start planning early, choose the right program, and explore scholarships and work opportunities to make your study abroad journey successful. The USA is not just a place to study it’s a place to build your future and become a global professional.