Thousands of accredited universities across every specialisation, from Ivy League to strong state schools.
12 months of standard OPT plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM degrees.
F-1 students can work on campus without a separate work permit.
Curricular Practical Training lets you gain paid, program-relevant experience while still studying.
A starting shortlist — your OEVS counsellor will match these against your budget, scores and career goals.
Institutions listed for reference and course-matching purposes. University admission and any scholarship/partnership terms are set by the institutions themselves.
The F-1 is the standard visa for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified US institution.
Optional Practical Training lets F-1 graduates work in their field — extendable for STEM-eligible degrees.
Two 2026 developments are worth tracking closely. First, DHS submitted a final rule in May 2026 that would end the open-ended 'Duration of Status' framework for F-1 students, replacing it with a fixed 4-year admission period and possibly a shorter 30-day post-completion grace period — expected as early as September 2026 if finalised. Second, new H-1B petitions now carry a USD 100,000 employer fee, which is already making some employers more cautious about entry-level sponsorship. Neither change affects current program choice, but both affect how you should plan your OPT-to-H-1B timeline.
Indicative figures for planning only — actual tuition and living costs vary by city, institution and lifestyle. Use our free Cost of Study Calculator for a personalised estimate.
Widest program choice, most assistantships and scholarships available.
Good backup option; fewer programs and funding opportunities.
Offered by a smaller number of universities.
Fall (August/September) is the main US intake.
Standard post-completion OPT is 12 months for any major; STEM-classified degrees can extend this by an additional 24 months (36 months total).
The F-1 visa, for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified institution.
A SEVIS fee of USD 350 plus a DS-160 visa fee of USD 185.
Yes — new H-1B petitions now carry a USD 100,000 employer fee, which is affecting entry-level sponsorship decisions.
Book a free session with our counsellors — no obligation, honest advice on your best-fit universities and visa pathway.