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Study in USA | 2026 Guide for Nepali Students

Study in United State of America

The United States remains one of the most popular destinations for Nepali students. Each year, thousands of students from study in US from Nepal because of academic quality, flexible programs, scholarships, and global career opportunities. Whether you are interested to study bachelors degree or masters degree in US, this guide will help you. 

To study in USA from Nepal, students must complete 12 years of education, meet English test requirements (IELTS/TOEFL), and gain admission to an SEVP-approved university to receive an I-20. They must then apply for an F-1 student visa. Annual study costs average USD 25,000–50,000, including tuition, living, and insurance expenses.

Explore The Most Preferred Country For Higher Education.

The land of dreams and opportunities, the U.S. offers high-quality educational options for students from around the globe. Be it for the quality of education or the career prospects after graduation, the U.S. has monopolized the attention of most study abroad aspirants.
US student visa study in us from nepal masters degree in us scholarship in us study abroad from nepal

USA Has Over 600,000
Students Pursuing Higher Education

Why USA ?
Fast Facts
Document Checklist
Education System
College and University
Interview Preparation

Why Do Nepali Students Choose to Study in the USA?

The USA’s renowned education and promising career prospects make it the preferred choice for global students seeking higher education abroad.
Learn More

1.

World-Class Universities

Home to MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and many top public and private universities. There are top universities for both undergraduate and masters degree in US.

2.

Flexible Programs

Choose majors, minors, electives, or even double majors. 

3.

Shorter Master’s Programs

Many master’s degrees take only 1–2 years, saving time and cost. If you are going for a masters degree in US, it would be more beneficial. 

4.

Work Opportunities

OPT (12 months) and STEM OPT (extra 24 months) allow practical work experience after graduation.

5.

Diverse Experience

The U.S. hosts students from over 200 countries, creating multicultural classrooms. You can have a cultural experience when you study in US from Nepal.

6.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Merit-based tuition waivers, assistantships, and funding from U.S. government programs like Fulbright.

What is the U.S. Education System Like?

  • Associate Degree (2 years) – Offered at community colleges, with option to transfer to 4-year universities.
  • Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) – Flexible course selection, opportunities for double majors.
  • Master’s Degree (1–2 years) – Coursework or research-based, specializing in your chosen field.
  • Doctoral Degree (4–7 years) – Advanced research, often funded with stipends.
  • Institution Types: Public universities, Private universities, and Community colleges.

Intakes & Application Timeline

  • Fall (Aug/Sep) – Main intake with most programs and scholarships.
  • Spring (Jan) – Many universities offer admission.
  • Summer (May/June) – Limited programs.

Suggested Timeline for Fall Intake:

  • 12 months before – Prepare IELTS/TOEFL, SAT/GRE/GMAT (if needed).
  • 9 months before – Apply to universities.
  • 6 months before – Receive I-20, pay SEVIS fee, plan finances.
  • 3–4 months before – Apply for F-1 visa at U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu.

Which documents are needed to apply for US Student Visa?

As you study in US from Nepal, collecting required document is crucial. Here are the required document you need for US student visa:

  • Valid Passport (6+ months validity)
  • Transcripts & Certificates (SLC/SEE + +2/A-levels for UG; bachelor’s for master’s)
  • English Test Results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE – waiver possible at some universities)
  • Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT for UG, GRE/GMAT for some master’s)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Essay
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (usually 2–3)
  • Updated CV/Resume
  • Proof of Funds (bank statement, affidavit of support, scholarship letter)
  • I-20 from University
  • Visa documents: DS-160 form, SEVIS fee receipt, MRV visa fee receipt

How Much Does It Cost to Study in the USA from Nepal?

Tuition Fees

Study Level / Institution Cost (USD/year) Approx. Cost (NPR/year)
Community College (Associate) $6,000 – $18,000 NPR 8 – 24 lakh
Public University (Bachelor’s) $10,000 – $25,000 NPR 13 – 33 lakh
Private University (Bachelor’s) $18,000 – $60,000+ NPR 33 – 80 lakh+
Master’s (Public/Private) $20,000 – $50,000 NPR 26 – 66 lakh
PhD (often funded) Tuition waived / stipend provided Often covered

Living Expenses

City Type Range (USD/year) Approx. (NPR/year) Examples
High-cost metros $16,000 – $22,000 NPR 21 – 29 lakh NYC, Boston, San Francisco
Mid-range cities $12,000 – $18,000 NPR 16 – 24 lakh Chicago, Seattle, Denver
Lower-cost $10,000 – $15,000 NPR 13 – 20 lakh Texas, Ohio, Kansas

Application Fees

Fee Amount (USD) Approx. (NPR)
SEVIS I-901 $350 NPR 46,000
Visa Application (MRV) $185 NPR 25,000
Health Insurance $600 – $1,500 / year NPR 80,000 – 2 lakh
Books & Supplies $800 – $1,200 / year NPR 1 – 1.6 lakh

Note: For the latest and most accurate details about the U.S. student visa (F-1, M-1, and J-1), always refer to the official U.S. Department of State website: U.S. Student Visa – travel.state.gov

Which Scholarships Are Available to Study in USA?

As you start your journey to study in US from Nepal, you can apply for many scholarship opportunities in the US. Here are some of them you can explore. 

  • Fulbright Nepal (U.S. Govt.)
  • EducationUSA Nepal programs
  • University Scholarships – merit-based, need-based, international awards
  • Graduate Assistantships (RA/TA)
  • Private & external awards – e.g., Asian Development Bank, NGOs
💡 Tip: Apply early (8–12 months before intake) for best chances at scholarships.

How Can Nepali Students Apply for a U.S. F-1 Student Visa?

As you prepare for your US student visa, you need to go through following process to get student visa.

  • Get admission → receive I-20 from U.S. university.
  • Pay SEVIS I-901 fee ($350 / NPR ~46,000).
  • Fill DS-160 form online.
  • Pay MRV visa fee at Nabil Bank (approx. NPR 21,000–25,000).
  • Book interview at U.S. Embassy, Kathmandu.
  • Prepare documents (I-20, bank statements, SOP, transcripts).
  • Attend visa interview – demonstrate academic intent, strong ties to Nepal, and funding.

What Work Rights do Students Have in the U.S.?

  • During study: up to 20 hrs/week on-campus.
  • During breaks: up to 40 hrs/week.
  • CPT: Internship/part-time work tied to major.
  • OPT: 12 months after graduation.
  • STEM OPT: +24-month extension for eligible degrees.

Which are the popular Masters Degree in US?

As you prepare for masters degree in US, here are some of the popular masters courses in US:

  • MBA (Business Administration)
  • Computer Science & Information Technology
  • Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
  • Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
  • Public Health & Nursing
  • Finance & Economics
  • Environmental Science

Service Fee For US Processing

    • Initial Service Fee: NPR 5,000 (Non-refundable)

      • Covers career counseling, university selection, and administrative charges.

      • Charged before receiving an I-20.

    • Final Service Fee: NPR 20,000 (Non-refundable)

      • Charged after receiving the I-20.

      • Includes assistance with completing the DS-160 form, visa interview preparation, pre-departure briefing, and post-departure support.

Reviewed by: Dipendra Parajuli, USA Destination Head, KIEC
Last Updated: January 2026

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. How much does it cost to study in USA from Nepal?
On average, NPR 20 – 50 lakh per year (tuition + living). Elite universities can exceed this.

Q2. Can I work while studying?
Yes. Part-time on-campus (20 hrs/week) and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work is allowed only under CPT/OPT.

Q3. Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory?
Usually yes, unless waived (if your previous education was fully in English).

Q4. Can Nepali students get full scholarships?
Yes. Programs like Fulbright and some universities offer full tuition or full-ride scholarships, but competition is very high.

Q5. How can I apply for a US student visa?
You can apply for a US student visa yourself. Additionally, KIEC helps you with the DS-160 form, SEVIS fee, visa interview preparation, and complete guidance. Contact us now to start your US visa process with KIEC.

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