Upcoming Intakes in USA for Indian Students 2025-2026: Timeline, Universities, Courses & Requirements

Are you an aspiring Indian student planning to study in USA but not sure which intake to choose? There are three major intakes in the USA: Fall (September) intake, Spring (January) intake and Summer (May) intake. Among these intakes, Fall is the most preferred intake by Indian students followed by spring and summer intake. 

According to IIE, 331,602 Indian students are studying in the U.S universities in the year 2023/2024.

The USA is the most preferred study abroad destination for Indian students. It is known for its world-class education, multicultural environment, networking opportunities, and top-ranked universities. US universities are renowned for meeting the diverse academic needs of students through their three main intakes.

In this article, you will find a comprehensive guide on the timeline, universities, pros, and cons of each intake, along with eligibility criteria, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities. By the end of the article you can decide on which intake you can opt for.

Table of Contents

• What are the Intakes in USA 2025-2026?
• Timeline for USA Admission Intakes 2025-2026
• September/Fall Intake in USA 2025: Primary Intake
• September/Fall Intake Timeline 2025
• Top Ranked Universities for Fall/September Intake in USA 2025
• What are the Pros & Cons for Fall/September Intake in USA?
• January/Spring Intake in USA 2026: Secondary Intake
• January/Spring Intake Timeline 2026
• Top Ranked Universities for Spring/January Intake in USA 2026
• What are the Pros & Cons for Spring/January Intake in USA?
• Summer/May intake in country 2025-2026: Less Competitive Intake
• Summer/May Intake Timeline 2026
• Top Ranked Universities for Summer Intake in USA 2026
• What are the Pros & Cons for Summer/May Intake in USA?
• Eligibility Requirements to Study in USA
• Popular Scholarships to study in US Universities
• How do international students manage tuition fees and living costs during semesters?
• Which Intake is right for you?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Intakes in USA 2025-2026?

USA universities and colleges typically offer three main intakes for international students: Fall intake (September), Spring intake  (January), Summer intake (May).

1. Fall Intake (September) - This is the primary intake in which universities offer a wide range of courses. It starts in early August or late September  and ends in December.

2. Spring Intake (January) - This is the secondary intake in which universities offer comparatively less programs than fall intake. It starts in early January and continues through May.

3. Summer Intake (May) - This is the less competitive intake during which universities offer fewer courses like specialized or vocational programs. It starts in early May or late June and ends before September.

An overview of the timeline for each intake is given below.

Timeline for USA Admission Intakes 2025-2026

According to EducationUSA, prospective students are advised to begin preparing their applications 12 to 18 months before their preferred intake. The table shows the optimum duration and deadline to apply for each USA admission intake.

Timeline for USA Intakes 2025 - 2026
USA Intakes	Program Duration (Varies) & Semester Break	Application Deadlines
Fall Intake	Program Duration: Late August or early September 2025 – December 2025 Winter Break: Around December 2025 – Jan 2026	December 2024 – March 2025
Spring Intake	Program Duration: January 2026 – May 2026 Summer Holidays: Around March 2026 – April 2026	Between July 2025 – December 2025
Summer Intake	Program Duration: May 2026 – August 2026 Semester Break: Around March 2026 -–April 2026 (Easter Holidays)	November 2025 – February 2025

September/Fall Intake in USA 2025: Primary Intake

The fall intake in the USA is the most preferred admission period among Indian students. Many students prefer the fall semester because universities and colleges in the USA offer more application slots for a wide range of programs compared to the spring and summer intakes.

The fall/September intake is the best intake in the USA to study undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, doctoral, and co-op programs. This academic session offers scholarships, research, and internship opportunities, aligns well with the hiring season and job market, and also allows ample time to adapt to the academic and social environment.

The fall/September intake period usually begins in September and coincides with the start of the academic year, which aligns with the global academic calendar. The application deadline for the Fall intake in USA 2025 typically spans from December 2024 to March 2025.

September/Fall Intake Timeline 2025

Here’s the timeline for the students planning to study in the USA Fall intake.

1. January – February 2025

Research and Shortlist Universities: Begin researching how the USA suits best for the September intake a year in advance. Shortlist universities and programs (9–8 months ahead) based on QS World University Rankings. Download brochures/viewbooks for 2025 to review program requirements and application checklists.

2. February – March 2025

Prepare for Applications: Start the application prep 7–6 months before intake. Take required exams (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, GRE/GMAT) with buffer time for retakes. Gather academic transcripts (grades 10, 11, 12), SOP, LORs, resume, and application essays.

3. April – May 2025

Submit Applications: Begin submitting applications before deadlines. Upload documents or supplemental applications on the university application portal, pay application fees, and complete any required personal or video interviews.

4. May – June 2025

Track Decisions and Apply for Visa: Monitor email for admission updates. Expect admission decisions within 2 weeks of applying. After acceptance, apply for government, non-government, or university scholarships, financial aid, loans, and F1 student visa.

5. June – July 2025

Make Necessary Arrangements: Pay tuition fees or non-refundable deposits via Forex cards, Master/Visa credit or debit cards payment modes. Book flights, arrange housing, and do the residential application for on-campus accommodation. Prepare essentials: SIM card, international debit/credit card.

6. August – September 2025

Start Your Semester: Arrive in the USA, attend orientation programs, explore the culture, and start your first semester of the fall intake at your dream university!

Top Ranked Universities for Fall/September Intake in USA 2025

Here is the list of top universities in USA along with the popular programs, tuition, and application fees.

Top Ranked Universities to apply for September Intake in USA
Universities	QS ranking 2025	Popular Programs	Tuition fee & Application Fee	On Campus Accommodation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical), Computer Science, Economics, Physics, MBA	Tuition Fee -  $62,000 – $124,875 (INR 52,72,382 – 1,06,19,173) Application fee - $75 (INR 6378)	Yes
Stanford University	6	Computer Science, Engineering, Business (MBA), Law, Medicine, Social Sciences	Tuition Fee - $54,000 – $65,000 (INR 45,92,075 – 55,27,497) Application fee - $90 (INR 7654)	Yes
Harvard University	4	Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Medicine, Business, Natural Sciences	Tuition Fee - $55,000 – $70,000 (INR 46,77,113 – 59,52,690) Application fee - $85 (INR 7228)	Yes
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	10	Science (Physics, etc.), Engineering	Tuition Fee - ~$60,000 – $65,000 (INR 51,02,305 – 55,27,497) Application fee - ~$75 (INR 6378)	Yes
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)	11	Business (Wharton), Nursing, Engineering, Arts & Sciences	Tuition Fee - ~$60,000 – $70,000 (INR 51,02,305 – 59,52,690) Application fee - $90 (INR 7654)	Yes

What are the Pros & Cons for Fall/September Intake in USA?

The fall intake in the USA offers a wide range of programs and universities with a high acceptance rate. However, it also has challenges like higher competition and tight deadlines.

Pros: 

• Wider Program Choice: Most universities and colleges offer a range of UG, PG, diploma, PhD and co-op programs during the fall intake.
• Higher Acceptance Rates: Universities in the USA have higher acceptance rates for the September intake compared to January and May intakes, giving students a better chance of admission.
• Summer Break: Students enjoy a longer summer break between semesters, allowing for rest, travel, or exploring internship or job opportunities.
• Comfortable Weather: Starting in the Fall season means arriving in mild and pleasant weather before the harsh winter sets in.
• Timely Graduation: Starting with the main intake ensures students can graduate on time without delays.

Cons: 

• High Competition: Higher demand leads to more competition for preferred programs and admission, especially for top-ranking universities.
• Limited Availability: Some programs and courses may have limited spots due to high demand.
• Crowded Campus: Campuses may get overcrowded, resulting in busier classrooms, libraries, and other facilities.
• Strict Deadline: The rigorous deadlines and increased workload for preparing applications (essays, recommendations, standardized tests) can be challenging for some students.
• Higher Costs: Finding suitable on-campus or nearby housing can become difficult, often resulting in higher costs or less ideal options.

January/Spring Intake in USA 2026: Secondary Intake

The Spring intake in the USA, also known as the January intake is the second largest university admission period. Spring intake opens up undergraduate and post graduate courses for international students, typically fewer than the primary fall intake. 

The spring semester is popular as it presents unique advantages for Indian students like ample time to prepare for studying abroad and the opportunity to apply as part of a smaller cohort.

The spring intake in the USA starts by early January 2026 and ends in late May 2026. The deadline to apply for the spring intake universities typically starts in July 2025 and ends before December 2025. 

This January intake is ideal for students who want more time to make financial arrangements, to get more scores in competitive exams like IELTS and to avoid a gap year. If you miss fall intake, you can always catch up with the spring intake. 

Below we have discussed the timeline, popular universities, Jan Intake advantages and its disadvantages.

January/Spring Intake Timeline 2026

To apply for January intake it is ideal to start the process a year before or at least before 8 months. Below we have delineated the time-critical steps necessary for spring university applications.

1. May – June 2025
Research Programs Early (8 Months Before) : Shortlist the programs and universities based on your academic preferences. Note down the eligibility criteria and admissions requirements for each university.

2.  July – September 2025
Prepare Tests & Documents (6-7 Months Before): After shortlisting the university, you should prepare for the standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT or GMAT. You should also start collecting documents like Academic Transcripts, LOR and SOP. Start applying to the filtered universities.

3.  September – October 2025
Complete Application Submission (4-5 Months Before): Submit the application along with the documents before the stipulated deadline. The earlier the submission, the more the chances of getting into your dream university. Keep checking your application status and respond to queries.

4. October – November 2025
Accept Offer & Visa  (3-4 Months Before): Once your admission is granted, respond to your acceptance to the university before the stipulated deadline. Pay the deposit amount and confirm the seat in your dream university. By that time, apply for a visa and attend the visa interview.

5. November – December 2025
Pre-Departure Preparations (2-3 Months Before): Once you have the visa approval, book flight tickets. Make a pre-departure checklist and start gathering the necessary things. Try to connect with the students and alumni of the university and join the community.

6. December 2025 – January 2026
Arrive and Begin Your Journey (1-2 Months Before): Arrive in the USA and get accustomed with the climate and students. Start your student journey!!

Top Ranked Universities for Spring/January Intake in USA 2026

Below we have listed the popular universities in USA that offer January intake along with the popular programs, Tuition fee and Accommodation details.  

Top Ranked Universities to apply for January Intake in USA
Universities	QS ranking 2025	Popular Programs	Tuition fee & Application Fee	On Campus Accommodation
New York University (NYU)	30	Business, Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Psychology, Marketing	Tuition Fee: $64,000 – $74,000 (INR 54,42,459 – 62,92,843)     Application Fee: $120 (INR 10204)	Yes
Purdue University	92	Engineering (Comp, Mech, Aero), Computer Science, Business Analytics, Agriculture, Nursing, Pharmacy	Tuition Fee: $31,100 (INR 2644695)     Application Fee: $75 (INR 6378)	Yes
Arizona State University (ASU)	102	Engineering (Mech, Elec, Aero), Business (Analytics, Marketing), Computer Science, Data Science, Nursing, Global Health	Tuition Fee: $37,200 (INR 31,63,429)     Application Fee: $85 (INR 7228)	Yes

Also Read: Cost of studying in USA

What are the Pros & Cons for Spring/January Intake in USA?

As a coin has two sides, January intake also has its pros and cons. It is important to consider both the strengths and potential challenges associated with the January intake. Let's see them in detail.

Pros:

• Ample Time to strengthen your application:  The Jan intake provides you with enough time to prepare for standardized/English Proficiency tests, compared to Fall intake. 
• Learn from experience: Starting in January intake allows you to learn from the experiences of the preceding Fall intake students.
• Less Competition & Higher Acceptance Rate: The Spring intake receives fewer applicants compared to the fall intake, often resulting in less competition and higher acceptance rates.
• More Departmental Attention: With a smaller cohort, January intake students receive more focused attention from faculty and staff.
• Smaller Cohort Size: Smaller class sizes in the January intake can lead to more personalized learning experiences.
• Smoother Academic Transition: Students starting in January intake experience a smoother academic transition, helping to avoid study gaps.

Cons:

• Program Choices are Limited: Program availability can be limited for the January intake, so verify whether your desired course is offered.
• Fewer Internship Opportunities: Fewer internship and job opportunities will be available as they often align with the primary Fall schedule.
• Navigating the Weather Conditions: As an Indian student, starting in January requires you to adapt to the challenging winter weather.
• Smaller Network Opportunities:  A smaller January cohort offers fewer initial networking opportunities compared to the larger Fall intake.
• Shifted Academic Calendar: Starting in January poses a potentially different academic calendar or course structure.
• Accelerated Study Paths: January intake students might need accelerated study paths, like summer classes, to graduate alongside Fall peers.

Summer/May intake in country 2025-2026: Less Competitive Intake

The summer intake in USA is a limited intake as it falls at the end of the academic year. The May semester has a smaller number of applicants as compared to fall and spring intakes, since only a small number of universities offer limited programs.

Indian students usually opt for summer intake if they missed the first two intakes and don’t want to wait till the next year. The May intake is chosen for its primary focus on postgraduate courses, diploma certifications, vocational programs, specialised and short-term courses. Furthermore, summer intake has some significant advantages such as shorter wait time, less crowded campuses, quicker program completion, extra preparation time, and less competition.

The summer intake in USA commences in May and lasts till August. Welcoming a smaller cohort of students, this intake offers a quiet campus life along with tons of  opportunities to explore the local events during the warmer months. The summer intake is ideal for students who prefer a less competitive admission cycle that offers their desired program. 

Summer/May Intake Timeline 2026

Students applying for the summer intake should start at least 8-12 months before the commencement of summer semester. Let's take a look at the major timelines and the necessary action you must take:

1. April – August 2025
Research & Shortlist Universities: Do a thorough research on your desired course availability, preferred universities along with their application deadlines, admission requirements, and academic qualifications.  

2. August – September 2025
Prepare Documents: Appear for the necessary standardized tests and get your scorecards ready along with all the documents required for the USA students visa. 

3. September – November 2025
Apply to Universities: Prepare an application for your preferred institutes and submit the same. 

4. January – February 2026
Check your admission status: Look out for response from the academic institutes you applied to and confirm your admission if you get shortlisted.

5. February – March 2026
Apply for Student Visa: Start the application process for USA student visa, scholarship, or education loan.

6. April 2026
Book a Ticket: Plan your travel and accommodation and reach the USA before the commencement of the summer semester.

Top Ranked Universities for Summer Intake in USA 2026

Now that you are familiar with the summer intake timelines, it is time to explore the top universities for may intake in USA along with their popular programs, tuition fee, and application fee.

Top Ranked Universities to apply for May Intake in USA
Universities	QS ranking 2026	Popular Programs	Tuition fee & Application Fee	On Campus Accommodation
Arizona State University (ASU)	102	Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Nursing, Communication	Tuition Fee:  $1,500 – $1,700 Application fee: $85	Yes
University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)	59	Computer Science, Business Analytics, IT & Management, Engineering, Finance, Marketing	Tuition Fee: $1,600 – $2,000+ per credit hour Application Fee: $50 + Initial evaluation fee	Yes
Florida International University (FIU)	641	Hospitality Management, Business, International Relations, Engineering, Health Sciences	Tuition Fee: $600 – $1,100+ per credit hour (Varies by program/level)     Application Fee: $30	Yes

What are the Pros & Cons for Summer/May Intake in USA?

The summer/May intake has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It could be your ideal intake if it meets your academic needs. Let's have a detailed look:

Pros:

• Less Competition: Only a few students apply for the May intake, making it less competitive than other intakes.
• Shorter Wait Time: Universities process applications much quicker with only few applicants to assess.
• Smaller Class Size: An ideal environment for more personalised learning due to a smaller class size.
• Availability of Specialised Courses: Specialised courses, postgraduate programs, vocational diplomas, and short-term courses are available.
• Pleasant Weather: The warm and pleasant weather during the summer intake is ideal for Indian students.

Cons:

• Less Programs: Universities only offer a selected set of courses during the summer intake.
• Fewer Scholarship Availability: May intake has lesser scholarship opportunities as compared to spring and fall intakes. 
• Limited Job/Internship Opportunities: Companies have a lower recruitment rate during this intake, leading to less job opportunities for students.
• Lower Housing Availability: On-campus housing might be limited during the summer semester.
• Slow Social Life: With fewer students, the scope for social events, club activities, and networking opportunities could be low.

Eligibility Requirements to Study in USA

Here are the eligibility requirements to study in USA based on academic qualification, English language proficiency (ELP) requirements and other requirements.

1. Academic Requirements

Secondary School/Diploma/Bachelor Certificates: You should submit the high school, diploma or bachelor scorecard. Ensure your scores meet the benchmarks set by the international admission specialists of the {Country} universities or by the World Education Services (WES).

Subject Prerequisites: You are expected to complete five academic subjects that align with your chosen course. For eg: if you choose STEM programs, it requires advanced mathematics, physics and Chemistry. 

GPA: The Admission Committee requires a grade point averaging between {2.5 - 3 out of 4} or equivalent percentage of marks. Make sure you convert your scores to the standard GPA format expected by the universities.

Competitive Test Scores: You are required to submit the {marks/scores} of standardized tests like ACT/SAT/GRE/GMAT. Refer to universities for the specific tests to be taken.

Work Experience Certificate: Applicants should provide relevant work experience certificates for Postgraduate programs like MBA and few other professional degrees. 

Doctoral Admission Requirements: A minimum of 75% or equivalent GPA in your previous degree is required. You are also expected to submit the relevant work experience certificate and other research papers.

2. Language Proficiency Requirements

IELTS Academic: The minimum IELTS band requirement to study UG in the USA is 6.0 to 6.5 and PG is 6.5 to 7.0.

PTE Academic: The minimum PTE score requirement for undergraduate programs are 55 to 70 and for postgraduate programs are 50 to 65.

TOEFL iBT: The minimum TOEFL iBT scores for Bachelor programs are 100 and for Master programs are 110.

Duolingo: The Duolingo Test score required for USA university admissions is 120.

Other Accepted Tests: Non-native English speakers can also provide the test scores of Cambridge English Qualification (like C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency).

3. Other Documents Required

• Bank Statement
• Education Loan approval document.
• Scholarship grant letters.
• Valid Passport 
• Medical certificates
• Insurance certificates
• F1 or M1 Study visa
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Motivation
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR) 
• Academic transcripts in English. If in another language, provide the certified English translations of the transcripts.
• Resume/CV 
• Portfolios for arts and design courses
• Application fee receipt
• Conduct certificate
• Qualify Criminal Record Review Act (CRRA)
• Proof of Citizenship
• Certificates for extra-curricular activities
• Passport size photographs

Popular Scholarships to study in US Universities

Following are the popular scholarships in USA available for international students, planning to pursue their studies in the upcoming intakes. 

Fall intake scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: AAUW International Fellowships
Eligible Amount: $20,000–$50,000
Application Deadline: September 3rd - November 15th of the previous year.
Who can Avail: International women pursuing full-time Graduate/Postgraduate study in the US. They should have completed an equivalent bachelor degree and shouldn’t have got any previous degree in the US. 

2. Scholarship Name: Higher Education Scholarship Test for Indian Students (HEST)
Eligible Amount: up to 3 lacs INR
Application Deadline: Before the end of May 2025
Who can Avail: Indian students who wish to study abroad with more than 60%.

3. Scholarship Name: Boise State Global Excellence/Distinction Award (First-Year)
Eligible Amount: Up to $18,740 per year
Application Deadline: March 1st 2025
Who can Avail: First-time international undergraduate degree-seeking students at BSU with required GPA (3.50+ Excellence, 3.00-3.49 Distinction) in eligible majors. 

4. Scholarship Name: Clark Global Scholarship Program (Clark University)    
Eligible Amount: $15,000 – $25,000
Application Deadline: Feb 1st 2025
Who can Avail: International first-year undergraduate students. 

5. Scholarship Name: Tata Scholarship (Cornell University)        
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, airfare
Application Deadline: Aligns with the Cornell admissions deadlines
Who can Avail: Any Indian UG students admitted to Cornell university.

Spring intake scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships    
Eligible Amount: Full funding
Application Deadline: May 15th of the previous year.
Who can Avail: Indian students with outstanding marks for Master's degree in the US; 

2. Scholarship Name:  University of Minnesota Global Excellence Scholarship
Eligible Amount: $10,000 per year
Application Deadline: Aligns with spring university admission deadlines.
Who can Avail: This can be availed by transfer students admitted for spring intakes.

3. Scholarship Name:  Columbia University Financial Aid
Eligible Amount: varies depending on the requirement
Application Deadline: Mid October of the previous year.
Who can Avail: International students who are willing to pursue business programs for Jan entry to Columbia university.

Summer intake scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: Patrick Malone & Associates Scholarships    
Eligible Amount: $5,000
Application Deadline: July 1st of the previous year
Who can Avail: Open for all international students who are willing to pursue Law at US law schools.

How do international students manage tuition fees and living costs during semesters?

International students can manage their tuition fees and living costs by taking up part-time jobs and paid internships, other than scholarships. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the F1 student visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks/drops. According to Indeed, you can earn up to USD 30 to USD 40 per hour from the below-mentioned jobs.

• Food Runner 
• Barista
• Teaching & Research Assistant
• Receptionist
• Library assistant
• Freelancer jobs like designing, content writing

Read More: Cost of living in USA

Which Intake is right for you?

Choosing the right intake in the US depends upon factors like academic goals, the course of your choice, acceptance rate, personal preferences and many more. 

Here we have provided a few recommendations for intakes based on the questions you might have.

Find Your Ideal Intake in USA
Your Academic Needs	Recommended Intake	Why?
I want a large number of program options to choose from. Which Intake can I choose?	Primarily Fall	Fall intake in the USA offers the highest number of programs as it's the primary intake.
I need more scholarships and funding options, which intake can I opt for?	Consider Fall	Since Fall is the main admission cycle, the funding pool is significantly larger compared to spring and summer intakes.
What if my academic transcripts get delayed?	Check Spring	Spring is the next popular intake that allows you to avoid a gap year. So If you've missed the fall intake due to transcript delay, you can catch up with spring intake.
I'm looking for short-term or a language course.	Choose Summer	Universities typically offer short-term and language courses during the summer intake.
I prefer a smaller student batch.	Consider Spring or Summer	Spring and summer semesters have a smaller batch size compared to Fall semester.
What if I still haven't decided my exact major?	Consider Fall	Fall intake has a wide range of majors to choose from. Hence, Fall is the ideal choice for you to explore and select the program best suited to your interests.
Which intake is the easiest to get into?	Try Summer	Summer intake is the least competitive intake with fewer applicants, making it the easiest intake to get into among the three intakes.
Which intake is suitable for university exchange programs?	Fall or Spring	Both fall and spring are suitable for exchange programs. However, fall is best suited for full academic year exchanges, while spring is suited for single-semester exchanges.
Which intake is best if I have a low GPA?	Choose Spring	Try applying to the Spring intake as it gives you more preparation time to strengthen other factors such as test scores, SOPs, LORs, and work experience. Also Spring has a relatively lower competition, giving you a better chance for admission.
I'm an Indian student, can I survive the harsh weather in the US?	Try Fall or Summer	As Indian students are used to hot and warmer weather conditions, they may find the spring extremely cold. Hence, fall or summer would be a better choice.
Which US intake is best suited to gain CPT?	Fall or Spring	Enrolling in Fall or Spring semester allows you to complete a full academic year, thus making you eligible for CPT.
As a freshman, which US intake is the ideal choice for me?	Fall	Fall is the ideal intake for a freshman, as it offers a plethora of programs in an array of fields.
Which intake has a buzzing campus life and more opportunities to socialise?	Fall or Spring	Fall and Spring, being the first two intakes, have the maximum number of applicants among the three. Hence, you have more opportunities to socialise and make new friends.
I want to work part-time immediately after my arrival. Which intake is the best option?	Primarily Fall	Fall is the main intake with ample part-time job opportunities for international students.
I am a physically challenged person willing to study in the USA. I am worried about my accommodation. Which intake can I choose?	Fall or Spring	Fall intake is generally the most advantageous intake for the physically challenged persons. As, this is the time where the disability service office or the accessibility service will be open. You can contact them and explain your disability and the support you need in terms of accommodation and campus accessibility.

Other Popular Country Intakes

Intakes in Canada
Intakes in UK
Intakes in Australia
Intakes in New Zealand
Intakes in Germany
Intakes in Ireland

If you need expert guidance on deciding a suitable intake to study in the USA, you can contact our study abroad counsellors. They will clear all your doubts and guide you through the entire process from choosing the right university till you land in your dream country!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many intakes does the USA have?

The USA has Tri semester systems which are: Fall/September Intake, Spring/January Intake and Summer/May Intake.

2. When should I apply for the intake in the USA?

Students can start the application process for any USA intakes 8-12 months before the intake period. The earlier you start the process, higher the chances of getting admitted into the university.

3. How long does it take to get a student visa for USA ?

To get a US student visa it takes around 2 or 3 months. This time includes the process like submitting the documents, clearing the visa interview and to get a USA visa.

4. Can international students work in USA while studying?

Yes, International students are allowed to work 20 hrs/per week in the USA while studying.

5. How much of a gap is acceptable to study in the USA ?

For UG programs, the universities usually accept students with one year of study gap and for the PG courses, universities accept up to 2 years of study gap. A proper justification for the study gap is also expected along with the application.

6. What are the things I should pack to study in the USA?

The things that you should pack are:

• Clothes
• Thermal wears
• Boots
• Sweaters
• Umbrella
• Passport / Visa
• Toiletaries & Personal Care
• Medicines
• National Identity Proof
• Electronics (Phone/Charger/Laptop/Ear phones/Power bank)
• Books
• Cash and credit cards.

7. What should I do if the university has deferred my intake?

If the university has deferred your admission, it means you still have a chance to get admitted to the university for the next intake. You need to wait, follow up with the university and strengthen your profile in the meantime.

8. What is the procedure to open a bank account after arriving at USA?

To open a bank account upon your arrival in the USA, you need to follow the below steps.

• You need to choose a bank and the account type.
• Gather the necessary documents like proof of identity, proof of address.
• Visit the branch, fill out the application form.
• Submit the form along with the necessary documents and deposit the amount.

9. Can I carry an Indian sim card to study in USA?

Yes, you can carry your Indian sim card to the USA. However you need to enable international roaming with your network provider. Alternatively you can also opt for SIMs from local network providers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Lycamobile.

10. Which is the best province to study in the US in terms of low expense?

The following are the best provinces to study in USA, which offer a good balance of quality education and lower expenses.

• Wyoming
• Utah
• North Carolina
• Nevada
• Montana

11. Which is the best intake to study masters in the USA?

Fall intake or the September intake is the best intake to study masters in USA. This is due to the fact that it offers a wide range of comprehensive courses across many universities.

12. What is the USA grading system?

The USA grading system uses letter grades such as A, B, C, D and F. A denotes the higher grade and the F grade represents Fail. These letter grades are associated with the numerical GPA values where 

A - 4.0 GPA
B - 3.0 GPA
C - 2.0 GPA
D - 1.0 GPA
F - 0.0 GPA