Q. Which examinations are required for Higher Education in America?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required for Master's and Doctoral Degree courses in all subjects other than Management (Engineering, Physics, Biology, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Psychology, etc.)

The GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) is required for all Management courses. It is also advisable to take the GMAT® if you are applying for an MS in related fields like Finance, Accounting, Marketing and allied fields

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is required for all undergraduate i.e. bachelor's level courses

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for all International students whose native language is not English and are seeking admission to American universities

Q. Which examinations are required for courses in Management Information Systems (MIS)? 

Some universities require you to take the GRE whereas some require you to take the GMAT. We recommend that you check the specific requirements of the universities you are interested in applying to.

Q. Generally, what is the minimum score required for  GRE , GMAT or TOEFL test for admission to a good American University? 

Most universities do not have a 'cut-off', but to secure admission to a good American university the score required in these examinations is:

The GRE test: 1100 out of 1600 for admission. For financial assistance, your score should be more than 1400. Of course a student can get admission even if his score is as low as 900, but in that case he cannot apply to a high ranked university 

The GMAT test: Good business schools require a GMAT score of 600 out of 800 for admission. Obtaining financial aid means getting a score of more than 730. Of course a student can get admission even if his score is as low as 450, but in that case he cannot apply to a high ranked university 

The TOEFL test: Most graduate/undergraduate schools require a minimum score of 80 (out of a maximum of 120) for admission, but some good universities demand a score of 100. 

Q. How many times can GRE , GMAT or  TOEFL test be taken and which score is considered?

The tests can be taken more than once. Universities generally consider the best score but sometimes they may consider the average score. The decision is totally at the discretion of the university concerned.

Q. When should one take the tests if one wants to apply in Fall/Spring?

Students aspiring to join American Universities in the Fall Semester beginning in August/September should take the examinations latest by January of that year. Students planning to join in the Spring Semester beginning in January should take the examinations latest by July in the preceding year 

Q. What is the subject GRE test? Is it compulsory?

For admission to master's courses in biological sciences, pure sciences and computer science, it is recommended that you take the subject GRE test. A good performance in the test proves you have adequate preparation to enter a graduate program. Moreover the subject GRE test score may be an added advantage for getting financial aid. 

Q. Is a 15-year graduation enough for a master's degree?

Generally, American universities require that you complete 16 years of education before enrolling for a graduate program. Therefore students who have obtained a bachelor's degree after 15 years of education are required to complete a master's degree to qualify for admission to an American university. Students with an exceptional academic record can get admission in spite of 15 years of education, especially in pure sciences and humanities 

Q. Are external degrees, autonomous courses, part-time diplomas accepted?

American universities are not generally willing to accept bachelor's or master's degrees obtained through correspondence courses. Also, degrees offered by institutes not affiliated to recognized universities are not accepted. 

Q. Is work experience required for an MBA?

Nowadays apart from a good GMAT score, many universities ask for work experience of at least 2 years

Q. What is the scope for Medical students in the US?

It is not possible for M.B.B.S. degree holders to obtain visas for further studies in medicine in the United States unless they pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) . But M.B.B.S. degree holder can seek admission in M.S. or Ph D programs in non-clinical subjects such as Immunology, Bacteriology, Anatomy, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pathology, Bio-medical Engineering, Public Health, Biotechnology etc. For this they will have to take the GRE test and the TOEFL test.

Q. Is it true that only engineering and Computer Science students have opportunities in the US?

No, this is not true. The American education system and job market needs students from various fields. In fact non-engineering students stand a better chance of getting financial support from US universities. Every year we send several students in the fields of Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, Literature and Languages, Environmental Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Immunology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Toxicology etc. A majority of these students secured admission in the top ranking universities with financial aid.

Q. What are the sources/types of Financial aid available?

Most universities offer substantial financial assistance to their students. They can be divided into three types:- Fellowships/Scholarships, Teaching or Research Assistantships, Campus Jobs.

Q. What is the average cost per year at US universities? 

The cost of education in the United States ranges from $15000 to over $40000 per year. In addition to tuition fees, books and food, you have to plan for the expenses towards housing, health insurance and transportation.

Q. Can I work while I am studying in the US?

US laws do not allow students on an F-1 visa to work off-campus. But on-campus job opportunities are available. It is possible to work for up to 20 hours per week and the pay can vary between $6-10 per hour, depending on the area and type of work. Jobs can vary from working in a computer lab to library work or dishwashing in the cafeteria. 

Q. Am I more likely to get funding if I enroll for the Fall semester? Which semester is preferable - Spring or Fall? 

Generally yes. But funds keep coming to professors throughout the year. What matters more is the fact that most universities do not have comparable courses for Spring and Fall. We recommend that you compare the difference in courses before taking a decision. 

Q. Does work experience help to get funding?

Generally yes, but relevant work experience is more likely to be considered e.g. if you are applying for Environmental Engineering, then you must have worked in the field for at least a year. You must send your work profile, duly authenticated by your employer, along with the application form.

Q. Can I change my university while studying in the US?

Yes. If you are not satisfied with your university, after you join it, you can apply to other universities and transfer your credits to the university you choose. You can do this at any time, but usually most students transfer admissions after the 1st or the 2nd semester. You should be aware that the new university may not accept all your credits and may ask you to take some extra credits. You can also take transfer, if another University is giving you financial aid. 

Q. Is it possible to change my field of study?

Yes. The American system is very flexible. So you can change your field of study while studying in a particular university e.g. a student doing his M.S. in the engineering or the physics department can shift to the computer science department. But it often happens that when you transfer your terms for some other subject, the new department may not accept all your earlier credits. They may treat you as a fresh admission and accept only those credits that are similar in both courses.

Q. Who is eligible to apply to the US?

Anyone who has a consistently good academic record, firm financial support and proficiency in English is eligible to apply to the US for higher education. Please check the details of the program and the university you wish to apply since different programs have a different set of criteria to be eligible. You may be required to take a few admission tests to be eligible.

Q. When can I start undergraduate (bachelor's) studies in the US?

After you complete 12 years of school education. But the planning should begin 12 -18 months in advance.

Q. When can I begin graduate (master's and doctoral) studies in the US?

After you complete 16 years of education including 4 years of college education. But the planning should begin 12 -18 months in advance.

Q. I have a three-year bachelor's degree from India. Am I eligible to apply?

It is advisable for you to complete an additional year of studies to be stronger applicant to a master's degree in the US. However, some students with a good track record are able to secure admission after a three-year bachelor's degree. Please check with the university you wish to apply for.

Q. When should I start the application process?

At least 18 months in advance of your intended date of enrollment at a US university. For example, if you wish to enroll in August/September 2010.You should start the process around April/May 2009. Be sure of the deadlines of the programs!

Q. Does this application process cost me money?

Yes, it does. Approximately, Rs.50,000 for applying to an average of 7 universities. This includes test fees, application fees, communication, and mailing expenses.

Q. Will I get financial assistance?

Colleges and universities offer scholarships, assistantships and fellowships to outstanding students, largely based on merit. There is stiff competition for financial assistance and availability varies from university to university.Click here http://www.fulbright-india.org/Scripts/StudyinUSAMoreonAdvisingFellowshipOpportunities.aspx to find out more about fellowship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate study in the US.! 

Q. What tests do I need to take?

Visit the Admission Tests section on the website.

Q. What is the average cost per year for study in the US?

The cost (tuition + living expenses) could range from $15,000 to $40,000 for a year, depending on the course. The average cost for a year of study is $20,000.

Q. What type of visa will I be eligible for? Can I work on an F-1 visa?

The most common student visa is F1. For further information on visas, visit the American Embassy site.

Q. How and when do we get information on an upcoming grant?

Announcements inviting applications for Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright Fellowships appear in leading dailies in February every year. One can also approach USIEF offices in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai for brochures and application forms OR download the form from our website.

Q. Does it help to establish contact with potential U.S. host institutions at the time of application? Is it mandatory?

Though not mandatory, contact with host institutions can be very useful. It expedites the affiliation process.

Q. How long does the selection process take?

The process takes about a year from the time of application.

Q. Are Fulbright grants available for attending conferences, seminars and paper presentations in the U.S. and other countries?

Fulbright grants are not for the principal purpose of attending seminars and conferences or for presenting papers.

Q. Who is eligible to apply for the Fulbright Fellowships?

Please see the eligibility criteria listed with respect to each grant category in addition to the general prerequisites.

Q. Can I avail myself of the Fulbright Fellowship for a project that I want to work on in India?

No. These grants are offered for research/teaching to be done in the U.S.

Q. What is the duration of the grants ?

It can range from 2 to 36 months depending on the grant. See individual grant descriptions in the brochure or the website.

Q. Is there a preferred age for each fellowship category?

Yes, there is a preferred age and/or age limit for each fellowship category.