study in the USA
The widest range of universities in the world, real funded routes for graduate study, and the longest post-study window for STEM — set against a visa that puts the burden of proof entirely on you.
The US hosts more international students than any other country, with by far the deepest bench of universities and research funding. For graduate study in particular it offers something no other destination does at scale: assistantships and tuition waivers that can make a funded US master's or PhD cheaper than a self-funded degree anywhere else.
It is strongest for STEM, where graduates get a 36-month post-study work window. Nepali students are noted as being especially drawn to healthcare-related fields.
Per IIE Open Doors 2025, Nepal was the 6th-largest source country, with 24,890 students
Year-on-year change: up 48.7%
Two things are true at once, and most sites tell you only the first.
2025–26 brought the largest cluster of US student-visa policy changes in years: interview waivers rolled back, social-media vetting expanded, new fees, and proposed limits on length of stay and on OPT.
And while Nepal's total student numbers rose sharply, the picture for new applicants is different:
New international enrolments: down ~7%
Fall 2025 commencements: down ~17%
The headline growth reflects students already in the system. If you are applying now, the relevant numbers are the falling ones — and the interview is where that pressure lands.
✓ Unmatched range
More universities, more programmes, and world-leading research capacity.
✓ Funded graduate study
Assistantships and tuition waivers are a real route for strong master's and PhD applicants.
✓ 36 months for STEM
12-month OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension — the longest window of any destination here.
✓ Large Nepali community
Well established across many states, not just the big coastal cities.
✓ Strong recognition
A US degree carries weight globally and with Nepali employers.
✕ The hardest interview
Section 214(b) presumes you intend to immigrate; you must rebut it in a few minutes.
✕ Heavy policy churn
The largest cluster of student-visa changes in years across 2025–26.
✕ Social-media vetting
Profiles must be public and are reviewed for consistency with your application.
✕ High undergraduate cost
Without funding, US undergraduate study is among the most expensive anywhere.
✕ Unclear refusal odds
The government does not publish refusal rates for Nepal, and unofficial figures conflict wildly.
Every other destination on this site decides your application on paper. The US decides it in a conversation, usually lasting a few minutes.
Under Section 214(b) the consular officer must presume you are an intending immigrant until you prove otherwise. Most Nepali refusals are issued on exactly this ground.
This reframes everything. You are not primarily demonstrating academic merit — that was settled when the university admitted you. You are demonstrating that your plan is genuine, your funding is real and seasoned, and you have reasons to come home. Prepare for that specifically.
The US system is decentralised — there is no national framework or ministry setting requirements. Institutions decide almost everything, which means you must verify per programme rather than per country.
The one non-negotiable marker: your school must be SEVP-certified — this is what allows it to issue the Form I-20
Check SEVP certification before you get attached to any school. It is the equivalent of Australia's CRICOS or Canada's DLI — without it, there is no I-20, and without an I-20 there is no visa.