Many Students have already submitted their applications for Fall (August) 25. Of course, many universities are still accepting applications since their deadlines are available until March 31, 2025. However, since universities process applications on a rolling basis, students have already started receiving admissions and will continue getting decisions till May/June 2025.

Congratulations on receiving admission offers for Fall 2025. Having achieved this huge milestone, you are now entering the crucial phase of planning your next steps till your Visa is approved.

Selection of Final University

Once you have received an offer, here’s what you need to do next:

• Evaluate the university’s ranking, course curriculum, job opportunities, and tuition fees before making a decision.
• Consider factors like location and cost of living.
• Check for merit-based scholarships and assistantships (RA/TA positions) at your university.
• Part-time on-campus jobs can help cover living expenses.

Types of Admission Offers

Each university follows a different process when it comes to issuing admission letters and the I-20 form, a crucial immigration document that is necessary for obtaining a student visa. Here are the most common types of admission offers you might receive:

1. Admission Letter with I-20 Form

• Some universities issue both the admission letter and the I-20 form simultaneously.
• This is the most convenient scenario, as you can accept the admission and still wait for responses from other universities before making your final decision.

2. Admission Letter Without I-20 Form

• In some cases, universities send an acceptance letter but will not issue the I-20 until you formally accept their offer.
• You can accept their offer, request to issue the I-20 form and keep your options open while you wait for decisions from other universities.

3. I-20 to be issued Based on Financial Documents

Some universities require proof of financial capability before issuing the I-20. Students must submit a bank certificate or a letter of a sanctioned education loan to demonstrate sufficient funds.

• The required amount should cover two semesters of tuition, one year of living expenses and other costs, if any.
• You can include funds in Savings Bank account, Fixed Deposits and Public Provident Fund. Some universities also accept funds in the General Provident Fund.
• Students can also temporarily borrow funds from family or friends to obtain a bank certificate and repay the amount immediately after issuance of the bank certificate.
• Since students apply to multiple universities, it is advisable to get around eight copies of the bank certificate, which is valid for three months. The bank certificate should be equal to the cost of the most expensive university among your options so that it can be used for all the universities you have applied.
• If personal funds cannot be arranged, a loan sanction letter from a bank or non-banking financial institution (NBFC) can be submitted instead.

4. Non-Refundable Deposit Requirement

• Some universities require a non-refundable deposit (ranging from $100 to $750) as a confirmation of admission before issuing the I-20.
• If you are unsure about enrolling at that university, it is better to delay the payment.
• However, if the university is your preferred choice, paying the deposit within the deadline is advisable.

Cost of Education:

Studying for a master’s in the USA is a significant financial investment. Unlike domestic students who may qualify for in-state tuition, international students must pay out-of-state tuition fees, which are typically higher.

For example, if the annual in-state tuition fee is $10,000, the out-of-state tuition fee can go up to $25,000 or more. Additionally, due to the appreciation of the USD and increasing living costs in the U.S., education costs have risen further.

On average, a master’s degree from a decent university can cost between ₹45–50 lakhs, including tuition, living expenses, and other fees.

Education Loans for MS in the USA

Due to the high cost, many students choose to fund their education through education loans. These loans can be obtained from:

• Nationalized Banks (State Bank of India,Bank of Baroda, etc.)
• Private Banks (HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, etc.)
• Cooperative Banks (Cosmos Bank, Saraswat Bank etc.)
• NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Institutions) (Credila Financial Services, etc.)

Interest Rates and Loan Benefits

• Education loan interest rates generally range between 8.50 to 12%.
• Nationalized and Cooperative banks usually offer lower interest rates compared to private banks and NBFCs.
• Female students can benefit from a 0.5% interest rate discount at Nationalized and Cooperative banks.

Loan Sanction Process
To get your loan approved, you need:

• Admission letter from the university
• KYC documents (passport, ID proofs)
• Academic transcripts and test scores (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS)
• Income proof of co-applicant (if applicable)
• Collateral (for secured loans)

However, before the loan is disbursed, the student must submit the I-20 form issued by the university and a photocopy of the F1 Visa approved by the US consulate.

Apply for Your Student Visa (F-1 Visa)

• Once you receive your I-20 form, pay the SEVIS fee ($350) and fill out the DS-160 visa application form.
• Schedule your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

For a detailed guide on Student Visa, wait for our next blog.

If you need personalized guidance on university selection, loan applications, or visa preparation, our counseling team is here to help!

Stay tuned for more updates and expert tips on your study abroad journey with one of the best abroad educational consultants!

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of services, including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE coaching, as well as GRE Self Prep. Furthermore, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process, from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive overseas education consultancy services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.