At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Two-year master's and broad, flexible curricula. Unmatched research funding and assistantships that can offset cost.
The true cost
Highest headline fees, but assistantships, scholarships and STEM salaries can change the maths. Model it below.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. Verify OPT/STEM-OPT timelines and campus safety guidance before you commit.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets you work for 12 months after your degree. If your degree is an eligible STEM-designated degree, you can add a 24-month STEM extension — 36 months in total. There is no separate general post-study job-search visa. Longer-term work needs an employer-sponsored status such as H-1B. H-1B is an employer-sponsored work visa that some graduates move to after OPT. Selection is by lottery and is not guaranteed. Current H-1B policy developments are covered in News & Updates rather than on this page.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- 12 months of OPT after your degree
- +24-month STEM extension for eligible STEM degrees (36 months total)
- No separate general post-study job-search visa
- H-1B after OPT is employer-sponsored and lottery-based — not guaranteed
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Student visa
Since 15 September 2026, F-1 students are admitted for a fixed period of stay, not for “duration of status”.
Visa & permit fees
The F-1 visa application (MRV) fee is US$185. You also pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of US$350 before your visa interview.
Work while studying
You can work on campus up to 20 hours a week while school is in session, and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work needs prior authorisation — Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during your programme, or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Family & dependants
Your spouse and children can come with you as F-2 dependants, but they cannot work. F-2 children can attend school.
Proof of funds
The US does not set one fixed federal proof-of-funds figure. Each institution sets the amount shown on your Form I-20 — tuition plus living costs for one year — and you must show evidence of these funds.
Health insurance
The US has no national health system. You must arrange private health insurance, commonly through your university’s student health plan.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹40L tuition and ₹16L living costs a year for 2 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹56L starting salary), total investment is ₹1.04Cr and the indicative payback period is 2.6 years.
United States — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. or the Indian Consulates before you travel and during your stay, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). Follow campus and local safety notices, and keep your documents and status current.
Emergency contacts
Dial 911. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries and restaurants are everywhere, especially in NJ, the Bay Area, Texas and Chicago. Vegetarian options are widely labelled.
The Maharashtra community
One of the largest Indian student populations worldwide, with active Maharashtra Mandals and campus Indian associations.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare United States with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.