The USA offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and academic growth. The U.S. higher education system is internationally recognized for its academic excellence, research-based teaching methods, and support for highly employable graduates.

Here are some of the most compelling reasons why thousands of Nepali students go to the United States every year to study:

• World-class education system: The U.S. has an excellent education system, providing over half of the world’s top 100 international universities that offer internationally recognized degrees and are highly rated by employers.

• Wide range of course options: The U.S has a broad range of available study programs, including business programs and specialized STEM courses at the graduate and doctoral level.

• Cutting-edge research and innovation: Students can engage in cutting-edge research, with billions of dollars a year spent on research in areas such as AI, biotechnology, clean energy, and more.

• Global career opportunities: A degree in the United States can open doors to employment opportunities in Europe, Asia and Australia.

• Scholarships and financial aid: Many scholarships (like MPOWER Financing scholarships) and assistantships help deserving and promising international students who are unable to cover all their study abroad expenses.

• Post-study work opportunities: Students have a chance to gain practical work experience through programs called optional practical training (OPT) and curricular practical training (CPT).

• Strong alumni network: Many reputable U.S. universities have a wide community of alumni around the world who are willing to guide and counsel new students.

Planning your application timeline is just as important as preparing the required documents. Luckily, universities in the U.S. have several intakes a year, which means Nepalese students can submit their applications when they’re ready, both academically and financially.

Here’s a breakdown of the intake periods offered by U.S. universities:

• Fall intake (August-September): This is the primary intake, and most international students choose this because a broad majority of study programs are available at this time of the year, along with scholarships and funding opportunities.

• Spring intake (January): This is an alternative avenue to students who didn’t meet the fall intake deadline. Though there are fewer programs, spring still has many courses at the graduate level.

• Summer intake (May-June): Available only for a few programs, the summer intake is commonly available for short courses, English preparatory programs, or foundation-level studies. It’s not as popular but may be appropriate for students who want to fast-track their studies.