The United States(US) is not just a global hub; it is the undisputed epicentre of technological innovation. For Nepali students, pursuing an IT course in the USA offers more than just a degree—it provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the world's leading experts, gain invaluable real-world experience, and launch a successful global career. A degree from a prestigious US institution gives you a significant competitive edge in a global job market where the demand for skilled tech talent continues to grow exponentially.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about pursuing Information Technology courses in USA in 2025, from popular specialisations and top universities to the latest admission requirements, costs, and a step-by-step guide to the visa process.
The US offers a unique combination of academic excellence and industry relevance that is hard to find anywhere else.
Pioneering Research & Innovation: US universities are at the forefront of groundbreaking research in AI, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity. You'll be learning from the people who are shaping the future of technology.
Industry Integration: Courses often include mandatory internships, co-op programmes, and industry projects. This gives you direct access to top tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Qualcomm, allowing you to build a professional network and gain a competitive edge even before you graduate.
Culture of Opportunity: The US work environment encourages creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programmes allow you to gain up to 36 months of work experience after graduation, a major benefit that can lead to long-term career prospects.
American universities are meticulously crafting specialised IT courses that cater to modern industry demands. Choosing the right one is a critical step in building a targeted skill set and securing your dream job.
Software Engineering: This is the cornerstone of the tech world. You'll focus on designing and developing software applications for everything from mobile phones to large-scale enterprise systems, often using languages like Python, Java, and C++.
Data Science and Analytics: A highly sought-after field that combines statistics, programming (R and Python), and business acumen to extract valuable insights from complex data. Graduates are prepared for crucial roles as a data analyst or data scientist in finance, healthcare, and tech.
Cybersecurity: With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, this field is more vital than ever. You'll learn to protect computer systems, networks, and data, securing a vital and high-paying role in any organisation's IT infrastructure.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): This cutting-edge specialisation focuses on building intelligent systems that can learn and adapt. Graduates work on groundbreaking technologies like predictive models, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision.
Cloud Computing: This field is all about delivering computing services over the internet. With companies migrating to platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, your skills in this area will be in extremely high demand.
User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design: This is a rapidly growing field that focuses on making technology intuitive and enjoyable to use. Courses blend technology, psychology, and design principles, preparing you for roles that are critical to product success.
Choosing the right university is a pivotal decision. Here are some of the top-ranked institutions for Computer Science and Information Systems, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
University |
QS World University Ranking by Subject 2025: Computer Science and Information Systems |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, MA |
#1 |
Stanford University Stanford, CA |
#2 |
Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA |
#3 |
Harvard University Cambridge, MA |
#7 |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Berkeley, CA |
#8 |
Princeton University Princeton, NJ |
#13 |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, CA |
#16 |
New York University (NYU) New York, NY |
#17 |
Cornell University Ithaca, NY |
#18 |
University of Washington Seattle, WA |
#19 |
Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
From our experience helping hundreds of Nepali students, we know the application process can be overwhelming. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you stay on track.
Academic Research: Begin your research 12-18 months before your desired intake. Identify universities that align with your academic background, financial capacity, and career goals. Alternatively, you can also get in touch with AECC counsellors to help you select the best university to study IT in USA.
Take Standardised Tests: Book and take your required tests (IELTS/TOEFL and potentially SAT/GRE) at least 10 months in advance. Remember, a good score can unlock more scholarship opportunities.
Gather Required Documents: Start collecting all your official documents, including academic transcripts, SOP, and LORs. Don't wait until the last minute.
Complete University Applications: Fill out your applications online. This can be done directly through the university website or via a common application portal like the Common App. Pay the application fees and submit your documents before the deadlines.
Receive Your I-20 Form: Once you are accepted into a university, they will issue you an I-20 Form. This document is your official proof of acceptance and is required for your visa application. Check it carefully for accuracy.
Pay SEVIS & Visa Fees: Pay your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee online ($350 as of 2025) and the non-refundable visa application fee ($185 as of 2025). Keep the receipts safe.
Complete Form DS-160: This is the online non-immigrant visa application form. Complete it thoroughly and accurately, then print the confirmation page.
Schedule and Attend Your Visa Interview: Book your F-1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu. Attend the interview with all your required documents. Be prepared to discuss your academic plans, financial resources, and your intent to return to Nepal after your studies.
Understanding the financial commitment is vital. The total cost of studying IT in USA includes both tuition fees and living expenses.
Type of Institution |
Average Annual Tuition (USD) |
Public Universities |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
Private Universities |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
Related Article: Cost of Studying in the USA
Living costs in the US vary significantly by location. Major cities like New York or San Francisco have much higher costs than smaller towns. On average, international students should budget $10,000 - $25,000 per year for living expenses. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Related Article: Cost of Living in the USA
Navigating the financial aspect of studying abroad is a major concern for many students. Here’s a detailed look at how you can fund your education in the USA.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many US universities offer scholarships based on academic merit, a high GPA, or exceptional test scores. For example, a student with a GPA of 3.8 and a high GRE score might be eligible for a scholarship covering a portion of their tuition.
Need-Based Financial Aid: Some universities offer financial aid based on your family's financial situation. You will need to submit documentation like bank statements and proof of income to be considered.
Private and Government Scholarships: There are many scholarships specifically for international students from Nepal. The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme, for instance, is a prestigious US government-funded scholarship that covers all expenses for master's and PhD students. You can also explore scholarships from private foundations like the Aga Khan Foundation and MPOWER Financing.
On-Campus Employment: As an F-1 visa holder, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during vacations. These jobs, such as being a research assistant, library assistant, or in a campus cafeteria, can help cover daily expenses. They do not require a separate work permit from USCIS.
A degree in IT from a US university opens the door to a wide range of rewarding and high-paying careers. The average annual salary for an IT professional in the US is approximately $113,000 as of 2025.
High-Demand IT Job Roles |
Average Annual Salaries |
Software Engineer |
US $137,365 |
Data Scientist |
US $125,015 |
Cybersecurity Engineer |
US $162,070 |
Cloud Architect |
US $142,130 |
Machine Learning Engineer |
US $158,147 |
UX/UI Designer |
US $124,415 |
Beyond these averages, salaries can vary significantly by location. For instance, a starting salary for an IT professional in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York could be 20-25% higher than the national average, whereas cities in the Midwest may offer a lower starting salary but a much lower cost of living. Nepali Students looking to pursue Information Technology courses in USA are highly advised to get in touch with our AECC Counsellors to navigate the university admissions process with ease.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): After completing your degree, you are eligible for 12 months of OPT, which allows you to work in your field of study. For students with a STEM degree (which includes most IT courses), you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you a total of 36 months of work authorisation. This is a massive advantage as it provides crucial work experience.
The H-1B Visa Lottery: After your OPT, the most common pathway is to apply for an H-1B visa. The H-1B is a non-immigrant work visa for "specialty occupations." Your employer must sponsor you and file a petition with USCIS. There is an annual lottery, typically in March, for a limited number of H-1B visas. The good news is that those with a US master's degree or higher have a better chance in the lottery as they are entered into two separate pools.
The best time to apply is 10-12 months before your desired intake. The most popular intake is the Fall intake (August/September), so it's highly recommended to start preparing your application by the previous autumn to ensure you meet all deadlines for admission and scholarships.
Yes, Nepali students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and 40 hours per week during scheduled breaks. This work, often as part of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programmes, not only helps with living expenses but also provides invaluable professional experience.
The visa interview is a short but crucial step. The consular officer will ask you questions about your study plans, your finances, your post-graduation career goals, and your ties to Nepal. Being confident, honest, and well-prepared with all your documents is key. Our AECC counsellors offer mock visa interviews to help you prepare.
Work experience is not required for undergraduate IT courses. However, for master's programmes, while it may not be mandatory, having relevant professional experience can significantly strengthen your application and increase your chances of being accepted into a top-tier university.
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new rule that could introduce a "fixed period of stay" of up to four years, replacing the current "duration of status." Additionally, undergraduate students may be restricted from changing their majors in their first year. While these are still proposals, it's essential to stay informed and consult with our AECC counsellors for the latest updates.
Book your FREE consultation with Certified Counsellors
