What extra costs beyond tuition and living should I budget for an MS in the USA?
Beyond tuition and living costs, you should budget around USD 3,000 to 10,000 in your first year for an MS in the USA. This covers application fees, English and admission tests, F-1 visa and SEVIS fees, health insurance, books, flights and initial settling-in expenses.
Beyond tuition and living costs, application charges, tests, visa payments, insurance, flights and initial purchases can add around USD 3,000 to 10,000 (approx INR 2.88 L to 9.61 L) to your first-year budget. The lower end applies if you apply to fewer universities and share accommodation.
Typical extra costs
| Cost item | Approximate cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| University application fees | 50 to 150 (approx INR 4,803 to 14,409) per university |
| English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL | 200 to 300 (approx INR 19,212 to 28,818) |
| GRE or GMAT, if your programme requires it | about 249 for the GRE (from 1 August 2026); GMAT fees differ (approx INR 26,416 to 28,818) |
| F-1 student visa application fee | 185 (approx INR 17,771) |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | 350 (approx INR 33,621) |
| Health insurance | 1,500 to 5,000 (approx INR 1.44 to 4.80 L) per year |
| Books and course materials | 500 to 1,500 (approx INR 48,030 to 1.44 L) per year |
| One-way flight from India to the US | 600 to 1,500 (approx INR 57,636 to 1.44 L) |
| Initial settling-in expenses | 500 to 1,500 (approx INR 48,030 to 1.44 L) |
When these costs arrive
These costs are spread across the year. Application and test expenses come first, visa and SEVIS fees follow once you are admitted, and the rest become relevant as your departure date gets closer.
Also check your target university's tuition and fee schedule, because health insurance, student fees, deposits and books are sometimes listed separately from tuition and can push the total higher.
My Advice
Build a separate one-time budget for these costs and keep it apart from your tuition plan. Apply to a focused list of universities, compare insurance options, and book flights early so the smaller items do not surprise you.
This information is available on: ets.org
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what the USA costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
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