Dhiraj Kandel
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Engineering
Whether it is the skyscrapers of New York City or the high-tech labs of California, engineering in the USA is not only about books and lectures, but the ability to tackle real-world issues using innovation.
To Nepali students, it is the passport to learning in one of the most advanced engineering ecosystems in the world, where they can work on anything, be it creating the sustainable cities of the future or working on the next generation of smart devices.
America has world-renowned institutions of engineering, ultra-modern research centers, and industries that are receptive to international skills of engineering graduates.
Assuming that your dream is to be a civil engineer who works in shaping the infrastructure in Nepal, a mechanical engineer in one of the big automotive companies around the world, or an electrical engineer in the power shift of renewable energy in Silicon Valley, the USA study can be your starting point.
At Goreto Educational Consultancy – the best educational consultancy in Nepal – we’ve helped countless Nepali students join top U.S. engineering programs.
From selecting the right specialisation to preparing your visa, scholarships, and pre-departure briefings, we make your study abroad journey smooth and focused on success.
If you’re ready to explore how a U.S. engineering degree can shape your future, start here: Study in the USA from Nepal or message us on WhatsApp for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Study Engineering in Australia?
Pursuing an engineering degree in the USA is not simply a degree but an experience by which you get skills, exposure to the industry, and a global worldview, which can make you distinct in the job market.
To the Nepali students, it offers the potential of access to state-of-the-art technology, top-quality research, and also career opportunities not only in the USA but also in their home country.
- Engineering Universities with top Rankings
The USA is home to some of the finest engineering institutions in the world, such as MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley, that have, over the years, dominated the QS and US News rankings.
By graduating from such schools, it is a competitive advantage as far as a job is concerned in the world and also in the burgeoning engineering industry in Nepal.
- Healthy Employment Sector & Demand
As shown by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the civil, mechanical, and electrical branches of engineering are expected to generate more than 140,000 new positions nationwide within the period between 2022 and 2032.
This implies good employment capacity by the international graduates.
- Labs and Extensive Research & Internship Experiences
The U.S. engineering programs are application-driven – state-of-the-art labs constitute the application.
Co-op programs are available at many universities, as well, in which you get to alternate between school and full-time paid experience.
- The STEM OPT Extension Merit
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), including engineering degrees, enables Nepali graduates to work beyond the USA post-study work period of 12 months to up to 36 months by using OPT and STEM OPT.
- Online identity and mobility
An engineering degree given in the United States is internationally admired.
Your qualification will be highly valued, whether you would do the same work in the USA or migrate to other countries such as Canada or Australia, or help build the infrastructure in Nepal.
Course Levels & Highlights
The level of engineering education in the USA has several platforms, where the Nepalis can find the flexibility and ease of beginning with what they can comfortably handle both academically and economically.
The degree that you select will have implications on the amount of tuition, duration of the courses, the time you will need a visa, and your career success.
| Level | Duration | What You’ll Learn | Top Institutions |
| Associate Degree in Engineering | 2 years | Fundamentals of engineering principles, technical drawing, materials science, and introductory specialisations (civil, mechanical, electrical) | De Anza College, Santa Monica College, Austin Community College |
| Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Science in Engineering | 4 years | Core engineering subjects, design projects, internships, specialisation tracks like civil, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering | MIT, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan |
| Master of Engineering (MEng) / Master of Science in Engineering (MS) | 1.5–2 years | Advanced theory, research, and practical application in chosen specialisation; leadership and project management skills | Georgia Institute of Technology, Purdue University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| PhD in Engineering | 3–5 years | Independent research in areas like sustainable energy, nanotechnology, robotics, or structural engineering | Caltech, University of Texas at Austin, Carnegie Mellon University |
Specializations For Nepali Students
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Computer & Software Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
Nepali students prefer to enroll in a community college with an associate degree, transferring to a university during the last 2 years of a bachelor’s degree education, and hence saving some tuition fees and time to adjust to the American education system.
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
Studying engineering in the USA under Nepali students is subject to some of the academic requirements, English language, and documentation requirements.
These differ with the university and course level, but broadly speaking, they are:
Academic Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Qualification |
| Associate Degree | Completion of +2 (NEB or equivalent) in Science or Management stream with Mathematics; minimum 50% aggregate. |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Completion of +2 (NEB or equivalent) in Science with Mathematics and Physics; minimum 60% aggregate. SAT/ACT scores may be required by some universities. |
| Master’s Degree | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or related field. Some universities accept students from other disciplines with relevant work experience. GRE scores may be required for competitive programs. |
| PhD | Master’s degree (or exceptional Bachelor’s with research experience) in Engineering or a closely related field, plus a research proposal. |
English Language Requirements
| Program Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
| Associate Degree | Overall 6.0 (no band <5.5) | Overall 61+ | Overall 50+ | 90–100 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Overall 6.5 (no band <6.0) | Overall 79+ | Overall 58+ | 105–110 |
| Master’s Degree | Overall 6.5–7.0 (no band <6.0) | Overall 79–100+ | Overall 58–65 | 110–120 |
| PhD | Overall 7.0 (no band <6.5) | Overall 100+ | Overall 65+ | 120+ |
Documents Required for Application
- Academic transcripts and certificates (SEE/SLC, +2, Bachelor, Master, if applicable)
- Valid passport
- English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Updated CV (for Master’s/PhD applicants
- Letters of recommendation (academic/professional)
- GRE/SAT/ACT scores if required
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, income source)
Note for Nepali Students
And even when you do not have the direct entry requirements into a Bachelor of Engineering programme, you can still enter a community college or start through a pathway course and then transfer to university.
Test-optional policies have been implemented in many U.S. institutions.
Hence, it is necessary to determine whether it is necessary to complete the SAT/ACT or GRE.
The recommended time to start studying English tests and collecting documents is 9 to 12 months before your intake in order to get the highest possibility of getting a place in university and scholarships.
Costs Breakdown (AUD + NPR)
Those who study engineering in the USA have to pay tuition fees, living costs, health insurance, and visa costs.
The magnitude will vary with respect to the level of your program, where you are located in college, as well as your lifestyle.
The higher-ranked universities tend to be more costly in engineering courses, whereas community colleges and regional universities are more affordable, and after completing two years, shift to a university.
Numerous schools in the United States have become test-optional, so make sure that the SAT/ACT or GRE is not required.
Plan when the English tests should be started and documents accumulated at least 9-12 months before the start of your intake to have the best success in admission and scholarships.
| Expense | Associate Degree (USD/NPR) | Bachelor’s Degree (USD/NPR) | Master’s Degree (USD/NPR) | PhD (USD/NPR) |
| Tuition (per year) | $8,000–$15,000 | NPR 1.06M–1.99M | $25,000–$50,000 | NPR 3.32M–6.64M | $25,000–$55,000 | NPR 3.32M–7.31M | $20,000–$45,000 | NPR 2.65M–5.98M |
| Living Expenses (per year) | $12,000–$18,000 | NPR 1.59M–2.39M | $12,000–$18,000 | NPR 1.59M–2.39M | $12,000–$20,000 | NPR 1.59M–2.65M | $12,000–$20,000 | NPR 1.59M–2.65M |
| Health Insurance | $1,000–$2,000 | NPR 132K–265K | $1,000–$2,000 | NPR 132K–265K | $1,000–$2,500 | NPR 132K–332K | $1,000–$2,500 | NPR 132K–332K |
| SEVIS Fee | $350 | NPR 46K | $350 | NPR 46K | $350 | NPR 46K | $350 | NPR 46K |
| Visa Fee (F-1) | $185 | NPR 25K | $185 | NPR 25K | $185 | NPR 25K | $185 | NPR 25K |
Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ NPR 133 (subject to change — check with Goreto for updated figures).
The cost of living in the USA differs considerably. Housing in big cities (San Francisco, Boston, New York, etc.) can come to $1500-2500/ month (NPR 199K232K), whereas the costs in smaller cities (Raleigh or Ann Arbor) can be even less, 800-1200 (NPR 106K159K).
Most of the Nepali students save money by living in shared apartments, reducing rent to an average of 500-700/month (NPR 66K-93K), and picking up part time jobs on-campus if they decide to work throughout school (up to 20hrs/week, making 10-15/hr, NPR 1,330-1,995/hr).
Application & Visa Roadmap
Step-by-Step Guide for Nepali Students
Pick Your Course, Specialisation, and Location
Choose whether you will study an Associate, Bachelor’s level, Master’s level, or Doctorate level.
Specialise (civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, environmental, etc.), and narrow down your location of choice to your budget and career goals.
Check Entry Requirements
Check the academic requirements, English score, and standardised tests (SAT/ACT in case of a Bachelor’s degree, GRE at the Master’s level).
To get admission to study engineering in the USA, candidates must plan properly, particularly the competitive ones.
Nepali students need to embark on planning at least a minimum period of 9-12 months before their proposed date of entry in order to factor in the time for preparing tests, preparing documents, and visas.
Offer Letter- Receive and Accept
The terms by which the offers are executed may be unconditional (no conditions on grades or tests) or conditional (subject to grades or tests). Pay a tuition deposit to accept the offer.
Since this is the first time you are studying at the University, you will be required to obtain your I-20 form.
The I-20 is provided by your university once you accept the offer, pay the deposit. You must use this form when applying to obtain your F-1 student Visa.
Send in SEVIS Fee & Apply F-1 Visa
Send SEVIS fees ($350 / NPR 46K) online. Fill DS-160 form, pay the fee of visa fee ($185 / NPR 25K), and schedule the interview at the U.S Embassy in Kathmandu.
Visa Interview
Bring along your I-20, admission letter, financial records, SEVIS receipt, the confirmation of the DS-160, and passport.
You should be ready to talk about what program you have chosen, its financing, and prospective plans.
Make a Booking & Go to Pre-Departure Counselling
Book Flights after getting a visa approved. Goreto also offers pre-departure workshops on accommodation, budgeting, expectations of academic life, and means to bond with the Nepalese students in the USA.
Prepare Application Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates (SEE/SLC, +2, Bachelor, Master, if applicable)
- Valid passport
- English test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) tailored to your engineering goals
- Updated CV (for Master’s/PhD applicants)
- Letters of recommendation (academic/professional)
- GRE/SAT/ACT scores if required
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, income source)
Apply to the University/College
Submit your application directly via the institution’s online portal or through Goreto Educational Consultancy, the best educational consultancy in Nepal.
Applying early improves your chances for scholarships and seat availability.
Post-Study Work & PR Pathways
Engineering graduates in the USA benefit from strong post-study work opportunities, thanks to the STEM designation that allows for an extended OPT period.
This is a significant advantage for Nepali students looking to gain international experience and possibly work toward long-term residency.
| Pathway | What it is | Duration | Why it matters for Engineering graduates |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid internship or training that’s part of your course and approved by your university | Part-time or full-time while studying | Allows you to gain industry experience before graduation and build a professional network |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Full-time work in a job directly related to your engineering degree after graduation | Up to 12 months | Gives you valuable U.S. work experience and enhances employability |
| STEM OPT Extension | Additional work time for STEM graduates (including all engineering fields) | Extra 24 months (total of 36 months with OPT) | Significantly increases your chances of securing long-term employment and H-1B sponsorship |
| H-1B Work Visa | Employer-sponsored visa for specialty occupations | Up to 6 years | The next common step after OPT/STEM OPT can lead to permanent residency |
| Employment-Based Green Card | Permanent residency through employer sponsorship (EB-2 or EB-3 categories) | Varies | Allows you to live and work in the USA long-term if your employer supports the application |
A typical process path taken by many Nepal-born engineering graduates is to complete their degree and engage in OPT, then obtain a STEM OPT to continue work rights of up to three years.
In the process, they usually go after H-1B sponsorship and later seek a green card. Related experience can be built up through on-campus work during studies, e.g., lab assistant, research assistant, or IT support.
Career Outcomes & Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Approx. Annual Salary (NPR) |
| Civil Engineer | $90,000 | NPR 11.97M |
| Mechanical Engineer | $95,000 | NPR 12.63M |
| Electrical Engineer | $100,000 | NPR 13.30M |
| Software/Computer Engineer | $110,000 | NPR 14.63M |
| Environmental Engineer | $88,000 | NPR 11.70M |
| Industrial Engineer | $92,000 | NPR 12.23M |
| Structural Engineer | $97,000 | NPR 12.90M |
| Engineering Project Manager | $115,000 | NPR 15.29M |
Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ NPR 133 (subject to change — check with Goreto for updated figures).
The United States companies that seek U.S engineering graduates include Boeing, Tesla, Microsoft, Google, Bechtel, and General Electric.
A high proportion of Nepali students fully utilize their three-year STEM OPT to work in niche positions, eventually getting H-1B sponsorship or other opportunities in other nations like Canada and Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Associate degrees take 2 years, bachelor’s degrees take 4 years, master’s degrees take 1.5–2 years, and PhD programs can take 3–5 years.
Not always. Many universities accept students directly after a bachelor’s degree, though relevant work experience can strengthen your application.
Most universities require IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 79–100. Some accept PTE or the Duolingo English Test.
Yes. F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during classes and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Tuition fees range from $8,000 to $55,000 per year (NPR 1.06M–7.31M) depending on the level and institution. Living expenses are around $12,000–$20,000 per year (NPR 1.59M–2.65M).
Yes. All engineering disciplines are classified as STEM fields, making graduates eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
While there’s no direct PR route after study, you can move from OPT to STEM OPT, then to an H-1B visa, and eventually apply for a green card if your employer sponsors you.
Yes. The STEM OPT benefit, high salaries, and global demand for engineers make it a strong pathway for career growth and migration prospects.
At Goreto Educational Consultancy, the best educational consultancy in Nepal, we make your journey to studying engineering in the USA smooth, clear, and stress-free.
Whether it be advising you on the right specialisation and university, to leading you through scholarships, writing your SOP, and getting your F-1 visa, we do all that and more!
We also prepare you to stay in the USA as part of our pre-departure counselling: how to budget and find accommodation, how to connect with fellow Nepali students in your programme, and more.
If you’re ready to begin your engineering career in the USA, visit Study in USA from Nepal or message us on WhatsApp for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Your future in engineering starts here.
