F-1 student visa courses: Your complete guide and how to finance your U.S. education


Discover eligible F-1 student visa courses, how to choose the right programme, and finance your U.S. degree with Prodigy Finance, no co-signer or collateral needed.
Studying in the United States remains a dream for thousands of students around the world. From world-class academic institutions to post-graduation work opportunities, the U.S. continues to lead as the top destination for international students.
But before you can begin this journey, the first major milestone is securing your F-1 student visa, and that starts with choosing the right course.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about:
What the F-1 visa is and how it works
F-1 visa eligible courses and universities
How to choose the right programme
How to finance your U.S. education with Prodigy Finance
FAQs to help you apply with confidence
What is an F-1 student visa?
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to international students enrolled in full-time academic programmes at SEVP-certified U.S. institutions. This visa allows you to study, participate in internships, and even work after graduation through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
F-1 visa requirements
To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must:
Enrol in a full-time, SEVP-approved programme
Demonstrate strong ties to your home country
Show proof of funds to cover at least one year of tuition and living expenses
Maintain a valid passport and complete the DS-160 application form
What courses are eligible for the F-1 visa?
Not every course makes you eligible for the F-1 visa. Here’s a list of course categories that do qualify:
1. STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
These are in high demand globally and qualify for up to 3 years of OPT:
Computer Science
Data Science
Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence
2. Business and management programmes
Popular with students looking to accelerate their careers:
MBA
Master’s in Finance, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management
Master’s in Business Analytics
3. Public health and biomedical sciences
High ROI courses, especially post-pandemic:
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Health Informatics
Biomedical Research
4. Arts, humanities, and social sciences
Eligible if full-time and degree-granting:
Psychology
Political Science
International Relations
5. English language programmes
Must be full-time and intensive, often used as a bridge to degree programmes.
Tip: Only choose institutions certified by SEVP to ensure F-1 visa eligibility. You can check the SEVP School List here.
Read more: The Best Cities in the US for International Master’s Students
How to choose the right course for F-1 visa success
Choosing the right course is not just about what you enjoy; it can impact your visa approval, future job prospects, and finances. Here’s how to choose wisely:
Align with your academic background
Visa officers look for a logical link between your previous education or work experience and your chosen course.
Choose SEVP-approved institutions
Only these schools can issue your I-20 form, which is mandatory for your visa application.
Think about employability and post-study work
Courses in tech, business, and health tend to offer stronger job prospects and better OPT/CPT opportunities.
Plan financially from day one
U.S. tuition fees can be expensive. Choose programmes with a strong ROI and access to trusted student loan providers like Prodigy Finance.
Finance your U.S. education with Prodigy Finance
One of the biggest hurdles international students face is financing their education. Most traditional lenders require:
A U.S. co-signer
Collateral
Lengthy paperwork
Prodigy Finance breaks that mould. We offer education loans for international master’s students without any co-signer or collateral.
Why choose Prodigy Finance?
Supports students from 120+ countries
No collateral required
Online application and quick approval process
Covers tuition and living expenses
Competitive interest rates based on your future earning potential
Use our education loan calculator to estimate your EMI and total loan cost.
How does your F-1 course and loan impact your visa application
To receive the F-1 visa, you must show proof of funds for at least the first year of your course. A loan sanction letter from Prodigy Finance is accepted as valid proof by U.S. embassies and consulates.
Visa documents checklist:
I-20 from your university
SEVIS fee receipt
DS-160 confirmation
Prodigy Finance loan sanction letter (as proof of funds)
Academic documents
Visa appointment confirmation
How does your F-1 course and loan impact your visa application
To receive the F-1 visa, you must show proof of funds for at least the first year of your course. A loan sanction letter from Prodigy Finance is accepted as valid proof by U.S. embassies and consulates.
Visa documents checklist:
I-20 from your university
SEVIS fee receipt
DS-160 confirmation
Prodigy Finance loan sanction letter (as proof of funds)
Academic documents
Visa appointment confirmation
What the new vetting guidelines mean for applicants
On 18 June 2025, the U.S. State Department announced expanded vetting measures for F, M and J visa applicants. These include:
A “comprehensive and thorough” review of your social media and online presence
A requirement to make all social media profiles public
Enhanced screening for signs of hostility towards the U.S., support for foreign terrorist organisations or unlawful antisemitic activity
A warning that private or limited accounts may be viewed as attempts to hide content and could lead to rejection; even lacking an online presence may be perceived as evasive
Consular officers have five business days to implement these changes from mid‑June, affecting interview scheduling—expect potential delays
What you should do:
Submit your DS‑160 promptly
Make your social media accounts public
Review your digital footprint carefully—remove or reconsider content that could be misinterpreted
Check your embassy or consulate website regularly for updated interview availability
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying to part‑time or online‑only programmes → F‑1 visa only covers full‑time in‑person study.
Choosing non‑SEVP institutions → This results in automatic rejection.
Insufficient financial planning → Visa officers expect robust proof of funds.
Mismatched academic background → May trigger a section 214(b) refusal.
Maintaining private social media profiles post‑June 2025 → Could cause suspicion or denial.
Final takeaway: The right course + right loan = visa success
The journey to studying in the U.S. begins with choosing the right F-1 student visa course, but it doesn’t stop there. Financial planning is just as important.
Prodigy Finance helps thousands of students like you cross financial barriers and achieve your academic goals.
Ready to fund your F-1 journey? Check your eligibility and get your loan quote today!
FAQs
Which courses are eligible for the F-1 visa?
Can I apply for a student loan before getting my I-20?
Do I need a co-signer for Prodigy Finance?
Does Prodigy Finance cover living expenses, too?
Can I use a Prodigy loan as proof of funds for my F-1 visa?
Which countries and universities does Prodigy support?