Access world-class education

Studying in the US offers you a wide range of choices if you’re keen on getting your Master’s, MBA or Ph.D at some of the best, highly-ranked universities and colleges in the world. The recently released QS World University Rankings 2024 features 198 US universities, endorsing the exceptional quality of education, innovative research facilities and funding opportunities available.

For many aspiring MBA students, it’s often not your potential that’s in question but rather finding the funds to pursue this dream. With Prodigy Finance, it’s easy to apply for an international student loan with no cosigner or collateral required - removing the financial barrier that too often prevents one from pursuing further education. Our borderless education model can help you finance your tuition costs at over 1000 of the top US schools - helping you turn your MBA dream into reality.

So what are some of the benefits?

From Master’s, MBAs to PhD-level programmes, universities in the US offer world-class academic opportunities across a range of disciplines. Each university has its own unique offering, not just academically but from a professional and cultural aspect too. 

Studying in the United States means entering on an F-1 student visa and maintaining your status from the moment you arrive until graduation. You must study full-time, keep your I-20 and SEVIS record updated, and hold a valid entry visa if you travel abroad and return. Your visa may expire while you remain legally in the U.S., but you’ll need a new visa stamp if you leave and re-enter.

• Working during your degree (CPT + on-campus work)

  You can work on campus during term time, and you may take part in internships through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if your degree programme includes practical training. Work must be authorised before you begin — unauthorised work risks your status.

• Working after graduation (OPT + STEM OPT)

  Most students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months of work in a role related to their degree. If your degree is STEM-designated and your employer meets the requirements, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of post-study work in total.

• Employer responsibilities during STEM OPT

  STEM OPT requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and to provide structured, supervised training documented in Form I-983. Your work must be paid, full-time, and directly related to your studies.

• Compliance matters more in 2025

  U.S. authorities are applying closer scrutiny to CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT usage. Keeping accurate documents — your I-20, EAD card, training plan, job description, and travel signatures — is essential. You should avoid unauthorised employment, keep your details updated, and follow reporting deadlines.

• How this supports your funding journey

  Prodigy Finance loans are designed for globally mobile students, so you can focus on your studies and visa responsibilities with confidence. Your loan is disbursed directly when we send the funds to your school, and you can plan your CPT/OPT/STEM OPT stages knowing you have reliable funding in place.

Securing your admission

From Master’s, MBAs to PhD-level programmes, universities in the US offer world-class academic opportunities across a range of disciplines. Each university has its own unique offering, not just academically but from a professional and cultural aspect too.  

General requirements

• High school degree with an ACT/SAT score for undergraduate courses

• Relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate courses

• Relevant master’s degree for Ph.D.

• GRE/GMAT scores for graduate courses, 

• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE test results supplied)

• Letters of recommendation

• Statement of purpose or letter of motivation, 

• College or school transcripts

• Completed application

• Valid passport and visa

Academic records

• For admission to graduate programmes, all international students need to have a tertiary degree that is comparable to a four year US bachelor’s degree.  

• The degree in question must be from an officially recognised institution in the country where it is based.  

• Official or attested transcripts for each tertiary or post-secondary institution attended need to be submitted, with certified translations of these records provided, should the records not be in English.    

• Whilst the requirements for degree and certificate programmes may vary from school to school, transcripts and any other documentation required must be uploaded as part of your application.  

• Once you receive confirmation of your admission, and accept it, you'll be asked to send an additional official transcript, as per instructions from the specific school or college applied to. 

• Some of our graduate-level business programmes (e.g. MBA) may require travel to the US to fulfil particular degree requirements.

Language fluency tests

As an international student looking to study in the US, you are required to prove your fluency in English by taking either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS ) or Pearson Test of English (PTE) as part of the admission requirements.

*Loan and promotion offers are subject to our eligibility, funding, and credit assessment criteria.

*Loan amounts are subject to the cost of attendance limits set by schools.

*The purpose of this guide is to provide prospective students with a general overview of the international student visa process and should not be regarded as legal or immigration advice, or as a substitute for official guidance from government authorities, embassies, or consular offices. While we’ve taken care to compile accurate and up-to-date information, Prodigy Finance Limited does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or outdated details. We strongly encourage all prospective students and readers to consult the official government websites and immigration authorities relevant to their study destination for the most accurate and current information. Prodigy Finance Limited is not authorised to provide immigration services and cannot offer personalised visa advice or assistance.