It is an academic degree awarded by the community colleges, junior colleges, business colleges and some bachelor's degree -granting colleges & universities, upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years. In the USA , an associate degree is equivalent to the first two years of a four year college or university degree. It is the lowest in hierarchy of post secondary academic degrees offered in this country.

Commonly known as Undergraduate degree in India. The duration of the bachelor’s course is 4 years. Students, who have completed a part of their undergraduate degree and want to go to the USA, can apply as a transfer Student. There are two types of bachelor’s degree: B.A or B.S. Some universities in the USA offer either of the degrees in all fields and at times both the degrees in some field. Students need to appear for SAT & TOEFL/IELTS exams for admission.

Commonly known as a Masters in India. The duration of graduate courses may range from one year to two years depending upon the university. The various types of Masters Degree are: MA, MS, MBA, MFA, etc. To qualify for the masters program in the USA, an Indian student needs to have 16 years of formal education. Students who have completed their Bachelors in engineering are qualified whereas the students who have completed their B.Com, B.Sc , B.A need to complete their masters or atleast one year of Masters in India to qualify for admission Students with 15yrs of education and having a post graduate diploma can also apply to specific institutions for specific programs. Students have to appear for the GMAT for management related subjects / GRE for arts, science or any other subjects and TOEFL/ IELTS exams for admission.

Commonly known as PhD. Duration of the same may range from 3 years to 5 years. Students can take admission for a PhD course after completion of their master's degree. PhD students need to submit a research proposal. Students need to appear for GRE/GMAT & TOEFL/IELTS exams for admissions.