Study at University of Chicago from Nepal
When you hear “University of Chicago,” you might imagine Nobel Prizes and high-pressure debates.
But here’s what Nepali students often don’t realise — this university isn’t just about academic prestige.
It’s about bold ideas, real-world impact, and helping students like you become thinkers, leaders, and changemakers.
Whether you’re planning to dive into economics, social sciences, data science, or law, Chicago offers you a space where curiosity is respected and originality is expected.
The support system for international students is solid, and the academic freedom is? Unmatched.
If you’re considering to study in the USA from Nepal, this is one university where your intellectual curiosity will be taken seriously — and rewarded.
Why Choose the University of Chicago?
Location with an edge: Based in Hyde Park, Chicago — a safe, student-friendly neighborhood with quick access to museums, start-ups, NGOs, and multinational companies.
Global reputation: Ranked among the world’s top 10 universities, UChicago is especially strong in economics, data science, law, and social sciences.
Support for international students: From visa guidance to English support, housing, and internships, UChicago has systems to make sure you feel at home.
Unique curriculum: Instead of rushing into your major, you first explore a broad Core Curriculum that builds critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.
Global careers: UChicago alumni work in the UN, World Bank, Google, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and top law firms — proving the degree has worldwide value.
Source: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu
Campuses
The University of Chicago’s main campus is in Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois. It’s a mix of Gothic-style historic buildings and modern labs.
Key facilities include:
- Regenstein Library – one of the largest university libraries in the U.S.
- Booth School of Business – consistently ranked among the best globally.
- Pritzker School of Medicine – a leader in health sciences.
- Harris School of Public Policy – strong links to government and NGOs.
Source: https://visit.uchicago.edu
Number of Courses & Levels
UChicago offers over 50 undergraduate majors and 150+ graduate programs.
Undergraduate (UG): BA, BS programs across sciences, business, arts, and social sciences.
Graduate (PG): Master’s and professional degrees in data science, economics, business, law, and more.
Doctoral (PhD): Strong research programs in STEM, social sciences, and humanities.
Nepali students often explore Economics, Computer Science, Public Policy, and Law because of Chicago’s global reputation in these areas.
Source: https://programs.uchicago.edu
Scholarships for Nepali Students
UChicago is one of the few U.S. universities where international students (including Nepali) can get full tuition coverage through need-based aid.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|
| UChicago Empower Initiative | All international undergraduates | Up to 100% tuition |
| Merit Scholarships | Outstanding academics & activities | Partial to full tuition |
| Odyssey Scholarship | Low-income or first-gen students | Tuition + mentoring & support services |
Goreto helps you prepare strong SOPs and financial aid documents to increase your chances.
Source: https://college.uchicago.edu/admissions-aid
Campus Life
Life at UChicago is intense but vibrant:
Clubs & societies: 450+ options — from South Asian Students Association to robotics clubs.
Festivals & culture: Diwali, Holi, and even Tihar are celebrated on campus.
Housing: First-year students are guaranteed residence halls. From the second year, many shift to shared apartments.
Support services: Health center, counselling, career coaching, and international student advisors.
Nepali community: Chicago has an active Nepali diaspora — you’ll find Nepali groceries and cultural events nearby.
Source: https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu
Notable Alumni
- Milton Friedman – Nobel Prize winner in Economics
- Barack Obama – Former U.S. President (taught at UChicago Law School)
- Katherine Baicker – Health policy expert, Dean of Harris School
- Satya Nadella (affiliated research ties) – CEO of Microsoft
- Susan Sontag – Influential writer and philosopher
Source: https://alumniandfriends.uchicago.edu
Rankings
- QS World University Rankings 2025: #11 globally
- Times Higher Education 2025: #13 globally
- U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025: #6
UChicago is consistently a top-15 university worldwide.
Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-chicago
Tuition Fees (2025–26)
| Program | Tuition (USD/year) | Approx. in NPR* |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $67,000 | NPR 8,976,000 |
| Master’s | $65,000–$75,000 | NPR 8,700,000 – 10,000,000 |
*Exchange rate: $1 = NPR 134. Rates vary; check with Goreto for latest planning.
Source: https://bursar.uchicago.edu
Living Expenses in Chicago
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) | Monthly NPR (Approx.) |
|---|
| Housing (shared) | $900 | NPR 120,600 |
| Food | $300 | NPR 40,200 |
| Transport | $100 | NPR 13,400 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 | NPR 13,400 |
| Total | $1,400 | NPR 187,600 |
Chicago is cheaper than New York or San Francisco — good news for Nepali families balancing tuition and living costs.
Source: https://financialaid.uchicago.edu/cost
Library
The University of Chicago Library System includes Regenstein, Mansueto, and Crerar Libraries — home to 12 million+ volumes and state-of-the-art digital resources.
Source: https://www.lib.uchicago.edu
Placements & Career Support
Career Advancement Center: Personalized career coaching, resume and interview prep.
Metcalf Internships: Paid internships available even for first-year students.
Alumni network: 160,000+ alumni working in 180+ countries.
Career outcomes: Many Nepali grads use OPT to gain U.S. work experience before moving on to global roles.
Source: https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu
Top Companies Hiring UChicago Graduates
- McKinsey & Company
- Google
- Goldman Sachs
- World Bank
- United Nations
- Amazon
- JP Morgan Chase
Source: https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu
Graduate Average Salaries
| Field | Avg. Salary (USD/year) | Approx. NPR/year |
|---|
| Economics & Business | $110,000 | NPR 14.7M |
| Computer/Data Science | $120,000 | NPR 16.0M |
| Law & Public Policy | $95,000 | NPR 12.7M |
| Social Sciences | $80,000 | NPR 10.7M |
Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/School=University_of_Chicago
Part-Time Jobs
During study (on-campus): Up to 20 hours/week (library, café, research aide, tutoring).
During breaks: Full-time allowed.
Graduate students: Can apply for TA/RA positions with stipends.
Long-term: OPT (1 year) and STEM OPT (up to 3 years).
Goreto prepares students with U.S.-style CVs to secure jobs early.
Source: https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu
Upcoming Intakes
Undergraduate (UG):
- Early Action: Nov 1
- Regular Decision: Jan 2
- Intake: Fall only (September)
Postgraduate (PG):
- Deadlines vary by department (mostly Dec–Feb)
- Intake: Fall main, some Spring options
Source: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu | https://grad.uchicago.edu
Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate (UG)
- Completion of +2/NEB or A-Levels with GPA 3.5+ preferred.
- SAT/ACT optional (UChicago is test-optional, but strong scores can help).
- Strong essays (Personal Statement) and extracurricular involvement.
- English proficiency required.
Postgraduate (PG/PhD)
- Bachelor’s degree with GPA 3.3+ (First Division in Nepal).
- GRE/GMAT required for some programs (STEM, Economics, MBA).
- Strong SOP, resume, and academic references.
- Relevant research/work experience for competitive programs.
Pro tip: Chicago values holistic profiles.
If your GPA is average, strong essays and leadership activities can balance it out.
Source: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu | https://grad.uchicago.edu
Required Documents
| Document | UG Applicants | PG Applicants |
|---|
| Academic transcripts | +2 or A-Levels | Bachelor’s/Master’s |
| Passport | Yes | Yes |
| Statement of Purpose / Essays | Yes (via Common App) | Yes(course-specific) |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2–3 teachers | 2–3 professors/employers |
| Standardized Tests | SAT/ACT optional | GRE/GMAT if required |
| English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Yes | Yes |
| Resume / CV | No | Yes |
| Financial documents | Yes | Yes |
Source: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/apply | https://grad.uchicago.edu/admissions
Contact Details
English Language Requirements
| Test | Minimum UG Score | Minimum PG Score |
|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall | 7.0–7.5 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 104 | 104+ |
| Duolingo | Not widely accepted | Not accepted |
| PTE Academic | 70+ | 70+ |
Chicago sets high English requirements compared to many U.S. universities — so start prep early.
Source: https://grad.uchicago.edu/admissions/english-language-requirements
Admission Timeline
Undergraduate (via Common App)
- Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 2
- Decisions Released: March
- Intake: Fall (September only)
Postgraduate (via Department Portals)
- Deadlines: December – February (varies by program)
- Intake: Fall (main), some Spring intakes available in selective programs
Tip: For competitive courses like Economics or Data Science, apply by December for best chances at scholarships.
Source: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu | https://grad.uchicago.edu
