Study Abroad after 12th
Are you keen on pursuing higher education abroad after completing your 12th grade? If so, you're on the right path. Many students aspire to study overseas, and while the process may seem daunting, it's entirely manageable. In this blog, we aim to provide guidance for those interested in studying abroad. We'll cover essential topics such as top study destinations, universities, the costs associated with studying abroad, and available scholarships. This information is invaluable for individuals who have the ambition but lack proper guidance on how to go abroad for studies after completing their 12th grade.
Benefits of Pursuing Education Overseas
Embarking on the journey of relocating to a foreign land and embracing independent living may appear daunting at first glance. However, rest assured that it is an invaluable experience that will leave an indelible mark on your life, one filled with cherished memories and no regrets. There exist numerous compelling advantages to studying abroad, and it is worth delving into them. Here are several compelling reasons that substantiate your decision:- Exploration of Fresh Cultures: Studying abroad offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. By attending an international institution, you will forge connections with students hailing from all corners of the globe, a transformative experience that broadens your perspectives and ideologies.
- Enhanced Language Proficiency: A sojourn in a foreign country for your studies often necessitates adopting a new language, typically English. This immersion in a linguistic environment can significantly bolster your language skills.
- Cultivation of Self-Reliance: As you step into independent living, you naturally cultivate self-reliance, making your own decisions and forming your own opinions. This newfound autonomy will prove advantageous in both your personal and professional life.
- Fostering Connections: As previously mentioned, studying abroad facilitates connections and networking with peers from a myriad of countries, backgrounds, and cultures, thereby enriching your social and professional networks.
Qualifications for International Study
The prerequisites for pursuing higher education abroad can diverge significantly from one nation to another. Likewise, these prerequisites may vary depending on your chosen field of study, program, and university. Consequently, it is crucial to refer to the official websites of your selected university and finalize your choice of country, institution, course, and program. Nevertheless, there are several universal criteria that apply to nearly all countries, which are outlined below:- Exceptional academic performance.
- Crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Obtaining Letters of Reference (LOR).
- Demonstrating proficiency in English through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc.
- Achieving subject-specific test scores, such as LSAT, GMAT, etc.
- Meeting requirements for other standardized tests like GRE, SAT, ACT, etc.
Guide to Studying Abroad
Embarking on a journey to study abroad involves several essential steps, which can vary depending on your chosen destination and university. However, we've compiled a comprehensive list of actions you can take:- Begin by researching potential countries and universities, and then finalize your preferred destination, university, program, and course.
- Ensure that you possess a valid passport. If not, initiate the passport application process promptly.
- Narrow down your list of preferred universities and meticulously check their application deadlines.
- Take all the requisite tests, such as IELTS, GMAT, or other relevant exams.
- Initiate your application process early by registering on the official website of your chosen university.
- Complete the application by uploading all the necessary documents, remitting the application fee, and submitting your application.
- Explore and apply for scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Patiently await the arrival of your acceptance letter from the university of your choice.
- Once accepted, promptly commence the student visa application process and secure adequate health insurance coverage.
Examinations Needed for International Study
As previously mentioned, to secure admission to a foreign university, you will be required to successfully complete specific entrance examinations. It's worth noting that not all universities mandate every one of these tests, so it's crucial to verify the prerequisites with your chosen institution before proceeding. Here are a few standardized assessments commonly requested:- IELTS: This serves as the globally recognized English language proficiency exam accepted by the majority of universities worldwide. The minimum score needed may differ, so consulting the university's official website for precise requirements is advisable.
- TOEFL: Another option for assessing English proficiency is the TOEFL exam, available in both print and internet-based formats.
- PTE: It's important to note that not all universities acknowledge PTE scores for English proficiency, so comprehensive verification is essential before considering this test.
- NEET: For those aspiring to study Medicine (MBBS) abroad, the NEET examination is a compulsory requirement.
- GRE: Many universities stipulate a strong GRE score for admission into Master's programs.
- GMAT: A competitive GMAT score may be a prerequisite for admission to most MBA programs at prestigious business schools.
- SAT: If you are pursuing a career in Mathematics or a related field, taking the SAT exam will likely be mandatory.
Top Choices for Studying Abroad
Exploring the world for higher education can lead you to some exceptional destinations. These sought-after study-abroad locations are renowned for their top-tier universities, diverse course offerings, and unique experiences. Here's a glimpse of these enticing destinations:- Australia: Known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and top-notch education, Australia boasts prestigious institutions such as the Australian National University, University of Melbourne, and Monash University.
- United States: Home to some of the world's finest universities, the USA offers academic excellence at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, and Caltech.
- United Kingdom: The UK is another magnet for international students, housing renowned universities including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
- Canada: Famed for its affordability, Canada also features excellent universities like the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University.
- New Zealand: This picturesque country attracts global scholars with institutions like the University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, and University of Otago.
- Ireland: Beyond its stunning landscapes, Ireland hosts esteemed universities like Dublin City University, University College Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin.
- Germany: Emerging as a favored study destination, Germany offers academic excellence at institutions such as Technische Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg.
- Dubai: Dubai's tax-free incentives have propelled it into the spotlight as an educational hub. Notable institutions like the University of Wollongong, the University of Dubai, and Al Ghurair University beckon students to this dynamic city.
UK as a Destination for Indian Students
The United Kingdom stands out as a top choice for global students, particularly those from India. This nation presents abundant prospects for advanced education and career advancement, rendering it an immensely popular selection for international scholars. The subsequent chart provides a more comprehensive overview.Canada as a Destination for Indian Students
Canada is a favored destination for Indian students due to its reputation for affordable education. The nation provides a diverse range of courses across various fields, ensuring you'll discover a program that aligns with your interests. Additional information can be found in the table provided below.
Popular Universities |
University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta |
Popular Courses |
Civil Engineering, Computer Science & Technology, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering etc. |
No. of QS Ranked Universities 2022 |
28 |
Average Annual Tuition Fees |
CAD 70,000 - CAD 1,70,000 |
Australia as a Destination for Indian Students
Australia stands as a renowned choice for students seeking education abroad, especially among the global student community. Renowned for its exceptional education system, this sophisticated nation garners worldwide respect. The provided table aims to enhance your comprehension of key details.
Popular Universities |
University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Top Courses |
Accounting, Banking, Financial Econometrics, Marketing, Taxation etc. |
No. of QS Ranked Universities 2022 |
38 |
Average Annual Tuition Fees |
AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 |
USA as a Destination for Indian Students
The United States has experienced a significant rise in its international student population, with the table below offering insights into leading universities, available courses, and more for Indian students considering higher education in the USA.
Popular Universities |
MIT, Stanford University, Harvard University |
Popular Courses |
Business and Management, Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Social Sciences etc. |
Average Annual Tuition Fees |
USD 25,000 - USD 55,000 |
Ireland as a Destination for Indian Students
Ireland stands as a favored choice among Indian students pursuing Bachelor's degrees. The nation hosts a thriving community of over 30,000 international students, offering a wide array of courses across various academic fields. Below, you'll find some key insights into this educational opportunity."
Popular Universities |
University College Dublin, University College Cok, Trinity College Dublin |
Popular Courses |
Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Medicine etc. |
No. of QS Ranked Universities 2022 |
8 |
Average Annual Tuition Fees |
EUR 10,000 - EUR 35,000 |
Top Universities to Study Abroad
"Previously, we've highlighted numerous international universities that consistently hold prominent positions in both national and global academic rankings. These institutions offer a wide range of programs across various fields and educational levels. For in-depth details about these universities, refer to the table provided below."
Name of Universities |
Countries |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in INR) |
MIT |
USA |
INR 37,00,000 |
University of Oxford |
UK |
INR 25,00,000 |
Stanford University |
USA |
INR 35,00,000 |
Imperial College London |
UK |
INR 25,00,000 |
Harvard University |
USA |
INR 35,00,000 |
University of Toronto |
Canada |
INR 24,00,000 |
Cornell University |
USA |
INR 40,00,000 |
McGill University |
Canada |
INR 10,00,000 |
University of Pennsylvania |
USA |
INR 33,00,000 |
Australian National University |
Australia |
INR 22,00,000 |
Trinity College Dublin |
Ireland |
INR 18,00,000 |
University of Melbourne |
Australia |
INR 20,00,000 |
Technical University of Munich |
Germany |
INR 29,000 - INR 90,000 |
Expenses Associated with Overseas Education
The expenses linked to pursuing education in a foreign country can fluctuate significantly due to a multitude of factors. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia typically exhibit a higher cost of living, whereas Canada stands out as a more affordable option in terms of daily expenses. Nevertheless, it's important to note that numerous scholarships are accessible for international students, some of which can alleviate the financial burden by covering a portion or the entirety of tuition and living costs. Additionally, the tuition fees vary between universities, and the total cost of education is contingent upon your chosen location and academic program. To illustrate, Arts programs generally come with a more budget-friendly price tag compared to courses in fields like medicine or engineering. For a clearer perspective on this, please refer to the table below.
Country |
Average Cost (in INR) |
Canada |
INR 58,000 - INR 17,00,000 |
Australia |
INR 21,00,000 - INR 35,00,000 |
Ireland |
INR 3,00,000 - INR 7,00,000 |
USA |
INR 10,00,000 - INR 40,00,000 |
UK |
INR 25,00,000 - INR 35,00,000 |
Germany |
INR 12,000 - INR 6,00,000 |
Scholarships to Study Abroad
Numerous opportunities exist to secure financial assistance for pursuing your studies abroad. The criteria for eligibility and the extent of support offered can differ, contingent on the particular host institution you choose. These awards might encompass monthly allowances or encompass your tuition and living costs either entirely or partially. Below, we've compiled a selection of well-regarded scholarships for your consideration. For a comprehensive list of scholarships tailored to various courses and programs, please consult our dedicated scholarship page.
Name of Scholarship |
Value |
QS Undergraduate Scholarship |
INR 3,68,800 as tuition fee cover |
Cornell University TAT Scholarship |
Full tuition fee coverage |
Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships |
INR 2,00,000 |
UCD Global Graduate Scholarships |
50-100% tuition fee cover |
Wien International Scholarship Program |
Full tuition fee cover |
We trust that you've gained a basic understanding of pursuing international education post-12th grade. For more in-depth insights regarding scholarships, universities, and available courses, please explore our related blog posts.