How and Where Can I Study Abroad After 12th from India?

Focus on top-quality learning and access to high-paying jobs after course completion are some of the top benefits of studying abroad, as shared by most students. Some of the other key reasons are cited below:

• High-quality education: International universities are renowned globally for providing top-class learning facilities to students. The academic standards offered at these institutions align with global standards of academic excellence, which is what attracts students to study abroad.

• Lucrative career prospects: Studying abroad unlocks pathways to high-paying and rewarding career opportunities for graduates. Students pursuing higher education overseas have access to several work opportunities in diverse industries and sectors, and also gain international exposure.

• Personal growth: Apart from professional development, studying in a foreign country is also beneficial for a student's individual growth. They learn to embrace cultural diversity and adapt to new environments, situations, and people, all of which contribute to their personal growth and development.

Some of the top study-abroad destinations include the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, among others. The table below highlights the top countries for higher education, the best universities abroad, and their respective QS World University Rankings to help you make an informed decision:

_{Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries}

All universities abroad require a basic qualification, such as a Class 12 completion certificate, as a key eligibility criterion for admission to undergraduate programs. The various universities listed above specify different admission criteria for international students applying for undergraduate courses. However, most universities have some requirements that determine an applicant’s eligibility to study abroad. These include:

• Class 12 Higher Secondary School Certificate from a recognised school in India

• At least 80-95% overall score 

• An overall score of 7.5+ on the IELTS test, with no band score less than 5.5

In addition to these standard requirements, different universities may require other criteria as well, which you may need to check with the specific institution at the time of applying. 

_{Related Source: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/india/entry-requirements/}

After completing class 12, if you are confused about how to apply to universities abroad, start preparing well in advance. Research the various countries and their top universities, and begin gathering the required documents. 

Here’s the general application process followed by most universities for international students:

• Select a preferred study-abroad destination. IDP Education helps students pursue higher education in the top six countries: the USA, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Our consultants can help you choose the best country among these that perfectly aligns with your academic and career goals.

• Choose a university of your choice. Again, IDP expert consultants will help you make an informed choice among various leading universities depending on your long-term aspirations. We partner with over 1,000 universities in 6 countries and also help you choose the best university in alignment with your career aspirations. 

• Gather the required documents: A specific set of documents is needed to study abroad, as part of the university application requirements. These include attested academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (such as an IELTS score), a Statement of Purpose (SOP), a Letter of Recommendation (LOR), and other relevant supporting documents.

• Prepare for student visa application: Once you have received the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from the applied international university, it is time to start preparing for the study visa of the country you aspire to study in. IDP study-abroad consultants offer expert guidance through every stage of the visa application process to ensure complete accuracy and increase your chances of visa acceptance.

English proficiency tests, such as the IELTS, and other standardised tests, including the SAT, LSAT, and ACT, must be taken as part of the admission process at an international university. Each institution abroad has its pre-defined exams as part of its admission criteria. However, there are some standard exams that most universities expect international students to take at the time of application:

_{Related Sources: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/blog/minimum-ielts-scores-different-countries  
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/scores/psat-8-9}

The average cost of studying abroad is likely to vary depending on where you choose to study. To give you a broader understanding, listed below are the most affordable countries to study abroad:

_Sources: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/cost-of-study/ 
https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-uk/cost-of-study/ 
https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-canada/cost-of-study/
https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-ireland/cost-of-study/ 
https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-australia/cost-of-study/
https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-new-zealand/cost-of-study/

Chevening Scholarships in the UK, Monash International Merit Scholarships in Australia, and UCD Global Graduate Scholarships in Ireland are among the top scholarships available to Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Some of the other study-abroad scholarships available for Indian students after completing their Higher Secondary Certificate are:

• Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)

• Monash International Merit Scholarships (Australia)

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (Canada)

• UCD Global Graduate Scholarships (Ireland)

• Commonwealth Scholarship (New Zealand)

A student visa is the most crucial document that you would need to start your study-abroad journey. You must begin preparing for the visa application process after you have received the Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from a recognised education provider in the study-abroad destination you applied to.

Based on the duration of your study program that you have been selected for, you would need to apply for either:

• A short-term visa for programs lasting 3 months

• A long-term visa for programs that are more than 3 months long

As part of the visa application process, you would need to submit a set of documents to the immigration office. These would include:

• A confirmation of enrollment in a recognised study institution abroad

• A valid passport with validity of at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the foreign country

• Recent passport-sized photographs of the student 

• Proof of finances to validate your financial capacity to handle the tuition cost and other living expenses abroad

• Proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS with the desired score to enter the country for higher education

IDP Education can assist you throughout the entire visa application process. From gathering and verifying documents to submitting them to the immigration authorities before the defined deadline, our experts will take care of it all.

Ready to study abroad but don’t know where and how to start? IDP Education consultants can help you take the first step on this journey. We have been assisting students in finding placements abroad for over 55 years, and we would be delighted to help you next. From choosing the best study-abroad destination, university, and course overseas to applying through the university admissions process, IDP assists you every step of the way.

And once you have been enrolled, our experts will guide you through the study visa application process. We help you avoid mistakes so that your chances of rejection are lower. After you have received your visa, we also provide pre-departure briefings and offer comprehensive post-arrival support to help you settle in the first few weeks in your new country.

1. What are the best UG courses abroad after 12th?

Some of the top undergraduate courses to pursue overseas after completing class 12 are:

• Bachelor of Science

• Bachelor of Commerce

• Bachelor of Arts

2. What is the age limit to study abroad after the 12th?

This may vary from one university to another, as each may have its specific age criteria for applicants. However, most study institutions abroad require applicants to be at least 18 years of age at the time of applying.

3. Which is better: a UG degree in India or abroad after completing 12th grade?

This is a personal preference that depends on several factors, including an individual’s academic interests, career aspirations, and personal goals. However, studying abroad does offer global exposure, which helps shape the individual's overall personality.

4. How long does the UG abroad admission process take?

This may vary from one university to another. Each institution may have its admission process; hence, the duration of the process is also likely to vary.

5. Is studying abroad after the 12th grade worth it for Indian students?

Of course! Studying overseas provides students from India with a new perspective, enabling them to broaden their minds and embrace diverse cultures. It also unlocks numerous lucrative career opportunities for the students.

6. Can I apply to foreign universities from India before I receive my 12th-grade certificate?

Yes! Many international universities take applications from Indian students who are still awaiting their Class 12 final results. This allows students to start the application process for studying abroad early, including the documentation process and taking standardised tests.

7. What is the minimum percentage to study abroad after HSC?

The exact score requirement may vary for different international universities. Most institutions require a minimum of 65-70% for students applying for undergraduate courses abroad.

8. Can I work while studying abroad after completing the 12th grade?

Absolutely! Several countries permit international students to work part-time alongside pursuing higher education in their institutions. The limit may vary from one country to another (up to 20 hours per week to 48 hours per fortnight for different study-abroad destinations).