Planning to study abroad after 12th? You’re not alone! With access to global education, world-class faculty, and multicultural exposure, more and more Indian students are exploring study abroad options right after high school.
Here’s your quick guide to everything you need to know: from entrance exams and scholarships to the top universities for Indian students.
Why Study Abroad After 12th?
“Is studying abroad worth it?” The short answer is: YES.
But before you commit, you have to ask yourself: Is studying abroad the right investment for you?
Beyond dreamy Instagram posts, main character moments, or vibrant campus life – studying abroad is all about experiencing a global culture, gaining world-class education, and setting yourself up for career success. Here’s why it could be a game-changer:
World-Class Education: Universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe offer globally recognised degrees with state-of-the-art research facilities.
Better Career Prospects: 80% of international students say that studying abroad has increased their job opportunities and career prospects.
Higher Salary Potential: International grads often earn 35-50% more than their domestic counterparts in the same field.
Networking & Global Exposure: You get to network with people from around the world and experience diverse connections firsthand.
Work Opportunities: Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia offer post-study work visas, making it easier to stay and work after graduation.
Diverse Specialisations: Want to major in AI & Ethics, Space Aviation, or Esports Management? You can find many niche courses like these abroad.
Immigration & PR Opportunities: Several countries offer post-study work VISAs and other such pathways to permanent residency.
Multicultural Experience: From trying new cuisines to attending crazy festivals, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to immerse in diverse cultures.
But let’s keep it real: studying abroad requires careful planning. It’s cost-intensive, competitive, and often comes with a learning curve. But if you are ready to take the leap, the rewards are 100% worth it!
Entrance Exams for Studying Abroad After 12th
Different countries and universities have their own eligibility requirements. Here are the most common exams:
- SAT / ACT – Required mainly in the USA and some other countries like Canada and Singapore.
- IELTS / TOEFL / PTE – For proving English language proficiency.
- Duolingo English Test – An emerging alternative accepted by many universities.
- Subject-Specific Exams – Like BMAT (medical), LNAT (law), and UCAT depending on the course/country.
Pro tip: Prepare well in advance to align your application timeline with exam dates and deadlines.
Scholarships to Study Abroad After 12th
Studying abroad can be expensive, but scholarships make it accessible. Some popular scholarships include:
- Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD)
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- DAAD Undergraduate Scholarships (Germany)
- Merit-Based Scholarships by Universities
- Private & Government-funded Indian scholarships
Search for need-based, merit-based, and sports/arts scholarships depending on your profile.
Top Universities to Target
Here are a few globally recognized universities known for accepting international students right after high school:
- USA: Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California (UCs)
- UK: University of Oxford, University of Manchester, King’s College London
- Canada: University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University
- Australia: University of Melbourne, Australian National University
- Germany: LMU Munich, Heidelberg University (public & low-tuition options)
- UAE & Dubai: University of Birmingham Dubai, Heriot-Watt University
Courses You Can Study Abroad After 12th
The world is undoubtedly your oyster – but the stream you chose after 10th can help guide your choice better. Here’s a quick look at what’s hot in different fields:
| Stream | Course Choices |
|---|---|
| Science | Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Data Science, Environmental Science |
| Commerce | Business Management, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Hotel Management, International Business |
| Arts/Humanities | Psychology, Journalism, Fashion Designing, Political Science, International Relations, Performing Arts |
Still confused? Don’t worry – our expert counsellors at MetaApply IE can help you explore destinations and programs based on your unique interests, strengths, budget, career goals, and more!
Ready to Begin Your Journey with MetaApply IE?
Choosing the right country, course, and university requires expert guidance, and that’s where we come in.
With MetaApply IE and MetaApply Career Counselling, you can explore top programs, get assistance with exams, access scholarship options, and receive complete admission support — all under one roof.
Start your study abroad journey after 12th with confidence. Let MetaApply IE make your dreams global!
With 400+ partner universities across 30+ destinations worldwide, applying via MetaApply IE can certainly increase your chances of admission. Moreover, our services cater to every step of the study abroad journey, making your transition smooth and hassle-free.
Embarking on the study abroad journey after 12th is a monumental decision, filled with both challenges and rewards. With meticulous planning, unwavering determination, and the right guidance from MetaApply IE, your dream of an international education is well within reach. The opportunities waiting for you abroad are life-changing, and the sooner you start planning – the smoother your journey will be.
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