Planning your education after completing secondary school is overwhelming, given the availability of various options. In such a situation, deciding to study abroad after 12th can be the most courageous and rewarding step you can take to land your dream career. Whether you aspire to become an engineer, a healthcare professional, an entrepreneur or any expert leading their field, studying abroad can be looked at as a gateway to endless opportunities. With this writing piece, we aim to deliver you a handful of insights about how to study abroad, including the best courses, the admission process, costs and more to help you plan better.

Table of Contents
Planning to study abroad after 12th is simply one of the most beneficial decisions in a student's academic life. This opportunity is not only about academic qualifications, but a gateway that opens the door to a promising future career. Here are the top benefits students enjoy from pursuing abroad education after 12th grade.
The decision to study abroad after 12th is exciting; however, choosing the right program creates the base for your global career. Whether you are a student from a science background, want to study business & management, or your passion lies in the arts & humanities, you can explore some of the best courses to study abroad after 12th that align with your goals.
Among the various disciplines, Engineering courses stand out as the most popular among students to study abroad after 12th from India. Given the global exposure, advanced labs and other opportunities, institutions abroad ensure that students are well-trained to become the next leaders.
| Top Universities Abroad | Average Tuition Fees & Duration | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA | $64,310 (INR 56.46L) per year; 4 years | Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Civil, Aerospace |
|
University of Oxford (UK) | $51,937 (INR 45.58L) per year; 4 years | Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Biomedical |
|
Stanford University (USA) | $62,484 (INR 54.83L) per year; 4 years | Computer, Mechanical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering |
| $52,127 (INR 45.75L) per year; 3 years | Civil, Electrical, Manufacturing, and Aerospace Engineering | |
|
ETH Zurich (Switzerland) | $2,005 (INR 1.76L) per year; 3 years | Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, and Chemical Engineering |
For students with an interest in a business and management background, a range of courses is available that allow students to specialise in their chosen field. Studying these courses at global universities after 12th helps students learn new perspectives, build international relations and build a promising business career.
| Top Universities Abroad | Average Tuition Fees & Duration | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University (USA) | $64,000 (INR 56.17 L) per year; 4 years | Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, USA) | $62,000 (INR 54.38 L) per year; 4 years | Management Science, Entrepreneurship, Analytics, Finance |
|
Stanford University (USA) | $60,500 (INR 53.11 L) per year; 4 years | Strategy, Innovation, Leadership, Marketing |
| $52,500 (INR 46.10 L) per year; 3 years | Management Studies, International Business, Economics | |
|
University of Oxford (UK) | $52,500 (INR 46.10 L) per year; 3 years | Business Administration, Corporate Strategy, Sustainable Business |
The tech industry is in a boom, so is the demand for IT courses. For students with an interest in technology and innovation, pursuing an IT course can be seen as a smart move towards a valuable career.
| Top Universities Abroad (Country) | Average Tuition Fees & Duration | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
| $63,000 (INR 55.32 L) per year; 4 years | Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering | |
|
Stanford University (USA) | $60,500 (INR 53.13 L) per year; 4 years | Computer Systems, AI & Machine Learning, Human-Computer Interaction, Cybersecurity |
| $58,000 (INR 50.91 L) per year; 4 years | Computer Science, Robotics, Software Development, IT Management | |
|
University of Oxford (UK) | $52,000 (INR 45.66 L) per year; 3 years | Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Computational Biology |
|
University of California, Berkeley (USA) | $57,000 (INR 50.03 L) per year; 4 years | Data Science & Analytics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Networks |
Medicine and healthcare courses are said to offer the most prestigious careers, and pursuing one from abroad helps students explore a range of streams, gain advanced clinical training and learn from global experts.
| Top Universities Abroad (Country) | Average Tuition Fees & Duration | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University (USA) | $65,000 (INR 57.07 L) per year; 4 years | Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Human Biology |
|
University of Oxford (UK) | $52,000 (INR 45.66 L) per year; 3 years | Medical Sciences, Clinical & Health, Neuroscience |
|
Johns Hopkins University (USA) | $60,480 (INR 53.09 L) per year; 4 years | Pre-Medicine, Public Health, Molecular & Cellular Biology |
|
Stanford University (USA) | $63,000 (INR 55.32 L) per year; 4 years | Human Biology, Medicine, Bioengineering, Health Policy |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA | $64,000 (INR 56.18 L) per year; 4 years | Biological Engineering, Computational Biology, Neuroscience |
Being one of the least talked about disciplines, Architecture courses from abroad offer a range of promising career opportunities. Additionally, with the rise of sustainability, demand for architectural professionals will rise in the near future.
| Top Universities Abroad (Country) | Average Tuition Fees & Duration | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, USA) | $59,000 (INR 51.83 L) per year; 4 years | Bachelor in Architecture, Urban Design, Building Technology |
|
University College London (UCL, UK) | $44,000 (INR 38.66 L) per year; 3 years | BSc Architecture, Sustainable Design, Urban Studies |
|
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft, Netherlands) | $42,000 (INR 36.86 L) per year; 3–4 years | Architecture, Urbanism & Building Sciences, Landscape Architecture |
|
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) | $38,000 (INR 33.36 L) per year; 3 years | Architecture, Integrated Building Systems, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Harvard University (USA) | $62,000 (INR 54.42 L) per year; 4 years | Architecture & Design, Urban Planning, Architectural Theory |
Hospitality is one of the most wide-ranging disciplines to study. With career opportunities in hotels, tourism and travel, students can enjoy a rewarding career with the Hospitality Management course.
| University (Country) | Approx. Tuition Fees & Duration | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
| $51,870 (INR 45.55 L) per year; 3 years | Hospitality & Leisure Management, Tourism, Event Management | |
| $57,855 (INR 50.78 L) per year; 3 years | Hospitality Business Management, Leisure & Tourism | |
| $74,656 (INR 65.60 L) per year; 4 years | Hospitality Management, Business & Marketing in Hospitality | |
| $66,500 (INR 58.38 L) per year; 4 years | Hospitality Management & Food Studies, Service Industry Management | |
|
University of Central Florida (USA) – Rosen College of Hospitality Management | $20,980 (INR 18.43 L) per year; 4 years | Hospitality Business, Tourism, Event & Attraction Management |
An opportunity to study law abroad after 12th grade is also an exciting prospect, given the various disciplines for specialisations that lead to a prestigious legal career at a global level.
| Top Universities Abroad (Country) | Estimated Tuition Fees & Duration | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
|
Stanford University (USA) | $65,910 (INR 57.85 L) per year; 4 years | Legal Studies, Constitutional Law, International Law |
|
Harvard University (USA) | $61,676 (INR 54.21 L) per year; 4 years | Law & Legal Studies, Public Policy, Corporate Law |
| $52,000 (INR 45.66 L) per year; 3 years | LLB Law, Legal Theory, International Legal Practice | |
|
University of Oxford (UK) | $52,000 (INR 45.66 L) per year; 3 years | Jurisprudence, Human Rights Law, Comparative Law |
|
New York University (USA) | $62,796 (INR 55.22 L) per year; 4 years | Legal Studies, Business Law, International Law |
For students with creativity and critical thinking, there is a range of courses that serve disciplines like literature, film, fine arts and more.
| University (Country) | Approx. Tuition Fees & Duration | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University (USA) | $59,320 (INR 52.06 L) per year; 4 years (Harvard College) | History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
|
University of Oxford (UK) | $46,900 (INR 41.17 L) per year; 3 years (Oxford University) | English Literature, History, Philosophy, Politics |
| $46,900 (INR 41.17 L) per year; 3 years (Cambridge University) | History, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology | |
|
Stanford University (USA) | $67,731 (INR 59.48 L) per year; 4 years (Stanford University) | History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
|
University of California, Berkeley (USA) | $44,008 (INR 38.64 L) per year; 4 years (UC Berkeley) | History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
Also read: Best Degree Courses after 12th: Eligibility & University
Students planning to study abroad must meet certain eligibility requirements, score well in required tests and submit necessary documents to get admission in foreign university after 12th. Here are the detailed insights that will help you prepare your application well.
The eligibility criteria for each university abroad vary; however, some of the basic requirements that students must meet are:
For a successful admission to a foreign university, students must clear a few international exams after 12th grade. These tests evaluate the student's language proficiency, academic talent and whether they are the perfect fit as per the global standards. The common tests include:
For admission purposes, students are required to submit a list of mandatory academic and personal documents that prove their background, eligibility, and preparation to study abroad after 12th from India.
Now that you are familiar with the admission requirements to study abroad, it's time to learn the steps you must follow to apply for foreign universities after 12th. Here is a detailed description of the admission process.
Step-1. Research and Choose Your Destination Country
The process starts with exploring the best countries to study abroad that can be an ideal fit for your overseas education. Here, you must take into account various factors like quality of education, cost of living, and possible career opportunities.
Step-2. Select Your Desired Course and Universities
Once you have finalised the destination country, it's time to look for the country's popular programs and top universities. Explore the aspects like the university rankings, average fees, or course duration to make an informed decision.
Step-3. Check Admission Requirements
After you are all set with the selected institutions and course, it's time to look for various admission requirements, including academic conditions, language proficiency criteria, and other required standardised tests.
Step-4. Prepare for and Take Required Exams
Start preparing for the required exams, including the English proficiency tests or any program / country-specific tests. Scores of these tests help showcase that you are a perfect fit to study in the given country.
Step-5. Gather Required Documents
Once you have appeared for the test and achieved the required score, the next crucial step is to prepare a list of mandatory documents. This includes academic records, a valid passport, letters of recommendation and other necessary paperwork.
Step-6. Write Your Statement of Purpose
Next step is to craft a compelling statement of purpose highlighting your motivation, personal interests and goals. A well-crafted SOP showcases that you are a perfect fit for the program and university you are applying to.
Step-7. Apply to Multiple Universities
Once you have prepared the mandatory documents and appeared for the required tests, it's time for you to apply to multiple universities and tailor the application for each institution.
Step-8. Apply for Scholarships
Studying abroad is no doubt an expensive prospect; however, with the help of various scholarships for Indian students to study abroad after 12th, you can easily reduce the financial burden. Thoroughly research for various available scholarships that can fund your education.
Step-9. Accept the Offer and Pay the Deposit
After receiving the letter of acceptance from the university, choose your preferred institution and pay any required deposit to secure your seat in the program.
Step-10. Apply for a Student Visa
Once admission to the university is confirmed, it's time for you to apply for a student visa that acts as a legal permit to travel and study in a particular country
Students planning to study abroad after 12th have to thoroughly consider the cost of studying and the major factors influencing this cost. The overall cost differs significantly according to the country, institution and study field chosen. Here is the detailed breakdown of the key factors that contribute to the cost of studying abroad.
Tuition Fees
Living Expenses
Transportation
Additional Expenses
The dream to study abroad after 12th is generally an expensive prospect that often discourages students from planning their journey. However, universities and the government help students get scholarship to study abroad after 12th to relieve the financial stress. Here is a list of the top study abroad scholarships available for students.
| Scholarship Name & Country | Eligibility | Scholarship Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada) |
| Full tuition, books, and residence support for 4 years |
| Clark Global Scholarship Program (USA) |
| $15,000–$25,000 per year (renewable) |
| Reach Oxford Scholarship (UK) |
| Full tuition, living expenses, and one return airfare per year |
| UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship (UK) |
| Full or partial tuition coverage |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program (Canada) |
| Full tuition and living expenses |
| Yale University Scholarships (USA) |
| Need-based full or partial funding covering tuition and living costs |
| Monash International Merit Scholarship (Australia) |
| Up to AUD 50,000 toward tuition over degree duration |
| Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (Australia) |
| 50% tuition fee reduction |
| Illinois Wesleyan International Student Scholarship (USA) |
| $16,000–$30,000 per year (renewable) |
| University of Sydney International Scholarship (Australia) |
| Covers tuition fees and living allowance |
Summing up, this ends up our informative journey of learning about the decision to study abroad after 12th. With a wide range of benefits, world-class education, experienced faculty, and promising career opportunities, nothing stops you from planning your journey abroad. In addition, with access to scholarships for Indian students to study abroad after 12th, you can plan your journey stress-free.
Still waiting? Connect with our study abroad consultants today, and together let us turn your overseas education dream into reality.
The best course for studying abroad after 12th depends on the students' interests and stream, with popular options including:
Yes, students can choose to study abroad after 12th; however, students have to make sure to meet admission and other requirements for successful admission to the college abroad.
After completing the 12th Grade, students have a variety of educational opportunities to choose from when planning to study abroad. Some of the top options include Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK and Germany. These countries are recognised for offering world-class education.
Students passing from the science field have a variety of options available that completely depend on personal study goals and interests. Students interested in healthcare can go for MBBS, and for a career in technology, computer science, and engineering are top options.
Among the various options, Germany, Norway, and Mexico are generally considered the cheapest countries to study abroad because of low or no tuition fees and a reasonable cost of living.
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