In the recent era, every student aspires to pursue their higher education overseas after the 12th. It is a challenging endeavour that demands meticulous preparation, planning, proper execution of the dream, and then finally taking off
to study abroad at a dream university.
According to the data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs, more than 13,00,000 Indian students were pursuing higher education in 79 countries worldwide. This is mainly because studying abroad can not only help you grow as a person but has countless benefits. It can enable you to improve your language skills, experience a different teaching style, broaden your network, learn about new cultures and perspectives, and unlock countless fruitful career opportunities. It also helps in gaining crucial life skills like independence and adaptability, which are pivotal for personal development.
However, the process of going to study abroad after 12th from India can be quite intimidating and challenging. One must choose the country and the university where they will pursue their dream studies. Then, they must research what major they will opt for, clear the necessary entrance, fill out the application form for the university, and apply for a student visa.
Seems a tad bit much, isn’t it? No need to worry. In today’s comprehensive post, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make your dream of studying abroad a reality. We have also outlined certain crucial pointers that will help you easily prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Fasten your seatbelt. Let’s take off!
Studying abroad is a life-changing and enriching experience in an individual's life. Hence, one should invest their precious time and conduct extensive research before jumping into the first destination that comes to mind.
To aid you, here are certain crucial factors you must consider that will get you one step closer to your study abroad aspirations –
If you’re on the fence about where to study, you can narrow down your choices by figuring out the answers to the below-enlisted questions –
For a more balanced approach, it is vital to consider your personal preferences when selecting your study location.
The cost of education, including tuition and student living expenses, is critical when selecting a country for overseas education.
Additionally, scholarship opportunities available in the universities can also impact your decision greatly. Certain students opt for European countries like Germany as they offer no-cost or incredibly affordable education.
Try to look at international university rankings to decide which will meet your needs. You'll be spending most of your time at your educational institution, so it's crucial to find the best choices for you. You can also check the academic rankings of Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE). They rank universities by teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry income. Determine which aspects are crucial for you to narrow down the options effectively.
Another key factor to consider when choosing a study-abroad destination is the post-graduation prospects of the country and the program. Students must research the employment opportunities available in the country they're interested in. They should also check the demand and salary for their field of specialization in the country's job market.
Studying abroad is not only about academics. Hence, students should evaluate the quality of life and safety of the country they are considering. These should incorporate factors like healthcare facilities, transportation system, climate, social environment, recreational activities, and cultural diversity. They should select a country that suits their lifestyle preferences and offers a secure and comfortable living experience.
Based on these critical aspects and more, here are some popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students after 12th –
 United States |
 UK |
 Sweden |
 Ireland |
 Canada |
 New Zealand |
 Australia |
 Singapore |
Whenever a student decides to study abroad after 12th, the first query that crops up in the mind is about the course that will align with their future aspirations. However, many students fail to understand the significance of selecting the right course and later regret rushing into a decision.
But no need to worry. We’ve got your back. Here, we have compiled a list of strategies that will help you clear your mind and focus on something that you will want to do in your lifetime –
Ask yourself – "What are your objectives for your study abroad experience? Are you interested in improving your language proficiency, broadening your perspectives, or gaining international exposure for your resume?"
Every student has their unique interests and career aspirations. By pursuing a specific course, they can build a successful career in their selected field. Hence, choosing a study abroad program that aligns with your interests and career objectives is crucial, ensuring a fruitful future ahead.
Making a well-informed decision to get the most out of your study abroad experience is crucial. Planning carefully will lead you to better decision-making. Conduct extensive research on the courses that you aim to pursue further. Check out the various kinds of courses that are available in the area. Ensure to list universities offering that specific course or related courses.
Also, explore the career prospects of the course, as that is your ultimate objective. Remember to learn about the entry requirements for those courses and evaluate whether you can apply for them. You also need to check whether you can apply and get admission to this intake or if you need to wait for another intake.
Before making the final decision, you must check the course you want to pursue is accredited. Often, the college itself is registered but also offers non-accredited short courses. This doesn't necessarily mean they're scamming you. The best way to ensure is to contact the university you aim to study in. Tell them about the course you want to study and ask whether it is accredited. If it is, they'll offer you a valid accreditation number. You can then go about searching this number online to evaluate if they were speaking the truth.
Now that you're well-versed with the guidelines to choose the right course that fits you and your interest, let's figure out the visa requirements for studying abroad from India after the 12th.
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Student visas are issued to applicants pursuing higher studies in a foreign country. It is indispensable to apply for a study visa if you aim to study abroad after the 12th from India.
Remember, every country has its own set of immigration regulations. Numerous common attributes are evident across all kinds of student visas as well.
Have a look at certain crucial aspects you must know to get a student visa for various countries effortlessly –
There are different kinds of student visas you need to know about. The basic categories are –
Based on the duration/tenure of the course/program applied for, the student visa can often be divided by several nations into long-term or short-term visas. The visas are offered to students planning to apply for a diploma certificate/harsh language course, and the whole tenure is limited to 90 days or 3 months. Mostly, long visas are provided to those planning for degree courses beyond 3 months, incorporating smaller certificate programs and internships of 6 months.
Regardless of the course duration, certain countries divide student visas based on the program type or student. This may be the degree level (graduate, undergraduate, or doctoral) and type of student, like an exchange student or someone applying for a diploma or a vocational course. The visa will also depend on the tenure.
While documents and guidelines may vary across countries, most countries need certain standard documents to apply for a student visa. These are –
Certain countries even require health test results or blocked accounts, among other information, along with SOPs for visas. Thus, make sure to check everything carefully before applying.
The process for applying for a student visa starts with your university offering you an acceptance letter. Candidates can apply for their visa via two methods –
The next step incorporates paying a Visa Application Fee. Each student would then need to pay a student visa fee for his application process. The final stage would incorporate submitting the application process along with supporting documents.
Indeed, studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any student, but it also proves to be heavy on the pockets. So, you must always weigh the cost factor while planning your study abroad journey. Here are certain things you need to kind in mind before taking the leap –
This is one of the crucial elements of your study abroad expenditures. It depends upon three crucial aspects – country, program, and university. After tuition costs, determine the accommodation expense of studying in a particular country or university. Most study programs offer on-campus accommodation facilities. In certain places, students also decide to stay in rented places. The cost can vary hugely based on the type of accommodation and location.
To do financial planning accurately, ensure to create a budget. It should outline how much you will spend on food, transportation, souvenirs, cost of study materials, clothing, and other needs. You should also set some budget aside for your weekend trips.
Remember to do in-depth research on various educational institutions in your preferred destination and what kind of scholarship opportunities they offer by visiting the universities. Also, check your eligibility for the scholarships available. You can also check out central and state government schemes to fund foreign education.
The Indian government, on its own and in collaboration with numerous international companies and universities, offers remarkable scholarships for study abroad programs. Additionally, determine whether your state government has any such scheme to fund your higher education.
It will be also helpful to have a word with study overseas consultants in your home country so they can enable you to narrow down your program choices by evaluating your best academic, cultural, and financial fit based on your individual preferences.
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The admission process for foreign universities can be hugely challenging and demands careful planning and preparation. Apart from selecting the right course and university, you must also be well-versed with the admission process.
Have a look at the various aspects of the general admission process for different universities that will help you navigate this exciting journey easily –
Each institution and university abroad has a unique timetable and procedure. Numerous institutions accept applications year-round, while others have three application deadlines. Hence, be aware of the admission process of the universities you've shortlisted.
It is crucial to keep your academic profile strong as your 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are taken into consideration during the admission process. The projects and papers that you’ve completed will also be taken into consideration by certain universities.
Submitting your application to the university within the specified deadline is essential. It is always wise to apply to 3-4 universities to improve your chances of acceptance. Keep certain documents like high school transcripts, scores in the language proficiency test, proof of financial funds, SOP, LOR, and application essays ready while applying for a university.
To get admission to a foreign university after the 12th, you must appear for language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc. Certain universities also demand that students appear for the SAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAR, and ACT to evaluate their verbal, quantitative, subject, or reasoning skills.
The university will consider your application and will make the final decision. When you finally receive the acceptance letter, pay the fees to the college. After that, you need to wait until you receive your student visa.
One of the crucial aspects of your study abroad adventure is finding the right and affordable accommodation. There are two kinds of accommodation you can choose from –
Are you wondering which one will be better for you? Look at the table given below before taking your pique between on-campus and off-campus accommodation –
As you see with various choices available, it's significant to consider factors like location, budget, facilities, and proximity to campus. It's also important to consider the cost of studying abroad and plan accordingly. However, you must adjust to your life abroad whichever option you choose.
Access to quality healthcare and medical services is vital in ensuring a safe and successful study abroad experience. Health insurance and healthcare are crucial in safeguarding your well-being and financial security while pursuing higher studies. Here are certain compelling reasons why health insurance is crucial for international students –
Now, while studying abroad, students usually have two options to get health coverage -purchasing insurance through their university or choosing an external insurance provider. Most universities have health insurance plans that are made particularly for international students. These plans are usually made to meet the specific requirements of international students and offer comprehensive coverage.
Another option is to explore external insurance providers that deal in international student health insurance. Conducting extensive research and comparing various plans is crucial to finding the one that suits you best. Also, consider essential aspects like coverage cost, network of healthcare providers, and any additional benefits or services offered.
First things first, international students who desire to work while they study in a foreign country need to acquire a work permit, also known as a visa or authorisation. The process of acquiring a work permit depends on the country you plan to study in.
However, it typically includes the below-enlisted steps –
When pursuing higher studies abroad, you may find that a part-time job can help pay a few extra bills or fund leisure activities that would have been otherwise outside of your budget. A good part-time job for international students should fit the student's lifestyle, help them to develop stronger language skills, help them to integrate quickly into a new culture, and meet new friends. It should also offer some good work experience and open future opportunities.
You may find part-time jobs at the university, restaurants and bars, call centres, and customer service-related jobs.
You can also find internship opportunities within a company relevant to your field of study, or co-op or placement. Being an intern offers you the much-needed experience and opens numerous horizons. Based on the country and your field of study, you can also be hired by the company once you complete your courses.
One of the first things you will need to seriously consider while planning to study abroad is adapting to a new culture. You will notice significant cultural differences whenever you decide to pursue studies in a foreign land. The best thing to do is to adapt to the new culture, as it can enable you to establish a global outlook and appreciate other cultures.
Adapting to a new culture does take time, and it is not something you can do overnight. Here are certain strategies you can implement to ease into a new culture –
This is a given, but it is imperative to research your host country before setting foot there. This will enable you to understand your new country remarkably and learn what you can expect, thereby reducing the cultural shock.
You can also learn about various strategies, resources, and help available to you from students who have been in your shoes by going through the university's website.
You must also be open-minded and ready to adapt to a new culture. Consider it a learning experience where you'll understand a new way of life in aspects of culture, values, language, traditions, etc. It will also enable you to know the common etiquette in your host country.
Etiquette can vary widely from one country to another. Something considered polite in your culture can be perceived as an insult in other cultures. Hence, you need to learn the basic etiquette of your country beforehand and observe how locals interact with each other.
Another effective way to adapt to culture when studying abroad is to make the most of your experience. You'll get to meet new people from around the world. Make new friends and bond with others. You can make friends from other cultures and make it a point to learn about their culture and share your own. You can also join societies and clubs to overcome culture shock at your university. This way, you’ll find others with similar interests and make lifelong friends.
You are all set to move to a foreign land for higher studies. But first, let us prep you for your flight and journey abroad. Here's a list of all the essential documents you need to keep with you before you embark on this new journey –
Here are certain final tips you must remember to have a stress-free journey –
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Studying abroad can bring many rewards, but visiting a foreign land has significant risks. However, you can easily mitigate those risks and protect your safety no matter where you're staying in by following certain simple strategies.
Here are some of them –
At the end of the day, you want your study abroad experience to be fun and with little or no hassle. Hence, by becoming well aware of these hazards and taking certain safety precautions, you can avoid any trouble and have a great time abroad!
Studying abroad is an incredible way to gain precious skills, valuable knowledge, and enriching experiences that can help you boost your career prospects. After completing your studies, numerous career prospects will be available to you. Some of the most popular choices are –
After completing studies abroad, most students return to their home country to begin their careers. This can be a great choice if you have a specific job or career path in mind or have strong connections in your home country.
Another option is to stay in the country where you studied after graduation and look for employment opportunities there. This can be an outstanding way to gain valuable experience in an international setting and to continue immersing yourself in the country's culture.
You can also decide to continue your education after completing your studies by pursuing a Master's or Doctorate. This can be a great way to gain more knowledge and skills in a particular field and increase your career opportunities.
Studying abroad can also be an exceptional way to gain the extensive knowledge and skills you need to begin your own business. Most students who study abroad return home with a new perspective and a wealth of knowledge about different cultures and markets, which can be an asset when starting a business.
You can also choose to work in the field of education after graduation. After graduation, you will become an alumnus of your chosen university. So, you can use your alumni network or community to connect with students, network, and benefit from your association. This can help you pursue a prosperous future.
Wrapping Up,
Planning to study abroad at your dream universities after the 12th is an exciting yet daunting task that demands careful consideration and preparation. Choose the right university, country, and course based on what is most conducive to your learning needs and career aspirations. Numerous obstacles can come your way, but with caution and proper planning, you can unlock unlimited possibilities.
However, remember, the experiences you gain, the perspectives you develop, and the independence you’ll build will shape you in ways you can’t even imagine yet. But you need to get out there first.
Seize this golden opportunity and make the most of your life. Bon Voyage!
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