After finishing grade 12, the decision to study abroad makes a significant difference in life. Higher education abroad gives students access to the best learning programs, international work options, and multicultural experiences. International universities accept Indian students after they finish their secondary education. Before starting the application process, students must understand the requirements to study abroad from India.
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This guide will explain everything students need to know before they can attend foreign universities. Read on.
Choosing the Right Country and University for Your Study Abroad Journey After 12th
Deciding which country and university is one of the most important elements of your educational journey. Each nation follows its own admission standards and students should assess all study options before taking action. Choosing the correct country and university to attend has major effects on your education. It determines future employment options and financial security. The following factors are essential to assess when picking the best country to study abroad for indian students after 12th:
- Course Availability: Make sure the university teaches your program with excellent faculty members
- Tuition Fees & Living Costs: Check if the combined expense of tuition fees and living costs suit your present financial status
- Scholarship Opportunities: Schools and universities should have scholarships to help students study overseas after 12th
- Job Prospects After Graduation: Check for available employment in your chosen field along with internship options
- Post-Study Work Visa Policies: After graduation, international students may qualify to stay and find employment in certain nations
- Cultural & Language Adaptability: Check how easily students can connect with others while living in that environment
Best Study Abroad Destinations for Indian Students After 12th
The table below provides a detailed comparison of top study destinations for Indian students, including course availability, tuition fees, and post-study work visa policies.
| Country | Popular Courses | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Post-Study Work Visa Duration | Scholarship Opportunities |
| USA | Engineering, Business, IT | $15,000 – $50,000 | Up to 3 years (for STEM graduates) | Fulbright Scholarships, AAUW International Fellowships, Harvard Financial Aid |
| Canada | Healthcare, Management, CS | CAD 15,000 – CAD 40,000 | Up to 3 years | Ontario Trillium Scholarship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship |
| UK | Law, Medicine, Humanities | £10,000 – £40,000 | 2 years | Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships |
| Australia | Accounting, Nursing, Engineering | AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 | Up to 4 years | Australia Awards Scholarships, Destination Australia Scholarship |
| Germany | Automotive Engineering, Data Science | Mostly free (public universities) | 18 months | DAAD Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships |
| New Zealand | Business, Agriculture, Environmental Science | NZD 20,000 – NZD 35,000 | Up to 3 years | Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships, NZIDRS Scholarships |
Academic Requirements for Studying Abroad After 12th
Every university has different admission requirements. Some institutions are flexible with 60-70% marks, while the best foreign universities for Indian students after 12th may require 90% and above. Apart from percentages, some programs also have subject-specific prerequisites, entrance tests, and additional selection criteria.
To help you understand the requirements to study abroad from India, here is a detailed table outlining the minimum percentage and additional academic criteria for different countries:
| Country | Minimum Marks Required | Additional Requirements | Best Fields of Study |
| USA | 70-85% (varies by university) | SAT/ACT (for top universities), Strong extracurriculars | Business, Engineering, Computer Science |
| Canada | 65-75% (minimum) | Some universities require English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) | Healthcare, Business, Information Technology |
| UK | 60-75% (depends on the course) | Some programs may require A-levels or a foundation year | Law, Humanities, Medicine |
| Australia | 60-70% (higher for competitive courses) | Some universities may ask for an entrance exam (like UCAT for Medicine) | Accounting, Nursing, Engineering |
| Germany | 70% and above (especially for public universities) | Studienkolleg (preparatory course) for students with lower grades | Automotive Engineering, Data Science, Management |
If your marks are lower than the required percentage, you can still apply by improving your application in the following ways:
- Enroll in a Foundation Course or Pathway Program: Some universities offer pre-bachelor’s courses for students who don’t meet the direct entry requirements to study abroad after 12th.
- Retake Key Subjects for Higher Grades: In some cases, re-attempting board exams can improve eligibility.
- Take Additional Entrance Exams: SAT, ACT, or subject-specific tests can enhance your profile.
- Highlight Extracurricular Achievements: Universities also consider leadership skills, community service, and other achievements.
Language Proficiency Tests
Most universities require students to prove their English proficiency if English is not their first language. English language tests help universities assess a student’s ability to communicate effectively in an academic setting. These tests are especially important for students from non-English-speaking countries like India.
There are several globally recognized English proficiency tests, and the minimum score requirements vary depending on the university and course.
| Country | IELTS (Minimum Score) | TOEFL (Minimum Score) | PTE (Minimum Score) | Duolingo (Minimum Score) |
| USA | 6.0 – 7.5 | 80 – 110 | 50 – 70 | 95 – 120 |
| Canada | 6.0 – 7.0 | 80 – 100 | 50 – 65 | 95 – 120 |
| UK | 6.0 – 7.5 | 80 – 110 | 50 – 70 | 95 – 120 |
| Australia | 6.0 – 7.0 | 80 – 100 | 50 – 65 | 100 – 125 |
| Germany | 6.0 – 7.0 | 80 – 100 | 50 – 65 | 95 – 120 |
| New Zealand | 6.0 – 7.0 | 80 – 100 | 50 – 65 | 95 – 120 |
If you don’t meet the minimum score requirements to study abroad from India, you can:
- Take preparatory English courses before retaking the test.
- Enroll in university pathway programs that provide English training.
- Use online practice tests and study guides for better preparation.
- Take English improvement classes in India before applying.
Essential Documents Required for Applying to Foreign Universities After 12th
When applying to foreign universities after completing 12th grade, students need to submit a set of essential documents. Below is a detailed list of the essential documents required for applying to foreign universities after 12th, along with their importance.
| Document Name | Purpose & Importance |
| 10th & 12th Mark Sheets | Required to verify academic performance and eligibility for the chosen course. |
| Passport (Valid for at least 6 months) | Essential for visa application and international travel. |
| English Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo) | Most universities require proof of English language skills. |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A personal essay explaining why you want to study abroad, career goals, and course choice. |
| Letter of Recommendation (LOR) | Written by teachers, principals, or academic mentors to highlight a student’s abilities and achievements. |
| Resume/CV | Outlines your academic background, extracurricular activities, and internships (if any). |
| Bank Statements (Proof of Financial Support) | Required to show that students or their sponsors can afford the average cost of studying abroad. |
| University-Specific Application Forms | Every university has an official application form that must be filled out correctly. |
| Medical Certificate & Health Insurance | Some countries require students to submit a medical fitness certificate. |
| Entrance Exam Scores (SAT, ACT, GMAT, LSAT, etc.) | Required for specific programs such as business, law, and engineering. |
| Scholarship Application Documents | Many universities offer scholarships for studying abroad after 12th based on academic merit. |
Entrance Exams & Additional Tests Required for Studying Abroad After 12th
Many international universities require students to take standardized entrance exams as part of the admission process. These exams assess academic abilities, logical reasoning, language proficiency, and subject-specific knowledge.
| Exam Name | Required For | Courses | Test Format | Score Range | Validity |
| SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) | USA, Canada | Business, Science, Engineering | Math & Evidence-Based Reading/Writing | 400-1600 | 5 years |
| ACT (American College Testing) | USA | Business, Medicine, Law | English, Math, Reading, Science & Writing (Optional) | 1-36 | 5 years |
| GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) | USA, UK, Canada | Management (BBA, MBA) | Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quant, Verbal | 200-800 | 5 years |
| LSAT (Law School Admission Test) | USA, Canada | Law | Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension | 120-180 | 5 years |
| MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) | USA, Canada | Medicine | Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning | 472-528 | 3 years |
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | USA, UK, Canada, Australia | All Courses | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 0-9 | 2 years |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | USA, Canada | All Courses | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 0-9 | 2 years |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) | Australia, UK, Canada | All Courses | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 0-9 | 2 years |
Financial Planning and Scholarships for Studying Abroad After 12th
Studying abroad can be expensive. The average cost of studying abroad varies based on the country and university. However, there are several ways to reduce tuition fees:
Types of Financial Aid for International Students
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with strong academic records.
- Need-Based Scholarships: For students who need financial support.
- Government-Funded Scholarships: Offered by various countries.
Popular Scholarships for Studying Abroad After 12th for Indian Students
| Scholarship Name | Country | Eligibility Criteria |
| Chevening Scholarships | UK | Merit-based |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | Canada | High academic merit |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australia | Strong academic record |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Research-based |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | Leadership potential |
Student Visa Requirements & Application Process for Studying Abroad After 12th
Every country has different visa requirements. Here’s what you need to apply:
- Valid Passport
- University Acceptance Letter
- Proof of Funds (Bank statements, scholarship letters)
- Health Insurance
- Visa Application Form
- Biometric & Medical Examination Reports
Processing Time for Study Visas in Popular Countries
| Country | Visa Processing Time |
| USA | 3-5 weeks |
| Canada | 4-6 weeks |
| UK | 3-4 weeks |
| Australia | 4-6 weeks |
| Germany | 8-12 weeks |
Conclusion
International students need to prepare their admission applications correctly before starting their studies abroad after 12th grade. If you match all application standards and complete your submission in advance you will get accepted by elite international universities.
Visit Transglobal Overseas for educational advice about scholarships and we will connect you to the right options for studying abroad after 12th. Get in touch with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the basic admission requirements to study abroad after 12th?
Students must present their passport, academic records, English language test scores and financial records combined with their personal career goals and educator recommendations. Some educational organizations demand students to pass SAT subjects and specific entry exams.
2. Which are the best countries to study abroad after 12th?
Top choices include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand. These countries offer quality education, globally recognized degrees, and excellent job opportunities. Canada and Germany are popular for affordability, while the UK and USA provide diverse courses.
3. What exams are required to study abroad after completing 12th?
Students need particular exams as set by their country’s education system and institution of choice. Studying abroad after completing Class 12 demands English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. To study at certain universities students need to submit their SAT scores or take the ACT exam plus GRE results for graduate programs and GMAT results for business school.
4. What is the minimum academic percentage required for admission to foreign universities?
Most universities require at least 60% in 12th grade, but top institutions may ask for 70-80% or higher. Pathway programs accept students with lower scores, while competitive courses like medicine or engineering demand higher academic performance.
5. Is it possible to study abroad after 12th without IELTS?
Yes, some universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia accept students without IELTS if they studied in an English-medium school or pass an alternative English test. Some countries also allow students to take university-conducted language assessments instead of IELTS.
6. How much does it cost to study abroad after completing 12th?
Costs vary by country and course. Tuition fees range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year. Living expenses add $8,000–$20,000 annually. Countries like Germany and Norway offer low or no tuition fees, while scholarships can help reduce costs.
7. How to choose the right university for studying abroad?
Consider factors like course quality, university rankings, tuition fees, scholarships, location, career opportunities, and visa policies. Research faculty expertise, industry connections, and alumni success. Consulting education counselors or university representatives can help in decision-making.
8. Is a student visa required to study abroad after 12th?
Yes, students need a study visa for their chosen country. Requirements include an admission letter, financial proof, a valid passport, and sometimes a visa interview. Popular study destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia have specific visa categories for students.
