Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students: Top Picks After 12th
Study Abroad After 12th: Exams, Scholarships & Top Universities
So, you’ve just finished your board exams (or are about to) – well done! Now comes the big question: what’s next? Everyone seems to have advice, but if studying abroad has ever been on your mind, you’re about to begin an exciting journey. It may feel overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’re here to help.
Studying Abroad after the 12th offers amazing opportunities, but it also involves key decisions: where to study, entrance exams, scholarships, visas, flights, accommodation – and, of course, convincing your parents it’s a great investment! At MetaApply IE, we’ve guided many Indian students through this process. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to get you started.
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!
Best Countries & Courses to Study Abroad After 12th
Picking the right country to study abroad is the first big decision. Every destination has its own perks, and depending on your field of study, career goals, and budget; one might suit you better than the other. So, when choosing a study destination, consider factors like quality of education, career prospects, cost of living, work opportunities, and more. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you out:
| Country | Why It’s Popular | Best For | Avg. Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Diverse programs, vibrant campus life, high employability | STEM, Business, Arts | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| UK | Shorter degree duration, prestigious universities, diverse culture | Business, Law, Humanities | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Canada | Post-study work opportunities, high quality of life, easy PR pathways | IT, Healthcare, Business | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Germany | Free/low-cost education, strong research focus | Engineering, Medicine, Business | $0 – $15,000 |
| France | Cultural hub, affordable public universities | Fashion, Business, Arts | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Russia | Affordable education, state-of-the-art medical programs | Medicine, Engineering | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Australia | Top global universities, strong employability rates | Business, Science, Engineering | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Study Destinations
If you are open to some offbeat Study Abroad Destinations around the world, you may consider these absolutely underrated yet worthwhile havens:
Malta: English-speaking, affordable, great for tourism and hospitality courses.
Georgia: Increasingly popular for medical studies at lower costs.
The Netherlands: Innovative programs, many courses in English.
Ireland: Great for IT, business, and research programs.
New Zealand: Fantastic student lifestyle, good post-study work opportunities.
ProTip:
If budget is a concern, Europe (especially Germany, France, Georgia, the Netherlands, Malta, etc.) offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost, with affordable living standards as well. Plus, many universities offer English-taught programs. So that can be your best bet!
Courses You Can Study Abroad After 12th
(A.K.A. The Big Decision!)
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!
Entrance Exams to Study Abroad After 12th
Unfortunately, you cannot just pack your bags and show up at your dream university! Most institutions require you to appear for some standardised tests. Here’s a quick look at what you might need:
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo: If English isn’t your first language, you may need one of these to prove your proficiency via these tests.
SAT/ACT: Required by many US universities for undergrad admissions. SAT is more common, while ACT includes a science section.
GMAT/GRE: Mostly required for master’s programs, but some UG global business schools might ask for them as well.
Country-Specific Tests: For example, UCAT for medical students in the UK, AP Exams for advanced college credits in the US, etc.
ProTip:
Some universities have waived SAT/ACT post-pandemic, so check specific admission requirements before stressing over them! For more information on entrance tests for studying abroad, you can read this article.
Scholarships to Study Abroad After 12th
Let’s be real: studying abroad isn’t cheap. Financing your education overseas can be quite daunting, but there are plenty of ways to cut down your expenses, and the numerous Scholarship Opportunities can help ease the burden. A lot of universities around the world offer merit-based scholarships, whereas several organisations provide grants based on need, academic excellence, or even quirks! Here are some major scholarship types to look out for:
Merit-Based: Awarded based on academic excellence. (e.g., Rhodes Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship etc.)
Need-Based: For students from lower-income or financially weaker backgrounds. (e.g., Tata Scholarship for Cornell University)
Country-Specific: Government scholarships like Chevening (UK), DAAD (Germany), Erasmus (Europe) etc.
University-Specific: Many universities offer their own financial aid options. (e.g., University of Toronto, Harvard, MIT, etc.)
ProTip:
Start applying early! Scholarship deadlines are often 6-12 months before the admissions close, and early application increases your chances of landing one.
List of Documents You Need to Prepare in Advance
Yes, paperwork is a pain, but you cannot escape it if you wish to study abroad after 12th. Here’s your essential checklist:
- Academic Transcripts and Mark Sheets
- English Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc.)
- Entrance Exam Scores (SAT, ACT, etc.)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Your ‘Why’ for Studying Abroad!
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from Teachers, Mentors, Employers
- Student VISA Documents (VISA Application, Passport, Acceptance Letter)
- Financial Documents (Bank Statements, Proof of Funds, etc.)
- Medical Insurance: Some countries make it mandatory
If this extensive list of documentation and processes feels overwhelming, our expert team at MetaApply IE helps students take care of it all so you can actually focus on getting into your dream university!
Final Thoughts: You Have Got This!
Studying abroad goes beyond just academics; it’s all about experiencing both professional and personal growth, building lifelong friendships, and creating memories that shape your future.
Applying to study abroad after 12th can be confusing and overwhelming, but that’s where we step in! We can help you navigate the complexities of international education with our end-to-end study abroad services, from the initial application to finding your new home out there. MetaApply IE is your all-in-one platform for:
University Shortlisting: Find the perfect fit based on your budget, eligibility, and other preferences.
Entrance Tests Prep Guidance: Tips, mock tests, and expert advice to ace Exams to Study Abroad.
Application & VISA Support: Assistance with SOPs, LORs, VISA documentation and processing, etc.
Scholarships & Financial Aid: Helping you find the best scholarships and apply for education loans.
End-to-End Services: From choosing a country to settling in, we’ve got your back every step of the way.
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.
So, what are you waiting for?
Gear up, take that leap, and make the world your classroom – let’s get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, you should start at least 12-18 months in advance as it gives you enough time to research universities, prepare for entrance exams, apply for scholarships, and complete VISA formalities without any last-minute stress. However, it is possible to apply at the last minute as well!
Most universities in English-speaking countries require you to appear for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo as proof of language proficiency. However, some universities may also waive this requirement if you have previously studied in an English-medium school.
Yes! Many countries allow international students to work part-time during studies and full-time during the holiday season. In fact, countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK offer post-study work VISAs as well, making it easier to gain experience after graduation.
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