Study Abroad After 12th – The number of Indian students moving abroad for education has increased by 70% since 2021. Currently, nearly 14 lakh Indian students are studying abroad, mainly in the USA, the UK, UAE, Canada, and Australia, and the numbers are said to keep rising.
Students are exposed to wide opportunities across various aspects of life while studying abroad. While this looks very lucrative to the students, they often get derailed in the process. Hence, in this blog, we’ll discuss all that you need to know about studying abroad after the 12th
Documents Required to Study Abroad
1. Valid passport
This is an obvious document for travelling abroad. You cannot afford to have any errors in this document. Ensure that your name, date of birth, and other details match those in all the other documents.
Your passport expiry data must be at least six months away from your planned return date; hence, ensure your passport is renewed accordingly.
2. Student Visa
There are several types of visas available in any country. The right type of visa depends on the purpose of your visit. For studying abroad, you will need a student visa. However, there could be different visas offered for different types and duration of study.
Know the different types of student visas in different countries through the link below.
3. Transcript of Grades
You must provide official copies of your academic transcripts when applying. These transcripts serve as your academic records, similar to your consolidated mark sheets, and also attach details such as degrees earned and courses completed in the past.
4. LOR
A Letter Of Recommendation is a letter written by a staff member of your previous school or workplace about your performance and vouching in your favour.
It is another important piece of documentation that helps the admissions committee evaluate your profile. It gives them insights into your journey through school and introduces you, stating your achievements and unique working patterns.
5. Proof of Funds
When applying for a visa, you must provide evidence of your financial capacity to cover tuition fees and living expenses. This will be cross-verified through bank statements.
Additionally, you can submit documentation such as student loan statements or other proof of income during the visa application process to prove your ability to fund your education abroad.
6. SOP
The Statement of Purpose (SOP) plays a crucial role in the application process. It discusses your academic and professional background, outlines the motivation for pursuing a specific course, and describes the reasons for choosing that particular institution.
Craft this essay carefully as the admissions committee closely examines the SOP as it is integral to the evaluation process. Some institutions also give higher weightage to this essay than to your entrance test scorecards!
7. Entrance Test Scorecards
You will have to take certain eligibility tests based on the course and the university you are applying for. English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc and technical exams like GMAT, GRE, LSAT
These scorecards have a limited time validity of 1 or 2 years; hence, make sure to take the right test at the right time.
In recent years, universities have started accepting applications without these tests; however, it is better to have these scorecards handy as they act as an advantage.
Check out the universities that accept applications without entrance tests in
8. Health Insurance
Health care is expensive in most countries, such as study abroad destinations like the US, the UK, the UAE, Australia, etc.
Unlike in India, you must mandatorily have a health card to access health care services. As a student, you may be tight on your budget and cannot risk spending huge chunks on contingencies.
Evaluate different insurance policies and your coverage requirements and choose the best one for you.
9. Admission Offer Letter
The admission offer letter could simply be an email, but that is the confirmation that you made it to the university abroad. The first offer letter is usually the conditional one, and only after you fulfil the mentioned conditions, you will be given an unconditional/ final offer letter.
10. Curriculum Vitae
You might not have much work experience to add to your resume but you need to work on a good curriculum vitae mentioning your achievements participation while going to study abroad.
Application Procedure for Studying Abroad after Completing 12th Grade
1. Research and Select Country/Universities/Programs
When considering studying abroad after completing 12th grade, one of the crucial steps is to thoroughly research and select the country, universities, and programs that align with your academic goals and personal preferences.
Start by identifying the countries that offer programs that interest you. Consider factors such as language requirements, cost of living, cultural diversity, and post-graduation work opportunities and ensure that the programs not only meet your academic requirements but also provide a wholesome learning experience.
2. Meet Admission Requirements and take necessary tests
Make sure to meet all the criteria, such as academic qualifications, language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and any other specific requirements.
Depending on the course and institution requirements, prepare for and take any necessary standardised tests such as SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT. These scores play a significant role in determining your eligibility for admission.
Preparing for these tests is essential as they play a significant role in determining your eligibility for admission right after completing your 12th since there is not much to strengthen your eligibility.
3. Prepare Application Documents
Once you have met all the necessary prerequisites, it’s time to prepare your application materials.
This includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining your educational objectives and career aspirations, and any additional documents as requested by the university.
Along with these documents, make sure to take a medical test and arrange for health insurance for your stay in the host country.
4. Complete Online Applications and Pay Application Fees
Make sure to double-check all information provided before submitting your application to avoid any errors that could delay or jeopardise your chances of acceptance.
Stick to the given timeline and make all your submissions in time because these submissions are the first impression you make, and you don’t want to take a chance on this. In many cases, when there are too many applicants, the universities stop accepting applications.
So stay on the safer side, complete the application process and make payment well in time.
5. Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid
You can take advantage of many national and international scholarships offered to study in renowned universities abroad after the 12th. Some of these cover only the tuition fees fully or partially, and some others may cover your living expenses and insurance as well.
If you are not funding yourself, then you can start applying for education loans with the conditional offer letter as proof.
6. Attend Interviews (if applicable)
Some universities may require you to attend interviews to shortlist you for the final selection. This interview can be scheduled before or after releasing your conditional offer letter.
Prepare well for the interview by researching common interview questions and practising your responses.
7. Fulfil the conditions of the offer letter and receive the unconditional offer letter
The first offer letter released to you will contain some conditions like clearing all your final exams, maintaining a particular GPA at the end of the final exams, showing proof of funds, paying an upfront payment within the given date, etc.
Only after fulfilling all the conditions mentioned by the university, will you be granted an unconditional offer letter so that you can move abroad after the 12th
8. Apply for a Visa
You can start applying for a Visa as soon as you get the conditional offer letter, but it is advisable to wait until you get the final offer.
While applying for Visa, check all the different types of student visas from the host country and apply for the right one. The type of visa varies depending on the type of course and duration of the course.
10. Prepare for Departure
Once all your previous steps are set, start shopping and packing for your departure. It’s going to be a great ride ahead, especially when you’re moving to study abroad right after your 12th grade.
Why Study Abroad after the 12th?
1. Get a heads-up by starting early
Starting international studies right after high school gives you a head start in understanding diverse cultures and educational systems, preparing you for the globalised world ahead and providing a competitive advantage in future endeavours.
2. Well-designed curriculum
Universities abroad offer well-designed undergraduate programs emphasising practical learning and industry-relevant skills. This exposure to innovative teaching methods and research opportunities aids your academic development and prepares you for the modern workforce.
3. Get decisive and become self-reliant sooner
Studying abroad immediately after the 12th grade encourages you to become more decisive and self-reliant early on. Away from home, you’ll learn to make independent decisions, manage finances, and tackle challenges, building self-confidence for future success.
Want to Study Abroad With a Guaranteed Scholarship!
Studying abroad after 12th grade opens a world of opportunities, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and educational systems. With careful preparation and adherence to the necessary documentation and application procedures, you can begin your educational journey smoothly. Beyond the academic benefits, the experience fosters independence, self-reliance, and a global perspective, setting the stage for a successful future in the increasingly interconnected world.
If you want to study abroad with a guaranteed scholarship then, get in touch with us, and we can offer you fee waivers and scholarships. Our admission counsellors are experts who can help you in making your study abroad journey worthwhile.
FAQ Related to Study Abroad After 12th
1. When should I apply for a student visa?
You should apply for a student visa as soon as you receive an acceptance letter from your chosen university or institution abroad. Visa processing times vary by country, so it’s advisable to start the application process well in advance, typically several months before your intended start date.
2. Is it better to study abroad after the 12th?
Studying abroad after the 12th can be advantageous as it offers an opportunity for your personal growth, academic excellence, and cultural immersion at a crucial stage of development. It allows you to start gaining international exposure early, which can enhance your career prospects.
3. Which country is the best for studying abroad after the 12th?
The best country for studying abroad after the 12th depends on individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals. Popular destinations for international students include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, and France, among others, each offering unique academic programs, cultural experiences, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
4. Which course is the best to study abroad after the 12th?
Popular fields of study among international students include engineering, computer science, business administration, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. However, the best course to study abroad after the 12th varies based on individual interests, skills, and career aspirations.
It’s advisable to research and choose a course that aligns with your academic strengths and long-term goals.
5. Which course is in demand abroad?
Courses in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, including computer science, engineering, data science, and biotechnology, are often in high demand abroad due to global advancements in technology and innovation.
Additionally, healthcare-related fields such as medicine, nursing, and public health, as well as business and management programs, remain popular choices among international students due to their strong job prospects and huge potential for career growth.
