After Class 12

How to Study Abroad After 12th From India

Yusra
Senior Academic Counsellor

According to government data, over 1.3 million Indian students studied abroad in 2024, a number that continues to rise each year. But here’s what most parents don’t realise: nearly 60% of these students faced delays or application issues due to incomplete documentation, poor subject alignment, or lack of personalised guidance.

If you’re a parent in India wondering how to study abroad after 12th, you're not alone. Many families are excited by the opportunities, but overwhelmed by decisions: Which country? Which course? What tests are needed? Can we afford it?

This article is crafted especially for parents like you. We’ll walk through every essential step - calmly, clearly, and with your family’s goals in mind. You’ll walk away understanding how to make informed choices, plan early, and give your child the global edge, without relocating or confusion.

Why Do Indian Families Choose to Study Abroad After 12th?

Studying abroad after the 12th standard is no longer just for elite institutions or niche careers, it’s a mainstream path chosen by thousands of Indian families seeking:

  • High-quality education in global classrooms

  • Exposure to international perspectives and soft skills

  • Better employability in India and abroad

  • World-class infrastructure and faculty

  • Access to cutting-edge research and innovation

For parents, the motivation is simple: We want our children to thrive: not just academically, but personally and professionally.

You’ll be able to shortlist universities with confidence when you understand how global admissions work and what truly sets applications apart.

Need help shortlisting the right course and country? Our expert counsellors at Flylane can guide you, book your counselling session.


Step 1: Choosing the Right Abroad Courses After 12th

The foundation of your child’s journey is the course they choose. Parents often wonder  which are the best courses to study abroad after 12th, and the answer depends on your child’s stream - Science, Commerce, or Arts - and their interests.

Best Courses to Study Abroad After 12th Science:

  • Engineering (Mechanical, Computer, Civil, Aerospace, Robotics)

  • Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

  • Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (MBBS, Nursing, Physiotherapy)

  • Biotechnology, Genetics, Environmental Science

  • Data Science, Cybersecurity

Best Courses to Study Abroad After 12th Commerce:

  • Accounting and Finance

  • Business Administration and Management

  • Economics and International Trade

  • Marketing, Digital Media, and Advertising

  • Hotel Management and Event Planning

Best Courses to Study Abroad After 12th Arts:

  • Psychology and Behavioural Sciences

  • Graphic Design, Fine Arts, and Architecture

  • Film Studies, Journalism, and Media

  • Political Science, Sociology, International Relations

  • Languages, History, and Literature

Pro Tip: Choose a course that aligns with future job markets and your child’s personality and aptitude. A strong interest leads to better performance and long-term career satisfaction.

Step 2: Select the Right Country for Study Abroad

Once the course is selected, the next big decision is location. Every country offers something unique, and choosing the right one depends on budget, visa rules, climate, post-study work options, and cultural comfort.

Most Popular Study Abroad Destinations for Indian Students:

  • USA: World’s top universities, flexible credit system, great for STEM.

  • Canada: High acceptance rates, work rights during and after study, immigrant-friendly.

  • UK: 3-year bachelor’s programs, globally respected universities.

  • Australia: Warm climate, excellent student safety, work opportunities.

  • Germany: Low or no tuition in public universities, excellent engineering programs.

  • New Zealand: Quality education, simpler visa process, low competition.

Your child can explore subjects that match their strengths and global trends, while you as a parent can feel secure knowing the country has support systems in place for international students.

Step 3: Understand International University Requirements

Here’s where many applications go wrong: misunderstanding entry requirements. Each country and course may ask for specific documents, exams, or subject scores.

Common Requirements After 12th for International Admission:

  • Transcripts: Marksheets from Classes 9–12

  • English Language Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE (mandatory for non-native English countries)

  • Standardised Tests: SAT, ACT (primarily for the US); some courses waive these

  • SOP/Personal Statement: A letter explaining your child’s goals, achievements, and motivation

  • Letters of Recommendation: From school teachers or mentors

  • Portfolio (if applicable): For design, art, architecture, media-related courses

Minimum Percentage:

Most universities require at least 60–70% in 12th boards. Some top programs may ask for higher.

Concerned about CBSE, ICSE, or State Board equivalency?
Good news: All major international universities recognise Indian boards - but some may require subject-level clarifications or foundation years.

Step 4: Build a Winning Student Profile

Top universities abroad don’t just look at marks. They want students with leadership, initiative, and a clear sense of purpose.

Key Elements of a Strong Student Profile:

  • Academic performance (consistency across grades)

  • Extracurriculars: Sports, drama, debates, volunteering, coding

  • Internships or projects related to the course of interest

  • Global exposure: Summer schools, exchange programs, Olympiads

  • Clarity of goals: Why this course, why this country, and future vision

Flylane offers personalised counselling sessions that help Indian students build strong profiles, map subject choices, and understand how to prepare for international applications - without the need to relocate.

Step 5: Application Timeline for Studying Abroad After 12th

Early planning makes all the difference. Here's a sample timeline for Indian students in Class 11 or 12.

Phase
Activities
Ideal Timing
Planning & Research
Choose course, shortlist countries
Class 11, April–August
Standardised Tests
Prepare & appear for IELTS/SAT
Class 11 end to Class 12 start
Profile Building
Extracurriculars, internships
Throughout Class 11 & 12
Application Writing
SOPs, LORs, documentation
Class 12, Sept–Nov
Application Submission
Through direct or common portals
Sept–Jan
Scholarship & Offers
Receive and compare offers
Jan–April
Visa & Travel
Apply for visa, book tickets
May–July

By planning early, your child avoids missed deadlines, rushed essays, and scholarship losses - issues that commonly derail last-minute applications.


Step 6: Budgeting, Scholarships, and Overseas Education Loans India

Studying abroad can be expensive, but with smart planning and the right advice, it can be affordable too.

Common Costs to Expect:

  • Tuition Fees: ₹8–35 lakhs/year depending on country and course

  • Living Expenses: ₹6–15 lakhs/year

  • Application & Exam Fees: IELTS/SAT fees, university application fees

  • Travel, insurance, and visa processing

Ways to Manage Finances:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Offered by universities and governments (e.g., Chevening, DAAD)

  • Need-Based Aid: For students from low-income families

  • Overseas Education Loans in India: Banks like SBI, HDFC Credila, and NBFCs offer study abroad loans with or without collateral

  • Part-time Jobs Abroad: Allowed in most countries during studies

Book a premium counselling session with a Flylane study abroad consultant – designed to bring clarity, strategy, and long-term success to your family’s global education journey.

Outcomes You Can Expect From a Well-Planned Journey

When you follow the steps above with the right guidance, here’s what you’ll gain:

  • A clear roadmap for your child’s education and career

  • Confidence in choosing the right country, course, and curriculum

  • Higher chances of scholarship and university admission

  • Avoidance of costly application mistakes and delays

  • Peace of mind knowing you’ve given your child the best start

Final Takeaway for Parents: Your Role Is Crucial

As a parent, you’re not just funding your child’s future - you’re helping shape it. With the right planning, support, and expert advice, your child can pursue world-class education without limits.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Want a subject and application plan tailored to your child? Talk to our study abroad consultants to explore your overseas options

Book a premium counselling session with a Flylane expert - designed to bring clarity, strategy, and long-term success to your family’s global education journey.

Scholarship Name
Country
Covers
Eligibility
Application Timeline
USA
Tuition, living, travel, visa
For graduates, high academic record
Opens Jan–Mar annually
Various
Tuition, living, contingency fund
SC/ST/OBC candidates, income < ₹8 lakh, primarily for postgraduate and doctoral studies
May–July

Canada
Full tuition, books, residence
Exceptional academics & leadership
Sept–Nov
UK
Full/partial tuition
Class 12, financial need
Opens in Feb, closes April
USA/UK/EU
Tuition + living (partial)
Merit-based, strong academic background
Feb–May
Various
Tuition (partial)
Indian citizens, financial need
Varies by program
Germany
Tuition + monthly stipend
Strong academics, German language a plus
Starts Sept
Australia
Full tuition, living, airfares
Must return to India post-study
Feb–April
Country
Avg Tuition (per year)
Living Costs (monthly)
Notable Universities
Language
Germany
€0–€1,500
€700–€1,000
TU Munich, Heidelberg
English/German
Poland
€2,000–€4,000
€500–€800
Jagiellonian University
English/Polish
Hungary
€2,000–€4,500
€400–€700
University of Szeged
English/Hungarian
France
€2,700–€3,700
€700–€1,200
Sorbonne, Sciences Po
English/French
Taiwan
€2,000–€4,000
€400–€700
NTU, NCTU
English/Mandarin
Mexico
€1,000–€3,000
€300–€600
UNAM
Spanish/English
Czech Republic
€0–€3,000
€500–€900
Charles University
English/Czech
Phase
Activities
Ideal Timing
Planning & Research
Choose course, shortlist countries
Class 11, April–August
Standardised Tests
Prepare & appear for IELTS/SAT
Class 11 end to Class 12 start
Profile Building
Extracurriculars, internships
Throughout Class 11 & 12
Application Writing
SOPs, LORs, documentation
Class 12, Sept–Nov
Application Submission
Through direct or common portals
Sept–Jan
Scholarship & Offers
Receive and compare offers
Jan–April
Visa & Travel
Apply for visa, book tickets
May–July

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