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Study Abroad After 12th: What are the Best UG Courses Abroad?

Last updated27th Oct 2025
10 mins read
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Bindu
Published by Bindu Mary Idicula

Head of Operations - Tamil Nadu | International Education Expert

As thousands of students plan their university studies abroad, the question arises: What course should they study abroad after 12th? Universities and higher education institutions across the globe offer a range of Bachelor’s, certificate, and diploma programmes that students can pursue to study abroad after 12th.

From Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University in the US to the University of Melbourne in Australia, students will have their choice of universities, courses, and student opportunities to select from. Moreover, choosing to study abroad after 12th sets a good foundation for your future around the world since degrees earned from study destinations like the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Ireland are reputed and recognised by other academic institutions and employers around the world.

Why Study Abroad after 12th?

Your choice to study abroad after 12th comes with benefits that will last you a lifetime or maybe even more. Graduates from universities abroad often lead lucrative and successful careers in the job or business of their dreams. While Indian degrees offer these opportunities as well, their reach and recognition are a little more restricted compared to foreign degrees. Listed below are some reasons why you should study undergraduate courses abroad.

  • High Quality Global Education: Choosing to study abroad after 12th opens up the opportunity to access world-class universities, specialised programmes, advanced research facilities, and practical learning experiences, unlike any other.
  • Improved Career Opportunities: With the high-quality global education comes improved career opportunities since students are trained and qualified to tackle professional challenges from a global perspective. From enhanced employability to global networking opportunities, studying abroad after 12th will only bring better opportunities.
  • Professional and Personal Growth: With the added benefits of global employability come the increased opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. Through cultural immersion and an environment that cultivates a broader perspective, undergraduate courses after 12th are a strong method to start your journey of growth.
  • Getting an Early Start: While many choose to study postgraduate or research programmes abroad, starting with an undergraduate degree can open up a sea of options, both academically and professionally, earlier than others. Starting early will allow you to adapt to foreign cultures, traditions and environments quickly, allowing you a slight edge over others who choose to study PG abroad.

Among the more popular undergraduate courses to study abroad after 12th are degree programmes in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The high academic and professional prospects upon graduation are often a primary reason for many to choose STEM as their undergraduate field of study. Among the top countries to study abroad, the US is often considered the best for STEM degree programmes. Here is a list of undergraduate courses abroad that you can pursue after 12th.

Course NameJob RolesAnnual Salary (in USD)
Computer Science and ITSoftware Engineering, Data Scientist, AI/Machine Learning Engineer, Cloud Architect, Web Developer, IT Project ManagerUS $75,000 - $220,000
Mechanical EngineeringProduction Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Design EngineerUS $ 40,000 - 165,000
Electrical and Electronics EngineeringControl Systems Engineer,
Embedded Systems Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer
US $60,000 - $200,000
Robotics and MechatronicsRobotics and Mechatronics Engineer, Automation Engineer, Drone Engineer, Aerospace EngineerUS $60,000 - $220,000

Sources: ZipRecruiter, Payscale, Indeed, Glassdoor

Note: The salary ranges described in the table highlight the salaries earned by professionals in the entry to senior levels in the respective subjects.

A common choice among future leaders of organisations is to pursue their higher education course in Business and Management. While it is common for students to pursue an MBA or other business courses at the PG level, many students also choose to create a stronger base for themselves by enrolling in business courses to study abroad after 12th. Canada is considered one of the best countries for higher studies in Business and Management degree programmes, along with the US and the UK. Here is a list of Business and Management courses you can apply to after graduating from high school.

Course NameJob RolesAnnual Salary (in CAD)
MarketingDigital Marketing Specialist, Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Market Research Analyst, Content Marketing Manager, CA $40,000 - $90,000
Human ResourcesTalent Acquisition Specialist, Recruitment Consultant, HR Compliance Officer, Training and Development SpecialistCA $45,000 - $85,000
Supply Chain and LogisticsSupply Chain Analyst, Procurement Specialist, Warehouse Operations Manager, Supply Chain Consultant, Logistics CoordinatorCA $45,000 - 100,000
Business AnalyticsBusiness Analyst,
Data Analyst,
Management and Consultation, Operations Analyst, Marketing Analyst
CA $55,000 - $96,000

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale, Ziprecruiter

Note: The salary ranges described in the table highlight the salaries earned by professionals in the entry to senior levels in the respective subjects.

Among the many academic disciplines chosen by students around the world are social sciences and humanities courses to study abroad after 12th grade. From subjects such as Political Science and Public Policy to Psychology and Media Studies, aspirants can choose from a range of courses based on their interests and career aspirations. Among the countries that students choose to study humanities and social science courses abroad is Australia. Take a look at the following list of popular undergraduate courses abroad for Social Science and Humanities.

Course NameJob RolesAnnual Salary (in AUD)
EconomicsFinancial Analyst, Economic Consultant, Market Research Analyst, Public Sector EconomistAU $70,000 - $120,000
PsychologyCounselling Psychologist, Organisational Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Social WorkerAU $50,000 - $110,000
Political SciencePolicy Analyst, Foreign Service Diplomat, Urban Planner, Intelligence Analyst, Legislative AnalystAU$70,000 - $130,000
AnthropologyHuman Resource Generalist, Government Officer, Forensic Anthropologist, Development WorkerAU $60,000 - 100,000
Mass Communication/JournalismJournalist, Content Creator, Digital Marketer, Event Manager, Public Relations ManagerAU $55,000 - 1150,000

Source: SEEK, Glassdoor, Payscale, Indeed

Note: The salary ranges described in the table highlight the salaries earned by professionals in the entry to senior levels in the respective subjects.

While slightly uncommon compared to the other popular disciplines, students from across the oceans also choose to pursue creative arts and design courses to study abroad after 12th. The academic and career opportunities available to students after pursuing these courses are often high as well, depending on how niche and in-demand their respective skills and qualifications are. The United Kingdom (UK) is often listed among the top countries to study creative arts and design courses. Listed here are some of the popular undergraduate courses abroad for creative arts and design courses.

Course NameJob RolesAnnual Salary (in GBP)
Film and Media ProductionProducer, Film and Media Director, Screenwriter, Media Planner£25,000 - £60,000
Animation and VFXAnimator, VFX Artist, Character Designer, Motion Graphics Designer£20,000 - £ 40,000
Fashion DesignTextile Designer, Fashion Designer, Fashion Stylist, Visual Merchandiser£20,000 - £35,000
Interior DesignCommercial/Residential Interior Designer, Lighting Designer, Exhibition/Event Designer, Set Designer£25,000 - £40,000
Game DesignGame Designer, Level Designer, Game Programmer, Quality Assurance Tester£25,000 - £40,000

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale

Note: The salary ranges described in the table highlight the salaries earned by professionals in the entry to senior levels in the respective subjects.

Admission Requirements to Study Abroad After 12th

The admission requirements to study abroad after 12th will depend on the academic discipline you wish to pursue, as well as the university you wish to enrol at. However, at the undergraduate level, the admission requirements are often similar across different countries. Here are the admission requirements for undergraduate courses abroad.

  • Candidates should have cleared their high school or class 12 final examinations with high academic results in a field related to the course they wish to study.
    • For example, for STEM courses, particularly Science and Engineering courses, candidates should have cleared the final examinations in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
  • Many universities will also require additional exam scores from tests such as the SAT and ACT in the USA, or appear for university-specific entrance tests, if required.
  • Depending on the country they will be travelling to study abroad after 12th, candidates will also be required to present valid language proficiency test scores.
    • For example, in English-speaking countries, international students whose primary language is any language other than English must provide valid English test scores from IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, PTE or any other recognised by the respective countries.
  • Universities may additionally require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letters of Recommendation (LOR) to further cement a candidate’s suitability for a particular course.
  • In some universities, international students can also apply for scholarships at the time of registration for admission to the institution. Therefore, check all the scholarship opportunities in your desired university for your desired course before sending in your application.

Scholarships to Study Abroad After 12th

It is common for universities and higher education institutions to offer financial aid and scholarships to study abroad after 12th as a reward or need-based aid for academically meritorious students who have displayed immense potential for excellence across different fields. Listed below are some of the more popular scholarships to study abroad after 12th.

Scholarship NameFundingEligibility
Cornell University Tata Scholarship, USAFull tuition fees coverage for a four-year undergraduate course.Be a citizen of India, with an admission offer letter from Cornell University to a four-year undergraduate degree programme.
UBC International Major Entrance ScholarshipCA $10,000 - $20,000/yearBe an international student studying at UBC on a Canadian Student Permit. Display exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise and also show impressive extracurricular and community involvement.
DAAD ScholarshipsVaries depending on Programme. A limited number of scholarships are available for UG coursesDisplay excellent academic record and language proficiency in either English or German (Depending on the course)

Note: At universities and higher education institutions abroad, it is more common to see scholarships and financial aid for postgraduate or master’s degree programmes. However, there are a few institutions that offer undergraduate scholarships to help students pursue higher studies abroad.

Those who choose to study abroad after 12th will bring in immense opportunities for their professional development in their respective fields. Starting early with a bachelor’s degree will allow students to pursue their desired postgraduate programme as well, allowing them to place themselves at a competitive advantage. The weight and prestige that a foreign degree holds across the globe allow for magnified career advancement. Therefore, if you have planned to build a successful career and lifestyle, then choosing the right course, college and career, and starting early is the best way to achieve those goals. Wait no longer! Get in touch with our expert study abroad counsellors and take the first step towards achieving your goals today!

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Study Abroad After 12th FAQs

Bindu
Published by Bindu Mary Idicula

Head of Operations - Tamil Nadu | International Education Expert

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With an impressive career spanning 20 years, Bindu Mary Idicula is a highly respected expert in the international student recruitment industry. Her extensive experience covers every facet of the student journey, including counselling, business development, and marketing.

Bindu has built her career at renowned organizations like AECC and Study Overseas Global Pvt Ltd. This long and stable history at the forefront of the industry demonstrates her deep commitment and understanding of the challenges and opportunities for students aiming to study abroad.

As the current Head of Operations for Tamil Nadu at AECC, Bindu leads the teams responsible for student success in the entire state. Her progression from Assistant Office Manager to her current leadership role showcases a comprehensive, ground-up understanding of what students need to succeed. This gives her a unique perspective on the specific questions and concerns of students and families in the Tamil Nadu region.

Bindu can help you with

  • Getting Trusted, Local Insights: As the Head of Operations for Tamil Nadu, she is perfectly positioned to provide advice that resonates with the local community's needs and aspirations.
  • Navigating the Entire Process: Use her 19 years of experience in counselling, marketing, and operations to get a complete, 360-degree view of your study abroad journey.
  • Making Strategic Decisions: Benefit from her expertise in business development and strategic planning to choose the university and country that best aligns with your long-term goals.
  • Building a Path to Success: Leverage her deep knowledge and sincere, dedicated approach to build a confident and clear path toward your international education.

Bindu holds both an MSc in Biotechnology and an MBA in Marketing from prestigious institutions like Bharathiar University and the University of Madras, combining scientific analytical skills with strategic business acumen.

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