Completion of 12th grade means the end of an era, the end of school life. This is the time when students start stepping forward towards their higher dreams. Making their dreams come true, some students start dreaming of moving abroad for their career, goals, and higher education. Whether moving for a bachelor’s degree, a diploma, or a special program. Studying abroad opens great exposure to new cultures, infrastructure, specialized courses and research, global job opportunities, and ultimately, personal growth. But to fulfill the dreams into reality requires comprehensive planning, research, paperwork, finances, and smart decision-making.
This blog covers all the details about how to study abroad after 12th from India, covering topics such as general requirements, essential documents, how to apply, counselling, top courses, and so on. Process of how to study abroad after 12th from India?
Process of how to study abroad after 12th from India?

Studying just after 12th grade abroad can be a hectic process if a student does not know where exactly they have to start. This process is time-consuming and can take months or even a year.
1. Start early and do your research (at least 1 year before)
As it is a time-consuming process, and researching after 12th exams can be hectic and may delay your admission. Always start early, at least 1 year before your final exams. Research universities and courses you want to pursue; never go with the well-known names. Do your own research that fits with your budget, course, and scholarship requirements.
2. Understand eligibility and entrance requirements
After searching for a university and a course, the next step is to understand and note the eligibility criteria for the specific university. Every university has its own requirements, its own marks, and grade requirements for every other course. Look at what requirements are there for your course and what kind of specific entrance exam they take, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or their own university entrance test.
3. Prepare for and take required exams
IELTS and TOEFL may sound easy, as they are English proficiency tests, but it is way harder than one can expect. Divided into four parts: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. One needs to score a good band score. Many institutions provide coaching for these exams. So start preparing for this at least one to two years before, and give one of these exams a year before, as the band score is valid for 2 years. Which makes the process easier.
General requirements for study abroad after 12th from India
Apart from all the points mentioned above, there are some more general requirements to look into before directly applying for any university to study abroad after 12th grade from India
1. Financial planning (Cost and schedule)
Studying abroad requires hefty fees for university, accommodation, and other personal expenditures. So, doing financial planning, such as savings, searching for part-time job options, and taking out education loans. Totalling the overall cost is mandatory to look at how much one needs for everything, tuition fees, living, and personal care.
2. Application process
Look for what applications need to be filled out for admission. Check whether the application form is active for admission, the deadlines for the forms, and the required fee for filling out the form. Keep a better watch on how to fill the form, the required information, and the tracking of deadlines.
3. Academic reputation
Before finalizing any university, one should always check the university’s reputation and ranking online. Apart from that, the most important thing is the placement ranking and the opportunities they provide with global companies.
4. Part-time jobs
To support their extra expenses, individuals can look for part-time jobs that are offered there for students, especially international students. And do international students need any type of verification?
5. Visas and pre-departure
Applying for a visa requires broad documentation and an application. Also, a visa takes much time to be processed, so prepare all the documents in advance, such as filling out forms for a visa, paying visa fees, proof of admission, funds, and accommodation proofs and documentation. Pre-departure preparations are also mandatory, such as booking tickets, packing necessary items, documents, and most importantly, having health insurance and medical tests.
6. Living standard, safety, cultural fits
Moving to a new place is always about knowing and fitting into the culture. Knowing about the living standard, safety, and cultural fits helps students to get more familiar with the environment before they step into the country.
Essential documents one should keep for study abroad after 12th from India:
Keeping essential documents organized and together is crucial, as every document is important for admission to study abroad after 12th grade from India and the boarding process. Here’s a list of needed documents:
- 10th & 12th mark sheets
- 12th Passing certificate
- Provisional / migration certificate
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- National ID proof
- IELTS / TOEFL / PTE scorecard
- SAT / ACT scorecard
- NEET scorecard for medical students
- University application form
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Letters of recommendation (LORs)
- Resume / CV
- Portfolio for design or architecture students
- Bank statements
- Affidavit of support
- Income tax returns (ITR)
- Education loan documentation (If applicable)
- Scholarship award letters
- Offer letter/admission letter
- Visa application form
- Visa fee receipt
- SEVIS fee receipt (for US only)
- Medical certificate/health check-up reports
- Health/travel insurance policy
- Proof of accommodation
- Flight booking (sometimes asked during the visa process)
- Vaccination certificates
- Extracurricular certificates
Ready to study abroad after 12th from India:
Planning to study abroad after 12th from India, then don’t keep it just a dream. Start your research, preparation, and documentation with the help of My Mentor, guiding you throughout your journey. From providing coaching for the English language test to counselling for your dream university, we are your guiding angel for how you can study abroad after 12th from India, which makes the process easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I study abroad right after 12th without IELTS?
Yes, some universities and countries accept admission without IELTS, but it depends on the country and university.
Q2. Which are the top countries to study abroad after 12th for Indian students?
The most preferred countries are the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Singapore, but the choice depends on your budget, course, and career goals.
Q3. What is the minimum percentage required to study abroad after 12th?
Different universities have different requirements, but generally, you should have at least 50–60%. For top-ranked universities, 80–90% or more may be required.
Q4. Can I work while studying abroad?
Yes, most countries allow international students to work part-time during their studies.
Q5. How long does the process take?
The process can take 8–12 months, including preparing for exams, applications, visa processing, and pre-departure arrangements. That’s why starting early is always recommended.
Conclusion
Studying abroad after 12th from India may sound like a hectic and lengthy process, but with proper guidance, the burden may be reduced. From researching universities to preparing for English language proficiency tests, My Mentor is there for you. Studying abroad opens the door for building a future, global opportunities, better exposure, and personal growth. So if you are one of those students, start preparing for your future with My Menotre.