How to Study Abroad represents the entryways to the worldwide education, international contacts and employment. By 2026, it is expected that, more countries will ease visa and admission procedures as over 750,000 Indian students will seek higher education abroad.
This is not only about admission but it also includes the right choice of country, shortlisting universities, preparation of entrance tests, funds, and visa. Whereas undergraduate applicants might be required to pass an exam such as the SAT or ACTs, graduate students might be required to pass exams such as GRE or GMAT as well as English proficiency examination and tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Planning ahead is key. Applicant 12-18 months early are more likely to be accepted in your program of choice and/or receive scholarships. This guide will divide the steps to follow when studying abroad into easy steps that will guide you through applications to getting to your dream destination.
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1. How to Study Abroad: Identify Your Goals & Fields of Study
In the very first step, you have to figure out what exactly are your goals or question “What do you want to be?”. You can figure it out by questioning yourself:
What do you want to do in your life?
In what things, you are good at?
What personality do you aspire to be? (Any ideal person)
What more you like to do – Creative things or Logical Reasoning?
What subject is your most favorite at school?
Is you passion more drawn toward money?
These questions can help you realize what field to choose or what to become. Here are some most common study fields and professions students choose for studying abroad:
The next step is to choose the country where you want to study. Every country has its own rules, education system, fees and job chances. You should select a country based on your budget, career plan, and comfort.
Over 1.3 million Indian students are currently studying abroad, with Canada as the top choice, followed closely by the United States. Canada is known for its clear PR pathways, while the US provides high-paying roles in tech, finance and research. Studying abroad can lead to higher salaries, with 41% of employers considering candidates with international experience for higher pay.
Some top countries to study abroad:
Canada: Easy PR, good part-time work, and safe
UK: 2 years post-study visa, famous universities
USA: Top-ranked universities, lots of courses
Australia: Good weather, PR options, popular for Indian students
Germany: Low or no tuition fee, best for engineering
New Zealand: Peaceful, good for business and IT
Ireland: Tech companies, good for master's students
3. How to Study Abroad by Selecting the Best Course & University
After deciding on your field of study, the next step is to identify the right course and university abroad. This choice shapes your academic growth, career path and return on investment. Students should evaluate not only rankings but also course structure, teaching style, and opportunities for internships or research.
What to consider when selecting a course and university abroad:
Accreditation and reputation: Check global and subject-specific rankings, accreditations, and reviews.
Curriculum fit: Compare course modules with your academic interests and long-term career goals.
Location and lifestyle: Assess whether the city or country suits your preferences, climate, and cultural environment.
Cost and scholarships: Look for tuition fees, living costs, and scholarship or assistantship options.
Career opportunities: Research employability rates, internship tie-ups, and alumni outcomes.
Entry requirements: Ensure you meet prerequisites such as test scores, GPA, or work experience.
To help you decide easily, here are some most taken courses and Best Universities:
Field of Study
Example Courses
Best Universities
Data Science / AI
MSc Data Science, MSc AI & Data Science
University of Edinburgh, University of Oxford
Computer Science
MS/PhD in CS, AI specialization
MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley
Business Administration
MBA, MiM, MSc Management
University of St. Gallen, HEC Paris, INSEAD, Imperial College London
Engineering
MEng in Mechanical/Civil/Software
TUM (Germany), RWTH Aachen, IITs (India)
Environment Studies
MSc in Renewable Energy, Sustainability
ETH Zurich, TUM, University of Oxford
Health Sciences
MSc Public Health, Biomedical Engineering
Johns Hopkins, Imperial College of London
By comparing courses and universities on these parameters, you’ll have a clear shortlist of institutions where you’ll thrive academically and professionally.
4. Take Required Tests
Most universities abroad ask for standardised test scores to assess your readiness for academic work in an international setting. These may include English-language proficiency exams or subject-specific tests. Knowing which tests to take early on will save time and money.
Subject or country-specific tests:LSAT (Law), MCAT (Medicine), or other professional exams
Make sure you check the entry requirements of your shortlisted universities. Register for these tests well in advance and prepare properly to meet the score requirements.
5. Prepare and Submit Applications
The fifth step of how to study abroad guide is to prepare and submit applications to those universities and country visa where you intend to study. Once you’ve selected your course and university, this step requires applying for the Universities for specific course. This involves gathering all required documents and presenting a strong profile to improve your chances of admission.
Key points to keep in mind while applying:
Application forms: Fill in carefully with accurate information.
Studying abroad requires careful financial planning. Consider tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and additional charges. Scholarships and financial aid can significantly reduce the cost, and some programs even allow you to study tuition-free.
Consider part-time work options: Check if your student visa allows limited work hours.
Explore tuition-free countries: Some countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland offer free or very low-cost education for international students.
Here are approximate costs you can expect in the countries you go for studies:
Country
Tuition (per year)
Living Expenses (per year)
USA
$20,000 – $50,000
$10,000 – $15,000
UK
£15,000 – £30,000
£8,000 – £12,000
Germany
€0 – €3,000
€8,000 – €10,000
Canada
CAD 15,000 – 35,000
CAD 10,000 – 12,000
Australia
AUD 20,000 – 45,000
AUD 12,000 – 15,000
Read the ways to Study Abroad for Free in 2026, by checking out fully-funded scholarships.
7. Accept Offer & Apply for Student Visa
After receiving an offer letter from your chosen university, the next step is to accept the offer and start your student visa application. This step is critical because a student visa is mandatory for legal study abroad, and the process can take several weeks or even months. Proper preparation ensures a smooth transition from admission to travel.
Our “How to Study Abroad” guide has student visa factor more important as the others. So here are the steps for student visa application:
Accept the offer: Confirm your admission within the deadline specified by the university. Pay any required deposits to secure your seat.
Review visa requirements: Each country has specific visa criteria, including financial proof, health insurance, and sometimes language proficiency.
Prepare documents: Common requirements include offer letter, passport, academic transcripts, proof of finances, passport-sized photographs, and English test scores.
Submit visa application: Complete the online or offline visa application form, pay the visa fees, and schedule any interviews or biometrics as required.
Attend visa interview (if applicable): Be ready to answer questions about your study plan, career goals, and financial preparedness.
Track application status: Keep a copy of all submitted documents and follow up through official channels for updates.
Successfully obtaining a student visa confirms your eligibility to travel and study abroad, allowing you to focus on pre-departure preparations and settling in.
8. Get Ready: Travel, Accommodation & Pre-Departure Checklist
Once you get visa, you need to plan accommodation and living arrangements, and then you are all set to travel and start your study abroad journey.
Before you go, make sure to follow this pre-departure checklist:
Book your flight
Arrange accommodation (university hostel or outside)
Join student groups on WhatsApp/Facebook
Carry some cash in local currency
Download maps, transport apps, etc.
Keep documents and printouts in a file
Pack clothes and things based on the weather there
Take some Indian food or snacks you like (optional)
With these 8 steps, you can easily and efficiently plan your study abroad plan.
How to Study Abroad: Plan Accommodation & Living Expenses
Planning where to live and budgeting for daily expenses is a key part of studying abroad. Start by researching on-campus housing vs off-campus options, considering costs, convenience, and safety. Factor in rent, utilities, food, transportation, and personal expenses to create a realistic monthly budget.
Some resources where you can check accommodations and living expenses are:
Numbeo for checking cost of living comparison, rent, groceries, transportation, and general expenses by city/country.
student.com for university-specific student housing worldwide, price comparison, and booking.
Expatistan for detailed cost of living calculator, including rent and lifestyle expenses.
HousingAnywhere for student accommodation globally, with verified listings.
Join Facebook Groups or university forums to know Student-to-student info on apartments, rent, and living costs in real-time.
Conclusion
The key to How to Study Abroad is not only academic preparation, but it is about planning and doing it in time. The choice of a country and university, passing the entrance exams, and finding the funds all bring you even closer to your international education dream.
Opportunities are growing annually with more than 750,000 Indian students already studying abroad. Getting ahead, being well-organised, and making wise choices will put you on the competitive edge. Going to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Europe, you will find it easier to go through the process with a well-managed plan. Your path to the world-class education starts now, start it today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to go abroad for studies after 12th from India?
To study abroad after 12th, choose your field of interest, shortlist universities and countries, prepare required exams (like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT), arrange finances, apply to universities, and secure a student visa. Early planning ensures a smooth admission process and travel preparation.
How to get scholarship to study abroad after 12th?
Scholarships are offered by universities, governments, and private organizations. Students should research eligibility, maintain strong academic performance, and prepare application documents like SOPs, recommendation letters, and financial proofs. Early applications increase chances of securing merit-based, need-based, or fully funded scholarships for undergraduate programs.
What are the exams to study abroad after 12th?
Common exams include English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) and standardized admission tests (SAT, ACT). Some countries or courses may require subject-specific tests like Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Check university requirements as exams vary by country and program.
What are the general seasons for most of universities for intakes?
Most universities have two main intakes: Fall (August–September) and Spring (January–February). Some institutions also offer Summer or Winter intakes for select courses. Planning applications according to these schedules ensures timely admissions and visa processing.
What are the best countries to study abroad?
Popular destinations include Germany, Canada, USA, UK, Australia and the Netherlands. Germany offers low-cost tuition while Canada and the Netherlands balance affordability with work opportunities. The USA, UK, and Australia provide global exposure and diverse programs.
How long does it take for student visa to clear?
Student visa processing usually takes 4–12 weeks, depending on the country, application completeness, and season. Some countries may require interviews, biometrics, or additional documentation, so applying early is essential to avoid delays.
Will studying abroad delay graduation?
If you plan carefully, studying abroad typically does not delay graduation. Ensure you meet course prerequisites, application deadlines, and visa timelines. Delays may occur if you miss application windows or need additional preparatory courses.
What is the eligibility to study abroad after 12th?
Eligibility generally includes completion of 12th grade with minimum required marks, proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), and sometimes standardized tests like SAT/ACT. Specific criteria vary by country, university, and course, so always check individual university requirements.
Is it hard to study abroad?
Studying abroad can be challenging initially due to cultural adaptation, academic rigor, and living independently. However, with preparation, research, and support from university resources, students can manage the transition and gain valuable international exposure.
Can I Study while studying?
Most countries allow part-time work during studies, typically 15–20 hours per week. This can help cover living costs but shouldn’t replace a solid financial plan. Check your visa terms to avoid breaking regulations.
How long does it take to prepare for studying abroad?
It’s best to start 12–18 months before your intended intake. This gives you enough time for exam prep, application submissions, visa processing, and arranging accommodation. Last-minute applications often limit your options.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4611 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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