Study Abroad Programs: Our path, Your destination

Study Abroad: Universities, Courses, Costs, Eligibility, Admission, Visa Rules, & Scholarships

Studying abroad provides students with an opportunity to benefit from global educational systems, cultures, and career choices in places such as USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

The process usually includes choosing courses according to their academic aspirations, fulfilling the requirement of having studied up to 10+2 or a bachelor’s degree, clearing English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL, and completing student visa process.

Be it the top universities for overseas education, popular courses to join, important tests, visa requirements, cost of studies, scholarships, or loans, this page will bring down everything that you need to know for studying abroad.

Plus, our trusted overseas education consultants are here to guide you, helping you make informed choices for your exciting global education journey.

Why Study Abroad?

Through study abroad programs, students can enroll in institutions across countries to pursue degrees, diplomas, exchange semesters, or short-term courses.

By 2025, over 1.8 million Indian students were studying overseas, making India one of the largest sources of international students globally.

Let us now look at the reasons for this rise in studying abroad by Indian students:

1. Access to World-Class Universities

Top destinations like USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia are home to over 50% world’s international students. They offer prestigious universities, the best research facilities, and study abroad programs that prepare you for the future.

2. Strong Career Outcomes & Global Work Opportunities

Countries such as US, UK, Canada, and Germany are recognized as major talent hubs, providing structured post-study work options like OPT, PGWP, and the Graduate Route. These places consistently draw in the largest number of international students year after year.

3. Access Specialized Programs

Many Indian students head abroad to dive into niche and advanced fields like Neuroscience, Robotics, Aviation Management, Renewable Energy, Public Policy, and Global Health, areas that are often more developed and better funded overseas.

4. Rich, Multicultural Learning Experience

In countries like US, UK, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia, millions of international students come together, giving Indian students the chance to learn in diverse classrooms, forge global connections, and develop valuable cross-cultural skills.

5. Scholarships, Affordability & Financial Aid

European countries such as France, Germany, Ireland, and Finland provide low-tuition or subsidized education options. Additionally, India supports students looking to study abroad with education loans and scholarship opportunities, making overseas education more accessible.

6. Post- Study Opportunities

Many top destinations like Canada, Australia, UK, and Germany offer post-study work visas that let graduates gain valuable work experience. These pathways can improve employability and even lead to long-term careers and permanent residency (PR) options.

Top Study Abroad Programs & Courses

International students today prefer career-oriented programs across different study levels that offer strong employability and global exposure.

From undergraduate and postgraduate programs to professional degrees, choosing the right study level and specialization can help you build a successful career path.

The table below combines study levels, popular programs, and top universities:

Note: Start by selecting your study level, then narrow down programs based on industry demand, career scope, and post-study work opportunities to make a well-informed decision.

Best Countries to Study Abroad

Although many countries provide education internationally, majority of international student enrollments are seen in only a few top countries.

Here is the list of top countries to study abroad in 2026 for Indian students along with the reasons why they are the most chosen options:

Best Universities to Study Abroad

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, top universities to study abroad are found in major centers around the world that are noted for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and career success.

Top 10 universities to study abroad based on QS World University Rankings are:

Source: QS Top Universities 2026

Study Abroad Eligibility & Requirements

Studying abroad comes with its own set of academic, language, and documentation requirements.

First off, students need to have a valid passport and provide their academic records, like 12th-grade certificates for those planning to opt for undergraduate programs or a bachelor’s degree for those pursuing postgraduate studies.

The other requirements include English language test scores from exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Students also need to prepare an SOP, gather LORs, and secure a valid student visa for their destination country.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the requirements for studying abroad:

Academic Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

Admission requirements for studying abroad vary by course level and country, but most universities have the following common admission criteria for international students:

Note: If these requirements are not met, you can still apply through pathways or foundation programs offered by many universities.

English Language Proficiency Tests for Study Abroad

Most universities require English proficiency tests if the first language is not English.

The most accepted tests include:

• IELTS Academic : International English Language Testing System (Academic)

• TOEFL iBT : Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet‑Based Test)

• PTE Academic : Pearson Test of English (Academic)

• Duolingo English Test : Duolingo English Language Proficiency Assessment

• Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency : Cambridge English Qualifications (Advanced / Proficiency)

Study Abroad Admission Process

The admission process to study abroad starts with screening of the courses and universities to take, followed by compulsory examinations like IELTS, TOEFL, or SAT.

Then comes preparation of important documents, application via university portals 6-12 months prior to departure, and upon receiving an admission letter, students plan financially, secure a visa, and sort out accommodation.

Here are some common stages followed during the international application process:

Step 1: Selection of Preferred Universities

Select your favorite countries, universities, and study abroad programs considering their eligibility, tuition fee, ranking, and after-study options.

Step 2: Verification of Eligibility & Document Preparation

Verify academic and language eligibility criteria and gather all important documents including transcripts, SOP, LORs, CV, test scores, and funding documents.

Step 3: Submission of University Applications

Apply officially at the concerned university website or common platforms like UCAS (UK) or Common Application portal (USA).

Step 4: Attending Interviews (If Required)

Some courses, particularly MBA, design, and competitive courses, will require you to attend an interview, either virtual or personal.

Step 5: Receiving Offer Letter

The universities will issue a conditional or unconditional letter of offer depending upon the verification of your documents and eligibility.

Step 6: Acceptance of Offer & Payment of Fees

Accept the offer and make the required payment of tuition or enrollment fees to confirm your seat.

Step 7: Financial Arrangements

Ensure that you arrange your education loan or scholarship required for the visa processing purpose.

Step 8: Visa Application

Submit your visa application along with CAS/LOA, proof of finances, biometric results, and any other medical documents.

Step 9: Plan Travel & Accommodation

Book flights, arrange on-campus or off-campus housing, and complete pre-departure formalities.

Documents Required for Study Abroad Admission

Universities located overseas need a set of standardized documents from students applying for admission into their institutions as they help assess the student’s eligibility in terms of academics, language proficiency, and finances.

Here is the list of documents required for overseas education:

Application Timelines & Intakes to Study Abroad

Most countries offer 2–3 major intakes throughout the year, giving international students flexibility in planning their applications.

Choosing the right intake is important, as it impacts course availability, scholarships, and competition levels.

The table below highlights the main intake periods across top study abroad destinations:

The Fall/September intake is the most popular globally, offering the widest range of programs, scholarships, and admission seats.

Cost of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can cost between INR 12 lakh and 60 lakh+ per year (including tuition and living expenses), depending on the country, university, and program.

Affordable destinations like Germany and France offer lower overall costs, while countries such as USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and Singapore are relatively more expensive.

Below is a breakdown of tuition fee by study level:

• Undergraduate (UG): INR 3 lakh – 40 lakh per year

• Postgraduate (PG): INR 3 lakh – 45 lakh+ per year

Let us now understand the country-wise cost breakdown:

Note: Costs vary according to the country, the university, and the program, whereas countries such as Germany provide cheaper alternatives with almost no tuition and language requirements.

Study Abroad Scholarships

There are several ways to finance studying abroad through government programs, university scholarships, and private scholarship providers.

Some of the most popular options include:

• Government Scholarships: Funded by national governments to support international students, e.g., ICCR Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, Chevening Scholarship, DAAD Scholarship

• University Scholarships: Offered by universities based on merit or need, e.g., Oxford Clarendon Scholarship, Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

• Private Scholarships: Provided by private organizations and lenders, e.g., Inlaks Scholarship, MPOWER Financing Scholarship

Now let us look at the top scholarships course-wise:

Top Study Abroad Scholarships for Undergraduate (UG) Students:

Top Study Abroad Scholarships for Postgraduate (PG) Students:

Education Loans for Study Abroad

Student loans for foreign study can be used for paying fees, cost of living, and traveling expenses. In India, reputed banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda, and ICICI, as well as some NBFCs including Avanse and HDFC Credila, provide loans amounting to between INR 1.5 crore to more than INR 3 crore.

Rates of interest usually range between 7% and 12% or more; however, non-collateralized loans can be arranged up to a limit of INR 75 lakhs for those enrolled in highly renowned educational institutions. Loans usually become repayable post completion of studies, with tax benefits under Section 80(E).

Top Education Loan Options for Study Abroad:

• State Bank of India (SBI) – Global Ed‑Vantage Loan

• Bank of Baroda – Baroda Scholar Education Loan

• HDFC Credila – Study Abroad Loan

• Axis Bank – Education Loan for Higher Studies Abroad

• ICICI Bank – Study Abroad Education Loan

• IDFC FIRST Bank – Overseas Study Loan

• Punjab National Bank – PNB Udaan Education Loan

• Canara Bank – IBA Model Education Loan Scheme

• Avanse Financial Services – International Education Loan

• InCred Education Loan – Study Abroad Funding

Student Visa Requirements to Study Abroad

An international student has to obtain a Student Visa if he or she wishes to study abroad. Requirements for a student visa vary depending on the destination and duration of studies.

They usually include an active passport, letter of acceptance from the university, proof of sufficient financial means, English proficiency test results, and other documents like SOP, health insurance, etc.

Below is a country-wise list of required student visa types:

Best Study Abroad Consultants & Counseling

The application process for universities abroad entails a lot more than just being eligible. Candidates need to choose suitable universities, handle several applications, draft compelling SOPs and LORs, find scholarships and educational loans, and adhere to deadlines from various nations.

upGrad Study Abroad is one of the most renowned overseas education consultants that has assisted more than 300,000 students during their entire counselling and application process till visa acquisition.

Our portal keeps extending help to students throughout the entire process of studying abroad.

Why Choose upGrad Study Abroad?

• 1:1 free personalized counseling to help students choose the right country, university, and study abroad programs based on academic profile and career goals

• Accelerated pathway programs that allow students to start their studies in India and complete their degree abroad, often enabling GMAT/GRE requirements to be reduced or waived off for eligible students

• End-to-end application support, including university shortlisting, application strategy, and deadline management

• Expert SOP and LOR assistance, with structured guidance, reviews, and feedback to strengthen applications

• Scholarship and education loan guidance to help manage the cost of studying abroad

• Student visa and pre-departure support, covering documentation, interviews (if required), travel, and accommodation planning

With upGrad Study Abroad, students receive structured guidance at every stage of their journey, so they can plan confidently and focus on building a successful global future.

upGrad Study Abroad Consulting Centres (Offline)

upGrad has a strong offline presence with 25+ study abroad consulting centres (offline) across India’s major metropolitan cities and key regions. The centers are conveniently located throughout the country to facilitate the process of studying in person.

Each centre provides personalised support and in-person guidance to enhance the learning experience. The expanding network reflects upGrad’s dedication to reaching more learners and supporting their academic aspirations.

upGrad Study Abroad Helpline numbers

upGrad operates helpline centres across 240+ locations PAN India. Our expansion is not restricted to key or metropolitan cities, but extends across diverse regions like Agra, Kanpur, Surat, Ludhiana, Nagpur, Guwahati, Delhi and many more.