Study in the USA After 12th

• USA

182 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:May 15,2025 05:23 PM IST

The USA remains a top destination for Indian students after 12th, offering over 4,500 accredited institutions.
F-1 visa approvals for Indian students have seen a significant rise, reflecting a strong study trend.
The cost of studying in USA ranges between $20,000 and $50,000/year; however, scholarships and financial aid can reduce financial stress significantly.

Study in the USA after 12th.webp

For countless Indian students, the dream to study in the USA after 12th is more than just an academic milestone- it’s a gateway to global exposure, top-tier education and life-changing opportunities. Whether you envision yourself in bustling classrooms learning the latest in engineering and other fields in the USA after the 12th, or figuring out how to go to the USA to study, the path ahead is both exciting and overwhelming. Questions like what exams are required to study in the USA or which are the best US universities for Indian students often cloud the journey.

In this blog, we simplify it all –one step at a time- so you can move forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Why study in the USA after 12th?

Studying in the USA has its own perks. It’s a dream destination. But if we really have to give a few points, then you should consider the following points, which clearly show the benefits of studying in the USA after 12th:

Diverse Course Options: From engineering to liberal arts, the USA offers a plethora of courses catering to varied interests.
Flexible Majors: Universities and colleges in the USA allow one to switch from one major to another, in case one is unsure about the initial decision.
Multiculturalism: Exposure to a multicultural environment fosters personal growth and global perspectives at an early stage.
Global recognition and Job prospects: Degrees from US universities are recognised worldwide, enhancing employability. Students on an F-1 Visa get permission for practical training and to stay in the USA for up to 29 months.
Work Opportunity: Under OPT (Optional Practical Training) one to stay and work in the USA for up to three years after completing their graduation.

Eligibility Criteria to study in the USA

To study in the USA after the 12th, Indian students must:

Have completed 12 years of schooling with a strong academic record and a minimum percentage of 60% (it may differ from program to program and university to university)
Demonstrate English Proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo
Achieve required scores in standardised tests, such as the SAT or ACT, to get into esteemed institutions.
Show Bank statements as proof of your financial stability
Have an acceptance letter from a US university
F-1 visa allowing students to study in the USA

Documents Required

Here are the documents required to study in the USA for Indian students after 12th:

Academic Transcripts
English Language Proficiency Test Score (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)(optional)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)(optional)
Standardised Test Score (SAT, ACT) (optional)
Passport

Top Courses in USA After 12th

For courses and programs to pursue after 12th in the USA, one can go for any domain, be it engineering, medical, commerce, or liberal arts. If one is unsure which way to go, one can opt for Associate programs.

So there are three ways to carve your future in the USA after the 12th:

Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Associate Degrees/pathway program (2 years)

Popular programs:

Applied Sciences and Professions
Computer Science
Business & Management
Engineering & Technology
Social Sciences
Arts & Humanities

Top US Universities for Associate Programs

Following are some of the top US universities for Indian students to pursue associate programs:

Beckfield College- Florence, Kentucky
Carolina University-Winston-Salem, North Carolina
College of Central Florida-Ocala, Florida
College of Staten Island-Staten Island, New York
Contra Costa Community College District (Contra Costa College)
-San Pablo, California

Top US Universities for Bachelor’s Degree

Here are some of the best universities for Indian students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the USA:

Arizona State University
George Mason University
Oregon State University
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse
Adler University - Chicago Campus
California State University – Bakersfield
Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant
Clark University
Hermes Colleges Network - Salem University Indianapolis
Arkansas State University
Adelphi University
Kent State University
Arkansas State University
University of Wisconsin
San Jose State University

Scholarships to Study in the USA After 12th

There are many scholarships available to aid education in USA. There are program-based, department-based, private, and government-funded scholarships available for Indian students to pursue a program after passing their 12th. Some of the best-known scholarships are as follows:

The GOI merit-based scholarship for higher studies in the USA
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships for various undergraduate courses

How to Study in USA?

The study visa process for studying in the USA after the 12th is simple and requires minimal steps.

Cost of Living in the USA

In the following table, you can see the different expenses that make up the living costs in the USA:

Living Expenses in USA (Per Month)

Category	Estimated Cost (USD)	Estimated Cost (INR)
Accommodation	$650 – $2,000	₹53,400 – ₹1,64,500
Food	$300 – $500	₹24,600 – ₹41,000
Utilities	$100 – $200	₹8,300 – ₹16,600
Phone & Internet	$30 – $70	₹2,500 – ₹5,800
Clothing	$50 – $100	₹4,100 – ₹8,300
Entertainment	$50 – $200	₹4,100 – ₹16,600
Personal Care & Textbooks	$50 – $150	₹4,100 – ₹12,400

Conclusion

The road to studying in the USA for Indian students after the 12th may seem long, but with the right information and timely action at �� Consultants, it's entirely achievable. Now that you know what exams are required to study in the USA, how to explore options and which universities welcome Indian students, you’re already a step ahead. Remember, this journey is as much about courage as it is about preparation.

FAQ

As an Indian undergraduate, can I study in the USA after the 12th?

Yes.

How long are the undergraduate courses in the USA?

The duration of different courses in the USA is as follows:

Associate's degrees - 2 years
Bachelor's programs - 3 to 4 years.
Certificate/diplomas - 1-2 years (one of the option but for this one has to apply for M1 Visa)

Is studying MBBS in the USA after 12th possible?

There is no MBBS in the USA directly after 12th. It requires completing a pre-med undergraduate program followed by attending a medical school.

What is an F-1 Visa?

F-1 is a non-immigrant student visa for those wishing to study in the USA.

Which language proficiency exam is compulsory for the USA?

Apart from IELTS, you can also opt for PTE, TOEFL, and DUOLINGO. Either of them is equally good, depending on the requirements of the program and institution.

Is the gap accepted by the universities and colleges in the USA?

A gap of one year is acceptable in universities and colleges in the USA. However, genuine proof is required if the gap is more than one year.

Can I work during my undergraduate studies in the USA?

F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic sessions.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

University of Bath

England, UK • 283 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 19000-25000 / year

Sheridan College - Hazel McCallion Campus

Ontario, Canada • 88 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 15000-23500 / year

Okanagan College - Vernon Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 13 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 12500-18500 / year

Oxford Brookes University - Headington Campus

England, UK • 248 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 14000-17000 / year

Sprott Shaw College - New Westminster College Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 19 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 10000-38000 / year

York University - Glendon Campus

Ontario, Canada • 18 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 0-0 / year

George Brown College - St. James Campus

Ontario, Canada • 92 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17000-30000 / year

University of Lethbridge - Calgary Campus

Alberta, Canada • 12 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 20000-20300 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, France, UAE

New Delhi • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Barcelona Technology School

Study in Spain • University Visit

Bangalore • 10:30AM

In-Person Event

Lets Go Canada - Parent Meet

Study in Canada

Jalandhar • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

France Student Visa 2025 – Requirements, Fees, Checklist & Application Process

Imagine this: Today is the day you will sit for your dream job interview. You practised all possible questions, wore formal attire, and collected all ...

Updated on • May 23,2025 03:36 PM IST • France

MBA in France for Indian Students in 2025

MBA is one of the most sought-after master’s programs worldwide. France is increasingly becoming popular as an overseas education destination. The r...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:35 PM IST • France

PTE Accepted Universities in Australia

In recent years, PTE has emerged as one of the alternatives to IELTS to study abroad. Many top study-abroad destinations like USA, UK and New Zealand ...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:31 PM IST • PTE

PTE Accepting Universities In USA

PTE stands among the most popular English language proficiency exams accepted by various institutions worldwide. Students applying to study in the USA...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:24 PM IST • USA

MBBS in UK: Colleges, Fees, Eligibility and Scholarships

Starting a medical journey is a great choice, and pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in the United Kingdom adds an extra la...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:13 PM IST • UK

MBBS in Australia: Top Universities, Syllabus, Cost of Study, Eligibility, Scholarships & Jobs

Medical studies have taken the world by storm with its increasing popularity. The majority of international students prefer to study this course in Au...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:53 PM IST • Australia

MBBS in Germany

Studying an MBBS in Germany offers a pathway to a world-class education in medicine, attracting thousands of aspiring doctors from around the globe ev...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:36 PM IST • Study in Germany

Best Medical Colleges in USA

You looking for medical colleges in the USA is clear evidence that it is the best country to pursue medical courses. One of the most sought-after medi...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:20 PM IST • USA

Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand for International Students

Many students aspire to live and work in a country like New Zealand. And why not? Alongside its stunning scenery and vibrant culture, New Zealand is a...

Updated on • May 22,2025 01:03 PM IST • New Zealand

High Paying Jobs in Germany

Germany, a powerhouse of innovation and industry, offers a fantastic job market with excellent salaries and a strong work-life balance. Whether you're...

Updated on • May 22,2025 11:11 AM IST • Study in Canada

Fastest Growing Job Sectors in Germany in 2025

Thousands of job opportunities in Germany are waiting for Indians. Fill them before someone else grabs these. But how? Do you know which sector these ...

Updated on • May 20,2025 05:25 PM IST • Germany

Job Opportunities in Canada for Indians: Salaries, Best Job Sites & More

Canada has always been a highly sought-after destination for international students, thanks to its exceptional education, abundant job prospects, and ...

Updated on • May 20,2025 05:21 PM IST • Study in Canada

How to Get a Job in USA in 2025

USA is not just a great destination for studying abroad, but also for pursuing a full-time job. That’s why the internet is filled with queries like ...

Updated on • May 20,2025 05:20 PM IST • USA

Reasons to study Engineering Masters in Germany

When you think about Germany, the thing that instantly comes to mind is its safe roads, modern technology, the best cars in the world, and t...

Updated on • May 17,2025 01:22 PM IST • Study in Germany

Study in the USA after 12th

For countless Indian students, the dream to study in the USA after 12th is more than just an academic milestone- it’s a gateway to global exposure, ...

Updated on • May 15,2025 05:23 PM IST • USA

France Intakes in 2025

France is one of Europe's most popular study destinations, with 35 universities ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2025. French universities ...

Updated on • May 13,2025 03:54 PM IST • France

UK Scholarships for Indian Students 2025

Studying abroad is becoming a growing trend among Indian students as the opportunity not only allows them to explore modern and advanced education opt...

Updated on • May 03,2025 05:39 PM IST • UK • study in the UK

What is GPA? A Complete Guide for Students and Parents

Do you ever get overwhelmed by the number of grading systems in India and wonder why they can’t simply tell marks? Well, you are not alone. Each one...

Updated on • May 01,2025 01:56 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

Top scholarships for Indian students to study in the Canada

Beginning the journey of higher education, many bright minds from India set their sights on Canada—a land of academic promise and cultural diversity...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:50 PM IST • Scholarships

MBA Finance in Australia: Universities, Eligibility, Scholarships and Job Opportunities

MBA in Finance in Australia is a 1.5 to 2-year long program offered at multiple institutes across the states of Australia. The program takes the stude...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:46 PM IST • Australia

��������