Courses to study after completing 12th grade in science and biology

Choosing the right path after completing 12th grade is a crucial choice to make in your educational journey. If you have a science and biology background, you have a wide range of options. 

This article aims to provide you with all the essential information you need to know about science and biology-related courses after 12th grade that you can study abroad. Whether you’re passionate about engineering, research, or a different field, there’s a course that can help you achieve your goals. 

Let’s explore the courses you can pursue after completing the science/biology stream in 12th grade, that you may want to consider.

List of courses

Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology

Biotechnology is at the forefront of scientific innovation. A bachelor’s in biotechnology will introduce you to various advancements in the field of science, including genetic engineering, microbiology and techniques used in biotech research. This field offers diverse career opportunities in research, development, and health sciences. 

Bachelor’s degree in genetics

Genetics is one of the most sought-after fields related to science and biology. It explains the science behind how the biological mechanisms of living bodies work and provides students with extensive knowledge about genes, human evolution, and heredity. This field offers opportunities to students wanting to pursue a career in genetic engineering or lab research.

Note: While biotechnology includes genetic engineering as one of its components, the two fields are different. Biotechnology courses focus on the application of biological systems in various industries. Genetics courses are more theoretical and focus on understanding the principles of heredity and gene function.

Bachelor’s degree in nutrition

An important and interesting field of study, nutrition decides our health and lifestyle. This field of study focuses on the science of nutrition and dieting practices, preparing you for a career as a nutritionist or dietitian in various environments like fitness centres, hospitals, and clinics. Nutritionists and dietitians play a vital role in promoting health and wellness.

Bachelor’s degree in food technology

Similar to nutrition, food technology helps us understand the technological advancements in the food industry. It gives a clear view of various technologies like food processing, preservation, food quality and safety. 

Graduates in food technology can pursue careers in sectors like food packaging, food processing, food manufacturing, and food research laboratories, to name a few. They can also work as a food writer and write content for books, magazines, and television shows. 

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology

Microbiology deals with microorganisms and plays a crucial role in medicine and research. Microbiology has contributed to multiple medical advancements and is rapidly evolving with modern technology. 

There are many courses on microbiology covering topics related to the treatment of diseases and medication. These courses open up multiple career options for students in research, health sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical, and veterinary sectors.

Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy

Pharmaceutical studies deal with the examination of medical drugs, their production and dispensation. This field requires ongoing education to stay updated on the latest medications, treatments, and practices in the industry. 

Courses in pharmaceutical studies provide knowledge about various medical drugs, their mechanisms, and interactions. Pharmacy programmes offer opportunities in different health care settings, such as hospitals, pharmacies, and other facilities. 

Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of complex neural systems and includes subjects like molecular biology and cognitive processing. Many neuroscience programmes include hands-on laboratory work and research experience. 

Students may work on experiments and contribute to ongoing research projects. Graduates with neuroscience degrees can pursue their careers in research positions and health care, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and neuroimaging. Some of the popular career choices include biotechnologist, clinical scientist, pharmaceutical researcher, forensic science technician, psychometrist, and pharmacy technician.

Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is a health care profession that helps people with physical or mental challenges engage in daily activities or occupations. Hence the name "occupational therapy". Occupational therapists work in various settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or private workspaces, helping individuals be independent in their daily activities. 

There are multiple courses on occupational therapy. These courses provide students with knowledge of the practices and procedures for helping people overcome their challenges with day-to-day activities. 

Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology

Molecular biology covers the molecular basis of biological activity, including biomolecular synthesis, mechanisms, and interactions. With a molecular biology degree, you may find roles within biotechnology companies, creating and improving products and processes for medicine using biological organisms. The field also provides competitive salaries, with the average starting salary of a molecular biologist in the United States beginning at USD 61,000 per year.

Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is one of the health professions that maintains or restores health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. This field provides numerous career opportunities for students in various environments, including hospitals, gyms, sports centres, and other medical facilities. You can complete a bachelor’s in physiotherapy in 3 to 4 years. This may vary based on the country you choose to study in. In addition, if the course includes a mandatory internship, the duration might be extended by six months.

These are among the many options available for students with a science and biology background. When choosing a course, it is important to consider your interests, career goals and the market demand for professionals in the chosen field of study. 

Quick reference guide to popular undergraduate biology courses you can pursue abroad

Check out the table below for a comparative analysis of the various courses

Top universities to study biology-related courses after 12th

There are several universities in the USA, the UK, Australia, and other popular study-abroad destinations that offer biology-related courses to pursue after the 12th grade. Here are the best universities you should consider:

Top countries to study biology-related courses after 12th

Here are the top countries to study biology-related courses after 12th:

United States of America

With prestigious universities like Harvard University and Stanford University, the USA is a popular study destination for biology and related courses after 12th grade. You can specialise in courses such as molecular biology, food technology, neurosciences, genetics, biomedical sciences, and microbiology. The prosperous US economy also ensures excellent career prospects in biotech, pharma, academic research, and healthcare.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers numerous biology-related courses that provide you with a solid academic foundation and excellent placements. There are several reputed universities, such as the University of Cambridge and Imperial College of London, where you can take up courses in biological sciences, genetics, molecular biology, food technology, and biotechnology. The country also provides numerous career opportunities in healthcare, research, and environmental conservation, where you can take up roles such as biomedical scientist, pharmacist, genetic counsellor, research scientist, and more.

Canada

Canada provides high-quality education and impactful research in biology-related fields. You can consider popular courses at leading universities such as McGill University and the University of Toronto, and specialise in biotechnology, food technology, genetics, life sciences, and more. Canada’s thriving biotech sector also ensures excellent career prospects in healthcare, research, and pharmacy.

Australia

With prestigious universities such as the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney, Australia offers you numerous biology-related courses. You can take up specialisations such as molecular biology, genetics, food technology, biotechnology, and biological sciences. The courses provide you with a solid academic foundation and also ensure excellent career prospects in Australia’s leading biotech industries.

International career prospects after you complete biology-related courses

The job market for biology and related courses is booming internationally. 

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, between 2020 and 2030, there’ll be 114,000 new jobs in physical, life, and social sciences.

Neuroscience, genetics, biomedical engineering, and molecular biology are a few examples of the exciting career paths you can choose. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia, with strong research infrastructure and industry links, show a rising demand for skilled professionals in these fields.

Check out the table below for an overview of the career prospects in the major study-abroad destinations.

Cost of studying abroad after 12th

Studying abroad involves two cost components: tuition fees and living costs. Tuition fees are a major expense and contribute significantly to the overall costs. The amount varies based on the course, university, and country. A bachelor’s from the UK can cost between GBP 10,000 and GBP 35,000 per year, while in the USA it can cost between USD 10,000 and USD 30,000 per year.

The living costs also vary based on the country. Your living costs will include accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, and personal expenses. The overall cost of living in the USA can range from USD 10,000 to USD 12,000 per year, while in the UK it can range from GBP 9,200 to GBP 11,400 per year.

Apart from the USA and the UK, there are other popular study destinations like Germany, France, and Australia. Many countries like Germany are more affordable due to the low tuition fee, lower rents and various discounts provided to students.

Scholarships for studying abroad after the 12th

Here are the scholarships you can apply for to study abroad after the 12th. These scholarships can be availed for various undergraduate programmes, including food technology, nutrition, microbiology, biotechnology, and more.

MIT Scholarships for International Students

The scholarship is offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a need-based financial aid to undergraduate students. It covers tuition fees, other education costs, accommodation, and living expenses, depending on your financial requirements.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is offered to undergraduate students at the University of Cambridge. It’s a full-fee funding and covers tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, and more.

University of Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Awards

The scholarship is offered for undergraduate courses at the University of Bristol. It’s provided as tuition fee waivers and ranges between GBP 6,500 and GBP 13,000 per year.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The scholarship is offered to outstanding international students pursuing undergraduate programmes at the University of Toronto. It covers tuition fees, books, and four years of full residence support.

Admission criteria for studying biology-related courses abroad

The admission criteria for studying abroad after the 12th vary based on the programme and university. However, there are certain common criteria that you should meet.

You should demonstrate good academic performance in specific subjects and meet the minimum percentage requirement. Many universities require a GPA of 2.5 or above. In addition, you might also need to clear tests such as the SAT or the ACT. 

There should be proof of English language proficiency through test scores such as IELTS/TOEFL. Universities also require recommendation letters and statements of purpose. Apart from this, you should be able to produce financial statements or scholarship information proving your ability to support yourself. 

Note: You can find the specific eligibility criteria for your course on the university’s website. This could include your academic proficiency, English language skills, and more.

How to apply for biology-related courses abroad

Here are the steps you should follow to apply to a university abroad:

1. Research carefully and select the course and university. 
2. Understand the admission requirements and ensure that you meet the specified criteria.
3. Collect the necessary academic documents, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and test scores.
4. Understand the financial requirements and apply for scholarships.
5. Visit the university’s website and log in to the application platform. Some universities might also accept applications through common portals.
6. Complete the application form and upload the documents.
7. Pay the application fee if required and submit the form.
8. Wait for the admission offer.

Applying for the student visa

The visa requirements for studying abroad vary based on the country. However, there are certain common requirements such as a valid passport, an offer from a recognised academic institution in the country, financial capability to fund the studies or proof of financial aid, and proof of clearance of health screening.

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and keep the necessary documents ready before applying.

Note: You can apply for the visa once you receive the acceptance letter from the university.

The visa application can be done either online or offline. To apply online, visit the official online portal that is applicable to you. Fill out the form, upload the documents, and submit the application. To apply offline, download the application form, complete it, and submit it along with the required documents to the relevant authorities.

Factors to consider while choosing a course after 12th 

Passion: A primary factor in your decision to pursue higher education abroad is your passion. Choosing a field of study you’re passionate about will keep you motivated throughout your studies and career.

Academic goals: Identify your academic interests and career goals. Research universities and programmes that align with your aspirations. Consider factors like programme curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and industry connections.

Career opportunities: Research the career prospects of your chosen field of study. Consider factors like job openings, salary, and location.

Course duration: Different courses have different durations. The course duration depends on the level of study. Usually, bachelor’s courses are 3-4 years long, while master’s courses are 1-2 years long. Some may be longer or shorter than others, depending on several other factors.

Eligibility criteria: Be aware of the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for your chosen course. Some courses require highly competitive scores in specific examinations. These also include language proficiency tests like the IELTS and TOEFL, for example. Prepare and submit all required documents accurately and on time.

Financial considerations: One of the most important aspects of higher education is the financial aspect. The tuition fee, cost of living, travel expenses, scholarships, and miscellaneous costs all add up to the finances. Hence, this will be a major deciding factor for pursuing higher education. 

Scholarships: A scholarship is a financial aid that grants a certain amount of tuition fees for students and reduces their expenses while studying abroad. We have partnered with many institutions to offer scholarships for students pursuing higher education. It could be academic scholarships or government-funded scholarships. 

Please note that Edvoy only acts as a facilitator during the application process. Scholarships and profile eligibility are solely up to the university’s discretion.

Location: Think about where you want to study, and possibly work after graduation. Some courses may be available in specific countries or institutions. Your choice of country also plays a huge role in deciding your finances, as the living expenses differ for each country. 

Consider factors like climate, proximity to family, and lifestyle preferences when choosing a university and location. Websites like Numbeo provide the cost of living for countries across the globe. This helps you calculate and decide your finances in advance. 

Long-term goals: Analyse your long-term career goals. Some professions may require further education, so prepare yourself accordingly. Having a clear mindset of the career options after graduation helps to make informed decisions.

In conclusion, a science and biology background offers multiple opportunities after the 12th grade. Whether you aspire to become a biologist or researcher or work in a different field, there’s a course that can help you achieve your goals. 

The field of science is constantly evolving, and new courses and career opportunities are emerging. Stay updated on the latest developments in your chosen field to make informed decisions about your education and career. 

Remember to carefully evaluate your interests, goals, and opportunities in each course to make the best choice for your future. The course and the path you choose now can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. 

We at Edvoy can help you navigate the various courses abroad after the 12th class, making your decision process seamless. Discover the perfect institution to boost your business acumen.

Why compromise? Choose excellence with our assistance!
Click here to explore the best opportunities with Edvoy!

Frequently asked questions

What are the high-salary courses to study after 12th grade in the biology stream? 

Finding your interests is important since it will help you choose the right specialisation and career path. Specifically, there are many high-salary courses after 12th grade in the biology and science stream. 

In no particular order, here are the top high-salary courses after 12th grade in the biology stream:

1. Biotechnology
2. Genetics
3. Nutrition
4. Food technology
5. Microbiology
6. Pharmacy
7. Neuroscience
8. Occupational therapy
9. Health care
10. Molecular biology
11. Physiotherapy

What are the best locations to study abroad after 12th grade with a biology stream?

The United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand are some of the popular destinations to study in after completing 12th grade.

Are there any interdisciplinary courses in biology-related fields?

Yes, many universities offer interdisciplinary courses that combine biology with fields like environment, technology, psychology, and health. Some of the popular courses combine biotechnology and genetics, providing programmes such as molecular biology, biological sciences, and genetic engineering.

What is the cost of studying biotechnology in the UK?

The tuition fee for studying biotechnology in the UK can range between GBP 15,000 and GBP 35,000 per annum, while your living expenses can range between GBP 12,000 and GBP 15,000 per annum.

What are the entry requirements for pharmacy programmes abroad?

The entry requirements for pharmacy programmes vary based on the course and the country. The common requirements include a strong academic background, English language proficiency, and standardised test scores. You should meet the minimum subject-specific percentage that is required for the course. Furthermore, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is expected on a 4.0 scale.

What are the best universities to study abroad after 12th grade in biology? 

We’ve got a list of the best universities to study abroad. Check them out and pursue your dream with us!

What are the job opportunities abroad for science degree graduates? 

Students get opportunities to work in multiple sectors after graduation, depending on their chosen field of study and country. Each country has specific requirements for certain job roles and offers decent pay as well. Depending on the course duration and job opportunities, you can also decide to relocate to the country of your choice.