Studying in the USA is a great choice for enhancing your future prospects. The diversity of the county, the wide choice of academic programmes, and excellent career prospects make it a popular study destination. Apart from this, the USA provides you with the opportunity to join some of the most prestigious universities across the world.
Key takeaways
- The USA has many prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, offering globally recognised education. You’ll benefit from interactive learning, top-tier faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum.
- With a strong economy and leading companies, you can easily secure internships during your studies and also secure promising employment after completing your course.
- Universities in the USA offer diverse academic programmes spread across in-demand disciplines such as Engineering, Data Science, Business, and more.
- The USA provides a multicultural and inclusive environment that maximises your personal and professional growth.
- You can take advantage of numerous scholarships, such as the Tata Scholarship, which supports deserving students.
The US News & World Report states that around half of the top global universities are in the USA.
Curious to know more about the study opportunities in the USA after the 12th class for Indian students like you? In this article, we’ll take you through the best courses in the USA that you can pursue after your 12th and also provide you with insights on applying for the same.
Table of Contents
- Why choose to study in the USA after the 12th class?
- Popular courses Indian students can pursue after the 12th class
- Top universities in the USA for Indian students
- Eligibility criteria
- How to apply for a course in the US
- Cost of studying in the USA
- Scholarships and financial aid
- Student visa process
- Life in the USA as a student
- Career opportunities after graduation
- Tips for Indian students
- Frequently asked questions
Why choose to study in the USA after the 12th class?
Many Indian students choose to study in the USA due to its unique advantages. Below are the top reasons why you should choose the USA for your higher studies after the 12th.
Academic excellence
The USA has some of the most prestigious universities in the world, such as MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, offering high-quality learning, cutting-edge research, and qualified faculty. The universities develop your critical thinking and maximise your student outcomes. The teaching is focused on interactive learning and academic freedom.
Career opportunities
The USA has a prosperous economy and some of the world’s largest companies. This ensures that you have excellent opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and also secure employment after your course completion.
Diverse academic programmes
The universities in the USA offer a wide range of courses across in-demand disciplines. You can choose from courses in Business, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, and more. This provides you the flexibility to tailor your academics to align with your aptitudes and career aspirations.
Cultural diversity and a vibrant campus
The US is a culturally diverse country and welcomes students from all over the world. As a result, during your student life, you can connect with a multicultural crowd and broaden your horizons. In addition, the campuses have an inclusive and dynamic environment with numerous extracurricular activities for your overall development.
Know more about studying in the USA by talking to our experts!
Popular courses Indian students can pursue after the 12th class
The US universities offer a variety of career-focused courses that you can pursue after the 12th class. Below are some of the popular options:
Engineering
Engineering courses are in high demand worldwide, with a strong demand for engineers across industries. With more than 800 colleges offering engineering courses, you can choose diverse fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil, computer, and aerospace. These courses are popular for their cutting-edge curriculum, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Computer science and information technology
There’s a high demand for technology professionals with competitive salaries. US universities offer you computer science and information technology courses that are industry-relevant and offer excellent career prospects. You can take up specialised courses in virtual reality design, artificial intelligence, and more.
Business analytics and data science
Courses in business analytics and data science equip you with the skills to analyse and make data-driven decisions. You can take up courses that combine data visualisation, machine learning, and business strategy. The strong US economy offers several career opportunities in sectors like healthcare, finance, and consulting.
Accounting and finance
Accounting and finance courses prepare you for careers that manage the functioning of businesses. US universities offer courses such as financial accounting, corporate finance, managerial accounting, and statistics. There are even options to take up certifications such as a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Business management
The US universities offer numerous business management courses that equip you with the skills to meet the challenges of modern business. You can take up specialisations such as accounting, finance, economics, or human resources. There are opportunities for Optional Practical Training through which you can work for one year.
Top universities in the USA for Indian students
The USA has many reputed universities that provide quality education and excellent career prospects. Below is a list of some of the best universities in the USA that you must consider for your higher studies.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- University of California
- Princeton University
- Troy University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Kent State University
- Carnegie Mellon University
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ranked number 1 globally. It has strong STEM programmes with an emphasis on industry-relevant projects and teamwork. With more than 15% of the international students being Indians, you’ll find students from similar cultures to connect with.
2. Harvard University
Harvard University is a member of the Ivy League and is top-ranked in the world. It offers more than 3,700 courses in sciences, economics, and humanities that develop your creativity and critical thinking. The university provides an inclusive environment and ensures your overall development.
3. University of California
The University of California is a public university offering quality education through its 15 colleges and schools. It’s a member of the Association of American Universities and focuses on both academics and research. The university offers you career-focused courses in a wide range of disciplines, with Engineering, Economics, Science, and Mathematics being the popular ones.
4. Princeton University
Princeton University is among the world’s best universities and is a part of the Ivy League. It has a selective admission process and maintains exceptionally high academic standards. The university emphasises creativity and innovation with comprehensive courses in Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
5. Troy University
Troy University is a public university and a powerhouse of higher education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate courses, including Cybersecurity, Global Business Management, Human Resource Management and more.
6. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university providing high-quality education and impactful research. It offers a wide range of courses through 6 academic schools and is particularly renowned for the Scheller College of Business.
7. Kent State University
Kent State University is a multi-campus institution with more than 300 academic programmes and a strong research focus. It is renowned for its performing arts programme and other co-curricular opportunities.
8. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is one of the renowned universities in the world and has teamed up with India to provide graduate programme fellowships every year to five research scholars. It’s a global university with courses spread across arts, sciences, technology, and humanities.
Know more about studying in the USA by talking to our experts!
Eligibility criteria
The overall eligibility criteria for admission to a course in the US after your 12th class are:
- You must have completed 10+2 schooling.
- You must produce proof of funds to meet your educational costs.
- You must clear standardised tests and meet English language proficiency.
Documents required
Below are the documents you require to apply:
- Acceptance letter from a university. Ensure that the university is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme.
- Statement of purpose detailing your goals.
- Academic records demonstrating your educational qualifications.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors.
- Financial documents such as bank statements or scholarship details.
How to apply for a course in the US
Most US universities follow a standard application process and have intakes in fall and spring. Follow the steps below to apply:
- Choose the Common App, the Coalition App, or the institution’s app, as applicable. Sign up for the app.
Note: The Common App is a popular platform offering more than 1000 universities and colleges. The Coalition App is relatively new, with a choice of nearly 132 schools. However, a few institutions also provide their own app.
- Fill out the personal details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Most universities will require you to answer a set of essay questions. Provide the answers.
- Pay the application fee and apply.
Curious to know more about applying to the USA? Talk to our experts.
Cost of studying in the USA
The universities in the USA fall into two categories: public and private universities. The cost of education in a public university is lower than in private universities.
Undergraduate programmes at public universities can cost between USD 10,000 to USD 35,000 a year, while the cost at private universities can range between USD 25,000 to USD 50,000 a year. Apart from this, your average cost of living in the United States, including food, accommodation, and transport, can go up to USD 18,000 in a year.
Scholarships and financial aid
You can apply for several scholarships to support your education in the US. Below are the popular scholarships you must consider:
1. UKAA Merit-Cum-Need Scholarship
The scholarship is a partial funding scholarship awarded by the US Federal Government. It is offered for high/secondary school, undergraduate, and postgraduate students to pursue courses in Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, Science, and Business Administration.
2. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. It supports the financial requirements of students pursuing undergraduate courses at Cornell University.
3. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to undergraduate students at American University. It covers your full tuition and living expenses.
4. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
The scholarship is offered to undergraduate students and covers the tuition fee and basic living costs. It is accepted at some of the top universities in the US.
Student visa process
You must apply for an F-1 student visa to study at a university in the USA. Once you’re accepted by an accredited institution and receive a Form I-20, you can apply for the student visa. You must also meet the English language proficiency scores, a valid passport, and proof of financial funds.
How to apply for a student visa
Follow the steps below to apply for a student visa:
- Pay USD 35 for the I-901 SEVIS fee.
- Apply for the DS-160 visa application online and pay the MRV fee.
- Attend the US visa interview.
Life in the USA as a student
Student life in the USA is an exciting blend of intensive academics, multicultural exposure, and personal growth. The campuses in the US are dynamic and inclusive, with various cultural and recreational activities to engage in. Apart from this, the strong economy provides several job opportunities that you can take up and enhance your career prospects.
Career opportunities after graduation
The USA has several exciting career opportunities across sectors like technology, business, healthcare, engineering, education, law, media, and entertainment. During your course, you can explore part-time job opportunities to fund your studies.
You can take up on-campus part-time jobs without any authorisation. However, to take up off-campus jobs, you need an F1 visa and a work authorisation document.
After completing the course, you can move on to full-time employment. You’ll need a sponsorship from your employer to obtain a work visa.
Tips for Indian students
- Start the US visa application process at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Ensure that you have all the documents ready with you.
- Research and select the right university based on factors like your aptitudes, internship opportunities, and future career prospects.
- Do a study and understand the academic culture of US institutions, so that you’ll not have any difficulty in adjusting.
- Most universities provide academic resources, workshops, and career services. Take advantage of the resources since they can significantly support you in your studies.
- Build a professional network right from the beginning by attending career fairs, workshops, and cultural events.
The USA is a land of opportunities and welcomes students from all over the world. Indian students like you can pursue world-class academic programmes after your 12th and take advantage of their high-quality teaching and excellent career prospects.
Numerous prestigious universities in the US offer in-demand courses designed to maximise your overall development. During your studies, you can take up part-time jobs and finance your education while also gaining practical exposure. You can also apply for various scholarships to manage your expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Which stream is best for studying in the USA after the 12th class?
The best stream is entirely based on your aptitudes and career aspirations. However, some of the best streams you can choose after the 12th include Engineering, Data Science, Business, Accounting, and Architecture.
What is the minimum percentage required to study in the USA after the 12th class?
A strong academic record is preferred. Some universities accept students with 60% to 50% scores in their 12th class. However, competitive universities require a score of 70% or higher.
Can I get a full scholarship to study in the USA?
Yes, you can get a full scholarship for your studies in the USA. However, it’s highly competitive.
Can I work while studying in the USA?
You can work while studying in the USA if you have an F-1 visa. During the academic year, you can work on campus up to 20 hours per week and also work full-time during breaks. To work off-campus, you need specific authorisation.