Indian Students willing to study in USA after 12th can pursue undergraduate programs from universities like Stanford University, Columbia University, University of of Pennsylvania, etc. Get complete information about the popular courses, eligibility criteria, documents required, and more.
The United States of America is one of the most sought-after study destinations for Indian students after class 12th. This article is a guide to study in USA for Indian students after 12th, wherein you can explore top universities, popular undergraduate courses, eligibility, visa requirements, scholarships, and more.
Students who have just graduated from high school and wish to begin college life in the United States would experience vibrant campus life, flexible curriculum, and international exposure at the top universities in the country. Continue reading to learn more about study in USA for Indian students after 12th.
How to Study in the USA After 12th?
Indian students must know that English language proficiency is a prerequisite for studies in the United States. An English-speaking university requires a certain level of competency in the English language. International students can take tests like IELTS and TOEFL to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. The scores tend to differ depending on the courses you choose to study, but the average requirement is 6.5 to 7.0 bands. Detailed information about course requirements can be found on the course pages and on the University website. There are a few institutions in the US that do not require IELTS for students who have just graduated from high school.
Another important requirement to study in the United States is the SAT score. Major universities in the United States require a SAT score of 600-800. For some courses, the student must be at least 18 years old and have sufficient financial resources to cover the duration of the course. After receiving an acceptance letter, the student is required to apply for a student visa to enter the country.
Popular Courses to Pursue in the USA After 12th
The United States of America offers a plethora of courses in a wide array of specializations for Indian students to pursue after 12th grade. One should select a course based on his/her area of interest and career goals. Students can consider opting for courses from the following major streams:
Science (Medical)
The MBBS program is offered as a postgraduate program in the United States compared to a bachelor's degree in India. It requires around 4 years to complete and is equivalent to an MD (Doctor of Medicine). International students must first complete a premedical course (BS degree) at an American university to become eligible for this degree. Additionally, to work as a doctor, you need to complete a residency program of 3-5 years after earning an MD. As a result, it typically takes between 7 and 9 years to study MBBS in the United States.
There are two main medical degree programs after the 12th:
- Bachelor of Medicine
- Bachelor of Surgery
Science (Non-Medical)
There are various courses available in the field of natural and pure sciences for students in the USA. Besides being academic in nature, these courses in the United States will give you practical experience and research opportunities. Listed below are some of the science courses available in the United States after 12th grade.
- Bachelor of Biology
- Bachelor of Science
- BSc in Biological Chemistry
- BSc in Chemistry
- BS in Applied Physics
Engineering
In the United States, engineering is one of the most sought-after programs for international students. Among the best streams in the US are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In addition, Optional Practical Training has been extended to STEM students. Some of the top engineering institutes in the US include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and many more. The following are some of the popular courses in engineering to pursue after 12th:
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering
- B.E in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- B.S.E in Structural Engineering
Commerce
Commerce is a popular option among Indian students since it opens up a wide range of career paths in accounting, business, economics, and finance. Students must have a minimum score of 70% in class 12th and a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 to pursue these courses in the US. Some of the top universities for this field include Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, etc. Listed below are some popular commerce courses in the US at the UG level:
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
- Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
Arts
If you have a creative bent of mind, the USA will offer you many employment opportunities in the arts field. There is a wide range of art courses from humanities to architecture to study in the United States after 12th grade. Following are some of the popular subject areas under the arts stream:
- Architecture
- Fine Arts
- Arts and Humanities
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Bachelor Degree in English / History/ Philosophy
Top Universities to Study in USA for Indian Students After 12th
The USA offers a wealth of opportunities to Indian students. Degrees from US universities are respected and valued internationally. Indian students who wish to pursue their undergraduate degree in the United States need to choose a university carefully. The following is a list of some prestigious universities to study in USA for Indian students after 12th, along with their latest rankings:
| Universities | QS World Rankings 2022 |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 |
| Stanford University | 3 |
| Harvard University | 5 |
| California Institute of Technology | 6 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 13 |
| Yale University | 14 |
| Princeton University | 20 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Located in Cambridge, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the top universities in the USA that offers a wide array of courses in different areas of study. Times Higher Education ranked MIT at 5th place in the world university rankings 2022 and at 3rd place in US college rankings. It is ranked #2 by US News and World Report in the Best Value Schools category for 2021.
For Indian students, the average fee for studying at MIT is around 53.68 lakhs. It is a highly selective institute with a mere 7% acceptance rate, making it ideal for exceptional academic performers. For applying to the university academic transcripts, students will have to submit a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and test scores. They may also need to submit portfolios and attend an interview.
Read More: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stanford University
Stanford University is one of the best research institutions in the USA, offering admission to around 18,000 students worldwide. It is one of the most selective universities in the US, with an acceptance rate of merely 4.4%. It is ranked #2 in the World University Rankings and #4 in the US College Rankings by Times Higher Education in 2021.
There are more than 65 different undergraduate programs at Stanford. The average fee for UG programs at the university is US $55,473. To apply, international applicants must have academic transcripts, two reference letters, ACT/SAT scores, English proficiency scores, essays, etc.
Read More: Stanford University
Harvard University
Harvard University offers 97 distinct UG courses grouped into 57 majors within 19 broad areas of study. It is ranked 2nd in the world by The Times Higher Education and US News & World Report for 2022. The average tuition cost at Harvard for an international student is 39.54 lakhs INR.
Applications to Harvard University are open for students from all around the world. Whether a student is an international or domestic applicant, the application requirements are the same at the university. Some of the major documents required for admission include English proficiency scores, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, etc.
Read More: Harvard University
California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the top-ranked colleges in the US. Caltech has an acceptance rate of 6%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the US. Times Higher Education 2021 ranked it #4 in the World University Rankings and #7 in the US College Rankings. Furthermore, US News and World Report ranked it #12 in Best Value Schools and #9 in National Universities in 2021. To apply for the California Institute of Technology, students must submit academic transcripts, an updated CV, personal statements, LORs, and test scores. Students might also have to submit portfolios and interviews for some courses.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania offers International students more than 100 undergraduate courses in a wide variety of disciplines. According to Times Higher Education, the university was ranked 13th in the world university rankings and 11th in the US college rankings in 2022. Moreover, it ranks 8th in National Universities, 14th in Best Value Schools, and 26th in Most Innovative Schools, according to US News and World Report, 2021.
Students must have official high school transcripts, secondary school reports, SAT/ACT scores, counselor recommendations, two academic teacher evaluations, etc., to secure a seat at the University of Pennsylvania.
Read More: University of Pennsylvania
Yale University
Yale University is another popular university for Indian Students to study after class 12th. According to the QS World University Rankings for 2022, Yale University is ranked #14 and #6 in the US University Rankings. Over 46,000 applications are received by the university every year, but only around 2100 are accepted for further study.
Having a low acceptance rate of 4.5% reflects the highly selective admissions policy of the university and its nature to accept only the best students. Yale University offers admission to students from 53 nations. International students make up 11% of Yale's total enrollment.
Read More: Yale University
Columbia University
Columbia University offers 90 distinct UG degrees in different areas of study. According to US News & World Report 2022, it ranks #7 in Best Value Schools. The University of Columbia has one of the most expensive tuition fees in the US, averaging USD 76,920 (57.58 lakhs).
The acceptance rate at Columbia University is 5.6%. That makes Columbia University the 3rd most selective university in the U.S. and the 2nd most selective school in the Ivy League. International applicants must have a GPA of at least 4.12 to secure admission to Columbia University. Over 95% of the class of 2024's admitted students were in the top 10% of their class. Furthermore, more than half of the accepted freshmen at Columbia University had SAT scores between 1500 and 1560.
Types of Undergraduate Programs in the USA
Undergraduate courses can be completed in either two or four years in the USA. Each of these structures has a niche and is designed to assist students in making the most of their higher education. Let us understand the difference between these 2 programs:
- 2-Year Undergraduate Program: The program is usually offered by junior or community colleges and serves as a gateway to pursue a four-year undergraduate program later. This degree requires fewer credits and covers a wide range of subjects without requiring any specialization.
- 4-Year Undergraduate Program: For students to pursue a 4-Year undergraduate program, they must choose a major. This program serves as a stepping stone to a professional career. Since it is a specialized course, it requires more credits, and students need to devote more time to it.
Eligibility Requirements and Documents Required
You must fulfill certain requirements to acquire an internationally recognized degree in the United States after the 12th grade. With the help of these qualifying criteria, universities evaluate the applications and select capable candidates. Here are the eligibility requirements to study in USA for Indian students after 12th:
- An applicant must have completed their 10+2 from a recognized board with the minimum percentage of marks required by the educational establishment.
- Students need to provide English proficiency test scores, like IELTS or TOEFL
- In universities, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are used to determine a student's level of understanding.
- Students may also be required to submit essays, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, etc.
Admission Intakes
There are different intakes and application deadlines at US universities, so it is important to follow these deadlines strictly to increase your chances of admission. It is recommended that you start your admission process at least six months before the application deadline. There are three major intakes available for Indian students who wish to study in the USA after 12th grade:
- Fall Intake: Fall intake is the most common choice among students, and it begins in August.
- Spring Intake: This is the best option for those who wish to gain some time before starting college, and it starts in January.
- Summer Intake: Available at limited colleges and for a specific range of courses, the summer intake commences in May
Student Visa Types in the USA
For students who intend to study in the United States after the 12th grade, a visa is an essential part of their journey. In order to make the process easier and facilitate student exchange, there are many visa options that students can choose from. The following are the different types of student visas in the USA:
| Type of Visa | Explanation |
|---|---|
| F1 Visa | Required to study at an accredited USA university |
| J (exchange visa) | Required in order to take part in an exchange program |
| M (student) Visa | This is required for all non-academic or vocational study programs |
