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Study in the USA after 12th

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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 Canam 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.

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Study in the USA after 12th

Table of Contents

Why study in the USA after 12th?

Eligibility Criteria to study in the USA

Documents Required

Top Courses in USA After 12th

Popular programs:

Top US Universities for Associate Programs

Top US Universities for Bachelor’s Degree

Scholarships to Study in the USA After 12th

How to Study in USA?

Cost of Living in the USA

Living Expenses in USA (Per Month)

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

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

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

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

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Aston University England

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University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

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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

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