The best undergraduate (UG) courses to study abroad for Indian students include Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Business Analytics, Engineering, Healthcare and Medicine, Business Administration and Fintech, and Psychology and Behavioural Science.
Whether you are a high school student or a parent planning to send your child abroad, here are the top undergraduate courses to study abroad after 12th.
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Computer Science has always been a popular choice and remains the gold standard among top UG courses to study abroad for Indian students. However, the focus has shifted from plain IT to more specialised niches thanks to the increased interest in AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing.
The best countries for Computer Science for International students are the US, the UK, Canada, Germany and Singapore. They provide students with access to advanced research labs, partnerships with top Silicon Valley companies, and salaries that are quite aspirational ($100,000 and above).
Top universities for Computer Science in the US include UC Berkeley and Harvard; Oxford and Cambridge in the UK; the University of Toronto and Waterloo in Canada; the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney in Australia; the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore; and the Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, and Technical University Berlin. Here’s a complete table.
Data Science is one of the top undergraduate courses for Indian students, especially those that combine mathematics with business strategies. Universities in the UK and Australia also offer integrated industry placements that provide students with a solid foundation in the job market. Top countries like UK, Australia, the USA and Ireland is best for Data Science courses.
The best universities for undergraduate courses in data science in the world include UCL, the University of Essex, and the University of Portsmouth in the UK; The University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the Australian National University in Australia; the University College Cork, Trinity College in Dublin in Ireland; and UC Berkeley and New York University in the USA.
The famous quote by Clive Humbly, “Data is the new oil”, was coined to reflect on the importance of raw data that became valuable in the digital age. The growing popularity of the stream highlights how data drives business insights, profit and decision-making in the present age. That’s why students who understand the potential of the field pursue a career in data science.
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Engineering ranks as a top study abroad UG course for Indian students thanks to its high global demand, strong career prospects and elite programs in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Germany and Australia.
While Mechanical and Civil are popular UG courses in engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering and Robotics have been gaining popularity. Other popular engineering degrees abroad for Indian students include Computer Science, Civil, Electrical and Electronics, Biomedical and Aerospace.
Studying engineering abroad gives practical, hands-on training and the opportunity to work with top companies like Siemens, BMW and Tesla, to name a few.
Best countries for Engineering courses include Germany, Canada, USA and the Netherlands. Germany has become a hub for undergraduate engineering courses due to its “no-tuition” policy and the popularity of public universities. German universities also have strong industry ties, offering amazing job opportunities to students who finish their degrees there.
Healthcare and Medicine have become increasingly popular courses following the pandemic, and there is a significant demand for Indian medical professionals and their expertise. That’s why postgraduate courses have gained popularity among Indian students.
While MBBS is still a popular choice, Nursing and Public Health courses have also gained traction in countries with an ageing population.
Postgraduate courses in Medicine and Healthcare are popular in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and the UAE. These countries offer high employability and simplified pathways to PR in Australia and Canada.
The best universities for Medicine and Healthcare PG courses include Oxford, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh.
CountryTop Universities for Healthcare and MedicineAvg. UG Tuition (INR/year)Post-Study WorkKey Pros for Indians
Indian students are increasingly opting for International Business and Fintech instead of a simple BBA. They want courses that teach how technology, such as blockchain and AI, is disrupting the financial sector. Exposure to global markets gives them diverse networking opportunities that a local degree from India may not offer.
The best countries for Business Administration and Fintech courses are Singapore, France, the USA and the UK. They offer classes that focus on finance, analytics, and digital innovation.
The best universities abroad for Business Administration and Fintech include the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, SP Jain Global in Singapore; UPenn Wharton, NYU Stern and UC Berkeley in the USA; London School of Economics, Warwick and SP Jain London in the UK; and ESSEC and HEC Paris in France.
UG courses in Psychology and Behavioural Sciences have become popular among Indian students. A refreshed understanding towards the importance of mental health has led to a 20% increase in Indian students pursuing Psychology abroad.
Popular specialisations include Neuropsychology and Industrial-Organisational Psychology. Abroad, Indian students can take advantage of extensive clinical exposure and a more research-oriented curriculum, which may not be available in India.
The best countries to pursue UG courses in Psychology and Behavioural Sciences are the USA, UK, and the Netherlands. The programs here are focused on research, neuroscience, and clinical applications popular among Indian students.
The best universities for Psychology and Behavioural Sciences include Harvard, Stanford, UCLA and Yale in the USA; Cambridge (PBS), Oxford, University College London, the London School of Economics and King’s College London in the UK; University of Amsterdam, Maastricht, Groningen and Utrecht in the Netherlands.
| Country | Top Universities for Psychology | Key Programs | Avg. UG Tuition (INR/year) | Notable Strengths |
| USA | Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, Yale | BA/BS Psychology, Behavioral Science | 25-50 lakhs | Research labs, interdisciplinary focus |
| UK | Cambridge (PBS), Oxford, UCL, LSE, Edinburgh, KCL | BA/BS Psychological & Behavioural Sciences, Experimental Psychology | 25-35 lakhs | BPS accreditation, clinical pathways |
| Netherlands | University of Amsterdam (UvA), Maastricht, Groningen, Utrecht | BSc Psychology, Behavioural Science | 12-20 lakhs | English-taught, problem-based learning |
To gain admission to these top universities, students should strive for a SAT score of 1500+ alongside good grades (85-95%+ in CBSE/ICSE with a focus on Science). Start early, approximately 6-12 months before deadlines, typically in January to March for fall intake by searching portals like Common App for USA, UCAS for UK or Studielink for the Netherlands. You will also need good scores in IELTS (Band 7.5+) or TOEFL (100+).
Collect personal statements like letters of recommendation and curate strong essays that highlight your interest in the above mentioned subjects to secure a seat for top UG programs in these universities.
The best course to study abroad for Indian students is Computer Science and IT (Cybersecurity, Data Science, and AI). Other good courses include Engineering (Mechanical and Civil), Business Management (MBA, Digital Marketing), Healthcare, and Psychology (Behavioural Science).
The best bachelor’s degree to study abroad is Computer Science, in terms of popularity and demand, job prospects, career growth, and ROI.
No one country is best for UG. It depends on what you want to specialise in. The USA is best known for its diverse programs, ranging from Engineering to Computer Science. Canada is best known for its affordable, high-quality education. Australia has excellent universities that offer post-study work options. The UK has many prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Ireland is a growing tech hub, robust in IT, Medicine, and pharma. Germany is an excellent destination for STEM studies, with numerous public universities offering low tuition fees.
Some of the best courses to study abroad after 12th grade include Computer Science, IT, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Business and Management, Architecture, Law and Creative Arts.
Doing a UG (undergraduate) degree abroad after class 12 requires a step-by-step process, starting with researching universities and programs, completing 12th with good grades (75-90%), preparing for standardised tests like SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS, collecting transcripts, applying on university portals or systems such as College App and UCAS, applying for student visa and accommodation, and seeking scholarships to reduce financial burden.
Studying abroad from India can cost anywhere between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50 lakh per year, which includes tuition and living expenses. This amount can vary by country, university and program. Studying in Germany and France can cost as little as Rs 3-10 lakh a year. USA, UK and Australia are comparatively expensive, costing as much as Rs 20-50 lakh a year. Primary costs are your tuition fee, living expenses and travel. If you apply for scholarships, you can have some or all of your costs covered.
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