Studying abroad is now easier due to scholarships, education loans, and student visas available for international students. Whether you want a fully funded program, partially funded scholarship, or want to study on a low budget with loan support, this guide explains the complete process for USA, UK, Australia, along with options for 12th pass students.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Study Destinations
- USA Study Path – Scholarships, FAFSA Loan & F1 Visa
- Fully Funded Scholarship + Education Loan Support for USA
- UK Study – Scholarships, Student Finance Loan & Tier 4 Visa
- Low Budget UK Study + Affordable Colleges
- Australia Study – Low Cost Study + Loan + Visa Process
- Opportunities for 12th Pass Students
- Conclusion
1. Study Abroad Overview Table
| Country | Scholarship Options | Loan Support | Visa Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Fully/Partial Scholarships, Need-based Aid, FAFSA (for eligible) | Bank loans, Co-signer loans, FAFSA (for eligible students) | F1 Visa | STEM, Business, MBA, Research |
| UK | Commonwealth, Chevening, University Scholarships | Student Finance (for residents), Intl. loans via banks | Tier 4 Student Visa | Low processing time, job opportunities |
| Australia | Destination Scholarship, Australia Awards | Student loan support through banks | Subclass 500 Student Visa | Work-friendly part-time environment |
| 12th Pass | Foundation Programs + Scholarships available | Education Loan up to 90% | Visa based on country choice | Entry-level UG abroad |
2. Study in USA – Scholarship + FAFSA Loan + F1 Visa
The USA remains the top destination for international students due to academic quality and post-study opportunities.
A) USA Scholarship Options
- University funded scholarships
- Research assistantships/Teaching assistantships
- Merit-based and athletic scholarships
- Need-based financial aid for eligible students
- External scholarships (Fulbright, Gates, AAUW, Joint Japan/World Bank)
B) FAFSA Loan Support
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is mainly for:
- US citizens or permanent residents
- Some universities extend aid to internationals through institutional FAFSA-based assessment
International students also use:
- Private lenders (MPower, Prodigy Finance)
- Bank education loans requiring co-signer
C) USA F1 Study Visa Process
- Get I-20 from a SEVP-approved university
- Pay SEVIS fee
- Attend embassy interview
- Show proof of funds (scholarship/loan acceptable)
Part-time work: 20 hours/week allowed on campus.
3. Fully Funded USA Study + Loan Support
Fully funded scholarships cover tuition + living cost + flight + research funds.
Popular fully funded programs:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Stanford Knight Hennessy
- MIT Research Funding
- Harvard University Aid
- Yale International Scholarship
If fully funded isn’t secured, students can combine:
- Partial scholarship + bank loan
- Education loan covering tuition and living expenses
4. UK Study – Scholarship + Student Finance Loan + Tier 4 Visa
The UK is a popular choice due to shorter course duration (3-year UG / 1-year PG) which reduces overall cost.
A) UK Scholarship Options
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship Program
- University-specific discounts up to 50–100%
B) Student Finance Loan in the UK
- Available mostly for UK/EU residents
- International students may apply for private student loans or education loans from home country banks
- Many universities offer fee reductions, bursaries and installment payment options
C) UK Tier 4 Visa Requirements
- CAS letter from university
- Proof of funds for 9 months living + tuition fees
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE accepted)
- Tuberculosis test, financial statements
Work rights: 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays.
5. Low Budget UK Study + Affordable Universities
Many UK colleges offer low tuition fee structures compared to top universities.
Approximate annual cost:
- Tuition fees: £6,000 – £12,000 (low budget)
- Living cost: £9,000 – £12,000/year
Affordable universities:
- University of West London
- London South Bank University
- University of Bolton
- Teesside University
- University of Bedfordshire
Education loans + installment plans reduce financial burden for students.
6. Australia Study – Low Cost + Student Loans + Visa
Australia offers quality education plus the benefit of part-time work and PR pathway.
A) Scholarships in Australia
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Destination Australia Scholarship
- Research Training Program (PhD/Masters)
- University grants (Monash, Melbourne, Sydney scholarships)
B) Education Loan Support
Students typically use:
- Bank education loans
- Loan with collateral or unsecured for good profiles
- Sponsorship + scholarship combinations
C) Visa Subclass 500 Requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- OSHC medical insurance
- Financial capacity proof
- English requirement (IELTS/PTE)
Work rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight.
7. Options for 12th Pass Students – Scholarship + Loan + Visa
12th pass students can apply for Bachelor’s degree or Foundation programs in USA/UK/Australia.
Eligible courses include:
- Business, IT, Nursing, Hospitality, Engineering, Finance, Arts
- Diploma leading to Bachelor’s pathway programs
Support options:
- Partial scholarships for UG
- Bank student loans covering tuition + accommodation
- Visa based on acceptance + funds documentation
Popular pathways:
| Country | 12th Pass Study Routes |
|---|---|
| USA | Community College (2+2 transfer), UG programs |
| UK | Foundation + Bachelor |
| Australia | Diploma + Bachelor entry |
Conclusion
Choosing the right country for overseas education depends on budget, course choice, scholarship availability, and visa eligibility.
- USA suits students aiming for research, STEM, MBA with scholarship/loan options.
- UK is ideal for short-duration courses, scholarships & manageable tuition.
- Australia is best for work-study balance and PR pathways.
- 12th pass students can apply for foundation, diploma or direct UG with scholarship + loan support.
With proper planning, financial documentation, and scholarship/loan strategy, studying abroad in 2025 is highly achievable for students from all backgrounds.