It’s that time of the year! The phrase sounds soothing for those ready to celebrate the end of the year. However, when you’re a Class 12th student, this phrase might not bring much joy. With your school life soon coming to an end, you need to have a solid plan for your future. A key part of this planning should be answering crucial questions like, “What do I want to be in the future?” or “Where do I see myself in the next five years?” These are essential answers to have before finishing school. In this blog, we will explore the engineering discipline and some of the best engineering courses after 12th that you can pursue.
As the new academic year approaches, instead of being apprehensive about the unknown, it’s time to prepare with full force. Let’s dive into the world of engineering, potential study destinations, and other preparations for the 2025 intake.
Why Engineering?
Did you know that only an engineer can look at any structure and say, ‘I can make it better’? Whether it’s a building, bridge, car, or website, only an engineer can show their creativity to improve the existing version of a product. So, if you are inclined to channel your creativity towards making the world better, here’s why you should pursue an engineering course.
- Diverse Career Options: Choosing an engineering discipline opens doors to numerous opportunities across a range of industries. Whether it’s aerospace, civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, software, or more, you have the chance to engage in the field that excites you the most.
- Global Opportunities: Engineers are in demand all over the world. Whether it’s developing a new website or laying the foundation for a new building, nothing can be done without the expertise of engineers. This global demand translates into job opportunities not just nationally, but internationally as well.
- Career Flexibility: The engineering field is one of the most flexible sectors, offering growth opportunities within the same industry and beyond. Engineers can transition between industries and explore new avenues for career development. This flexibility doesn’t only apply to promotions but, with strong analytical skills, engineers can also start and run their own businesses.
- Innovation and Creativity: While engineering courses are rooted in the principles of science and mathematics, there is still ample room for creativity. Engineers can design new products, systems, and technologies that can benefit humanity and improve daily life.
- High Earning Potential: Return on investment is an important consideration before making any decision. When it comes to high-paying jobs, engineering ranks among the top fields. Whether you’re aiming to become an aeronautical engineer or a software engineer, each engineering discipline offers lucrative career opportunities.
So, if you’re considering engineering after your 12th, let’s explore some of the top engineering courses available for your further education.
Types of Engineering Courses
As mentioned, there are various engineering fields that can lead to a successful career. Below is a list of engineering options available after 12th, along with the expected return on investment (ROI).
| Type of Engineering Course | Typical Cost of Course (Per Year) | Potential ROI (Salary/Job Prospects) |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | $20,000 – $50,000 | High ($80,000 – $120,000+) |
| Biomedical Engineering | $15,000 – $45,000 | High ($70,000 – $110,000+) |
| Chemical Engineering | $15,000 – $50,000 | Very High ($75,000 – $125,000+) |
| Civil Engineering | $10,000 – $40,000 | High ($60,000 – $100,000+) |
| Computer Engineering | $15,000 – $50,000 | Very High ($80,000 – $130,000+) |
| Electrical Engineering | $15,000 – $45,000 | Very High ($70,000 – $120,000+) |
| Mechanical Engineering | $12,000 – $45,000 | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Software Engineering | $15,000 – $50,000 | Very High ($80,000 – $130,000+) |
| Robotics Engineering | $15,000 – $50,000 | Very High ($80,000 – $130,000+) |
| Nuclear Engineering | $20,000 – $55,000 | Very High ($90,000 – $140,000+) |
NOTE: The cost of a course can vary significantly based on factors such as the country, university, and whether the student is attending a public or private institution. ROI, on the other hand, is often measured by potential salary growth and career opportunities post-graduation.
Countries and Colleges for Engineering Courses Abroad
Since you are preparing for the 2025 academic year, let’s explore some of the best engineering courses after 12th that you can pursue abroad. Below is a table of courses, colleges, and countries for your easier understanding.
| Engineering Course | University (College) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | |
| Stanford University | United States | |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | United States | |
| Biomedical Engineering | Johns Hopkins University | United States |
| Imperial College London | United Kingdom | |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | |
| University of California, Berkeley | United States | |
| Chemical Engineering | University of California, Berkeley | United States |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | United States | |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | Singapore | |
| Civil Engineering | University of California, Berkeley | United States |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States | |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | |
| University of Melbourne | Australia | |
| Computer Engineering | Stanford University | United States |
| University of California, Berkeley | United States | |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | |
| Electrical Engineering | Stanford University | United States |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States | |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | |
| Mechanical Engineering | Stanford University | United States |
| University of Michigan | United States | |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States | |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | |
| Software Engineering | Carnegie Mellon University | United States |
| University of California, Berkeley | United States | |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) | United States | |
| University of Toronto | Canada | |
| Robotics Engineering | Carnegie Mellon University | United States |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States | |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | |
| Nuclear Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | |
| University of California, Berkeley | United States | |
| University of Tokyo | Japan |
Engineering Admission Checklist for 2025 Intakes
Now that you have seen the engineering courses that offer great ROIs, along with the potential universities and countries for your studies, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming intake in 2025. Here is a checklist covering everything you need to know for pursuing engineering abroad.
- Research the Course and University: Start your study abroad journey by finalising which engineering course you want to pursue, and which university would be the best fit for you. Using the information provided above, you can decide which course to choose based on your interests and budget.
- Check Eligibility Criteria: The next step is to check the academic prerequisites for your preferred universities, such as grades, subjects, etc. When reviewing the eligibility requirements, make sure to also check which English proficiency exam is accepted by the university.
- Standardised Exam Requirements: As part of your study abroad plan, you must verify which standardised exam is required. For undergraduate courses, the exams typically taken are the SAT or GRE. However, depending on the university, there may be other exams required, so ensure you check all the requirements at once.
- Prepare the Documents: When planning to study abroad after the 12th, there is a list of documents you will need to submit with your application. These documents include your high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV/resume.
- Application Process: Shortlist a few courses and universities based on your preferences. Then, log in to the shortlisted university portals, complete the application forms, attach the required documents, and pay the application fee. Be cautious when submitting your application, as submitting incorrect documents can result in rejection.
- Plan Your Finances: Once you have completed the application process, it’s time to assess living expenses and other additional costs, along with tuition fees. The total cost may seem high, but with scholarships and financial aid, you can make it more manageable. Look for the best financial assistance opportunities and apply for them promptly.
- Apply for a Visa: Depending on the country where you plan to pursue your engineering degree, you will need to apply for a student visa. This process involves filling out the visa application, booking an interview slot, and attending the interview. During this period, ensure you have all the necessary documents with you, such as your admission letter, proof of finance, etc.
Explore Engineering Options with MetaApply
As this blog comes to an end, we understand that this is a lot of information to take in. When you are in your 12th grade, you might still be uncertain about your future path. However, if you are driven by innovation, creativity, analytical skills, and the desire to make a meaningful impact on humankind, engineering could be the perfect fit for you.
With high-paying jobs, expanding opportunities, and various engineering sectors to explore, you can easily build a stable career in the engineering field, as the global demand for engineers is only set to increase. So, if you’ve even remotely decided that you want to study abroad and pursue an engineering degree, let MetaApply be your guiding light.
Our team of professionals is here to assist you with every step of your study abroad journey. We offer everything from course and university shortlisting, application assistance, and visa help, to education loans, accommodation abroad, and pre-departure orientations. Without wasting any more time, let’s start planning your engineering options abroad.
