Planning for your undergraduate studies while in 10th grade? It’s never too early to start thinking ahead when it comes to studying abroad. And if you want to start even earlier, why not consider options to study abroad after 10th grade? Pre-university programs abroad are an excellent opportunity to transition into higher education overseas. Experiencing this earlier in life can also jumpstart your personal development and your ease of transition into an international university setting!
Your Post-10th Study Abroad Options
To qualify for a bachelor’s program overseas, you need to complete the equivalent of your secondary schooling. In other words, you would need to complete high school (Year 12) or the equivalent of high school to qualify for a bachelor’s program abroad. Some of your options to study abroad after 10th grade include:
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
The IB Diploma Program aims to develop 16- to 19-year-old students into successful candidates for higher education. This includes six subject specializations as well as a diploma program core. As part of the IB Diploma program, you will complete
· Creativity, Activity, or Service (CAS) projects
· A self-directed research extended essay (4,000 words)
· TOK or Theory of Knowledge, which will include an exhibition and a 1,600-word essay
Alongside developing your subject-specific knowledge base, you also build upon skills you will need to succeed in an undergraduate program. These include communication, research, and critical thinking skills. IB programs have global recognition and create a smooth pathway to transition into a bachelor’s program overseas.
English Language Courses
One of the requirements you must fulfil to study abroad is meeting your target university’s English language requirements, like the IELTS. Major study abroad destinations not only deliver their programs in English but also use English in everyday settings. If you don’t meet these proficiency levels, don’t worry – English language pathway programs are a great option to work your way up to them!
Many universities and colleges offer language programs for ESL (English as a Second Language) students. These train up your ability in the language so you meet the requirements of your chosen undergraduate programs. That is not all either – you also develop your ability in the academic application of English to study abroad after 10th grade!
Pre-University Courses
For future international students whose current qualifications don’t meet the eligibility criteria of their chosen degree programs, pre-university courses are a great option. These programs can go by the names of pre-bachelor’s, pathway, and foundation programs too.
Foundational programs typically tend to be one year long. Depending on the program and the university, it can include modules in English as well as general courses to round off your academic foundation and prepare you for a bachelor’s degree.
Several of the world’s best universities offer foundational programs to help international students smoothly transition into a full-time degree. These programs are great for:
· Building up skills like research, critical thinking, analytical thinking, communication
· Developing your foundation in a specialist area
· Bridging any gaps in your academic experience
Below are just some of the examples of pre-university programs by top universities:
· University of Toronto - Pre-University Programs
· Fairleigh Dickinson University - Pre-University Program
· University of Edinburgh – Pre-University Courses
· RMIT University – Pre-University Study
· Vanier College – Pre-University Programs
· University of South Australia – Pre-Entry and Pathway Programs
· Deakin University – Foundation Program
· University of Manchester – Foundation Courses for International Students
· Durham University – International Foundation Year
· University of Adelaide – Foundation Studies Programs
Scholarship Options for Pre-University Programs
When it comes to studying abroad, one of the inevitable decision-making factors is the cost. A foundation year or pathway program, which can be between eight to twelve months long, extends the overall length of your time as an international student. This is one of the considerations to keep in mind when mapping out your study abroad journey. Luckily, several universities encourage international students to study abroad after 10th with scholarship options. Of course, the value, terms, and eligibility criteria of each scholarship will be different. Below are just a few examples to help you start your search:
· Coventry University’s International Pathways Scholarship
· University of Leeds’ International Foundation Year (IFY) Scholarships
· Victoria University’s VU Block Model International Scholarship
· INTO Newcastle University’s International Foundation Scholarship
· Trinity College (University of Melbourne)’s Foundation Studies Scholarship
Rounding Up
Choosing to study abroad after 10th grade is a big decision. There are many factors to consider, including how you are going to complete your secondary schooling or Year 12 equivalent. You need this school-leaving qualification to transition into an undergraduate program at a great university overseas. Whether you opt to complete high school in a different country, or find a pathway or foundation program that gets you ready for a bachelor’s program, make the most of your shot to study abroad!
