Popularly known as a Bachelor’s degree, UG or undergraduate degree is the first level of higher education you can undertake after high school. A college or university awards this degree after you complete the course which generally takes three years to complete. You can choose an undergraduate course in various fields such as arts, science, commerce, medical sciences, engineering, pharmacy, etc.
The basic eligibility criteria for pursuing a UG course is passing high school. Some colleges have specific requirements. You must find out the requirements before you apply for a course. India has more than 58,000 higher education institutions, making its higher education system the second largest on the planet. Of the 43.3 million students in India who enrolled in higher education, 79% are undergraduates.
Find out everything that you need to learn about UG in this guide.
Why study UG abroad?
An undergraduate degree is a must for everyone who wishes to pursue a higher education after completing high school. There are several benefits to pursuing a UG course at a foreign university:
- Personal growth – Taking an undergraduate course abroad can develop your abilities for personal growth. You can learn to think critically, solve problems, and communicate with international peers.
- Quality Education – Studying UG abroad gives students access to world-class education. Foreign universities are known for their quality of academics which are unparalleled in the world.
- Variety of courses – Foreign universities have a host of UG courses for you to choose from. You get to enjoy the teaching style of diverse educators who are skilled enough to teach international students.
- Job security – Getting an undergraduate degree in a foreign university can open up many career options. Having a UG degree from a reputed global university can help you stand apart during your job-hunting time.
- Cultural immersion – One of the major setbacks Indian students have while studying in their home country is the lack of worldview. In a global college, you will get the chance to interact with people from all over the world. This can help in the development of intercultural skills.
- Specialized courses – Indian colleges might not offer some of the courses that you wish to study after high school. Some global colleges offer specialized courses for those who want to gain expertise in certain fields.
Popular trending UG courses
The following table outlines some of the most sought-after UG programs globally, along with their key features:
| UG Program | Key Features |
| Bachelor in Design | It is a UG course where you can learn about various design specializations. Some of the popular specializations are fashion design, communication design, and interior design. |
| Bachelor in Medicine | If you want to become a doctor or stay in the field of medicine, then this course is perfect for you. You can fast-track a career in healthcare when you pursue this degree. |
| Bachelor in Law | This is the degree that you need to pursue if you wish to serve as a legal practitioner. You will learn about the skills required to become a lawyer and practice in the legal field. |
| Bachelor in Architecture | This is a degree for all who wish to work as an architect. It teaches you about planning and creating blueprints for buildings and factories. |
| Bachelor in Electrical Engineering | This course is ideal for students who want to work as electrical engineers in industries such as robotics, transport, and healthcare. You learn in detail how to develop and supervise electrical systems. |
| Bachelor in Business Management | This course prepares you to make managerial decisions and work as a team player in a company. You can pursue an MBA degree after you finish this course to give a further boost to your career. |
| Bachelor in Language Studies | You can choose a specific language to study for this UG course. Pursuing a language studies degree can be highly rewarding if you wish to work in the field of academics. |
| Bachelor in Civil Engineering and Construction | An undergraduate degree for students who want to work in further depth in the department of designing and constructing roads, buildings, bridges, etc. The curriculum of civil engineering is much broader than an architectural degree. |
| Bachelor in International Relations | This UG course teaches students about the relationships between nations and their governments. You will learn about the dynamic world we live in along with policy making at an international level. |
| Bachelor in Computer Science and IT | This undergraduate course is ideal for students who want to work in the field of information technology. Students learn about various stages of software development along with learning the mechanisms of computer systems. |
Eligibility and Documentation Guide for MS Aspirants
Eligibility Criteria requirements required to get admitted for MS Program:
The eligibility criteria for pursuing a UG course differ as per the course and the institute you choose.
- Candidate must pass high school with a certain percentage of marks to apply to UG courses.
- Candidate must show their English language proficiency by providing TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Candidate must pass standard tests such as ACT or SAT depending on the college and country.
- Candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for their chosen nation.
Documents Required
Before you apply for an undergraduate degree at a foreign university, you need to prepare some documents. Most international colleges and universities ask for the following documents during the UG application process:
- Student CV or resume
- Statement of purpose
- International passport
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS/ TOEFL)
- Scores of standardized tests (ACT / SAT) depending on country and university
- Valid photo-identity cards such as an Aadhar card or a Voter card.
UG Application Process
Enrolling in a foreign university for undergraduate studies can seem scary at first. We have compiled a list of the steps you require for applying to UG courses abroad.
Step 1: Research and Select Your Undergraduate Program.
Identify programs aligning with your academic interests, career aspirations, budget, and location preferences. Consider rankings, curriculum, faculty expertise, and extracurricular opportunities.
Step 2: Compile Necessary Documents.
Gather essential documents including your high school transcript, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), letters of recommendation, and any required personal essays or portfolios.
Step 3: Submit Your Application.
Complete the online application form accurately and thoroughly, ensuring all required documents are attached. Pay close attention to deadlines.
Step 4: Prepare for Interviews (if applicable).
Practice answering common interview questions, focusing on your academic achievements, future goals, and suitability for the program.
Step 5: Await Admission Decisions.
After submitting your application, patiently await notification of admission decisions. Be prepared to confirm your enrollment and begin your preparations for the program.
How Manya- The Princeton Review’s admission consulting services can help you study abroad
At Manya- The Princeton Review, we specialize in providing end-to-end admission consulting services, helping study abroad aspirants achieve their academic and also career dreams. From profile assessment to visa counseling, we simplify every step of your study abroad journey.
| Service Area | Description |
| Profile Assessment | Evaluation of academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements |
| University Shortlisting | Selecting universities that match the candidate’s profile and goals |
| Document Editing | Assistance with crafting impactful application materials |
| Application Submission | Ensuring error-free and timely submission of applications |
| Financial Documentation Support | Guidance on demonstrating financial capacity for education abroad |
| Visa Counseling and Processing | Expert guidance on securing a student visa |
Types of UG Courses
Before applying to a UG course, you must decide what type of undergraduate course you want to pursue. Let us talk about UG course types.
| Type | Duration | Who is it For |
| Bachelor’s degree | 3 to 4 years | Ideal for those who want to gain in-depth knowledge on a subject after finishing high school. |
| Associate degree | Usually 2 years, with an extra 1 or 2 years for converting to a bachelor’s | Ideal for those who wish to work entry-level jobs (in specific professions). Some universities have the option of converting this degree into a bachelor’s. |
| Dual degree | 3 to 4 years | Ideal for those who want to graduate with two bachelor’s degrees instead of a single one. It is good for those who want to study in two fields. |
| Joint honors degree | 3 to 4 years | Ideal for those who want to study two subjects and get a single degree. |
Fees Structure and Application Deadline of Top UG Courses
Find out about UG fees and application deadlines of some top intentional universities from the table here:
| University | UG Tuition Fees | Application Deadline | ||||
| University College London | GBP 37,500 in 1st Year | Medicine – 15th October 2024 | ||||
| GBP 37,500 in 2nd Year | ||||||
| Other courses – 29th January 2025, 6 pm (UK time) | ||||||
| GBP 37,500 in 3rd Year | ||||||
| University of Chicago | USD 67,446 for On-campus students | Early Action – 1st November 2024 | ||||
| Early Decision I – 1st November 2024 | ||||||
| USD 67,446 for Commuters | ||||||
| Early Decision II – 6th January 2025 | ||||||
| USD 67,446 for Off-campus students | ||||||
| Regular Decision – 6th January 2025 | ||||||
| Harvard College | USD 56,550 | Early Action – 1st November 2024 | ||||
| Regular Action – 1st January 2025 | ||||||
| University of Cambridge | Group 1: GBP 27,024 | Regular student – 15th October 2024 | ||||
| Group 2: GBP 30,144 | ||||||
| Mature student – 1st March 2025 | ||||||
| Group 3: GBP 35,358 | ||||||
| Group 4: GBP 41,124 | ||||||
| March application for mature students – 8th March 2025 | ||||||
| Group 5: GBP 70,554 | ||||||
| University of Oxford | Between GBP 35,260 and GBP 59,260 | 15th October 2024 | ||||
International Scholarships for Indian UG Students
There are various scholarships available for students from India who want to enroll in a foreign university. Here is a list of some of the popular scholarships for undergraduate students:
- Cornell University TATA Scholarship
- QS Undergraduate Scholarship
- Wien International Scholarship Program
- Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships
- UCD Global Graduate Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an undergraduate degree?
An undergraduate degree is the first degree a student can pursue after finishing high school. It is a must for pursuing any type of higher education.
What are some of the common types of UG courses?
The best part about UG is you get to choose the course you like. Some of the common ones are:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Associate degree
- Dual degree
- Joint honors degree
What are the advantages of pursuing a UG degree?
Pursuing an undergraduate degree offers several benefits. Some of these are:
- Job security
- Personal growth
- Networking opportunities
- Higher self-confidence
- Deep knowledge
- Exposure to diverse cultures
Why are there so many options for UG courses?
When a student starts their 11th grade, they can choose from Science, Commerce, and Humanities. After they finish their plus 2 education, they study a range of subjects inside each of the above three sections. This is why there are so many options for undergraduate courses.
Can I study undergraduate courses online?
It is possible to study UG online. Several colleges and universities offer online undergraduate courses for students who cannot attend on-campus classes.
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