HOW TO STUDY ABROAD- In Your Budget

All You Need To Know In Order To Approach the Foreign University Application Process

Getting an international degree , travelling , experiencing and adopting to new culture, Living abroad and making friends with people from all over the globe are some of the most influential factors for driving students abroad to study . Also not to forget that its a common believe that studying abroad makes students more confident and independent.

Around 80% of the study abroad alumni always felt that their education overseas has helped them adapt to diverse work environments and also build valuable and competitive skills for the job market

Studying abroad is an experience that is priceless but as well all know that anything that is priceless comes with a huge price tag , But do not worry and let the cost stop you from enjoying your experience.

In this article we will cover

1) Desination of your interest .

2)Education Program that aligns with your educational background ,

3) Future job prospect

3) Opportunities within your budget .

Also If you have bagged a scholarship than studying abroad is free but that is not quite realistic. So as you go deep into the article you will uncover the tips on how to live and study abroad on a budget and enjoy your time .

#1: Finding Affordable Destinations

Tuition Fees can be daunting when it comes to studying abroad but do not worry many countries offer free or low cost tuition for international students also the programs are in English

France

• France is a country with cost effective tuition fees in comparison to US or Australian universities, tuition fees at most of the public universities in France is very less.

Germany

• Germany lacks skilled employees, and this reality creates a great opportunity for students.

• Known for its world-class education, almost all study programmes at public universities in Germany are tuition-free.

• Berlin and Munich were ranked within the top 30 most affordable cities to study.

Nordic Countries

• Sweden, Denmark, Finland : These countries provide stipend and also their courses are fully funded for doctoral programs.

• Norway : Regardless of your nationality or your study level , university study is free for all students in Germany .

• Iceland : The four public universities do not charge any tuition fees .

Other European Countries

• Belgium, Italy & Spain are some of the countries where education at public universities is a lot economical .

Countries Outside Europe

• Public universities in Mexico and Brazil have virtually free tuition.

• You will get a great value for the tuition fees in Argentina and Taiwan

• Living costs in some of these countries are very appealing to students though private universities maybe expensive.

Things that you need to remember before your apply : You will need to pay registration fees or semester fees even if the country offers low or zero tuition fees

Countries generally offer courses in English, but in some cases, you might need to learn the local language as a prerequisite.

Always check the university for your specific subject, country and world ranking. I have linked a reliable source- QS World University Ranking 2020

#2: Selection Of The Right Program

Undergraduate programs are for 4 years and postgraduate masters are for 2 years in most countries however many UK universities ( England , Scotland , Wales ,Northern Ireland ) and the Republic of Ireland offers 3- years undergraduate and 1- year master's program.

The major expenses while studying abroad is the living cost and the tuition fees, but if you selecting and of these countries you end up being a student for shorter duration that is directly correlated to

your tuition fees and living costs .

Universities abroad also have full time and part-time courses which allows you to work while completing your studies. Mostly research-based PhD programs worldwide are fully funded with a stipend.

Russell Group Universities in the UK (Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester) are well known worldwide for their quality of education and research studies.

#3: Looking For Application Fee Waivers

Planning to apply at multiple universities, it could cost you a lot, since there is an application fee for most of the universities ranging from 30 USD to 100 USD.

Especially UK and many European universities don’t have application fees. Also, some universities have a special Application fee waiver option for a specific category of students.

Certain study abroad agencies have tie-ups with specific universities and you get an application fee waiver in case if you choose to apply with them .

#4: Applying For Scholarships

Wide range of scholarships are available that cover starting from 25% upto 100% of your tuition fees. For students with excellent academic records and pursuing PHD some scholarships cover both tuition fees and living expenses.

Academics are not the only criteria. A well written Scholarship Statement, Letter of Recommendations and Work Experience also increases your chances of getting a decent scholarship. You can Explore Scholarships here.

Broadly, these are the different types of scholarships:

University Scholarship

• Each university website has all the details regarding available scholarships.

Country-Specific Scholarship

• There are country and state specific scholarships for students. There are scholarships reserved for Asian and African students.

Other Organisations

• Rotary Foundation Global Scholarships, Ratan Tata Trust and many more scholarships are available for students.

When it comes to finding scholarships or getting financial aid, exploring and applying is the key. Since many scholarships are available to offer holders, it is advisable to start your application process one year in advance to avoid missing deadlines.

#5: Accommodations Hunting

Accommodation is another area apart from tuition fees where you might end up spending a lot of your money.

Many students prefer to opt for off campus sharing accommodation as on campus accommodations can be very expensive .If you study in an expensive city, this could easily save you 200 to 400 USD per month.

#6: Working Part-Time

20 hours per week and up to 40 hours per week during vacations are the allowed work limit for anyone on student visa . Money earned by working part-time is sufficient in most cases to provide for your rent and living expenses.

Working on campus at university, serving as waiters and bar staff, warehouse staff, call centre phone operators, language teachers, etc. are common jobs student opt for.

Considering the workload before you take on a part-time job is advisable.

#7: Student Benefits

Make the most of your Student Card as they can be used for travel discounts, at supermarkets, leisure and fun activities, etc.

You can plan to purchase a laptop, other than the usual discounts, there are special deals for students. Dell offers Student Advantage Plan, Apple has special discounts for students- you get what I am trying to say .

Your study abroad expenses can vary greatly in reality , depending on the factors like destination and program. All it takes is some, budgeting tips and consider every dollar spent, forward-thinking, a dash of organizational skills.

Keeping a track of your expenses while you’re abroad will help you to coordinate an affordable study abroad experience.

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