Do you want to further your education but are concerned about the cost? Here are several helpful ways to study abroad without having to pay full tuition, or at least for a lot less than it would normally cost.
The experience of a lifetime may be had by studying in another country, but the financial investment may be significant. If you wish to study in another country at a low cost or perhaps for no cost at all, fortunately, you have more than a few options to choose from.
Keeping in mind that a significant portion of the money you pay to study abroad is going toward acquiring relaxation and tranquility is the key to finding ways to reduce the financial burden of doing so. Study abroad programs will charge you additional fees if they help you find lodging, assist you in enrolling in foreign universities, or even help you with the process of obtaining a visa. If you choose to handle some or all of these responsibilities on your own, you will find that your time spent studying abroad goes much more smoothly.
Here are some ways that you can save money on some of those expenses and study abroad at a reduced cost or even for free!
1. study in a country with a low cost of living.
Studying abroad doesn’t have to be out of reach financially. You may make your study abroad ambitions a reality by establishing a realistic budget, selecting a study abroad program with reasonable fees, and settling on a location with a low cost of living.
Examine the average cost of living and tuition in some of these preferred and inexpensive study abroad destinations.
ARGENTINA
- Living expenses (rent included): $550 – $750 per month on average.
- Through direct enrollment, the average cost of a semester is between $200 and $3,000 (not including housing).
- The typical cost of a semester at a private university (including housing) is between $14 000 and 17 500.
Argentina is a fantastic study abroad destination if you’re interested in the arts, culture, and adventure. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking scenery of the Iguaz Falls, visitors will be spoiled for choice.
In addition, the cost of higher education in Argentina is often lower than in the United States. Almost every aspect of daily life is less expensive in Argentina, including food, entertainment, and necessities like coffee and housing.
CHINA
- Depending on where you live, a monthly rent-and-living-expenses budget of $800 to $1,700 is reasonable.
- By enrolling in classes on your own, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $7,000.
- Depending on the specifics, the average cost of a semester (including lodging) through a third-party provider is from $7,500 to $12,000.
Taking your studies to China can be a terrific low-cost choice compared to many other popular study abroad destinations for those interested in being immersed in ancient history, art, and wisdom.
You may eat cheaply and save money while studying in China if you take use of the country’s abundant public transit system, scholarship opportunities, and authentic local food.
BRAZIL
- Spend between $550 and $850 per month for rent and other necessities.
- If you enroll in school directly, expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 every semester (without housing).
- Housing costs through a third party add an average of $19,000 to the total cost of a semester at $7,000.
Brazil is an excellent study abroad destination if you’re hoping to experience a country with a vibrant nightlife. Depending on the course of study or the institution, Brazil has the potential to be a very cost-effective destination. This is in addition to the country’s abundance of exciting music, tasty food, samba dancing, beaches, and more. Tuition may appear pricey, but compared to studying in Japan or France, the rent and cost of living will likely be significantly lower.
2. Enroll at a college or language institute abroad.
In contrast to the high expense of higher education in the United States, several countries provide either free or cheap higher education, including to international students.
READ : best-countries-to-work-abroad-in-2023
The registration price at La Sorbonne in Paris is only about $200, and there are no other costs associated with attending. But what’s the catch? Because of the language barrier, only those fluent in French are admitted to universities in France. Non-Francophones can get a good education at Australia’s University of Tasmania for roughly $6,000 USD per year, while New Zealand’s University of Auckland is a little more expensive at just under $9,000 USD per year.
And English-language shows aren’t just for viewers in the United States. Tuition at the Ningbo, China campus of the University of Nottingham is just under $7,000 per year for English-language programs.
You might want to narrow your potential study abroad destinations down to a top five list. Next, you should look at the tuition rates at public universities in those countries to see whether they are within your budget. Keep in account the cost of living as well: Public institutions in Norway do not charge tuition, not even to overseas students, although the country’s high cost of living may make studying there less appealing than in other countries.
3. Carry out a work study
It might be difficult for international students to work while studying abroad because they may not have the proper work visa. However, with the help of the right program, you can avoid this thorny predicament and earn money while you study abroad. Think about taking a course to become an ESL teacher, or going somewhere like Australia or New Zealand where you may work while you study.
Don’t forget that, depending on the length of your trip, several EU nations will let you pick up some part-time job. If you plan on studying in the UK for longer than six months, for instance, you will be eligible to work part-time. Similarly, students in Spain may work as long as they do so in an occupation related to their subject of study. Learn more about the employment regulations in the countries you’re considering for study abroad with our helpful guide.
4. Take advantage of a low-cost study abroad opportunity
You can always choose a less expensive study abroad program if you’d rather not deal with the hassle of planning your own study abroad experience. Some examples of substantially more affordable options are listed below.
- The Lorenzo de’ Medici (from $5,500) in Florence, Italy.
- Costs as little as $2,000 at FuBIS in Berlin, Germany.
- Summer Horse Camp in Edinburgh, Scotland (from $4,895)
- Hutong School (from $881) Locations in China.
- Summer Courses at John Cabot University (from $2,830) in Rome, Italy
5. Look for funding opportunities
The most direct approach to lowering the financial burden of studying abroad is to apply for and receive financial aid. They are, however, more pricey than the alternatives we’ve discussed, so they may not be the best fit for certain people.
At Go Overseas, you may browse a comprehensive database of study abroad grants and scholarships for any major, any country, and any type of program. You can also use Google to identify scholarships that are relevant to your study abroad program, your major, or the country you plan to study in.
FUNDING OPTIONS FOR COLLEGE
- Funding Opportunities for International Students in 2023
- Funding Opportunities for Students of Color to Study Abroad
- The Complete Sourcebook for Financial Aid to Study Abroad
Bonus: study abroad online.
Virtual study abroad is another cost-effective way to travel abroad. Even though you won’t be in a different nation, you’ll get to practice a new language, meet people from around the world, and learn about diverse cultures and histories. It’s a terrific chance to network internationally if you’re considering an international career following graduation.
Innovation and entrepreneurship courses and internships are available for virtual study abroad. Check read this post about virtual study abroad and why you should consider it if you’re unsure.
The greatest approach to study abroad cheaply is to take advantage of all the options. You’ll treasure your international experiences!
