6 Ways To Make Your Study Journey Abroad More Affordable

After deciding on the country, educational institution and study abroad program, the next thing students usually have to do before they can study abroad is to calculate how much they need to study and live in another country. The first thing they can do is to check how much the tuition fee is in their chosen institution and study program, which they can usually check through the institution’s website. 

In some cases, tuition fees, or miscellaneous fees for international students and local students may be different. Moreover, in many countries in Europe, tuition fees are usually higher for students from areas outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. 

If you are planning to study abroad but also looking for ways to make your tuition fees or other expenses more affordable, here are six ways you can follow.

Look for Tuition Free Programs

Many countries and institutions offer free tuition fees to both its local and international students. For example, in Europe, home to some of the countries with the highest quality of life, countries such as Germany and Norway offer free tuition fees to both local and international students (EU/EEA/Swiss and non EU/EEA/Swiss) enrolled in its public institutions. This is because tuition fees are subsidized in each country. Moreover, students in both countries may have to pay extra for a student union fee in Norway, and a semester contribution in Germany. 

France and Switzerland’s institutions, also offer free tuition fees to its local students and international students that belong in EU/EEA and Swiss areas. 

Look for Countries With Low Tuition Fees

Aside from free tuition fees, you can also look for countries with low tuition fees. In Asia, countries such as Malaysia and Taiwan, for example, have some of the lowest tuition fees among the top study destinations worldwide. In Europe, countries such as Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary and France also offer low tuition fees to both EU/EEA/Swiss and non-EU/EEA/Swiss international students. 

For example, some of the institutions in these countries can cost as low as $200 to $5,000 a year. 

Look for Countries With Low-Living Costs

When living and studying abroad, aside from tuition fees, students also have to check its living cost, especially the city where their institution of choice is located. Thus, checking the country’s cost of living is also important. In most cases, capital and big cities cost more than smaller cities and provinces. In Spain, for example, in other countries aside from Madrid, the cost of living for one month may cost less than $2,000. 

Apply for a Scholarship or Other Financial Aid

Students may also apply for a scholarship for studying abroad or other financial aid for programs that require tuition fees. Some of these assistance may be specific to tuition fees, a supplement to one’s daily living expenses, or may be specific to one’s accommodation. Students can apply for them through the government, their chosen institution, or through a nongovernment organization. 

Work as an Au Pair

Another way to have an affordable study experience abroad is by working as an au pair, which is popular in many countries such as the US, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and New Zealand. Usually, accommodation, transportation, and some pocket money are taken care of for those working as au pairs. 

Do you want to increase your chances of getting a scholarship to study abroad? To help you, check out MSM Unify’s article on this topic.