March 1, 2024

6 ways to afford your study abroad

6 ways to afford your study abroad
by
Deni Isic

Studying abroad costs money, we all know that. Even though it's an investment that pays off, there are ways to save money and maximise the experience. In our blog, we present these options for you.

1. Choose from free or low-fee universities

If you’re looking for affordable university education, there are a few options available to you. You could look into free universities, which are typically found in Nordic countries like Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. Do you want to study engineering in one of the most liveable cities in Europe? Check the University of Southern Denmark which offers free courses for EU citizens. 

Other universities where you can study for free can be found in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia. Honourable mention goes to Scotland, where local governments are covering the tuition for every student. Free universities are just that – free! You don’t have to pay any tuition fees at all. However, you may have to pay for other costs associated with your studies, such as books and materials. 

Though university tuition fees in Europe have been on the rise in recent years, there are still a number of affordable options for students looking to study abroad. In fact, some of the cheapest destinations to study in Europe can be found in countries like the Netherlands, Greece or maybe even a bit further in Armenia!

You may be surprised at how affordable getting a world-class education can be! For example, tuition at the Belgian Howest University starts at just over 900 EUR per semester for EU students.

2. Go to a low-cost country

There are many low-cost countries to study in. If you want to make use of your passport, countries like Peru, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Bulgaria, and Costa Rica might catch your attention. Each of these countries has something unique to offer students.

In many cases, it is cheaper to live in a low-cost country than it is to live in Europe. Low-cost countries often have lower prices for food and public transport, and accommodation can be found for a fraction of the price. You can experience it by choosing for example Veritas University in San Jose

This doesn't mean that life is always easy in a low-cost country. In some cases, infrastructure and services can be poor, and wages can be low. But if you're looking to save money, these countries are definitely worth considering.

San José, Costa Rica
San José, Costa Rica


3. Consider Erasmus program

If you don't have enough resources to study abroad, consider Erasmus. It's a great way to see many different parts of Europe without any of the stress of traditional travel, and you get international education and experience. And best of all, it's really fun!

Erasmus is a financial support program that gives you the opportunity to study in another country for a semester or two. The program is very competitive, but it's worth considering if you're serious about studying abroad.

The admission process is handled with the help of your university. Be sure to contact them in advance to secure a spot in your dream destination. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering Erasmus:

  • Make sure that your home university has an agreement with the host university. This is necessary in order to receive credit for your courses.
  • Consider whether you want to study for a semester or an academic year. If you choose the latter, you may be eligible for additional funding.
  • Keep in mind that not all courses are taught in English, so be prepared to learn some key phrases in the local language.
  • Don't forget to budget for travel and living expenses - both can be quite expensive in Europe!

So if you're looking for an exciting and different way to study abroad, consider this program. It's an experience you'll never forget! For more info on how to prepare yourself for a semester abroad come here.

4.Apply for scholarships

The cost of college tuition is a big financial burden for many students and their families. However, there are a number of scholarships and other forms of financial aid that can help ease the burden.

In some countries, such as Denmark, Sweden, and France, the government provides significant financial support for students attending college. In the United States, there are also a number of federal and state programs that provide financial aid for college students.

There are also many scholarships that are available to students who excel in academics or sports. Some of these scholarships are university-specific, and others are more general. You can search a number of websites that will help you find scholarships that you may be eligible for.

Here is a list of some scholarship finders, but do not be scared to google them for your specific country or programme.

5.Take out a student loan

If you are struggling to pay for college, don’t despair. There are a number of options available to help you pay for your education. One option is to take out a loan. Loans can be either private or government-backed, and they can be used to cover the cost of tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses. Government-backed loans usually have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than private loans.

If you're looking for a flexible way to finance your education, look no further than student loans, since you have the flexibility to choose how much you want to borrow. What is important, you can start paying it off after finishing your education, so you don’t have to worry about it while studying.

6. Don’t be lazy, get a (student) job

As a student, you may feel like you need to find a high-paying job in order to make ends meet. However, there are plenty of part-time jobs that can help you make some extra money on the side.

One option is to work in a bar. This can be a great way to meet new people and make some extra cash. Working in a retail setting is a great way to gain customer service experience. If you're looking for something a little more physical, consider being a delivery person for a local restaurant or grocery store. Don't be ashamed of these jobs- it's a great way to earn some extra money!

Don’t be lazy, get a (student) job

Another option is to do freelance work. This can be anything from writing articles to doing graphic design work. If you have a skill that others need, there's a good chance you can find freelance work online. Check out what this link is about for some extra help.

No matter what option you choose, remember that any job is better than no job at all.

In conclusion, studying abroad can be a great experience that enriches your life in many ways. There are a number of ways to make it more affordable, including scholarships, student loans, and working while you study. With a little bit of planning, you can make your dream of studying abroad a reality.

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