Studying abroad for free or cheap is possible with these insider tips!
Table of Contents
- Apply in Tuition Free or Cheap Universities Abroad
- Choose Low cost Countries For Studying Abroad
- Apply For Scholarships Funded By The Government
- Look For Scholarships And Grants That Are Specific To The Program or University
- Participate in Programs for Exchanging Universities
- Work While Studying Abroad
- Get Financial Aid
Going overseas for studies may offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but it can also be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are several choices available to reduce expenses and lower overall costs, making studying abroad more affordable.
If you’ve ever asked yourself how you can study abroad without paying, continue reading to discover the answer!
With dedication and preparation, it is achievable to have an entirely cost-free study abroad opportunity. Some countries do provide free tuition for international students, but you will still be responsible for covering living expenses. By using multiple methods or securing a full-ride scholarship or grant, you can guarantee that all of your expenses will be fully taken care of.
Remember, securing funding can be highly competitive and will require a significant amount of time and effort to successfully complete application processes. Persistence leads to success!
APPLY IN TUITION FREE OR CHEAP UNIVERSITIES ABROAD
It might be shocking, but some countries provide free tuition for international students as well! Free tuition is generally linked only with state-funded colleges. At times, these establishments may require students to pay a few hundred dollars per semester or year for administrative expenses or facilities. In Germany, your semester fees typically include a bus pass for the city or region.
There are certain countries that international students can look into that provide tuition for free.
- Germany.
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Countries in Central America that connects North and South America, known for its canal and biodiversity.
- Iceland is a country located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
- The country of Greenland
To study overseas for no cost, you must directly enroll at the university. This involves submitting an application to the university, obtaining a visa, and arranging accommodation in a foreign country. This route requires a lot of physical effort, but if you’re low on funds, it can help you save a significant amount of money.
CHOOSE LOW COST COUNTRIES FOR STUDYING ABROAD
There’s no need to spend a fortune in order to pursue your education abroad. You can turn your study abroad dreams into reality by establishing a specific budget, selecting a cost-effective study abroad program, and choosing a destination with a low cost of living.
Begin by investigating a few of these well-liked and economical study abroad locations and nations, determined by the standard monthly living expenses and semester tuition fees for direct enrollment.
Latin America is an all-around fantastic choice to find numerous countries with a low cost of living and free or cheap tuition costs. A good reason to brush up on your español!
| Country | Average monthly cost of living | Average tuition per semester |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $700-$1,000 USD | Free for public universities |
| Brazil | $600-$900 USD | Free for public universities |
| Mexico | $600-$1,000 USD | $1,000-$5,000 USD |
You may not think “cheap” when you think of Europe but there are indeed a handful of countries with affordable costs of living and low tuition costs when compared with the US.
| Country | Average monthly cost of living | Average tuition per semester |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $1,250-$1,650 USD | $500-$1,500 USD |
| Portugal | $1,100-$1,500 USD | $400-$1,600 USD |
| Greece | $1,000-$1,400 USD | $800-$1,100 USD |
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT
Governments worldwide provide funding opportunities for students. Searching for scholarships is a good idea in your homeland, but don’t forget that there are also scholarships available for international students in other countries!
DAAD offers financial aid to international students pursuing their undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Germany. A scholarship in Germany can assist with covering additional expenses since tuition is already largely free.
Swedish Institute offers fully-funded scholarships for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden.
Boren Scholarships provide financial support for American students in associate’s or bachelor’s programs who wish to study critical languages overseas for at least 12 weeks.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers financial assistance for American undergraduate students who show financial need while studying abroad, funded by the US Department of State.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program now open to American master’s students seeking to study in both the US and Europe. This program offers financial aid for travel, visas, and a living stipend to the top candidates. This list is not complete, so make sure to investigate the various opportunities for international students offered by the government in your chosen study abroad location!
Look for scholarships and grants that are specific to the program or university.
Many universities overseas frequently provide merit- or need-based financial assistance to entice international students. Contact the universities you’re considering to inquire about the availability of financial support. The European Commission offers a great starting point for anyone wanting to study in Europe. Here are links to more than 100,000 scholarships for international students attending universities in different countries.
Study abroad third-party providers annually award millions of dollars to students participating in their programs overseas. Some of the chances available are:
Diversity and inclusion scholarships in international education are available for individuals belonging to underrepresented groups to promote equality in study abroad opportunities. These can be obtained from universities, government, or third-party organizations such as AIFS that provide a Diversity Achievement Scholarship.
Participate in a program for exchanging universities
Exchange programs offer students the opportunity to study abroad while continuing to pay the regular tuition fees at their home university. This minimally restricts your options depending on the universities your school collaborates with, but it presents a wonderful chance to increase the accessibility of studying abroad (and have it funded through your financial assistance if available).
Work While Studying Abroad
While it may be challenging for international students to work while studying in a foreign country, many popular study abroad locations do permit part-time employment. Canada, the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and several others are among these countries. In general, students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session and 40 hours per week during breaks.
While it’s not advisable to travel internationally without any savings and depend solely on a part-time job, the money you earn can help cover your daily expenses.
On the other hand, countries that offer working holiday visas typically permit individuals to both work and study, whether it be full-time or part-time. These programs typically span one year and can serve as a great choice for a gap year.
Get Financial Aid
Even though financial aid requires repayment (including interest), it can still be a wise investment when used wisely on an inexpensive program.
Most study abroad programs managed by external providers will take federal student loan funds. If you’re hesitant to apply directly to a foreign university and manage all the paperwork yourself, you can choose a more affordable study abroad program instead. Don’t overlook short-term and summer study abroad programs as they generally have lower prices overall when exploring your choices.
Making the most of the opportunities available to you, whether they are free or low cost, is the most effective way to make studying abroad more affordable. The experiences you have abroad will be invaluable!
