Do you wish to study abroad in the most affordable way? Well, it is impossible, and here’s how you can do it.
Studying abroad is something everybody dreams of. However, oftentimes, it doesn’t work out the way we want. One of the common reasons is a lack of finances and resources. Though it is a major concern and a concrete challenge among many, it shouldn’t affect your dream of studying abroad and getting a life of comfort and affluence.
So, here is a comprehensive blog that will share essential details about the best colleges, courses, and scholarships that you can consider for your overseas education, and also some effective strategies to make your study abroad dream easy to attain.
Tips to study abroad for free
In this current era where governments, schools, and NGOs worldwide are actively promoting culture exchange, many scholarships and opportunities are keenly waiting to be utilized by eager students. Additionally, there are certain hacks that can bring you close to that ideal.
Find affordable study-abroad programs
The first step begins with choosing a program that is practically achievable in your budget. Generally, study abroad programs can be both unreasonably expensive as well as fully funded. Hence, it is better to narrow your options down based on your requirements. Once you find a program that fits your ideal mold in terms of location, academics, timing, and cost, then you can get down to the further course of action.
Apply for scholarships
Regardless of your native, interests, or financial situation, there are literally a rich amount of scholarships out there out of which you can select the one that fits your situation. Usually, scholarships are granted on the basis of academic standing, extracurricular achievements, and other personal merits.
Shuraa Education will assist you in the search for the right financial aid opportunity. They will filter out the options by subject and location and even help you with the application process moving forward.
Look for study-abroad grants
Other than scholarships, various federal, state, and local institutions offer study-abroad grants to eligible students. For example, the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grant in the United States of America, etc. Additionally, various other grants complement additional funding toward making the study abroad experience for students as economical as possible.
Scholarships are generally merit-based, whereas grants are need-based. Shuraa experts can share with you the list of various scholarships and grants available for international students that you can avail for your study abroad plan.
Consider education loans
Taking up a loan obviously does not equate to the free-of-cost study experinec, but the flexibility it provides can help students in making their dreams of studying abroad for free come true in the long run. Shuraa Education consultants will share with you all the information regarding different types of loans out there, both private and state, and also help you get started along the right track.
Start fundraising
Scholarships, grants, and loans can all be essential means of seeking education overseas for free, but personal fundraising can back you in taking that last step toward having your study abroad experience fully funded. Some of the common modes of fundraising are school, friends and family, online crowdfunding, etc.
Find a job
Although you can make the most of all these funding opportunities, picking up a part-time job to support your education can highly impress your potential funders. It would clearly display your passion to do everything possible on your own to raise money for your study-abroad dream.
Types of Scholarships to study abroad
Before we delve into the list of popular scholarship programs, let us understand how a scholarship is provided to eligible students –
Merit-basis – Approved on the basis of the student’s academic performance or extracurricular activities such as sports accomplishments and community service.
Student specific – Available for students who meet certain criteria, such as gender, color, religion, family, and medical history.
Destination specific – For students from a certain nation. For example, scholarship by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Chevening fellowship by the UK government for students from Commonwealth nations.
Subject-specific – Offered to students who want to pursue a particular subject of study
Need-based – Particularly aimed at financially challenged students. It is provided on the basis of family income, tax returns, employment verification, etc.
Athletic scholarship – Only available for athletes with exceptional athletic records. The participants are required to go through rigorous training and represent their university at tournaments while balancing their studies.
Popular scholarships for international students to study abroad
Here is a list of some of the popular study-abroad scholarships for international students, including Indian –
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- GREAT Scholarships
- QS Leadership Scholarship
- Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford
- Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship
- AICTE Scholarships
- International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Women in Finance Scholarship
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Lester B Pearson Scholarship
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Harvard University-Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship
- Australian Government Research Training Program
- ETH Excellence Scholarship
- Heforshe Impact Champion Scholarship by HKU
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- Global Futures Scholarship
- Quad Fellowship for STEM
- Drake University Presidential Scholarship
- The Emile Boutmy Scholarship
- Marie Curie Fellowship
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Fellowship
Popular Study Abroad Destinations
Let’s have a look at some of the most famous countries offering quality education, varied study programs and courses, and exceptional facilities for international students –
- United States of America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Panama
- Norway
- Germany
- Iceland
- China
- Africa
- Canada
- Taiwan
- Poland
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- France
- New Zealand
Factors to consider while choosing a study-abroad destination
While choosing a country for studying abroad, you have to consider several factors in order to ensure that your expenses are well-managed without compromising the quality of education.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee is one of the major expenses for students. Hence, you must research and compare the fee charged by various institutions in different countries. Look for universities that offer low-cost yet quality education for international students.
Cost of living
The cost of living mainly depends on the country or city you choose to settle in. Certain expenditures like accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, and other daily necessities are inevitable. Hence, look for places that can offer you a good quality of life with a minimal cost of living.
Financial Aid
Explore the scholarships, grants, and financial aid options available for international students in different countries and universities. In fact, many organizations offer special grants to international students to reduce their financial burden.
Job Opportunities
What are the employment prospects in your field of study after the completion of your course?
Search the job market, check the work permit regulations, and the demand for skilled professionals in the market. Also, consider the opportunities for part-time employment while pursuing your studies in a foreign country. A part-time job will help support your financial needs and ease the burden.
Exchange rates
Look for countries with favorable exchange rates and currency fluctuations. This would significantly help in reducing your expenditures.
Quality of Life
While focusing on affordability, do not miss out on checking the safety and overall quality of life in the chosen country. Look into its safety records, healthcare facilities, social stability, and cultural diversity, and make sure you would be living in a positive learning environment.
Language
Your language proficiency has a great impact on your experience and opportunities while studying abroad. So, find out whether your chosen university has language learning support or if the course you are interested in is offered in a language you know.
Apart from the aforementioned, consider the networking opportunities and support services available for international students in international universities. Also, check for the cultural fit such as climate, lifestyle, and accessibility to your home country.
Choose Shuraa Education to Study Abroad
Shuraa Education has a highly qualified team of counselors with years of experience in helping students study abroad. Reach out to Shuraa and find your ideal destination.
Book a free counseling session right now – www.shuraaeducation.com
