Studying abroad is a cherished dream for many students. It is a wonderful opportunity to gain a foreign degree and add an edge to your profile, as well as a chance to explore a new culture, language, and customs, and gain a global perspective. But the catch is the total cost. A majority of study abroad aspirants start with the preparation and planning for a couple of years. This is quite important as the procedure not only requires one to invest time but also a lot of money. Therefore, it is important to start saving before you start with your applications to foreign universities. It is but a given that the cost of studying abroad is way higher than studying in one’s own country.
The good news is that there are good enough opportunities to studying abroad for almost free, at a significantly reduced cost. However, as they say, nothing comes for ‘free’, there are some conditions attached to the opportunity of pursuing higher studies abroad for free.
So, let us find out what are the different ways through which a study abroad aspirant can partially or fully cover their tuition fee. Provided here for you is a detailed account of various avenues, scholarships, and special programs that will make your study abroad dream a reality, without having to shell out a lot of money.
A good number of universities in the UK, USA, and Europe offer various scholarships that enable many international students to embark on their study abroad journey. The problem here, though, is that the number of such scholarships is less and the total applications are quite high. Moreover, some scholarships are only available for students from certain countries. Some of these are specialized funding schemes and others are general scholarships. These are offered by various scholarships make it possible for a student to study abroad for free. But getting one is extremely difficult as the number of scholarships provided is less, but the total application number is huge. Some scholarships are only available for students from certain countries. Some are specialized funding schemes, while others are general scholarships. These are offered by government agencies, individual universities, charitable institutions, and also a few private enterprises.
If a student’s profile is above 50% of the class medium, then some universities consider them for scholarships then some universities consider them for scholarships. There is also a need-based scholarship for students granted by universities for them to pursue higher studies.
In a bid to improve and promote student exchange and the quality of education, the Indian government signed EEPs or MOUs with 54 countries around the world.
Apart from the countries mentioned in the list, eight other countries, namely China, Mexico, South Korea, Hungary, Commonwealth Scholarship (New Zealand), Italy, Israel, and Commonwealth Scholarship (UK), offer scholarships to Indian students for them to pursue higher education in those counties.
Note: Some scholarships are given to certain groups. For example, the government of India awards a fellowship to SC students studying abroad whose family income is less than INR 6 lakh.
The Public Universities in the German states (15 out of 16) charge no tuition fee to students apart from nominal registration or administrative charges. This is applicable irrespective of the nationality of the students. This proves to be a lot of help for students as these include student union membership and regional transport passes.
However, getting admission is tough as a large number of students apply here because of the same low cost of tuition. Though the students have to bear the living cost.
Irrespective of nationality, a student can study in Norway by paying NOK (300-600) per semester. However, if they study in Finnish or Swedish, then the living and tuition fee isn’t required for students outside the EU/EEA region. Also, in Nordic countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, the PhD programs are fully funded.
Students can also earn while studying in Nordic countries:
They can work up to 20 hours a week at these jobs to meet their tuition and living expenses which are that big to begin with;
-Assistantship
-Bursaries
-Paid Internships
-Part-time work
An initiative by the European Union, the Erasmus+ program provides opportunities for students to study in European countries. This program offers a twofold advantage- it not only covers tuition fees but also offers a monthly stipend for living expenses. Students can choose from a wide range of disciplines and enjoy a multicultural learning experience.
Fulbright scholarships, supported by the U.S. Department of State, are considered awards that facilitate international educational exchange. These scholarships cover education, airfare, and living charges for scholars pursuing graduate-position study in the United States. Fulbright’s charge is to foster collective understanding between the people of the United States and those from other countries.
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and is aimed at outstanding scholars with leadership capability. This education covers education costs, travel costs, and living charges for scholars pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Chevening scholars become part of a global network of influential and high-achieving individuals.
Merit-based scholarships can cover all or a large portion of the cost of education and are given out in response to a scholar’s academic, cultural, athletic, or other qualities. Investigating colleges that provide comparable scholarships in your field of study is essential.
There are a few popular merit-based scholarships:
Please be aware that depending on the nation, area, and particular institutions, the availability of these scholarships can vary significantly. Additionally, they frequently have particular requirements for eligibility and terms of use. To find out what opportunities are accessible to you, it’s critical to investigate the scholarships offered in your field of interest or in your community.
Certain colleges may provide need-based financial aid to international researchers. This assistance may come in the form of grants, loans, or work-study possibilities. To be eligible for need- based help, candidates generally have to give financial evidence.
This kind of assistance is intended to ensure that scholars from lower-income families can access education more smoothly and that their capability to pay for advanced education isn’t interference. Among the crucial principles of need-based financial aid are:
Evaluation of Financial Need generally, is done using a formal operation procedure in which families and scholars are needed to submit comprehensive financial information. This is often fulfilled in the US using the CSS Profile or the Free Operation for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Need-based financial takes many different forms, such as:
Grants: These are large amounts of money awarded to scholars with no repayment conditions. For example, the United State’s Pell Grant program.
Subsidized Loans: These are loans where the government lowers the loan’s cost by paying the interest while the student is enrolled in classes.
Work-study programs: These programs allow scholars to earn money for their education by having part-time employment.
Institution-Specific Programs: Many schools and universities give their need-based scholarships and grants to scholars in addition to government-funded enterprises.
Many university programs allow scholars to work as tutors or research assistants. scholars may be paid a stipend, have their education waived, or get both in return for their work.
Graduate scholars constantly work as research assistants (RAs) and tutoring assistants (TAs) in institutions, particularly in the US. These jobs give useful experience in exploration and tutoring in addition to financial support.
There are many illustrations of each
Lab research assistants: It is claimed to help in science labs, carry out experiments, gather and evaluate data, maintain lab inventories, and write research articles.
Field research assistant: It carries out research in the field, which may contain gathering data, completing surveys, or operating in particular contexts similar to metropolitan areas, woods, or coastal regions.
Data Analysis Research Assistant: Worked with, statistical software is used for data analysis, and the research assistant contributes to the creation of research models and procedures.
Library Research Assistant: performs evaluations of the literature, maintains and arranges materials, and helps with archival research.
Engineering Research Assistant: Performs evaluations of the literature, maintains and arranges materials, and helps with archival research.
Course Instructor TA: Observers a portion of a course, which may involve lecturing, making assignment plans, and assigning grades.
Laboratory TA: Supervises and teaches scholars during science course laboratory sessions.
Tutoring TA: Offers individual or group training sessions to scholars who bear fresh backing in comprehending the course materials.
A completely financed program, the Rotary Peace Fellowship is intended for anyone committed to addressing the underpinning causes of conflict and advancing peace. The living charges and education for a master’s program at one of the Rotary Peace Centers across the globe are covered by this grant.
Scholars from developing nations who wish to pursue master’s degrees in development at specific international universities can apply for scholarships through this action. The education pays for living charges, trip costs, and education.
For scholars from Commonwealth nations, there’s a network of scholarships called the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). These scholarships help scholars who want to pursue postgraduate studies in another Commonwealth nation with their living charges, education, and travel charges.
International scholars can apply for a variety of scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to study in Germany. In addition to paying for education, these scholarships offer a yearly stipend for living charges. Germany is well known for both its excellent educational system and its English-language learning options.
Under Norway’s Quota Scheme, scholars from developing nations can attend Norwegian universities on a stipend. The education pays for living charges, travel charges, and a portion of the cost of training. Norway is famed for both its breathtaking natural scenery and its excellent educational system.
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to largely-good international scholars from a variety of countries. These scholarships cover education costs and living charges, making Sweden an attractive destination for scholars seeking a top-notch education in a vibrant and innovative environment.
Many institutions enable scholars to complete their degrees online while lounging in their homes. Indeed though not all online courses are free, several universities offer financial aid or low-cost alternatives, adding access to education for more people.
It does not have to be expensive to study abroad. Several circumstances, organizations, and scholarships are available to help scholars realize their ambition of studying abroad without taking on debt. You can start a life-changing educational journey that expands your horizons beyond the classroom and enhances your cultural and particular experiences by making use of these resources.
Book your Free Counselling Session now!
