The rate at which students travel abroad to study is on the increase. According to the Open Doors Report, about 350,000 students were studying abroad (particularly the U.S) in 2018/2019. A major concern for most international students has always been the cost of studying abroad.
From one region (country) to another and from one program to the other, you will discover that the cost of studying abroad varies. There are places where the average cost of study is below $15,000. In some other places, the cost of studying is over $60,000. However, the average cost of studying abroad ranges from $20,000 to $40,000.
In this article, we have researched the cost of studying in popular study abroad destinations (regions). This article will give you an idea on how to create a budget for your education abroad. Keep reading as we explore the average cost of living, tuition fees etc., for different regions and countries in the world.
Study Abroad Cost by Regions
Most of the popular study abroad countries are located in Europe. Oftentimes, you find a lot of international students studying in countries in Western Europe. Nevertheless, there are other choices outside Europe where you can get quality education at an affordable price.
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So, let us explore some countries around the world. You will find their average tuition cost and living expenses, amongst others. Although the costs included in this article are up-to-date, we implore you to only use them as reference points whilst creating your budget.
Study Abroad in Africa
There are 54 countries located in Africa, each of which are distinct in their language and culture. You can find reputable institutions that offer quality education. Some of the best universities are located in South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Algeria and Rwanda, just to mention a few. They include the University of Cape Town, University of Nairobi, University of Pretoria, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos and Cairo University, amongst others. Most of these institutions are very affordable as compared to other institutions around the world.
In South Africa, for instance, the average monthly cost for living ranges from $800 to $1,100 as compared to France (Europe) where the average monthly living cost ranges from $1,300 to $1,900. In conclusion, the average cost of studying in Africa (including tuition and other costs) ranges between $15,000 to $30,000.
Study Abroad in Europe
The continent is divided into Western, Northern, Southern and Eastern Europe. There are 45 countries in Europe, most of which are popular study abroad destinations. Regardless of your budget, you can find a good place to live and study. This is a major reason why a lot of international students prefer to study in Europe.
Some of the best universities in the world are located in England, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherland, France, Denmark and Sweden, just to mention a few. These universities include University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Amsterdam, Sorbonne Universite, Catholic University of Leuven and University of Munich, amongst others. The average cost of studying in Europe (including tuition and other costs) ranges between $20,000 to $30,000.
Study Abroad in Asia
If you are interested in learning some of the world’s major languages, then Asia may be a great place for you. There are 48 countries in Asia. Here, you can find some of the best universities in the world such as the National University of Singapore located in Singapore, Tsinghua University located in China, University of Tokyo located in Japan, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology located in Hong Kong, and others. The average cost of studying in Europe (including tuition and other costs) ranges between $25,000 to $35,000.
How Do I Enroll to Study Abroad?
Are you an international student planning to enroll in a university abroad? You need to know that there are two ways to enroll in a university abroad. The first is through direct enrollment. The second is through a third party.
Direct Enrollment Vs Third party Enrollment
In direct enrollment, you are the one to take care of your application and transition into the university. The advantage of this form of enrollment is that it is cheaper since it cuts out the middleman. On the other hand, third party enrollment involves a middle man (usually an agency). This agency will take care of your university application. In addition, they will take care of your visa application, travel arrangement, even housing and insurance. However, this means of enrollment is a bit costly. It is therefore necessary for you to weigh the pros and cons of each method of enrollment.
What Are the Costs Associated With Studying Abroad?
Whether you enroll directly to the University of your Choice or you go through a third party (an agency), it does not take away the fact that there are other costs associated with studying abroad. Hence, it is vital you include these costs in your budget.
Apart from tuition fees, other costs include visa application, books and supplies, and living expenses such as accommodation; transportation and personal expenses. Notwithstanding, the cost of tuition takes the highest percentage of the expenses students will make when studying abroad.
Why Should I Study Abroad?
There is an increasing number of students who want to study in a foreign country. You may be wondering if studying abroad is the right choice for you. In a bid to help you make the right choice, we have provided a list of reasons why you should consider studying abroad.
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Here are the benefits of studying abroad:
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Expand Your Worldview
Studying abroad broadens your worldview. You will have the opportunity to live in a different country and experience a new culture. In addition, you will get to see the natural wonders and landmarks of your host country. Also, you will get to interact with the people of that culture. This will go a long way in making you more compassionate and an interesting person to be around when you return to your own country.
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Enjoy Travel Opportunities
If you love to travel, studying abroad will provide a great opportunity for you to travel to neighboring countries. Let us assume you are studying in Germany. You can visit other parts of Europe such as Manchester, Rome, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Copenhagen, just to mention a few.
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Boost Your Language Skills
When you study abroad, oftentimes you get to interact with people who speak a different language from yours. This would be a great opportunity for you to learn a new language. Although language skills are taught and can be learnt in the classroom, nothing beats practicing with a native speaker. This will help improve your proficiency with the language. Furthermore, knowing how to speak foreign languages puts you in a position for an excellent international career.
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Personal Development
No doubt, studying abroad comes with its own challenges. Now, you are studying in a country where you don’t know anyone and are not fluent in the language. You are in an institution which has a different style of teaching from what you are used to. These are some of the challenges you may face as an international student. Nevertheless, this may be a period in your life where you get to discover yourself. Overcoming these daily challenges will build you into a stronger and more independent person.
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Experience New Style of Education
Oftentimes, we can get so used to a particular style of education and begin to think it is the way it is all over the world. However, by studying abroad, you will be immersed into a whole new system of education by your host country. This will be a great way to experience and understand people.
To Wrap Up
When it comes to studying abroad, there are popular study abroad destinations. For a lot of international students, Europe seems to be a popular choice. Nevertheless, there are other regions where you can get quality education at an affordable rate. In this article, we have explored the average cost of studying abroad. The details provided in this article will serve as a guide as you prepare your education budget.
