To study abroad is the big dream for many students all around the world. With every dream, there is an obstacle. Among many others, the biggest obstacle for students in this case is the cost. If you are on this website, then you have probably been looking for scholarships that can assist in covering your academic finances. The cost reduction is a very important step for everyone in order to stay out of debt. Even if you can’t fully escape it, you need to find any way you can to reduce it down 50% if not more. That is why if we are saying cost, we aren’t just thinking about the university’s tuition and extra expenses but location too. This essay will give you a list of ten common affordable places to study so that you can start planning and make that dream a reality.
Germany
The places are not listed in order, but Germany just had to be mentioned first for its popularity among students worldwide. Germany has a strong reputation for research and innovation in high-quality universities for a wide selection of programs in all types of fields of study. It is also a very safe country with already many international students, which makes the community feel more welcoming. What makes students from around our globe run to Germany is the fact that most of their public universities offer free tuition to international students. While there are administrative fees, they aren’t very big. Students from warmer regions should beware that the weather tends to get very cold during winter and should prepare accordingly. Additionally, Germany is famous for their generosity in giving out scholarships. Take the DAAD program as an example, it will offer even more financial assistance where needed. All in all, it is number one on the list of affordable places to study, but you’ll have to keep in mind that the main language spoken there is German, and those who can speak it well automatically get more opportunities.
Malaysia
Whenever people are searching for a place to study abroad, Malaysia is always on the list, particularly because living there is inexpensive. If you are looking at the quality and standard of living you can enjoy on a budget, this country easily scores an 8 out of 10 (if not more). Its universities are also known for their affordable tuition fees. Both of those things make it a very attractive destination ideal for international students. Additionally, most courses are taught in English, so you don’t have to worry about a language barrier – even if there was ever a problem, Malaysians are known to be very welcoming people not just to students but in general. A great thing about Malaysia, in particular, that you may not find in other places, is that applying for a student visa – what is usually a daunting process, is made very straightforward. Scholarships like the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) are available to further assist students.
Taiwan
Taiwan is a great place to study while experiencing a rich Asian culture all while having quality education at an affordable price. There isn’t a big language barrier, but students that make that extra effort to learn Mandarin Chinese will improve their experience as an international student. Furthermore, living there already boosts your chances of learning and maybe even becoming fluent in the language, and that is a huge advantage generally speaking considering over 1.1 billion individuals speak Chinese. Apparently, many medical professionals receive training abroad, which is one of the factors that make this country’s healthcare services amazing. The administrative costs are one of the lowest due to the nationalized system. In support of international students, Taiwan also offers scholarships like the Taiwan Scholarship Program which will help encourage even more students to choose it as their study abroad destination. However, summers can get very hot, so adjusting to the weather might take some time.
Mexico
If you dream of experiencing life in North America but are still just a student struggling with income, then Mexico will be your budget destination. Studying there will allow you to be part of their vibrant culture and traditions. You can also take the time to improve your skills in Spanish while attending their low-cost but impressive-quality universities. Mexico has many beautiful historic sites that’ll allow you to further appreciate its culture and have an up-close experience that lets you deeply understand it. Lastly, Mexican food combines indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions with deep flavors coming out with the best dishes full of warmth and color. So Mexican cuisine is definitely a plus about studying abroad there. However, the language barrier could be an issue if you don’t know Spanish, and adapting to the heat in some regions may be challenging. Scholarships such as the Mexican Government Scholarships for International Students help make studying there even more affordable.
Portugal
Portugal has many great universities with amazing teaching quality and is still on the cheaper side compared to other locations in Europe, like France or London. You also get to have a taste of their diverse culture as there are many historic sites to visit and enjoy. The Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and sunny summers, adds to its appeal. One disadvantage is that, up till now, many of their courses are in Portuguese, so it’s necessary to have that skill for the proper and fully comfortable student experience. A big plus, though, is that Portugal will directly provide student visas for international students in higher institutions. Lastly, you can find many scholarships similar to the Erasmus Mundus program that’ll make your life easier.
South Africa
Among all the African countries, South Africa is one of the best but also affordable places to study. The universities offer high-quality education, with popular ones like the University of Cape Town being globally ranked as 171. Additionally, the country’s natural beauty is unmatched, from safaris to mountain ranges. The warm climate is appealing, but the safety concerns in certain areas should be part of the calculation. A really good scholarship offered from there is the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. It’ll provide significant support for students with a tight budget.
Poland
In the whole of Europe, Poland will have to be number one as an affordable place of study because of the fact that tuition fees and living costs are among the lowest in the region. Additionally, Poland offers a mix of modern cities and rich historical sites. For students interested in science and technology, institutions like the Warsaw University of Technology stand out. Scholarships such as the NAWA program can help make life there more comfortable. Be well prepared for the winters especially if you aren’t used to European winters because it tends to be harsh – just a little disadvantage to keep in mind.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers a blend of affordability and quality education. Its central location in Europe makes it an ideal place for students who love to travel. Many universities teach in English, which is an added bonus. However, learning some Czech will greatly enhance your experience. The weather is generally moderate, with beautiful autumns and cold winters. Look into scholarships like the Visegrad Fund if you need financial support.
Argentina
We mentioned a country in North America, how about South America? Argentina is among the cheaper places within this side of the world. Known for its rich culture, tango music, and beautiful landscapes, it’s an excellent destination for international students. Universities in Argentina are affordable, and the cost of living is relatively low. Lastly, if you are sensitive to weather conditions, then you’ll be happy to know that their weather is very nice and moderate all year round.
New Zealand
A special thing about New Zealand is the work opportunities during and after studies. Students can work part-time while studying and may also apply for post-study work visas. The country’s universities are well-respected globally, with institutions like the University of Auckland. The weather is generally mild, and the natural beauty of the landscapes makes it a unique experience. Available scholarships include the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships.
You’ll notice that most of these countries mentioned are in Europe. That’s because Europe is home to the best universities that attract many students from all over the world. Even without their widely famous universities like the University of Cambridge and King’s College, the European education system is very trusted because of its high quality. They have a system that really knows how to train and teach each individual the necessary skills they require. This is not even what makes it amazing. It’s the fact that they have an incredible amount of options for reducing the cost of education – not just for their own people but also outsiders. So all in all, if you are just starting out and don’t have a very specific place in mind, you’ll have the most luck in Europe.
Conclusion
We’ve talked about how great Europe is but also look into the remaining countries as they give many options. Don’t forget that you need to put effort on your part too. You need to be strategic about every choice you intend to make. The internet is free, and there are many available places and options like scholarships that make your life or journey to/as a studying abroad student easier. Like you’ve seen above, there are also scholarships provided in those countries for the students willing to put in the effort – on top of being affordable. You can check out our list of scholarships for international students if you need further assistance in order to stay out of debt as much as possible. Anything can be achieved if you are willing to put in the work for it.
