How to Study Abroad for Free

Once settling outside the country students can experience new cultures, gain valuable knowledge, and foster international relationships. Nevertheless, the majority of the students do not have the financial capability to pursue further studies abroad. With some help, however, it is possible to study abroad for very little or no costs. 

Currently, there is a growing desire among students for international education as it is not only the academic partnerships that are being enhanced; cross-cultural interactions are expected to bring about further professionalism as well. Unfortunately, many students do not ever pursue this opportunity to expand their learning due to insufficient resources.
 

Scholarships for International Students

Government Sponsored

• The United States offers the Merit Scholarship which gives assistance to 8000+ individuals from other nations.
• Another common option is provided by the European Union, the Erasmus Mundus that helps 17000+ foreigners pursue Master degrees.
• The third British offering is Chevening, which offers support for 1500+ students worldwide.

Non- government sponsored

• The University of Oslo, Norway, will be giving scholarships such that International students will be able to attend for free.
• Over 1400 international students in Finland will also benefit from the University of Helsinki’s scholarships and Tuition-Fee Waivers.
• Maastricht University, Netherlands, plans to offer scholarships and waivers as it further extends its recruitment of International students.

Private Sponsorship

• If you also need extra help in finances, you may consider ISS (International Student Scholarships) that offers them at your request.
• Another Private organization is the Rotary Fellowship which provides over 100 scholarships for peace and conflict resolution studies.

Government Funding and Grants

Federal Student Aid (FSA) - USA

• Pell Grant: Suitable for undergraduate studies in other countries.
• Gilman Scholarship: Supports undergraduate studies in other countries with critical languages.

Canada Student Grants

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: Support doctoral studies.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship: Supports postdoctoral research.

Australian Government Scholarships

• Australia Awards Scholarships: Support both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship: Facilitates postgraduate research.

Work-Study Programs

International Student Work Programs

• USA: CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training).
• Canada: Work Study Program.
• Australia: Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Volunteer Programs

• Volunteer Forever: Provides opportunities for scholarships as well as volunteering.
• International Volunteer HQ: Offers cost effective volunteer programs.

Language Assistant Programs

• Language Assistant Program (Spain)
  Spanish Ministry of Education: Offers teaching assistantships for language students.
• Teaching Assistant Program (France)
  French Ministry of Education: Offers teaching assistantships for language students.

Research Grants

• National Science Foundation (NSF) - USA
• Graduate Research Fellowship Program: Supported STEM research.
• European Research Council (ERC)
• ERC Starting Grant: Supports early-career.

Countries with Free or Low-Cost Education

Germany

• Tuition fees: Free (public universities)
• Living costs: €800-€1,200/month
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: DAAD, Erasmus Mundus

Norway

• Tuition fees: Free (public universities)
• Living costs: NOK 9,000-12,000/month (~€950-€1,250)
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Quota Scheme, Erasmus Mundus

Sweden

• Tuition fees: Free (for EU/EEA citizens)
• Living costs: SEK 8,000-12,000/month (~€750-€1,200)
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Swedish Institute, Erasmus Mundus

Denmark

• Tuition fees: Free (for EU/EEA citizens)
• Living costs: DKK 6,000-10,000/month (~€800-€1,350)
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Danish Government, Erasmus Mundus

Finland

• Tuition fees: Free (for EU/EEA citizens)
• Living costs: €800-€1,200/month
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Finnish Government, Erasmus Mundus

Iceland

• Tuition fees: ISK 75,000-150,000/semester (~€550-€1,100)
• Living costs: ISK 80,000-120,000/month (~€600-€900)
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Icelandic Government, Erasmus Mundus

Austria

• Tuition fees: €363-€726/semester (for non-EU citizens)
• Living costs: €800-€1,200/month
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Austrian Government, Erasmus Mundus
• Countries with Low-Cost Education

Poland

• Tuition fees: PLN 2,000-4,000/semester (~€450-€900)
• Living costs: PLN 1,500-2,500/month (~€350-€600)
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Polish Government, Erasmus Mundus

Czech Republic

• Tuition fees: CZK 1,000-3,000/semester (~€40-€120)
• Living costs: CZK 8,000-12,000/month (~€300-€500)
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Czech Government, Erasmus Mundus

Hungary

• Tuition fees: HUF 50,000-150,000/semester (~€150-€450)
• Living costs: HUF 80,000-120,000/month (~€250-€375)
• Programs: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Scholarships: Hungarian Government, Erasmus Mundus

Countries with Free or Low-Cost Education

Countries with Low-Cost Education

Scholarship Programs

Fulbright Scholarship (USA)

• Award: Full tuition, living stipend
• Eligibility: International students
• Deadline: October-December

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (EU)

• Award: Full tuition, living stipend
• Eligibility: EU and non-EU citizens
• Deadline: January-March

Chevening Scholarship (UK)

• Award: Full tuition, living stipend
• Eligibility: International students
• Deadline: November-December

DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

• Award: Full tuition, living stipend
• Eligibility: International students
• Deadline: Varies by program

Programs

Bachelor's

• Duration: 3-4 years
• Fields: Business, Engineering, Arts, Sciences

Master's

• Duration: 1-2 years
• Fields: Business, Engineering, Arts, Sciences

PhD

• Duration: 3-5 years
• Fields: Various

Commonwealth Scholarship:

The CSC is responsible for managing the Commonwealth Scholarship program, ensuring that scholars meet the highest standards of academic excellence and leadership potential. With over 30,000 alumni worldwide, the CSC has established itself as a leading international scholarship program.

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support outstanding students from Commonwealth countries in pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), this scholarship aims to promote academic excellence, cultural exchange, and leadership development among talented individuals from diverse Commonwealth backgrounds.

• Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
• Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Demonstrate academic excellence and potential
• Meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Apply for a full-time master's or PhD program at a UK university
• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend (£1,110-£1,362)
• Return airfare to the UK
• Thesis grant for research students
• Study travel grant for conferences and workshops
• Research and select a UK university and program
• Submit an online application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's (CSC) website
• Provide required documents, including transcripts, CV, and references
• Meet the application deadline (usually November-December)

Key Dates

• August-September: Application opens
• November-December: Application deadline
• February-March: Interview and selection process
• April-May: Scholarship award notification
• September: Program commencement

Asian Development Bank Scholarship:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support outstanding students from developing countries in pursuing postgraduate studies in Asia and the Pacific. Funded by the Asian Development Bank, this scholarship aims to promote economic growth, social development, and human resource development in emerging economies.

• Be a citizen of an ADB borrowing member country
• Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Demonstrate academic excellence and potential
• Meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Apply for a master's or PhD program at an ADB-approved university
• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend ($1,000-$1,500)
• Return airfare to the host country
• Thesis grant for research students
• Study travel grant for conferences and workshops
• Research and select an ADB-approved university and program
• Submit an online application through the ADB website
• Provide required documents, including transcripts, CV, and references
• Meet the application deadline (usually October-November)

Key Dates

• July-September: Application opens
• October-November: Application deadline
• January-February: Interview and selection process
• March-April: Scholarship award notification
• May-June: Program commencement

ADB-Approved Universities

• University of Tokyo (Japan)
• National University of Singapore (Singapore)
• University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
• Australian National University (Australia)
• University of Auckland (New Zealand)

Ford Foundation Scholarship: 

The Ford Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support outstanding students from developing countries in pursuing advanced degrees in the United States or abroad. Funded by the Ford Foundation, this scholarship aims to promote social justice, reduce inequality, and empower leaders to drive positive change in their communities.

• Be a citizen of a developing country
• Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to social justice
• Meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Apply for a master's or PhD program at a US or international university
• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend ($2,000-$3,000)
• Return airfare to the host country
• Thesis grant for research students
• Study travel grant for conferences and workshops
• Research and select a US or international university and program
• Submit an online application through the Ford Foundation website
• Provide required documents, including transcripts, CV, and references
• Meet the application deadline (usually December-January)

Key Dates

• September-November: Application opens
• December-January: Application deadline
• February-March: Interview and selection process
• April-May: Scholarship award notification
• June-July: Program commencement

Ford Foundation Scholarship Programs

• Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs: Supports PhD students in the US
• Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program: Supports master's and PhD students from developing countries
• Ford Foundation Global Scholars Program: Supports undergraduate and graduate students from developing countries