How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad

Studying abroad provides a whole host of benefits from expanding your worldview to gaining international experience, which will enhance both your resume and personal growth.

When questions like “How much does it cost to study abroad?” comes up in your mind,there are factors to be considered.

In this article, we’re highlighting the cost of affordable and popular places to give you an idea of how to budget for your  thrilling study abroad experience.

We provide an overview of the average cost of living and tuition fees for each country in the hopes that by knowing what to expect financially, you’ll be one step closer to making your study abroad dreams a reality!

How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad – Answered

Firstly, when studying abroad, you have to choose between direct enrollment or a third-party provider.

Direct enrollment means you will be taking care of your application and transition to your new university on your own.

Through these arrangements, your university handles the registration and you pay either home tuition fees or a fee specific to the program you choose.

Third-party providers, while pricier, tend to arrange everything for you and usually include housing and insurance. 

You will be registered for classes and supported through visa applications and other travel and study arrangements.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each. While direct enrollment could say you a ton on tuition, the cost of living in your country of choice could drive up the overall price tag. 

You will also need a significant level of independence to handle all of the planning required for direct enrollment such as applying for visas, registering for classes, and finding housing.

Whether you choose to enroll directly at your foreign university or go with a third-party provider, you’ll have other costs associated with your study abroad.

Read Must:

The Most Important Things To Study For The ACT

When doing your research, don’t forget to look into the monthly costs of the following:

  1. Housing and utilities
  2. Local transportation
  3. Food and drink
  4. Incidentals (clothes and other supplies)
  5. Entertainment
  6. Books and materials
  7. Passport and visa costs

Cost Of Study In Some Countries

Let’s briefly look at some countries and explore the cost of studying including the average price for a semester

Ghana

Ghana is a West African country with a complex history that has as much to teach you outside of the classroom as it does in one.

Art is hugely important as evidenced by the beautiful kente cloth woven by their ante and Ewe peoples — students interested in studying textiles, pottery, or wood carving will find endless inspiration in Ghana.

  1. The average monthly cost of living (with rent) – $500-$700
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment – $2,500-$3,500
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider – $18,500-$19,500
  4. Cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Accra – $1,200-$1,300

Australia

For Australia, it is usually within the range of $35,000 – $40,000 per year, which is from ₦16M- ₦18.3M. 

  1.  living expenses – a minimum of $10,000 – $15,000 
  2. Undergraduate bachelor’s degree – AU$20,000 (US$13,675) to AU$45,000 (US$30,769)
  3. Postgraduate master’s degree – AU$22,000 (US$15045) to AU$50,000 (US$34,192)
  4. Doctorate degree – AU$20,000 (US $13,192) to AU$42,000 (US $28,721)

The total amount of your tuition and living expenses should be in your account for 6 months to be able to apply for your study visa in Australia.

China

One of the world’s oldest civilizations, China is where ancient history meets modern-day innovation. Whether you’re a business student or simply a culture lover, you’ll find many exciting things to explore across this vast country.

  1. The average monthly cost of living (with rent) –  $850-$1,700
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) – direct enrollment: $2,000-$7,000
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) –  third-party provider: $7,500-$12,000
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Beijing – $1,000-$1,300

Canada

Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, offering a diverse variety of experiences and opportunities in a country known for its vast expanses, multicultural cities, and natural beauty.

If you want to study in Canada, the good news is that tuition fees are generally less expensive than in other major Anglophone destinations (the US, UK, and Australia), although they are still quite high in comparison to other countries.

  1. Cost of living is approximately CA$600-800 (~US$455-607) per year. 
  2. Undergraduate school fees – a minimum of $20,000 – $35,000  CAD (₦6 Million – ₦10.5 Million) per year 
  3. Post-graduate fees –  a minimum of CA$ 10,000 is required. 
  4. Study permit – costs CA$150 (~US$114). 

Japan

Japan is home to fascinating history, healthy and delicious food, and a bustling pop culture scene that is sure to wow more than just die-hard Nintendo fans.

This diverse island has something for everyone from art and architecture lovers to craft beer enthusiasts.

  1. The Average monthly cost of living (with rent) – $1,300-$2,200
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing); direct enrollment – $1,500-$2,500
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) third-party provider – $20,000-$25,000
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Tokyo – $1,100-$1,300

Italy

Italy will give you the opportunity to experience the country’s rich culinary traditions alongside your studies. Enjoy art, culture, history, and the Mediterranean lifestyle during a semester abroad in Italy.

  1. The Average monthly cost of living (with rent) – $1,200-$1,600
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment – $1,500-$6,000
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider – $15,000-$19,000
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Rome – $550-$750

Spain 

Tuition fees in Spain are among the lowest in Europe. This popular country isn’t just for Spanish language students. Many programs offer courses in English for those just looking to experience the exciting culture.

  1. The average monthly cost of living (with rent): $1,100-$1,500
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment – $1,500-$5,500
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider – $10,500-$13,000
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Madrid – $550-$650

France

France is a great destination for French-language students and Francophiles alike. A country known for its food, wine, and cinema, there are plenty of cultural attractions to make your time in France both educational and memorable.

  1. The average monthly cost of living (with rent) – $1,300-$1,900
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment – $2,000-$7,000
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider – $12,000-$17,000
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Paris – $500-$700

Costa Rica

The land with the slogan of “Pura Vida”, or pure life, is sure to relax and rejuvenate you with its natural beauty and friendly locals. 

Costa Rica boasts pristine beaches, forests filled with wildlife, and vibrant cities and towns. Enjoy getting to know this small Central American country in between your studies during a semester abroad.

  1. Average monthly cost of living (with rent) – $1,000-$1,300
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment – $1,000-$3,000
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider – $8,500-$11,000
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to San Jose –  $400-$500

Argentina

Argentina brought us the tango, writers like Jorge Luis Borges, and great wine. Its cities, like the capital Buenos Aires, show off a distinctive European flair where you can experience all the art and culture the country has to offer.

  1. The average monthly cost of living (with rent) – $550-$750
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment – $200-$3,000
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider –  $14,000-$17,500
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Buenos Aires –  $1,000-$1,200

Brazil

Brazil is a country that knows how to have fun. The land of Carnival, samba, and caipirinhas is welcoming to students who want to embrace life’s simple pleasures. 

Brazilians are culturally diverse but the undercurrent of playfulness permeates throughout the population.

 If you want to study economic development, environmental and marine science, or Portuguese, Brazil should be your next study-abroad stop.

  1. Average monthly cost of living (with rent) –  $700-$950
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment – $1,000-$5,000
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider – $7,000-$19,000
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Sao Paulo – 00-$1,100

Jordan

Jordan is home to over 100,000 tourists, and religious, and archaeological sites making it a perfect study-abroad destination for history and architecture lovers.

Check out Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world, or float aimlessly in the Dead Sea while learning ancient history, archaeology, or Arabic in Jordan.

  1. The average monthly cost of living (with rent) –  $800-$1,100
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment – $500-$2,000
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider – $18,000-$20,000
  4. The average cost of a roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Amman – $500-$950

Australia

Australians enjoy an active lifestyle and its sprawling beaches and vast Outback makes it easy to enjoy sports, camping, and surfing.

  1. The average monthly cost of living (with rent): $1,800-$2,900
  2. The average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $10,000-$13,000
  3. The average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider: $17,000-$23,500
  4. The average cost of roundtrip

Frequently Asked Questions 

1.What is the cheapest country to study abroad?

10 of the most affordable places to study abroad

Norway

Taiwan

Germany

France

Mexico

India

Argentina

Poland

Malaysia

South Africa

2. Which country gives student visas easily?

New Zealand

Having an excellent education system and lifestyle, New Zealand also has a very streamlined and easy visa process for international students.

3. Why do student visas get rejected?

Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. 

The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.

4. Who qualifies for a student visa?

You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution. 

You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.

 You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study. Fyn

Conclusion 

I have successfully reviewed some countries and their cost of living and education in this article. 

Bear in mind that exchange rates can also change and could affect your ability to pay for fees and accommodation. 

Leave a Comment