How to study abroad for free

Studying abroad is the dream of many students. It is an opportunity to experience education in a new and exciting environment (one that is different from what you’re used to).

It is also an opportunity to get exposed to global teaching styles, build independence and create lasting international friendships and professional networks (that will be useful in the future).

Read: Is it easy to get a scholarship in Canada

However, studying abroad can be expensive, and many students can’t cope with the financial demands.

Fortunately, there are several ways to study abroad for free.

And if you’re willing to explore them, we’ll show you the various options available here – how to study abroad for free.

Can I study abroad for free?

You can study abroad for free through programs like fully funded scholarships, exchange programs, or government-sponsored initiatives.

In addition, many countries and universities offer free study options to attract international students.

However, you must know that the competition is intense (you have to be ready). You need strong academic records and extracurricular achievements to stand a chance.

How to study abroad for free

1. Go for tuition-free institutions

Many public universities and colleges offer free or very low tuition fee programs.

These programs are government sponsored while others are institution sponsored.

Read: Where to submit passport for Canada visa?

In addition, they are open to both domestic and international students.

Examples include:

• Norway: Most public universities do not charge tuition fees, even for international students. Although the cost of living can be high, this is offset by the savings on tuition. Students only pay a small semester fee.
• Germany: Just like in Norway, many public universities charge no tuition fees for both domestic and international students, only a nominal administrative fee.
• Finland: Free tuition for EU/EEA students; non-EU/EEA students have options for scholarships.

Which country is best to study abroad for free?

Several countries offer students the opportunity to study abroad for free or cheaply.

They include:

• Germany
• Norway
• Finland
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Austria
• Czech Republic
• France
• Iceland
• Slovenia

2. Apply for Scholarships and Grants

The commest way to study abroad for free is through scholarships or grants.

You do not need to repay them, making them the best option for students to study abroad for free.

There are many scholarship categories available that you can go for:

a. Merit-Based Scholarships

• Government-funded scholarships: Look for scholarships sponsored by the government. It could be the government of your home country or the country where you want to study. Here are a few notable ones:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Fulbright Program (USA): This program provides full funding for students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, or conduct research abroad.
            2. Chevening Scholarships (UK): These are fully funded scholarships for one-year master’s degrees in the UK.
            3. Erasmus+ (EU): This program offers funding for students to study or gain work experience in Europe.

• University-specific scholarships: Are you aware that many universities and colleges have scholarship options that they sponsor?

To get an institution-sponsored scholarship, you must be accepted to study full-time/part-time in the institution.

Read: How to know if your UK visa is approved

These funding opportunities are offered to attract talented international students and help make education accessible to everyone.

Examples include:

• 1. 1. 1. 1. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford): Covers all university fees, a personal stipend, and airfare.
           2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge): Covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge.

b. Need-based scholarships and grants

These scholarship/funding options are based on your financial needs, the student with the most pressing financial need wins it.

• Financial Aid: Most universities and colleges offer these openings to assist international and domestic students based on their financial needs.
• NGO and Private Scholarships: Many organizations and private foundations also offer scholarships to international students. Example include:
  • • • 1. The Rotary Foundation: They have scholarship opportunities for graduate-level coursework or research in peace and conflict resolution, water and sanitation, and other areas. Click here for some Rotary scholarships and grants.
        2. The Soros Foundation: Soros Foundation funding is for students from specific countries.

3. You should consider exchange programs

This is also another way to study abroad for free.

• Exchange Programs: This is usually a partnership program between universities and foreign institutions that allows students to study abroad while paying their home institution’s tuition fees. Examples include the Erasmus+ program in Europe.
  • • • • Erasmus+: Erasmus+ is a popular European exchange program. It funds students to study or intern abroad for up to a year.
        • International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP): With ISEP, students pay their home university tuition fees while studying abroad.

To get involved, visit your university’s study abroad office to learn about available exchange programs and partnerships.

4. Apply to Tuition-Free or Low-Cost Programs (online and distance learning)

While this isn’t the traditional study abroad, it can be a good replacement.

You can register for online degrees and distance learning programs from international universities and gain global education without relocating.

• MOOCs and Online Degrees: Many reputable universities have options for free or low-cost online courses and degrees (e.g., Coursera, FutureLearn, edX).

5. Through work-study and part-time jobs

In many countries, international students are allowed to work while studying.

This way, they can earn money and help cover their living expenses and sometimes even tuition fees.

Although the number of hours differs, international students are allowed to work while studying in the following countries.

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Germany
• France
• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Ireland
• Switzerland
• Norway
• Finland
• Denmark
• Spain
• Italy
• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• China
• Hong Kong
• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa
• Thailand
• Turkey
• Portugal etc.

Some countries allow international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time hours during breaks like summer and winter breaks.

In addition, students can also work off or on campus.

Work-Study Programs

• Instead of the country’s allowed working schedule, some universities/colleges offer work-study programs. Here, you’ll work part-time on campus in exchange for tuition waivers or stipends.

Internships

• Paid Internships: Another opportunity to study abroad for free is through paid internships. Look for the one that aligns with your field of study and offers financial compensation for your work.

6. Apply for Assistantships

Another way to study abroad for free is through “assistantships” like research or teaching assistants.

Through assistantships, you can get a stipend and tuition waiver.

Teaching Assistantships

• Many universities have teaching assistantships option – it is usually offered to graduate students and it covers your tuition and sometimes provides a living stipend.

Research Assistantships

• You can also be a research assistant. This is available in various fields and you get the same benefits as teaching assistantships.

7. Take advantage of financial aid from your home country

Many countries have financial aid programs that allow their citizens to study abroad (some students are not even aware that their country offers these financial aid).

• Government Loans and Grants: Check with your home country’s education ministry/department for available loans, grants or scholarships that are open to students to study abroad.
• University Funding: Sometimes, your home university can offer you funding opportunities to study abroad, especially if you are an exceptional student.

8. Crowdfunding and Sponsorship

Crowdfunding is a proven way to study abroad for free – Many students have gone through this path and it worked for them.

• Use crowdfunding platforms: Websites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter are great places to start – you can raise money from friends, family, and even strangers.
• Try corporate sponsorship: Some companies and organizations can sponsor you if your field of study aligns with their interests.

9. Volunteering and Internships

As an international student, some organizations will offer you free housing and stipends in exchange for volunteer work or internships.

Read: How to switch student visa to work visa in UK

You can take this opportunity and fund your study abroad dream.

• Peace Corps: The Peace Corps gives opportunities for graduates to work abroad in various sectors. While it’s not a traditional study abroad program, there are benefits like student loan deferment.

Other ways to reduce the cost of studying abroad include:

Choose the right study destination

• Select budget-friendly destinations: Some countries have education subsidies. They reduced the cost of education for both domestic and international students. Apply to study in countries where the cost of education is low.
• Low-cost countries: In addition, choose study destinations (countries) where the cost of living is low.

Go for affordable housing while in school

Not entirely a way to study abroad for free but, it is also a great way to reduce the cost of studying abroad.

• Dormitories: You can stay in the school dormitories – they’re often cheaper than private rentals.
• Take a roommate: Share accommodation with other students to reduce living costs.

By following these strategies, you can significantly reduce or eliminate the cost of studying abroad.

But, I must warn, this will require thorough research, and sometimes a bit of creativity, but the rewards are well worth it.

FAQs

Is there any way to study abroad for free?

The following are ways to study abroad for free

• Fully funded scholarships
• Exchange programs
• Government-sponsored initiatives
• University-specific financial aid
• Non-profit organization grants
• Tuition-free Universities
• Employer sponsorships
• Research fellowships
• International competitions and awards
• Crowdfunding campaigns
• Work-study programs
• Volunteering opportunities with educational benefits