Table of Contents of this Study Abroad Blog
Going abroad for studies is a dream for many but financial limitations can feel like a roadblock. While studying abroad with literally 0 INR might be unrealistic, there are strategies to significantly reduce the financial burden. In this blog, we would be going over how to study abroad for free for Indian students. So that you can make your study abroad dreams come true!
In this blog post, we will walk through the ways of minimizing your money requirement and also provide a list of the top 5 countries where you can study abroad for Free as an Indian Student (almost).
Scholarships and Grants
Look for scholarships and grants that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs.
Websites like Scholarship Positions and Study Abroad Scholarships can be great starting points.
Free study abroad programs are hard to come by for students. However, this does not mean that there aren’t scholarships and other possibilities just waiting to be taken advantage of by motivated students; although it may be unrealistic to hope for completely free study abroad, there are several options that will get you very near to that goal, if not completely there.
The Study Abroad Scholarships database on GoAbroad is a fantastic tool for getting started in the process of finding the best financial assistance option.
Given the current condition of international affairs, governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits all around the world aggressively promote early cultural interaction as a valuable educational tool.
Third-party support can help you really a lot in this scholarship search. Here are some useful research tools you could use:
Education Loans & other expenses to study abroad for FREE
An education loan is a sum of money borrowed to finance post-secondary education or higher education-related expenses. Education loans are designed to cover the cost of tuition, books, and supplies, and living expenses while the borrower is in the process of pursuing a degree. Loans can be obtained from the government or through private-sector lending sources.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students:
Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
Age: Should be 18 years or above at the time of loan application.
Admission: Must have a confirmed admission offer from a recognized foreign university.
Co-applicant: Requires a co-applicant, which could be a parent, sibling, spouse, or other family members.
Loan Amount: Banks in India may sanction up to INR 1 crore, covering various academic and related expenses.
Interest Rates: Vary from approximately 9% to 16% per annum, depending on the bank and other factors.
Collateral: Loans above a certain amount (usually above INR 7.5 lakhs) may require collateral as security.
Repayment: Begins after the course completion and may extend up to 15 years.
Expenses Covered: The following expenses are covered:
- Tuition fees
- Examination, library, and laboratory fees
- Travel expenses and passage money for studies abroad
- Purchase of books, equipment, instruments, and uniforms
- Caution deposit, building fund, and refundable deposit
- Other necessary expenses required to complete the course, such as study tours, project work, thesis, etc.
Application Process: Make a college list, give the tests and then, get accepted (Ik it’s overly simplified)
Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including proof of admission, academic records, and proof of co-applicant’s income.
Application: Apply with a chosen bank or financial institution, either online or in person.
Approval: Await the loan sanction, which may involve an evaluation of the co-applicant’s financial status and the student’s academic background.
Tuition Fees
Some countries offer low or no tuition fees for international students.
Consider countries like Germany or Norway, where public universities do not charge tuition fees.
We recommend you to do your own research on the tuition fees of various universities for different countries.
Here are some countries that are known for their affordable or free education policies
Germany: Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs, and they offer a range of courses in English. However there might be a nominal semester contribution fee.
Norway: Public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate program, regardless of the student’s nationality.
France: While not entirely free, France offers significantly lower tuition rates for public universities compared to other countries from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and there are options for scholarships for students outside these areas.
Denmark: Denmark provides free education to students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and there are options for scholarships for students outside these areas.
Sweden: Similar to Denmark, Sweden offers free education to EU/EEA students, with tuition fees applicable to students from other countries.
Language and Standardized Tests
Costs for language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL range from USD 185 to USD 3003.
The SAT test fee for Indian students is approximately INR 8,551.064.
Application Fees
University application fees vary but can often be waived for students with financial constraints.
Reach out to university admissions offices to inquire about fee waivers.
Seat Security and Deposits
Some institutions require a deposit to secure your seat, which can be a significant amount but is refunded after you complete your college.
Check with the university if this deposit counts towards your tuition fees.
Travel Expenses
Early booking and flexible travel dates can help reduce flight costs.
Websites like Skyscanner and Kayakkayak.co.in offer tools to find the best flight deals.
Visa and Insurance
Visa application fees and health insurance are mandatory costs.
Some scholarships or universities offer health insurance coverage, so research your options.
Living Expenses
The cost of living varies greatly depending on the country and city.
Shared accommodation, cooking at home, and student discounts can help manage living costs.
Part-time Work
Many student visas allow part-time work, which can help offset living expenses.
Check the regulations in your destination country and plan accordingly.
CONCLUSION
By researching thoroughly and taking advantage of financial aid options, it’s possible to reduce the initial financial burden of studying abroad.
Many places let students and those with student visas work while they’re in school. This is your chance to both learn a lot and make your CV look better. Working abroad looks good on your CV and really pays off when job hunting (#hired). That’s why if you can figure out how to study abroad without paying, it’s like striking gold for your career.
Remember, the key is to start planning early and explore all available resources. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on How to Study Abroad for Free:
Are there any countries that offer completely free tuition?
Yes! Several countries in Europe offer free or very low-cost tuition for public universities, including Norway, Germany, Iceland, and Austria. However, there may be some semester fees or registration costs. Keep in mind, language requirements and program availability can vary.
What about scholarships?
Scholarships are a fantastic way to fund your studies abroad. Many universities and organizations offer scholarships specifically for Indian students. Research scholarships related to your field of study, academic merit, or financial need.
Can I work while studying abroad?
Working part-time while studying is a great way to gain experience, offset living costs, and potentially earn some extra cash. Look into student visa regulations for each country, as some may have restrictions on work hours for international students.
What are some ways to minimize living expenses?
- Accommodation: Consider student housing options or shared apartments, which are usually cheaper than private rentals.
- Transportation: Explore public transportation passes or discounts for students. Biking or walking can be healthy and cost-effective ways to get around.
- Food: Cook your own meals whenever possible. Explore local markets and grocery stores for affordable ingredients.
How important are my academic grades?
Having strong academic grades is crucial for getting accepted into universities abroad, especially for competitive programs.
What language tests might I need?
Many universities require international students to take English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs might require exams in the language of instruction for that country (German for Germany, French for France, etc.).
When should I start planning to study abroad?
Starting early allows you to research thoroughly, choose the right program, prepare strong applications, and secure scholarships. Aim to begin planning at least a year before your desired enrollment date.
What are some resources to help me get started?
- Government websites: The official websites of your target countries often have information for international students.
- University websites: Research the programs offered by universities and their application requirements.
- Scholarship portals: Many websites list scholarships specifically for Indian students studying abroad.
What are the benefits of studying abroad?
Studying abroad offers a wealth of benefits, including:
- Academic excellence: Gain a world-class education at a prestigious university.
- Personal growth: Develop independence, adaptability, and intercultural understanding.
- Career prospects: Enhance your resume and stand out to potential employers.
How can I make the most of my study abroad experience?
- Embrace the culture: Immerse yourself in the local culture, traditions, and language.
- Get involved: Participate in student clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
- Travel: Explore the country and surrounding regions during breaks.
Abroad For Better Future is a non-profit community.
We don’t ask MONEY for the information we provide. We aim to help other Indian students in fulfilling their study abroad dreams by providing the right info. If you are a prospective Indian student, you can join our cohorts (WhatsApp groups, it’s FREE) to get access to:
- The right information,
- A peer community aspiring abroad &
- A place to discuss your study abroad doubts.
Feel free to read this next: Solutions for High Cost of AP Exams.
And also this: Top Scholarships for Going Abroad
And yes, feel free to join our free community for Indian Students by simply filling up this form: https://bit.ly/Apply2Abroad.