Every curious and passionate person wants to expand their experience by pursuing opportunities for growth. Studying abroad is one of these ways to learn more and challenge yourself in a new environment. Besides the pragmatic factors (like academic and personal reasons) of choosing a country to study abroad, there are financial factors that can not be ignored. You hear a lot of suggestions and advice to apply here and there but have been wondering if it is really possible to study abroad for free. When these doubts take over your mind, you start giving up on your goals and begin questioning your motivation so it is highly important to research your options well instead of letting these doubts stop you from living your best life by not taking this priceless opportunity.
All these fears and questions are legitimate given the current state of the economy so this article has condensed the most useful tips for you to make your journey to an international education almost free. Let’s find out how you can make your dreams come true!
Countries that offer study programs without any tuition fee
It might come as a surprise that some countries offer their study programs completely free of cost or with a very minimal fee. We’ll give you a starting point for these free education countries to start your research into these programs and choose a program that resonates with your goals and fits into your affordability criteria as well. Below is a list of countries that could support your pursuit of knowledge and give you a chance to experience the beauty of the country as well. These are the best countries for study and work options:
Germany
Many philosophers and great thinkers have originated from this country so you can imagine how the surroundings can be a great catalyst for your personal and professional growth as well. Aligning with this love of knowledge, the government in Germany offers free education in all its public universities except in the state of Baden-Württemberg. This means that there is absolutely no cost for undergraduate and postgraduate studies and you just have to focus on accommodation (Germany is generally an affordable place to live with rents ranging between 700 and 1100 Euros) and daily expenses. These can be managed by several options. You can explore your options here. Some of the best universities include:
Norway
Norway is another European country that offers free public education to all international students, regardless of their nationality. It is a beautiful (but very cold) country with stunning landscapes but due to the high standard of living, your monthly expenses might be higher. However, this is all worth it since the social system takes care of its citizens’ basic needs (like most Nordic countries) and you will also be receiving a high quality of education in a country where you can survive without knowing the local language. Even after your education is complete, you can start any business as it is a fertile ground for entrepreneurs and creatives who offer solutions to modern problems. Check out these universities to find a course that you like:
France
Even though the public universities in France are not completely free (the government has set a limit of 300 Euros per year for public universities), it is still pretty affordable given the caveat of living in France and embracing the chic and artsy Parisian life. You do not have to know French to study here and there is a wide variety of courses for you to choose from. Being at the centre of literature and art will open up your mind to a lot of undiscovered knowledge. You can explore these popular universities to see your options:
To find out about the best country to study abroad for Pakistani students, book a session with a mentor here.
Grants, scholarships and fundraising
Now that we have looked at some countries that offer free education, let’s look at what you can do if you come across a program that you like but it is not free, and out of your financial range as well. In this case, you can either apply for scholarships and grants or try the lesser known option of fundraising.
To find the right financial aid for yourself, you can browse through a scholarship directory and find one that can support your goals. Read our very useful blog here to help you apply for the most prestigious ones.
Scholarships for international students are mostly merit-based but grants are offered on need basis so consider these if you feel that your merit will not make you eligible for scholarships. See the following grant options:
Personal fundraising through online crowdfunding is a great way to collect money to make your study abroad dreams come true. You should not limit yourself to the decision of scholarship and grant committees if you are really serious about your passions. Check out FundMyTravel and GoFundMe.
If none of these options work, the best way to study abroad from Pakistan is to opt for an online course.
Exchange student programs
If you really want to visit a country and immerse in their culture while pursuing an educational opportunity but the lack of available time and financial resources is stopping you, applying for an exchange student program is an excellent option. The duration can range from some days to months and are offered by countries all over the world. Browse the following pages to get an idea what these program entail:
Get out there
Studying abroad is an exciting journey but starting that journey can sound very daunting due to the financial constraints. What is required from the student is just some courage to search for some options and start looking for viable plans to support your dreams. Our mentors will identify exactly what you need to select the right institute and scholarship program for your needs. Book a counselling session here to start your application process.
