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One of the safest and most beneficial ways to relocate abroad is through the study route.
Of course, it’s not an “automatic” ticket to get a foreign citizenship. However, relocating to study abroad gives you the privilege of staying in a foreign country legally for a few years.
Aside from the relocation benefit, studying abroad also exposes you to a desired quality of education and more significant career opportunities.
But do you know why many people never get to fulfill their dream of studying abroad?
They either back out after getting misinformed or never found sufficient information to make their dream a reality.
This is why we keep pushing out top-notch articles like this to equip people with accurate information to help them achieve their goals.
In this edition, we’ll discuss the programs, scholarships, and benefits available to international students seeking to study abroad in the UK, US, and Australia.
If you are ready, let’s begin by answering a vital question.
Why Study Abroad? (Top Benefits)
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There are so many good reasons why you should strive to study abroad as an international student. Here are a few prominent ones.
- It’s an excellent opportunity to relocate abroad and experience life in other parts of the world.
- You can access high-quality education at a lower cost by leveraging the numerous scholarships available for international students.
- A good number of online stores offer incredible discounts for international students studying abroad.
- You can maximize your holidays and spare time to explore iconic locations, try out new foods, and make new friends abroad.
- Studying abroad will teach you to become more self-reliant, confident, and exposed.
- You will get to meet people from different cultural backgrounds, religions, and beliefs.
- Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to learn a new language or sharpen your existing skills.
- Employers often admire candidates with international experience, especially those who have studied abroad.
- Studying abroad exposes you to better job opportunities in both your home country and the location where you studied abroad.
- You can literally restart and set a new course for your life when you relocate to study abroad.
Lastly, studying abroad can be so much FUN if you plan well before relocating.
With all that said, let’s move on to answer another critical question.
How To Study Abroad?
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The truth is there are many ways to study abroad as an international student. You could aim for a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, or several other programs.
But what’s more important for your success is proper planning. And that involves following the steps highlighted below, especially if it’s your first time.
- Prepare a budget: Studying abroad doesn’t always come cheap, even if you get a scholarship. You have to plan and determine how much in total you might spend on tuition fees, accommodation, feeding, and so on.
- Choose a study location (country): Where exactly do you want to relocate to study abroad? Is it the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or any other country? Make sure you pick a location that fits your budget and has schools that offer your desired program of study.
- Choose a course of study: Find out the courses available in your field of interest and choose the ones you would be applying for. If you are a career person, you should look into courses that will give you an edge in the job market and earn you a good salary after graduation.
- Decide which study program suits you: Do you want a 3-4 years bachelor program or a 1-2 years master’s program? There are also unique disciplines that can take 5-6 years to study. Ensure you select a study program whose duration your budget can cover. Meanwhile, don’t forget also to check out part-time study programs that allow you to work while studying.
- Apply to multiple schools abroad: Having excellent grades on your document or a superb essay doesn’t guarantee automatic acceptance by foreign institutions. That’s why we always advise that you apply to multiple universities in the same country or different nations. The best thing that can happen is getting multiple acceptance letters, and you finally choose which to settle for.
- Pass a language test: If you want to study an English-taught program abroad, you need to provide evidence of your language proficiency. This includes results of your IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or C1 Advanced test. Find videos online or pay a tutor to guide you on how to pass any of these language tests and get the result document (evidence) you need.
- Apply for scholarships (if you want): Though not compulsory, you can apply for scholarships, grants, student loans, or military aid. These financial aids can help lessen your budget and sometimes cover your full tuition fees. Keep in mind that you can only apply for some scholarships while filling out your university application. However, others allow you to apply after your university has been confirmed.
- Confirm your place of study: When a foreign school accepts your study application, they will send you a letter to that effect. You will need to reply to them with a confirmation and sometimes send back additional documents. If multiple institutions have accepted you, take 2-3 days to compare them and finally reply to the one you love the most.
- Get a Student visa (if necessary): Many countries require that you get a student visa and study permit before you can travel down to study in any of their institutions. Ensure you apply for the correct student visa and provide the necessary documents for approval. But bear in mind that issuance of visas can sometimes take a few weeks or even months. So, the best thing to do is apply as early as possible. (if you need help, click here to contact us)
- Decide on an accommodation option: You can choose to stay in a student hall with other students as roommates if your school offers such an arrangement. In other cases, you might have to rent a private flat or student dormitory outside campus. If you have a local family or anyone living in the school area, you can also choose to live with them for the duration of your studies.
- Learn about air travel: If you plan to study in a faraway country, you will most likely be traveling by air. So, find out everything you can about the cost of air travel and luggage size limits. Several airline companies often charge extra fees for additional pieces of luggage outside the normal limits.
- Choose what to pack: Take time to select the essential things you will be taking to the new country of study. Ensure you pack critical items like your certificates, ID, passport, laptop, device cables, student backpack, headphones, prescription medicine, and memorable photos.
Now that you know how to prepare for a study abroad trip, let’s talk about the top destinations, including the UK, US, and Australia.
10 Popular Study Abroad Destinations (UK, USA, and Others)
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There are hundreds of countries in the world with great colleges and institutions of learning.
However, nations like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia are more popular study destinations because of specific reasons.
These countries offer excellent education systems, renowned universities, diverse student populations, and numerous opportunities for scholarships, internships, and research collaborations.
Here’s a quick look at the top 10 most popular study abroad destinations and the average living costs for students.
- United States: Gives you the opportunity to explore top-notch universities, cultural diversity, and varied landscapes. The US has Ivy League schools like Harvard and MIT. The average monthly cost of living, including rent, varies between $2,500 and $3,500 depending on region.
- United Kingdom: England is the top attractive study destination in the UK. The country is renowned for its world-class education, historical landmarks, and familiar culture for many international students. You can expect an average monthly cost of living, including rent, at £1,985 ($2,499).
- Canada: offers quality education and stunning natural beauty. Top universities, friendly communities, and a diverse cultural scene await. Depending on the region, the average monthly cost of living, including rent, is around $1,708 per month per person.
- Australia: caters to active lifestyles, featuring top universities, diverse cities, and unique wildlife experiences. The average monthly cost of living, including rent, is $3,215AUD ($2,123)
- New Zealand: excellent for outdoor exploration, offering great universities, breathtaking scenery, and diverse study options. But be prepared for an average monthly cost of living, including rent, at $2,950NZD ($1,819).
- Japan: Great for students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The average tuition cost per semester is $2,800, while the cost of living, including rent, is roughly $1,300 per month. Studying in Japan will also expose you to the country’s beautiful culture, tradition, and delicious culinary collection.
- South Korea: provides cultural immersion, with popular universities, technological innovation, and a vibrant nightlife. All that comes with an average monthly cost of living, including rent, at 2,464,574₩ ($1,882).
- Ireland: An excellent hub for arts and culture, boasting top colleges, historical sites, and a vibrant atmosphere. International students typically spend an average of €2,100 ($2,265) monthly as the cost of living, including rent.
- Spain: A language learning paradise with incredible universities, a rich history, and a relatively affordable cost of living, including rent, at €1,200 ($1,294).
- Sweden: Ideal for sustainability, with great colleges, a commitment to innovation, and a high standard of living, excluding rent, at 13,800kr ($1,250).
Aside from knowing the cost of living for each destination, it is also vital to have an idea of the tuition fees.
Here’s the average range for schools in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
- United Kingdom (UK): £10,000 – £38,000/yr
- United States (USA): $9,970 for in-state tuition and $25,620 for out-of-state tuition
- Australia (AU): AUD $20,000 – AUD $45,000 per year as an International student
- Canada: CAD $21,100 – AUD $36,100 per year
- New Zealand: NZ$22,000 – $32,000 for undergraduates, NZ$26,000 – $37,000 for master’s, and NZ$6,500 – $9,000 for Doctoral (PhD).
Now that you know the cost of living and tuition fees, let’s check out the top desired colleges in these countries.
Top Schools in the UK, USA, and Australia for International Students
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Many colleges in the UK, USA, and Australia welcome international students with open arms. However, here is a list of schools that many people like to call “best of the best.”
10 Best Global Universities in the USA
- Harvard University (Cambridge)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) [Cambridge]
- Stanford University (Standford)
- University of California Berkeley (Berkeley)
- University of Washington Seattle (Seattle)
- Columbia University (New York City)
- California Institute of Technology (Pasadena)
- John Hopkins University (Baltimore)
- Yale University (New Haven)
- University of California Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
10 Best Global Universities in the UK
- University of Oxford (Oxford)
- University of Cambridge (Cambridge)
- University College London (London)
- Imperia College London (London)
- King’s College London (London)
- University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
- University of Manchester (Manchester)
- University of Glasgow (Glasgow)
- University of Birmingham (Birmingham)
- University of Bristol (Bristol)
10 Best Global Universities in Australia
- University of Melbourne (Parkville)
- University of Sydney (Sydney)
- University of Queensland (Brisbane)
- Monash University (Clayton)
- University of New South Wales Sydney (Kensington)
- Australian National University (Canberra)
- University of Adelaide (Adelaide)
- University of Western Australia (Crawley)
- University of Technology Sydney (Ultimo)
- Curtin University (Bentley)
And after you’ve chosen a school, the next thing is to decide on which field of study to opt for.
35 Most Popular Fields of Study for International Students
Regardless of the country or school you choose, below are the top 35 most popular fields of study available to international students looking to study abroad.
- Administration
- Architecture
- Art
- Aviation
- Business
- Construction
- Cosmetology
- Design
- Economic
- Education
- Energy
- Engineering
- Environmental
- Fashion
- Food and Beverage
- General
- Health Care
- Humanities
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Languages
- Law
- Life Sciences
- Life Skills
- Management
- Marketing
- Natural Sciences
- Performing Arts
- Professional Studies
- Self-Improvement
- Social Sciences
- Sport and Exercise
- Sustainability Studies
- Technology
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Transportation and Logistics
Aside from knowing which country, school, or field of study to opt for, you also need to understand the differences between the degrees offered by foreign colleges.
4 Types of College Degrees You Can Get in the UK, US, & Australia Colleges
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There are four main types of degrees you can get from any college or university around the world.
As an aspiring student, it is essential that you know the differences between these degrees in order to choose the best one for your career.
Here is a quick overview of the four types of college degrees:
- Associate’s Degree
This is a two-year qualification that offers a broad overview of studies and can be used as a stepping stone for a bachelor’s degree or an entry-level career.
An associate’s degree, commonly offered at technical and community colleges, provides a comprehensive foundation of studies without narrowing down to a specific career path. It appeals to those seeking a versatile skill set before entering the workforce.
There are three main categories—Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science—each offering various course options tailored to different careers.
The duration for a full-time associate’s degree is typically two years, with costs varying based on college type and residency status. After completion, individuals can either enter the workforce or continue their education.
- Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s degree is typically a four-year qualification that is tailored toward a specific career and offers a more detailed level of knowledge.
Aspiring students with a clear career goal often find that a bachelor’s degree better suits their needs compared to an associate’s degree.
Bachelor’s courses are tailored to specific careers, providing in-depth knowledge to students. The first two years offer a broad understanding, while the final two delve into advanced courses.
When transferring from an associate’s degree, you may skip the initial years. A High School diploma or equivalent is what is essentially required for a bachelor’s degree.
A full-time bachelor’s degree typically takes four years, and costs vary, with public colleges often more affordable. Upon completion, you can enter the workforce, qualifying for mid-level management roles, or pursue further education.
- Master’s Degree
Master’s degrees are often one-to-two-year post-graduate qualifications that provide in-depth knowledge of a specific subject area. They mainly prepare you for managerial, executive-level,, and senior administrative positions.
As employers increasingly demand specialized qualifications, more people are pursuing master’s degrees after completing their bachelor’s.
A master’s program involves a blend of coursework and research, providing an in-depth understanding of a specific subject. The duration varies between one and two years, with costs depending on the chosen course and college type.
After completing a master’s, you can enter the workforce and secure managerial, executive, or senior administrative positions. Alternatively, you may opt for a doctoral degree in your chosen field.
- Doctoral Degree
This is the highest level of college qualification that often takes many years to complete. It basically exposes you to work opportunities as a consultant, specialist, or expert in a field.
A doctoral degree is a highly specialized post-graduate qualification that equips individuals with comprehensive knowledge for entering the workforce. It stands as the highest level of college qualification, which is why admission typically demands prior study in a chosen field.
Some colleges would even specify a requirement of a relevant bachelor’s degree and, in some cases, a master’s degree to study a doctoral program.
While doctoral degrees are commonly associated with fields like medicine, they extend to various areas. Universities, for instance, may require doctoral qualifications for lecturers, with titles such as Doctor of Education.
The duration of a doctoral degree varies, taking an average of 2 to 10 years due to the thoroughness of the study.
Upon completing a doctoral degree, individuals can attain the highest expertise in their chosen field. Many become consultants or specialists, recognized as experts in their industry.
Scholarships Abroad: List of Best Scholarships for International Students
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One of the best ways to subsidize your overall cost of study abroad is by getting a good scholarship.
Some scholarships cover full tuition and even offer stipends to international students. However, many others only cover tuition fees. This is why you should always conduct proper research to understand a scholarship package before applying.
Below is a list of some popular scholarships accessible to international students looking to study in the UK, USA, and Australia.
Government Scholarships in the UK
- Chevening Scholarships
- Scotland Saltire Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
- Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students
University Scholarships in the UK
- University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Developing Solutions Scholarships (University of Nottingham)
- UCL Global Masters Scholarships
- University of West England Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarships
- UAL/ISH International Postgraduate Scholarships (UK)
- Bristol University Think Big Scholarships
- Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford)
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships
=> Want to learn more about each of the above UK scholarships, check here.
Government Scholarships in the USA
- Foreign Fulbright Student Program
- Humphrey Fellowship Program
University and College Scholarships in the USA
- AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program
- New York University Wagner Scholarships
- Michigan State University International Scholarships
- University of the West Scholarships
- Wesleyan University Scholarships
- Oregon University Scholarships
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
- Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
- Emory College Scholarships
- East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship
- International Students Academic Merit Scholarship (East Tennesse State University)
- Dartmouth College Scholarships
- Concordia College Scholarships
- Columbia College Scholarships
- Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships
- Clark University Scholarships
- Wien International Scholarship Program (WISP) [Brandels University]
- Berea College Scholarships
- Amherst College Scholarships
=> To learn more about each of these US scholarships, check here.
Government Scholarships in Australia
- Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
- Destination Australia Scholarships
- Australia Awards Scholarships
University Scholarships in Australia
- UNSW International Scholarships
- Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships
- Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships
- Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International Students
- University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
- Griffith Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Macquarie University International Scholarships
- University of Sydney International Scholarships
=> If you want to learn more about each of these Australian scholarships, check here.
Conclusion: Studying Abroad in the UK, US, & Australia
Having the right information is critical if you want to study abroad successfully. You must plan ahead and understand the necessary processes so you can make the best decisions.
You have to choose a good location, appropriate school, beneficial study program, and the right scholarship if you would like to subsidize the cost of studying abroad.
But if all that feels too much or confuses you, click here to contact us, and we’ll be happy to guide you through a step-by-step process.
Until next time, stay inspired and keep chasing your dreams.
