Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience for prospective students who wish to paint the canvas of their lives with a new culture, a global perspective, and an expanding educational horizon. However, in some cases, the cost of international education stands as a hurdle in the way. In such instances, the role of financial planning comes into play.
A student with appropriate financial planning who is aware of the scholarships, grants, and budgeting tips will be able to make their dream of studying a reality. As a part of being aware of the financial cost involved, students must be aware of several factors. However, after taking into consideration these factors, students and their families can make informed decisions about their educational investment.
A list of a few important things that are to be taken care of is given below:
1. Tuition Fees:
The tuition cost of studying differs in every country, so a student is required to take that into consideration. Moreover, there are some additional fees that a student must keep in mind. According to the budget, an individual must choose their preferred study abroad destination. There are multiple emerging study abroad destinations, like Germany, New Zealand, Dubai, France, etc., where a student must prefer studying.
2. Accommodation:
After tuition fees, accommodation is the next big thing that a student must consider. In today’s time, the accommodation prices are substantially increasing, leading to the unavailability of the accommodation for most of the students. In such cases, it is recommended that, prior to moving abroad for higher education, students book their accommodation as per their budget. Early booking of accommodations will lead to a cost savings of 20–30 percent.
3. Cost of Living:
Look at the cost of living where you plan to study; food, travel, and personal expenses are included in this. To efficiently manage your expenses, create a weekly or monthly budget. A cost-of-living calculator, which estimates potential expenses a student may face on a regular basis, is provided by university living to assist students. The cost of living plays an essential aspect in deciding where to study abroad.
4. Visa cost:
Navigating student visa expenses and regulations is an important stage in your study abroad adventure. Each country has its own visa restrictions, which may differ depending on the student’s nationality, degree of study, and length of stay. Students must conduct thorough research and grasp the unique visa requirements for their selected study place well in advance.
5. Currency Fluctuations:
Currency fluctuations can significantly impact the cost of foreign education. To mitigate currency risk, students and their families should monitor exchange rates and consider using hedging strategies or financial products. Additionally, exploring options like local currency accounts or prepaid cards can help minimize transaction fees and currency conversion costs. Online education payment platforms, such as EasyTransfer, offer innovative payment technologies, transparent and fair exchange rates, personalized guidance, and native language support. These services assist international students and their families in overcoming cross-border financial challenges, making it easier to pay tuition fees and other expenses as if they were locals.