Studying Abroad on a Budget | Tips from Kapeel Gupta, Study Abroad Expert

Apart from the four primary education boards: CBSE, ICSE, IB and IGCSE almost every state has its own board. Out of all CBSE is the largest board. Only in CBSE around 16 lakh students sat for class 12 exams in 2024. So, you can understand the number of students appearing in class 12th exams all over India is much more. And when we talk about number of seats, that number is too less.

Most students aspire for better life after they complete their studies. But are they able to achieve this goal? The answer is a big ‘No’ as getting admission in a good college is really difficult in India. Most people try to secure a seat in a government college for better and affordable education. And that is even more difficult.

Thinking of going abroad for better education looks like a dream as many think that its only for the rich.

Actually, that is not completely true. Through proper knowledge and planning, we can get a chance to study in the best universities and build happy careers for ourselves at very low cost.

Today I am going to share a 4 steps template to help students get admission in a foreign university for better education, more global exposure, happy careers and better life.

Some students might wonder how they can study abroad with less money in hand. It’s common knowledge that one must find a sponsor to support them financially.

It becomes worse when they aren’t able to find one. They neither want to burden their parents nor do they want to give up their dreams owing to their financial constraints.

We receive such questions almost daily from students all over India.

That, will we be able to study abroad even if we don’t have sufficient money? The precise answer is – yes, you’ll definitely get to do that! But how?

The following steps answer this query.

1. Research!

Have you ever heard of need blind admissions?

The implications of need-blind admission policies vary depending on the institution. It means that if you are really a meticulous student who has good academic records, your financial constraints won’t stop you from getting admissions. You’ll be granted admissions purely based on merit, not based on how much money you can afford to spend for your education.

The common element is that US universities promising need-blind admission do not consider applicants’ ability to pay when deciding whether to offer them a place on a program. This may only apply to applicants from within the US, or it may be extended to international students as well.

Many top institutions in the USA have something called ‘need blind admissions’, like

• MIT

• Harvard University

• Princeton University

• Yale University

If you don’t have enough money, you should apply to some cost-effective or economic countries. Do research on them or connect with us.

Some websites even give cost calculators

2. Start Early

Another crucial factor, besides money, which determines if you can study abroad with less money is, ‘time’. Time will decide where and what course you get to choose. If you apply early to some colleges and universities abroad, you might get scholarships. If you delay, you might miss them. If you apply early with all the required documents, then chances of receiving the acceptance letter is high, but if you delay, then you might lose a few opportunities.

Similarly, if you clear any of the standardised tests early on and earn a good score, you can get admissions at a university or college abroad at a right time. Simply put – you need to see where you stand so ask these questions to yourself:

How good is your SOP/ LOR?

Do you have good IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/SAT score?

How well have you written your application letter?

Have you done some out-of-classroom activities in your chosen field?

Is your academic record above average?

3. When you've less money, look for scholarships!

You can check with banks that provide educational loans to international students at lower interest rates. But always give a second thought to borrowing money from anyone because you don’t want, or your parents, incur debts and keep re-paying all your life.

• If you don’t have enough money, apply for some good international scholarships* – an easy way to escape taking loans for your higher studies abroad.

• Check with government websites and look for schemes that government offer to study abroad.

There are hundreds of scholarship websites that could be useful.

Now, these are the things that you need to figure out before-hand. All this put together will help you fetch a good university and college that will understand your economic problems and will not hesitate to grant you admit.

4. Save money!

To save money while studying abroad, you will have to plan before leaving your country.

What could be the possible ways to manage with less money abroad?

Find a part-time job.

Work as an assistant researcher or teacher in your college or university.

Look for cheaper accommodation options, such as homestays and shared apartments. Sharing your living space with someone can help both of you split the cost of groceries and other utilities. Also, cook for yourself and save money on eating out frequently.

Cut down all additional expenses like transportation costs. Check with your university abroad if they can provide students’ pass for your daily commute.

Try spending more time in your college or university libraries so that you can save the cost of purchasing books, if you feel those are not must buys.

Familiarise yourself with the budget of the country where you are heading to. Refrain from buying souvenirs, if you are really looking at ‘saving’.

You can also save the cost of international calls by purchasing a calling card.

Special offers: Many countries provide International Student ID Card that will help you save money on just about anything around the world. You can get discounts on anything you buy, and you can use it at places like salons, clothing stores, restaurants, etc. Try getting that!

Start planning now! If you have everything what it takes to earn an international degree, then having less money should not pull you down. Start with small steps and you will definitely reach your goal. Our study abroad experts will guide you in selecting countries based on your budget.

Please don't forget to share your learnings in the comments below. You can also share suggestions on the topics that you wish to read.