Now that fees have hit £9,000 a year for tuition at UK universities, more and more of you are looking at studying abroad. Trouble is, just how expensive is it to leave your home country to take up your studies elsewhere? The cost of university for most people will form a major part of deciding where the best place to study for them is – so what could be more useful than some succinct and to the point information on the varying costs across the world all in one place!
First of all, you should consider the tuition fees in the countries you are considering. A short hop over to the continent might save you thousands on your tuition fees from here in the UK. Why would anyone stay here, you say? Well, it’s not quite as clear cut as it may first seem – remember, money isn’t everything and while you might save on tuition fees, this could come at the cost of compromising on teaching quality or the course of your choice because of the more limited selection available over there. Just a quick point to remember when you’re doing this research is that you are an international student outside of the UK – make sure you’re looking at the right prices (an easy yet embarrassing mistake to make!). Fortunately for you though, the cost of a beer is the same whatever country you come from!
Living costs
This takes us nicely on to the next consideration – living costs. If it’s the sunny shores of Australia that you’re dreaming of heading to for your university study, you might want to double check just how much a pint and a kangaroo burger will set you back! There is always the option of working whilst studying abroad (after you have overcome the obstacle of sorting out the right visa!) which would no doubt help you with your bar tab, not to mention increase your employability for post university. In contrast, a survey found that Germany was one of the cheapest places for students to live and study with an estimated total cost (tuition fees and cost of living) at around £4,200 per annum – not bad eh?
As with most things in life, it’s about striking a good balance – weighing up the cost of living and tuition against the quality of life as a student, not forgetting the teaching standards (easily forgotten we know!). Whilst you are a student may well be the perfect time in life to go and explore another country whilst studying so consider what options are available to you and go for it!