How to lower your masters abroad cost?

Have you ever dreamt of going abroad for further studies and then almost instantaneously given up on the idea due to financial concerns? Well, studying abroad does have its fair share of expenses right from the time you set foot on foreign shores! Admission fees, tuition fees, airfares, insurance, food, transport, and accommodation -all these expenses are definitely going to pinch your pocket. But the good news is that studying abroad is not as uneconomical as it seems! Make your distant dream of pursuing further studies abroad a definite reality. Here are some pointers on how to minimize costs while studying abroad.

1. MAKE GOOGLE YOUR BEST FRIEND

When you are going to another country, you need to plan smart and be efficient. There are no fixed prices for clothes, transportation, groceries, books, stationery, etc. The key is to identify the ideal outlet. Use Google to search for sites to help you sort through various deals. After all, with no effort, there is no gain.

2. GET AN ISIC (INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD)

An ISIC not only serves as a student identity proof but also helps to get discounts on food, travel, sightseeing, medicinal and health assistance and entrance fees to museums and other cultural sites around the world. A student ID provides the advantage of getting discounts on public transportation in the city as well.

3. DO A PART TIME JOB OR GET AN ON-CAMPUS JOB

Universities provide student employment opportunities whereby students get a chance to learn valuable skills and also earn some extra income. Jobs include working in the library, computer lab or in the cafeteria. If you have a stellar academic performance then you may be hired by your professor as a teaching assistant, research assistant, department assistant, lab assistant, desk assistant etc.

4. OBTAIN A CREDIT CARD

Use credit cards to pay for your tuition bill and other expenses. Credit cards offered by many financial institutions abroad offer low finance rates. Not only do you get time to pay your bills, but it also helps to build a credit history which is beneficial in the long run. Certain cards also provide reward points which are an added bonus.

5. BRUSH UP YOUR COOKING SKILLS

If you know how to cook, you can definitely minimize your expenses as eating out every day can be an expensive affair. It is important to eat well and stay healthy. You can check out your university cafeteria option plans or you can cook at home. You can also make this a group activity wherein you and your roommates can cook together and split up the costs.

6. STAY AS A PAYING GUEST

Many universities provide lodging and boarding facilities to undergraduates. But students going for post graduate studies have to arrange for their own accommodation. In such a case, staying as a paying guest will help you save your money. If you stay with a host family, you generally have to pay a weekly fee for the room. Some of them also provide home cooked meals which is an added bonus! It would be wise to arrange for a host family through your university or a reputed company that caters to foreign students so as to ensure your safety and to avoid complications upon arrival.

7. SECURE A SCHOLARSHIP!

One of the best ways to fund your studies abroad is through a scholarship. There are various scholarships available through a wide variety of businesses and organizations. Nationally sponsored grants are also available for students. It is important to apply for the scholarship well in advance as there is always cut throat competition for availing them. Certain universities also provide scholarships based on the students’ academic performance during the first term. So work hard and burn the midnight oil, you might just land up with a prestigious scholarship!

8. AVAIL OF EDUCATION DISCOUNT ON COMPUTERS

Being a 21st century student, it has almost become a necessity to possess computers for doing various projects and assignments. As a student you can save loads of money by taking advantage of Apple’s or Dell’s education discount. There is an entirely separate education store that offers hefty discounts on laptops and tablets. All you need to do is select your institution by choosing your region and then find your college or university in the list. You need to log on from your university network and show your student ID as proof to avail discounts on your purchase.

9. GO FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Another way to cut down on expenses is to use public transport. Try to get acquainted with the local transport systems such as buses and trains. Taxis, as a means of transport can be an extravagant affair.

10. PREPARE A BUDGET FOR YOURSELF

Make a planned budget for every week or month and try sticking to it! If it is well calculated then you can keep a monthly check of all your expenses and you will know exactly where you are spending and how much you need to curb.

11. STUDY ABROAD WITH YOUR FRIENDS

It’s a good idea to go abroad for further studies with your group of friends! It will be easier for you to settle in a new country, far away from home and at the same time you can split the costs of rent and groceries. A good way to reduce costs is buying things in a group! When the amounts are high then sharing costs is a good way to even out!

12. LEARN FROM THE LOCALS

Befriending locals can prove to be advantageous. Your friends in the new country can give you insider secrets and valuable advice on where to shop for lucrative prices, whereabouts of pocket friendly eateries and doing various other activities that cost little to almost no money at all!

All these pointers will definitely ease the strain on your finances as you pursue education abroad.