Thinking about studying abroad but worried about the costs? You're not alone! Many students dream of traveling the world while earning their degree, but the financial burden can seem daunting.

The good news? There are ways to study abroad for free or at least significantly reduce your costs! Let's dive into how you can make your dream of studying overseas a reality without breaking the bank.

Scholarships

The first and perhaps most impactful way to study abroad for free is through scholarships and grants.

🎥 Suci, an Indonesian student, shares how she got a scholarship to study in Sweden

Many universities and organizations are eager to support international students by offering scholarships and other financial aid options to make education more accessible.

You can find all kinds of different scholarships:

University scholarships

Your university's website is a great starting point for these.

Many institutions have dedicated sections for international students that detail available scholarships.

Government programs

As an international student, you have access to a wide range of prestigious government-funded scholarships around the world.

Table below shows a few examples of such programs.

💡 Did you know? The EU government committed 500 million euros towards attracting international talent.

Private and non-profit organizations

Provided by private organizations and non-profit organizations. They're usually geared toward specific demographics or fields of study.

Tuition-free countries

You may be surprised to learn that some countries offer tuition-free education for international students!

Here are a few notable destinations where you can study without paying tuition fees:

• Germany
• Slovenia
• Greece
• Poland

Also read: Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad in Europe 💰

Exchange programs

Exchange programs represent another fantastic avenue you might want to consider as a way to study abroad for free.

These programs typically involve partnerships between universities, allowing you to study abroad at the partner university while still earning your credits.

Bilateral agreements

If your university has exchange agreements with other institutions, you may be eligible to study at a partner university while only paying the tuition rate of your home university.

This arrangement would ensure you won't have to pay the usually higher international rates associated with studying abroad.

Hence, you'd be able to study abroad for free!

Academic exchange programs

Look out for programs like Erasmus in Europe, which offers students the chance to study in different countries while remaining enrolled at their home institution.

Thousands of students every year go on student exchanges for free or very affordable cost due to the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.

Similar initiatives cater to different regions, so keep an eye out!

Work while studying

Consider working part-time to offset your living expenses while studying abroad.

In many countries, international students can work during their studies, which can help with budgeting.

Here's how you might find work that fits your schedule:

On-campus jobs:

• Many universities offer part-time jobs for students.
• Some examples include assistantships, tutoring or library work.

Off-campus work:

• You can also work off-campus while enrolled full-time in several countries.
• Check the visa rules for the country you're studying in! Some countries allow international students to work part-time, while others don't.
• Some countries, like the US, limit what kind of work you can do on a student visa.

Also read: Tips for Getting a Part-Time Job as an International Student

💡 Did you know? Over 70% of college students work and study at the same time.

Budgeting wisely

Proper budgeting is essential if you want to study abroad at a lower cost.

Even if you save on tuition, understanding your financial habits will make your experience enjoyable and stress-free. Here are a few tips to help you manage your finances abroad:

💸 Build a realistic monthly budget

Start by estimating your monthly income and listing all expected expenses.

These might include:

• Rent and utilities
• Groceries and meals
• Transportation (public transit, bike rentals, etc.)
• Mobile phone and internet
• Health insurance
• Leisure and travel
• One-time or irregular costs (visas, textbooks, winter clothing)

Use budgeting tools like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or another budgeting app. Sometimes a simple Google Sheets tracker will do.

The key is to be honest and consistent. Don’t budget for your "ideal" spending, but for your actual habits.

Read our full guide on how to budget for university if you'd like to learn more.

✂️ Cut costs without cutting fun

You don't need to live like a monk to save money, but smart choices go a long way.

Here are a few ways to trim expenses:

• Cook at home instead of dining out. Meal prepping can cut food costs by half or more.
• Use public transportation or a bike instead of relying on taxis or rideshares.
• Take advantage of your student ID! You’ll often get great discounts on transit passes, museums, gyms, streaming services, and even software like Adobe Creative Suite or Microsoft Office (you may even get those for free if your school has an agreement).
• Buy second-hand, from furniture to textbooks. Local online marketplaces (like Blocket in Sweden), Facebook Groups or other student groups can help you find great deals.

These small changes can free up money for the things that matter most to you, whether it's weekend trips, cultural events, or saving for emergencies.

Also read: 13 Money Saving Tips for College Students

🔄 Review your budget regularly

Your expenses will likely shift over time as you settle in and learn more about your host country. Maybe you've overestimated your grocery bill or found a cheaper phone plan.

Set aside 15 minutes at the end of each month to review your budget:

• What went as expected?
• Where did you overspend?
• What can you adjust going forward?

Budgeting isn't about restriction - it's about control. The better you understand your finances, the more confident and free you'll feel abroad.

Conclusion

Studying abroad doesn't have to be an impossible dream because of financial constraints. You can turn that dream into reality by proactively finding scholarships, considering tuition-free universities, working part-time, and budgeting wisely. So start exploring your options!