Studying abroad opens doors to ample opportunities. However, it can be a bit expensive, depending on the country you wish to move to. The first thing students need to know is how to manage their finances if they plan to study abroad. At times, the cost of living in a foreign land can be more expensive than expected. In some foreign countries, the top universities may have high tuition fees and expensive lifestyles, and all these require either huge savings or education loans. Planning logically and thinking critically is a necessity in such cases. In this article, we will discuss the cost of studying abroad for Indian students, countries with the lowest tuition fees, better career opportunities, maximum healthcare benefits, and more.

Cost of Studying and Living in Different Countries

Canada

An extremely popular destination among students, Canada offers one of the best education facilities. The degrees offered by Canadian educational institutions are not only career oriented, but also globally recognized. Canada witnesses thousands of international students moving to the country every year to pursue higher education. The job market in Canada is developing rapidly with more and more conglomerates and multinationals setting up their bases there. Being sparsely populated, Canada needs more skilled and professional workforce to help grow their economy. Therefore, Canada welcomes immigrants from across the globe. It is also one of the reasons Canada has eased immigration and PR laws. Different scholarships are also offered to meritorious students in Canada-

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
• IDRC Research Awards

Fees of Canadian universities-

The cost of living in Canada is quite expensive in comparison to other countries. You can find homestays, student accommodations, and apartments on a sharing basis. If you’re planning to move to Quebec, Ottawa, or Montreal, you might save some money, whereas Calgary or Vancouver is the most expensive area of Canada.

Here’s the expense breakup in brief to give you an idea:

• University arranged stays cost INR 23, 234 to INR 46, 469 per month whereas student residences cost around INR 14, 523 to INR 36, 304. If you’re planning to stay in sharing, you’ll have to pay between INR 17, 425 to INR 40, 656 approx.
• If a student prefers to eat home-cooked meals and is willing to buy groceries from the local markets such as Walmart, No Frills etc., it will only cost around INR 17, 445 per month.
• For students, there are many discounts on public transport approved by the government. The transport pass costs around INR 5,236 whereas the one-way ticket costs only INR 174.

upGrad Abroad has started UA (upGrad Abroad) Accelerator Programs in collaboration with Yorkville University and University of the Fraser Valley in Canada; these programs are cost saving. To know more log into the website upGrad Abroad.

Australia

Australia is one of the most common and sought after destinations for students around the globe for higher education. Australia is home to some of the best universities in the world. The country attracts many international students owing to its quality education, living standards, good quality of life, lucrative future career, research prospects and comparatively affordable educational costs. Australia readily accepts its university graduates in the job spectrum. So, if the students want to they can continue to stay and work in this country and later settle down.

Here are the fees structure of different Australian universities-

With more than 700,000 Indian students, it is undoubtedly one of the most in-demand destinations for pursuing higher education. Although the study in Australia for Indian students costs lower than other countries such as the United Kingdom, living expenses are a bit on a higher end.

Read ahead to find the cost of living in Australia for Indian students-

• The average cost for accommodation in Australia varies between INR 64, 529 to INR 1, 39, 849 per month. In Sydney, it is INR 1, 42, 515; in Melbourne, the cost is INR 98, 937 and in Perth, the accommodation cost is INR 79, 627.
• Food cost in Australia is not expensive but affordable. Groceries in Australia cost anywhere between INR 7, 530 to INR 15, 061 per week.
• The transportation cost in Australia is affordable for students as they receive concessions. However, transport fees in Australia may cost up to INR 1, 613 to INR 3, 227.

upGrad Abroad in collaboration with Australian universities has introduced UA Accelerator Programs at an affordable price. The Australian universities are Canberra University, James Cook University and Torrens University. For details log into the website of upGrad Abroad.

Ireland

Ireland offers numerous courses taught by world-known faculties, in world-class universities. The country is friendly to international students and offers high paying job opportunities to anyone willing to settle there. The Irish Government makes it a point to track and supervise quality of education in Ireland through the NFF (National Framework of Qualifications). Employment prospects are abundant in Ireland and the flourishing economy has created numerous openings for skilled graduates and undergraduates who want to do part time jobs along with their university programs.

Fee structure of universities in Ireland-

In Ireland, certain cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork are quite expensive compared to other cities, so students should plan and save before moving.

Here’s a brief cost of living summary in Ireland-

• As a student, you can live independently or at campus residence facilities offered by universities. You can also opt to live in sharing with other tenants. The accommodation cost in Ireland varies from INR 30, 316 to INR 69, 294.
• Food is one of the most important expenditures that people most often neglect. The money spent on food depends on the students, and so even if you decide to splurge, it will cost you somewhere around INR 8, 657 to INR 21, 641.
• Transportation fee in Ireland is extremely expensive. The charges of traveling via public transport can sum up to INR 11, 686. Students in Ireland also receive special travel passes reducing the travel cost up to 40%. Few renowned universities also provide transportation facilities, dramatically reducing the traveling cost.
• Health Insurance in Ireland adds to INR 1, 17, 099. To avoid extra expenditure on health, ensure to sign up for healthcare.

upGrad Abroad in association with Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland has introduced UA Accelerator Programs. Log into the website of upGrad Abroad to know more.