Studying abroad is life changing as young people get the opportunity to travel the world, live in other cultures and learn new languages, the more they will begin to understand the shared ideals and the shared opportunities to keep moving this world forward. However, when you are looking for that perfect study abroad destination, there is one factor that is often pivotal — the cost. Not just the cost of tuition fees, but also how much things like rent and transport will cost you. Hence, if the rising value of dollar is pinching the pocket, it’s time to start exploring other destinations that offer affordable education to international students. let’s have a look at few options:
Germany: A hub of quality scientific research and innovation, mechanical engineering is one of the most important industries in the German economy. Germany’s Technische Universität München, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie and Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen are among the most reputed universities in the world.
Here, most of the institutions of higher education charge no or very little tuition fee — to the tune of 500 Euro per semester. However, one will need to pay semester contribution ranging from Euro 50 to 250, depending upon the university and the services or benefits provided. Besides this, one will need to take into account living expenses of around Euro 750 a month. As an Indian student, one can work for 120 full days or 240 half days in a year.
China: Going abroad for doing MBBS was never this easy before. Thanks to them it has become extremely easy to study medicine in one of the most economically stable countries of the world. The fact that Chinese MBBS degree is recognised worldwide as well as by Medical Council of India makes it an even more appropriate option. The cost of education in the universities in China is highly regulated and subsidized by the Ministry of Public Health of the Chinese Government. They are very reasonable in contrast to the other universities in India and abroad. The fee structure varies with each university. For instance, an MBBS course in Government medical colleges (like China Medical University and Sichuan University) in China costs about Rs25 lakh (for 5 years) including tuition fees and accommodation.
Malaysia: The country is turning out to be a popular study destination. It has been ranked the 11th most preferred study destination in the world by UNESCO. Tuition fee for studying in Malaysia is extremely competitive and affordable. For masters course you would spend approximately Rs3. 36 lakh to Rs4.8 lakh per year depending on the university. Hence, the total annual expenditure including accommodation ranges between Rs8-10 lakh.
Malaysia has excellent Government universities like University of Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia etc. Popular courses among international students are in the field of business, computer, engineering and tourism.
Mauritius: A melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together; it is one of the best places in South Asia for pursuing courses in areas like management, accountancy and information technology, etc. Since the tuition fee range is wide — US $ 2,000-15,500 per year, depending on the subject and university — one can choose according to one’s pocket. Also, the estimated cost of living is close to US $350 per month. University of Mauritius and University of Technology, Mauritius are some study centres.
(Nisha Arora, content editor, The Chopras)