How to go to college in another country

Getting a Master’s abroad is probably the most popular way to get a degree overseas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go abroad as an undergrad! If you’re wondering how to go abroad for college though, it won’t be as straightforward as it is at home. There are different entrance exams to take, visas to apply for, and possibly required foreign language skills. Don’t let this discourage you though! The right degree program abroad will provide an advisor to guide you through the process.

Here’s how to get your undergrad or graduate degree abroad:

• Research programs. You may have a dream school abroad in mind already, but it’s just a pipe dream if it turns out you’re not eligible to apply for it. While you’re certainly free to apply for degree programs around the world, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll automatically qualify. Find out if you’re required to speak a certain language or if you’re even eligible for a student visa. These kinds of details vary from country to country, so don’t hesitate to directly reach out to a school or program in order to get your questions answered.
• Take entrance exams. Sadly, the SAT and ACT don’t really qualify you to go to college anywhere expect the USA. Entrance exams differ everywhere, so find out which ones you’ll need to take before applying for your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree abroad. You may also need to take a language test to prove your speaking proficiency in the language of instruction.
• Apply to degree programs. Keep in mind that not every country runs on the same semester schedule as the US. Application deadlines vary from country to country and program to program. Once you know you qualify, you don’t want to blow your opportunity to get a degree abroad by missing a deadline! Apply as early as possible...and then try to remain patient (and calm) as you wait to hear back about your acceptance.
• Apply for a visa. This step may be concurrent with the previous depending on visa and program restrictions. Either way, it’s very likely that you’ll need to prove your acceptance to an institution of higher learning in order to qualify for a student visa, no matter where you’re headed. Your program advisor will know exactly how and when you should apply for your visa, but it doesn’t hurt to do a little independent research on your own!

How to pay for college abroad

Unfortunately, paying for college or grad school abroad will be a bit more complicated than at home and may even require you to pay out of pocket. But, as we mentioned before, the cost of higher education is drastically lower in most countries outside of the United States. In many European countries, for example, there are no tuition fees for other citizens of EU countries. 

Even for Americans, tuition is incredibly affordable, but may still be more than you’re willing to pay upfront (especially when considering the cost of textbooks and other materials too). If you don’t have the funds to cover your tuition abroad, you could consider a taking a personal loan, applying for scholarships and grants, or even fundraising for program costs.

What kind of degrees can you study abroad?

You can get a Bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, or even a doctorate abroad. Getting your Master’s degree abroad has become increasingly popular, especially since grad students tend to be older and a bit more experienced. Going abroad for a Bachelor’s degree right after high school can be intimidating, but is an excellent choice if you have focused academic or career goals! Earning a phD abroad is also a common move for academics, especially for those in international or specialized fields.

Where to get your degree abroad

So, where should you go to earn your degree overseas? Countries with free education is a good place to start! When looking at countries with free education, it’s important to remember that tuition is not free for everyone in the world. In order to qualify for free education, you may have to speak a certain language or be a citizen of certain countries.

It also doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay school fees (like room and board), and you may still be responsible for your own living expenses and required materials. Countries offering free (or affordable) education to international students include Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Greece, and the Czech Republic. Again, read the fine print and do the proper research to find out if you qualify for free tuition policies in these destinations.