Affordable Study Abroad Programs for Students on a Budget

News & Events

Tuesday — November 12, 2024

By:Study Abroad

Discover Your Goals

Choosing the right Study Abroad Program Starts with self-reflection. What are your academic, personal and professional goals? Are you seeking cultural immersion, language skills, or career advancement? Identify your priorities to guide your search.

Consider Program Types

Explore Various Program Types:

Semester/year-long programs
Summer/Winter programs
Internship Programs
Research Programs
Language Programs
Cultural Exchange Programs

Research Destinations

Select a destination that aligns with your goals:

Language: Consider countries where your target language is spoken
Culture: Explore destinations with diverse cultural experiences
Academics: Research top-ranked universities in your field
Career: Look for programs with industry connections

Evaluate Program Feathers

Access Program Components:

Curriculum and course structure
Teaching Style and faculty expertise
Credit Transfer and recognition
Housing and Living arrangements
Support Services (academic, emotional, logistical)

Academic Quality and Accreditation

Ensure the program meets academic standards:

University accreditation and rankings
Program and recognition and certification
Faculty qualifications and expertise

Program Name	Destination	Program Type	Fields of Study	Duration	Scholarship Opportunities	Language Requirements	Eligibility Criteria	Application Deadline
Erasmus+	Europe (EU countries)	Exchange / Partnership Program	Multiple fields (Arts, Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, etc.)	3-12 months	Erasmus+ grants for living & travel expenses	Some programs in English; others may require proficiency in local languages	EU students & students from partner countries; some programs require GPA and language proficiency	Varies by institution (typically a few months before departure)
Fulbright U.S. Student Program	Worldwide (over 140 countries)	Research, Study, Teaching Assistantship	Multiple fields (including Arts, Humanities, Science, Education)	6-12 months	Full funding (tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance)	English required	U.S. citizens with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent	October (varies by country)
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)	Germany	Exchange, Research, Degree Programs	Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts	1 semester to 2 years	Full or partial funding (tuition, living expenses, travel)	German or English (depending on the program)	Open to international students; GPA requirements may apply	Varies by program (typically early spring for fall intake)
JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization)	Japan	Exchange, Degree Programs	Multiple fields (Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, Business)	6 months to 2 years	Monthly stipend, travel allowances	Japanese language proficiency (for non-English programs)	Undergraduate or graduate students, good academic standing	Varies (usually by April for fall intake)
University of Sydney Exchange Program	Australia	Exchange	Multiple fields (Humanities, Science, Business, Law)	1 semester to 1 year	No scholarship directly from program, but eligibility for Australian Government Scholarships (e.g., Australia Awards)	English	Must be enrolled at a partner university	Varies by partner university (check with home institution)
Havening Scholarships	UK	Master's Degree	Any field	1 year	Full funding (tuition, living expenses, travel, etc.)	English	Open to international students; must have 2 years of work experience	November (annual application cycle)
Australia Awards Scholarships	Australia	Undergraduate and Postgraduate	Agriculture, Engineering, Education, etc.	2-4 years	Full tuition, living stipend, travel expenses	English	Students from eligible countries in the Indo-Pacific region	April-May (varies by country)
AIFS Study Abroad	Worldwide (20+ countries)	Study Abroad (semester or summer)	Arts, Business, Humanities, Science, Social Sciences	3 weeks to 1 semester	Limited scholarships available	English or language of the host country	U.S. students, minimum GPA 2.75	Varies by program

Program Type:

You can choose between exchange programs (where you go for a semester or a year), internships, degree programs, research opportunities, or language immersion programs.

Scholarships:

Many study abroad programs offer scholarships that cover partial or full costs, including tuition, travel, and living expenses. Be sure to check each program's website for eligibility and application procedures.

Language Requirements:

Some programs require proficiency in the host country's language, while others may offer courses in English. Always check language prerequisites for each program.

Eligibility:

Each program has its own set of requirements based on your nationality, level of study (undergraduate or graduate), GPA, and other factors.

Deadlines:

Scholarship deadlines often fall months before the actual start of the program, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Program Name

Global Business and Culture Program:

Destination: Barcelona, Spain
Duration: Semester (4-6 months),
Academic Year: (9-12 months)

Type:

Study Abroad
Internship
Language
Immersion

Host University

University Pompeo Fabra (UPF)

Category	Details
Program Name	Erasmus+
Destination	European Union (EU) countries, plus partner countries worldwide (e.g., Albania, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia)
Program Type	Exchange Program (semester or academic year)
Fields of Study	All disciplines: Arts, Humanities, Engineering, Social Sciences, Science, Business, etc.
Program Duration	3-12 months (1 or 2 semesters)
Language of Instruction	English (depending on the host institution; some courses may require proficiency in the local language)
Eligibility Criteria	- Enrolled at a participating university (in home country). - Typically requires a GPA of 3.0 or above (varies by institution). - Must be at least 18 years old. - Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Application Requirements	- Application through your home university’s Erasmus office. - Transcripts and academic records. - Proof of language proficiency (if required). - Recommendation letters or statement of purpose (check with your institution).
Scholarship/Financial Aid	Erasmus+ offers financial support, including: - Monthly grant to cover living expenses (amount varies by country of destination). - Travel allowance (depending on distance between home and host university). - Grants are awarded based on financial need, location, and program length.
Program Costs	- Tuition fees: Generally waived or covered by your home institution. - Living costs: Ranges depending on the country; more expensive in Western Europe (e.g., France, Germany) and cheaper in Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland, Hungary). - Travel costs: Partially covered by the Erasmus travel grant.
Application Deadline	Varies by university (typically 3-6 months before the start of the program, i.e., spring or early summer for fall semester).
Start Date	Fall or Spring semesters, depending on university.
Program Start & End	Typically starts in September/October (Fall) or February/March (Spring).
Supported Countries	All EU countries and many partner countries in Eastern Europe, Latin America, the US, and beyond.
Partner Universities	Over 4,000 universities across Europe. Check with your university’s Erasmus coordinator for specific partner institutions.
Additional Opportunities	- Internships, traineeships, and work placements may be available in certain countries. - Possible language courses and cultural integration programs offered by host universities.

The Erasmus+ program is one of the most widely recognized and accessible study abroad options for university students in Europe and partner countries.

Key Benefits of Erasmus+:

Wide Selection of Countries:

Erasmus+ allows you to study in a wide range of European countries, with more than 4,000 participating institutions. If you’re open to exploring multiple cultures and languages, this is an excellent opportunity.

Financial Support:

While it may not cover all costs, the Erasmus+ grant is designed to make studying abroad affordable by providing assistance for living and travel expenses.

International Recognition:

Participating in Erasmus+ enhances your resume by showing international experience, cultural adaptability, and language skills.

Cultural Immersion:

Erasmus+ programs are a great way to immerse yourself in European cultures, while experiencing different teaching methods and academic perspectives.

Network & Career Opportunities:

As an Erasmus+ student, you gain access to a wide network of international students, professors, and employers, which could be valuable for career development.

Flexible Language Options:

Many Erasmus+ partner institutions offer courses in English, even in non-English speaking countries (e.g., the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, etc.).

How to Apply for Erasmus+:

Contact Your Home University:

You must be enrolled at a university that participates in the Erasmus+ program. Your first step is to visit your university’s study abroad office or international relations office to check the eligibility and partner institutions.

Choose Your Host University:

Erasmus+ gives you the chance to study at one of over 4,000 European universities. Most universities in the program will offer an online catalogue of courses in English, along with information about the host city, accommodation options, and costs.

Submit Application:

The application typically includes:

Application form provided by your home university.
Transcripts of grades.
Proof of language proficiency (if required).
A motivation letter (sometimes).
Letter(s) of recommendation (if required).

Wait for Selection:

Once you submit your application, your home university will forward it to the host institution. You will be notified if you are accepted.

Prepare for Your Trip:

Once accepted, you’ll receive orientation materials, including housing arrangements, visa instructions (if applicable), and practical details for your study abroad experience.

Erasmus+ Scholarship Funding:

The scholarship you receive depends on several factors, including:

Destination country: Scholarships are higher for destinations with a higher cost of living (e.g., Denmark, UK, France) and lower for countries with a lower cost of living (e.g., Poland, Hungary).
Duration of stay: The longer your program, the higher the potential scholarship.
Travel distance: Travel allowances are also provided to help with transportation costs (e.g., plane tickets).
Erasmus+ grants typically range from €200-€700 per month. For example, students going to countries in Western Europe may receive closer to €400-€700 per month, while those studying in Eastern Europe may receive around €250-€500 per month.

Next Steps for You:

Contact your university’s Erasmus office:

Contact your university’s Erasmus office to confirm that your school is a partner institution and to find out more about available universities and program options.

Plan your finances:

Understand the cost of living in your host city and how much funding you may need beyond the Erasmus+ scholarship.

Prepare documents:

Ensure your academic transcripts and language certificates are ready and up to date. Some universities may also require a personal statement or motivation letter.