Level: Masters Degree
Study in: UK
Course starts: September 2020
Deadline: 19 June 2020
The USA is a dream destination for international students. Degrees offered by American universities and colleges are renowned worldwide and attract students even if the duration of the studies can be longer when compared to courses from European countries.
Graduating a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in the USA is also a great advantage since many of the country’s universities are famous for the brilliant academic environment and the innovative teaching methods and tools.
How much is a Master’s degree in the USA? It depends. Tuition fees can vary depending on multiple factors, like discipline, length of study, university, city, and so on.
Based on the programmes listed on our portal, you can see that although people generally perceive the US as an expensive study destination, there are many affordable Master’s programmes you can choose from.
The following American universities have some of the most affordable tuition fees:
Here is a list with tuition fees at top-ranked U.S. universities:
At these top American universities, some study programmes like Law, International Relations, Visual Arts, MBAs, and others can cost over 60,000 USD/year.
Here is a short selection of universities offering online Masters in the U.S. in case you want to save up on travel and living costs and study from home:
Master’s tuition fees between 5,000 – 20,000 USD/year
Many universities and colleges offer financial assistance to international students. Study fields that usually receive more generous funding include Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Biological Sciences.
In addition to universities, there are other commissions and organisations that offer scholarships and financial aid to international students based on different criteria, like:
Some examples of scholarships you can apply to:
Living costs in the U.S. vary a lot because of the large territory the country covers. In general, living in urban areas (in or near a big city) is more expensive than living in smaller towns or suburban areas. To give you a clearer picture of the general living costs of studying in the USA, we have included some estimates for the major regions of the country, in 2017.
The costs cover prices for a full year stay in the U.S. (academic year + vacation). As a general rule, locations in the Midwest region of the States have lower living costs, while those in the East and North-East are the highest. Living costs can vary significantly depending on four main factors:
Click on the cities to find out more about student life and living costs of studying there.
South
For more exact yearly costs, contact the university you plan to study in and ask for an estimate.
Accommodation costs are just as varied as general living costs in the United States. The average apartment can start from minimum 600 USD (one bedroom apartments in more rural areas) and go up to 3,000 USD (1 bedroom apartment in Boston).
Renting outside campus in America might be less expensive than living on campus – 450 USD/month for shared rooms.
Average room and board costs at universities amount to:
Utilities may or may not be included in the price, so you should check the contact before making a decision. Here are some of the most common values you will see for different utilities:
Groceries for one person amount to 400 – 600 USD/month depending on your dietary habits and if some meals are included with your accommodation at the university. Look for some of the cheapest supermarkets like Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Trader Joe’s, to do your shopping.
If you live in residence halls, you could select the on-campus meal plans, for which you would have to pay around 250 USD/month.
In Bowling Green, restaurants have affordable prices, a pizza will cost around 7 USD and you can get a coffee for 4.50 USD.
In Chicago, you can grab a meal for around 12 USD, while a beer in a bar is 6 USD.
International and American restaurants in San Francisco serve meals that cost around 15 USD.
A public transportation monthly pass is between 45 and 100 USD (some universities have discounts for students, but not all). For instance, in Cincinnati, a metro fare card for students is 53 USD/semester and in Nashville, a monthly public transportation pass is 44 USD.
The biggest transportation expense will probably be flying from and to your home country. Be careful to plan your airplane tickets into your total budget, as this can have a great impact on your plans.
Try to factor in vacation trips to tourist destinations and weekend getaways in the U.S., as depending on your living location and your destination, you can spend as much as 500 USD/trip.
Try to also have a budget for other personal or unexpected expenses for the year of about 2000 USD.
Spain is one of the most visited European countries and a preferred study destination for many international students who wish to discover its interesting culture and lifestyle. The Kingdom of Spain has a rich history and provides enchanting experiences whether in large cities, the countryside or on the beach.
Universities in Spain are the kind of places where you can enjoy both a good holiday and a great Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme. But is there more to know about Spain? Well, studying in Spain allows you to enrol at some of the best universities worldwide, including famous Spanish business schools. Student life is also very entertaining.
If you want to study in Spain, it’s important to know how much money you’d need as an international student. Keep on reading as we describe what kind of tuition you should expect and what are the living costs in this beautiful country.
Tuition fees in Spain vary based on different factors, such as the type of higher education institution (private or public), the degree type, the number of credits, the region where you study, and your nationality.
Based on our research, we’ve noticed that non-EU/EEA students can encounter the following situations when they enrol in Spanish public universities:
These situations are not rules, and they vary from one study programme/university to another. Before choosing a degree, always check the type of tuition that applies to students from your country.
Public universities in Spain offer two types of degrees: official degrees and university-specific degrees. For official degrees, each Autonomous Community establishes limits for tuition. They usually range between:
For university-specific degrees, each institution is free to set any tuition fee, because there are no limits imposed by the authorities.
Private universities have higher tuition fees, but usually not exceeding 20,000 EUR/academic year. Some programmes offered by business schools can cost over 25,000 EUR/year. You’ll also find MBAs and International Management degrees that charge tuition fees of 30,000 EUR/year or more.
These are some of the Spanish universities with the most affordable tuition fees:
Here is a list of average tuition fees at the top-ranked Spanish universities:
Related:
List of University in Spain
You should remember that each programme’s website should be your go-to mentor. Each Spanish Master’s application is customised by its university, so you should get the specifics directly from the source.
You will be charged an application fee with the submission, so be prepared and put money away especially for this first process. Also, although you could consider this advice redundant, you should apply to something you are sure you want to attend.
Try and think through and recognize what your needs and wants are, because it won’t be profitable to apply to a hundred universities and spend the Master’s money you saved that way.
After this soul-searching, the actual application to a degree in Spain will feel like a breeze.
Although there are websites that can help you with your application for a University in Spain, the best route you can take is to check your choice programme’s website and follow the instructions there.
I’m going to blow your mind with this information, but Spain is a Spanish-speaking country. Shocking, I know.
Although there are many programmes taught in English, the majority of them are in Spanish and will require a Spanish language proficiency test and the submission of all your documents in Spanish, as well.
For the programmes in English, universities recommend you provide a certificate of proficiency. The most popular and requested tests are:
Usually, all the lists of necessary documents for applying in Spain differ from programme to programme. A short list of common certificates you have to upload to your application is:
These documents are obligatory even if you are returning to a university you already studied at or if you studied abroad for your Bachelor’s degree.
It is very important to submit all these forms in Spanish, so, if they are in another language, search for a translator as soon as possible. If you provide the documents in any other language, the process will be delayed, and, by default, so will your acceptance.
If you want the most of your experience, you should have these documents when you’re leaving for the Spanish Master’s degree:
Master’s programmes in Spain don’t share a calendar, so it all comes down to your researching skills and the personal website of each institution.
As a rough guide, you should know that universities offer both autumn and summer semesters, the latter one being the main one.
Start preparing for your Visa and Residence Card, like, yesterday.
It is very important to complete your Spanish Visa application, seeing how you will need one of each if you’re planning to stay in Spain for more than six months. If your staying period is for three months, you can acquire a Visa only.
The list of documents necessary for your Spanish Visa is quite comprehensive, so start preparing them early. They consist of:
Generally, Spain is a relatively affordable country where international students should not feel financially pressured.
Related:
Cost of Living in Spain
The main housing options for students in Spain are:
Renting a private apartment or studio does not necessarily mean that its monthly cost includes all the expenses. You have to add:
Students in Spain will find plenty of choices from the local cuisine, such as “paella”, “escabeche” or “merienda”. For your monthly groceries, you would normally spend between 200 and 400 EUR. It depends a lot on your habits: if you cook or not, how often you eat out, and so on. Some of the cheapest supermarkets in Spain are Dia, Bally, Dani and Mercadona.
A meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around 10 EUR, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is 35 EUR.
A regular trip by public transport usually costs 1.5 EUR, and a monthly transport pass is 42 EUR and a little over 54 EUR in large cities.
You can travel around Spain and see its lovely cities with AVE (speed train): the average price for a trip is 75 EUR. With the youth travel card, you can get major discounts.
If you prefer private transport over walking, you can also rent a car from local companies.
If you need financial support to build your future career through education, you have several options in Spain:
If you’re looking for affordable degrees in Europe, you should consider studying in Italy. It is home to some of the oldest universities in the world, which offer high quality education and low tuition fees. You will also enjoy traveling and exploring the rich culture and history of Italian cities.
Although tuition fees are affordable, there are other expenses you need to cover, like: accommodation, food, transportation, books, and others.
Public universities in Italy set their tuition fees based on discipline and the degree type (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD). On average, tuition ranges between 0 – 5,000 EUR/academic year. If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, some study programmes can demand much higher tuition.
Private universities in Italy usually charge higher tuition fees compared to public universities and most of them have the same fees for both EU and non-EU/EEA students. The average tuition fees in private universities range between 3,000 – 35,000 EUR/year.
Check the list of Italian universities with some of the most affordable tuition fees:
Related:
List of University in Italy
Here is a list of average tuition fees at top-ranked Italian universities:
Most scholarships in Italy are offered by the government or by the universities. Examples of scholarships you can apply to:
You can also check out the Scholarshipsineurope.com to get some help on financing your studies abroad.
View scholarship opportunities in Italy
Before applying to a university in Italy, first, you will need to check if your qualifications are considered eligible for higher education studies in Italy.
Admitted students are usually ranked based on their grade point average (GPA) from their previous studies. Check with the chosen universities and see the minimum grade point you need to obtain in order to qualify for the degree you wish to study.
You may have to attend specific admission exams for certain specialized fields of study, such as:
Students from countries where admission to university is possible after 10 or 11 years of study must prove that they have passed all necessary examinations for two years or one year, in order to reach the total of twelve years of study.
Italian universities offer study programmes taught both in Italian and English. However, most English study programmes are available for postgraduate level, Master’s degrees and PhD courses. Within some Italian universities, you may have the option to apply for degrees taught in the Italian language, but take the assignments and exams in English.
Language tests accepted by universities in Italy:
If you apply for a degree taught in English, you will be required to provide proof of English language proficiency. Accepted English certificates are:
Students who can prove that English was the medium of instruction of their Bachelor’s degree (at least for three years) are exempted from providing any English language certification.
Mid-April to mid-May: contact the Italian embassy/consulate to receive a Letter of Academic Eligibility and Suitability (Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco (DV)).
Deadlines for applications may vary according to each institution, so always check with the university you are interested in and try to apply as early as possible.
Studying in Italy means a few extra steps after the application process:
For more details regarding applying to an Italian university, you can always check the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research.
Here is detailed information about the student visa application process for students coming from a non-Eu country:
The overall living costs for international students in Italy range between 700 and 1,000 EUR/month. These costs include: accommodation, food, public transportation, local travel and/or entertainment.
Living in Italy is a great experience, but keep in mind that if you choose Rome or Milan, they are more expensive when compared to other Italian cities. Check the average monthly living expenses for students in these student cities in Italy:
You can expect to pay anywhere between 300 – 600 EUR for housing. Prices vary depending on the city in which you live and the type of accommodation. Sharing an apartment with other students is a good way to reduce your monthly expenses. You can also live with a local family and practise your Italian skills while getting to know their tradition and lifestyle.
On average, here are the prices students spend on housing, depending on the type of accommodation:
Don’t forget to take into account utilities, which can add between 90 – 260 EUR to your monthly expenses.
You will spend around 150 – 200 EUR/month if you buy groceries from local supermarkets. Lidl, Penny Market or Esselunga have some of the lowest prices.
In Italian restaurants, lunch or dinner start with antipasto, (a sort of appetisers or hors d’oeuvres) a course consisting of various types of cold meat, seafood and vegetable dishes, with prices between 8 and 15 EUR.
In mid-range restaurants, pasta dishes are between 6 and 12 EUR, while the main fish or meat courses will normally cost between 8 and 16 EUR.
You should be aware of an important detail: any Italian restaurant will charge you for the bread and cover; this usually costs around 1 – 2.50 EUR per person.
Public transport is the easiest and most convenient method to travel in Italy. A monthly bus/tram/metro ticket for students is somewhere between 25 and 45 EUR/month, depending on the city.
The train network in Italy is fast and well maintained, so visiting other cities is definitely an option. Fares start at around 20 EUR for a trip, but if you book tickets earlier, you could get discounts of up to 70%.
Related:
Cost of Living in Italy
Have an inexpensive meal at the university cafeteria or “mensa”, or check the crowded places that serve street food and you can get a sandwich or a slice of pizza for 2 – 3 EUR. In most pubs, small restaurants and cafeterias in Italy, if you choose to eat or drink at a table, you will pay double the price that is listed on the menu! When you can simply order and take away, you should do it. Some restaurants in Italy have the Apertivo (similar to the American Happy Hour), where they offer a free buffet if you buy a drink, for around 6 EUR; this is usually between 6 and 9 pm.
Studying in Europe and living in Italy, one of the most beautiful countries, is a great choice. Low tuition fees will allow you to save some money and explore its cities full of ancient monuments and mysteries while enjoying great weather and trying some of the best food in the world. Have a great study experience and make the most out of it!
Now that you have an overview of tuition fees and living costs in Italy, you can start applying to universities. While you do that, don’t forget to also check the Italian student visa requirements if you are from outside the EU/ EEA.
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It is famous for high standard education and ground-breaking research. For these reasons, Swiss MBAs and PhD programmes are renowned and appreciated worldwide. As a European business hub, young adults not only dream of studying here, but they also consider pursuing a career in Switzerland after finishing their studies.
Many Swiss universities received awards of international student satisfaction, confirming that studying in Switzerland could be one of the best choices you have ever made. Switzerland has three widely spoken official languages (French, German and Italian), meaning you will have the opportunity to experience a complete European atmosphere and culture in one relatively small country and enrich your language skills as well.
Applying for studies at a university in Switzerland is really easy, you just have to remember some essential tips:
In most European countries, tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens are higher than those for EU/EEA students. Switzerland is an exception; here, tuition at most public universities is the same for all international students, regardless of their nationality. However, there are some exceptions:
At these universities, you can encounter two situations:
Public Swiss universities receive significant funding from the government. That’s why tuition fees are more affordable when compared to fees charged by universities from the UK or the US. International students who come to Switzerland on an exchange programme don’t pay any tuition fee.
Average tuition fees at Swiss public universities:
Swiss Private universities usually have higher tuition fees that can reach 43,000 EUR per year. Some universities offer a discount if students pay the full amount when they begin the study programme. For some degrees, tuition is calculated based on the total number of courses or credits.
These are some of the most affordable higher education institutions in Switzerland:
Here is a list of average tuition fees at the top-ranked Swiss universities:
Related:
List of University in Switzerland
International students can get scholarships offered by the Swiss government, based on partnerships established with several countries. Most of these scholarships are granted to postgraduate candidates and researchers. Other funding opportunities are offered by individual universities and other organizations.
You should be aware that some qualifications are not recognized by most Swiss universities, such as:
If a credential or qualification is not recognized, you will have to pass the full Swiss (or cantonal) maturity examination. This is mainly the Swiss equivalent for international baccalaureate, based on a specific curriculum (seven key subject areas studied by all students), depending on each Swiss canton.
Switzerland has three official languages (German, French and Italian) and the language of instruction depends on the university. In addition, most universities also offer a wide range of programmes taught in English. Most international students apply for either English, French or German taught degrees.
Accepted evidence of proficiency for each language are:
If you don’t hold a language certificate, you can take a language test at the university and they can decide if your level is sufficient for you to complete your studies. This option is not available within all universities, so first check with the institution.
Deadline for application at Swiss universities is variable, depending on each university and sometimes it also depends on your qualifications or if you need to apply for a student visa. Students are usually advised to submit their application in the spring semester for studies beginning the following academic year.
In some cases, applications for PhD candidates have different deadlines:
Universities that will receive your application too late, will sign you up for the next semester.
Here is detailed information about the student visa application process for students coming from a non-Eu country:
Living in Switzerland is expensive and managing your monthly budget without making any compromise could be a tough challenge.
You should have an average budget of 1,300 – 1,700 EUR/month to pay for accommodation, food, transportation, supplies and leisure activities. Geneva and Zurich are the most expensive cities, and you might need a budget exceeding 1,700 EUR/month.
Here is how much you will spend, on average, in these Swiss cities:
Related:
Cost of Living in Switzerland
Rates for accommodation in Switzerland are around 600 – 700 EUR/month, well above the international average of 300 EUR/month.
The most common housing choices among international students in Switzerland are:
Most students choose to buy food from supermarkets and eat out only once in a while. You can expect to pay between 400 – 550 EUR/month for food. Try making most of your shopping after 5 p.m. when many stores offer 25 – 50% discounts on perishable items.
Inexpensive restaurants in Switzerland serve meals at prices that range from 16 to 27 EUR per person. Restaurants that serve international cuisine can have lower prices.
A good option is the university dining hall, where you would only pay 8 – 10 EUR, or the snack bars or restaurants located in department stores (like Migros, Coop or Manor).
Around 11% of students choose to get around by foot, 10% use the bicycle, and another 10% use public transport. A monthly pass for public transportation is around 55 EUR.
In major Swiss cities like Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne and Neuchâtel, any public transportation ticket is valid on trains, tramways, buses and even ships.