A dream most of us have nurtured since we started understanding movies and TV serials, studying abroad, for most of us, means exciting job prospective, high standards of living and an experience of a lifetime. Typically, it has also been viewed as a difficult, highly competitive and expensive affair.
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1. 10 ways to fund your Studies
Abroad
A dream most of us have nurtured since
we started understanding movies and TV
serials, studying abroad, for most of us,
means exciting job prospective, high
standards of living and an experience of a
lifetime. Typically, it has also been viewed
as a difficult, highly competitive and
expensive affair.
2. Even though it largely remains the same,
the current scenario is quite different from
what it was a few years back. Easy and
quick access to information has
revolutionized almost everything, and the
process of studying abroad is no different.
Several websites and forums have helped
making the process much simpler.
Unfortunately, the extravagant cost of
studying abroad is still a deal breaker for
many. So, did the cost of studying abroad
break you heart too? Or are you another
student who has almost given up on their
fantasies?
If there is a tiny voice in your heart that
refuses to settle down, if you are one of
those people with a never say die attitude,
then you have come to the right place
because with a little patience, hard work
3. and research, you might just be able to
fund your studies abroad and attain what
you thought was impossible!
The following points are some of the ways
and means you can find funding for your
studies.
1. Scholarships
Most Universities abroad offer
scholarships to international students.
While these are largely based on academic
merit, some are also based on talent. Apply
for these on the financial aid section of the
official University website. In the mean
time, study hard to earn yourself a
scholarship!
Scholarships are also offered by some
non-profit organizations in some cities
abroad. Check out for such organizations,
4. the criteria and apply. Do not hesitate to
apply, I mean, what could go wrong? The
worst thing that could happen is you do
not get the scholarship. Big deal!
2. Student loans
Applying in India: Many banks give
student loans up to around 20 lakh rupees
(generally in India) with usual interest
rates of 11.5%. The only probable hitch
may be that you will have to mortgage a
security of 150% of the loan amount with
the bank. Generally, this means either your
home or some family property. Talk with
your family, discuss your needs and decide
accordingly. Remember that you are
capable enough to repay the bank in time.
If you are willing to work hard, do no
underestimate yourself!
5. However, if you are looking to apply for a
student loan, we suggest you do all the
research and inquire about the rates,
amount and tenure in different banks.
Apply where it is most suited to you.
Applying Abroad: You may also want to
look at the option of applying for a loan
abroad itself.
For example, student loans (for
international students) in the US are up to
45,000 USD and this amount is generally
sufficient to cover your tuition fee, living
expenses and accommodation.
Such loans are generally offered at an
interest rate of 8% and can be repaid until
20 years. Typically, these loans do not need
a security rather a co-signor or guarantor
of the loan.
6. 3. Interning Abroad
In many cases, looking for an internship or
apprenticeship abroad may help you
reduce your cost of living as well as learn
about your field of work. You may or may
not be paid very handsomely, but the idea
of lowering costs is worth it. There are
many websites which actually provide all
the information on international
internships available.
4. Working Abroad
Most countries allow students to work
while they study with their student visas.
You will be allowed to work up to 20 hours
a week and full-time during holidays. You
will initially feel that there are no or only
lowly paying jobs available, but in time
and with proper research, you will find a
7. job which will actually pay you averagely
well. While most jobs initially available to
you will be minimum-wage jobs, do not
settle for these permanently. Find a job
which will at least pay you your work's
worth. Having said that, we would like to
remind you that working while studying is
not exactly very easy and will involve
large amounts of sacrifices. Working on a
Saturday when everyone else is clubbing,
staying awake long hours during exams,
etc are some of the problems you will face.
Whoever said life was easy!!
5. Fellowships and assistantships
Working under a professor, teacher or
senior in your field off study is known as a
fellowship or assistantship. Fellowships
are generally available to students who are
in the research fields whereas
assistantships are common to all. These are
8. slightly more convenient than working
because it will all be done on your
University campus itself. Look out for
Universities that offer international
students such opportunities and apply
immediately. These are golden
opportunities because they allow you to
earn, learn, and work under an
experienced expert of your field and gain
experience. Such experiences also work
great as CV enhancers. Remember that
most fellowships are granted to students at
higher levels of education and are
generally based on academic merit.
6. Start saving early
Remember those extravagant shoes you
bought last summer? Or the latest iPhone
you carry so proudly? Well, guess what?
You could do just fine with a slightly
9. cheaper pair of shoes or phone. Once
you've decided you want to study abroad,
begin saving every penny as soon as you
can. Give up the luxuries for an experience
of a lifetime! Also remember that every
penny counts, after all even the ocean is
made up of drops.
7. Find local organizations, municipal
corporations, NGOs or funding agencies
Look around for the local agencies in your
locality/area. Make use of the fact that you
are well known and ask around for funding,
You can even contact local sponsors,
schools and educational institutions who
may help you with some funding. Your
convincing power and will to go abroad
will determine how much funding you can
get.
10. You can even contact some companies and
see if they offer any kind of help to
students.
8. Go abroad through a company
Some companies appreciate and nurture
talent where they see it. If you have been
working as an intern, part-time with some
company and are really good, you may be
able to convince them to send you abroad
for further studies. Such deals however
involve contracts requiring the student to
work for a minimum amount of years with
the company.
9. Scholarships offered by the Government
of India
You may have forgotten but your
Government offers scholarships too!
11. Scholarships and funding for exceptional
students have increased greatly in the last
few years and there are several exams,
interviews and criteria for the same. Check
out the Government's website and the
scholarships it has to offer. Remember that
there is no better, reliable finding than
that of the Government itself.
10. Organize fundraising events
While such events and ideas are not very
usual and successful in India, you can
always give it a try. Convince the people
around you that they can help you realize
your dream with the help any amount they
can afford. Try to make these events as
innovative, fun and informative as you can.
Take help from all your friends and spread
the word as much as you can. Never
underestimate the power of masses!!
12. While doing so, you may just stumble upon
agencies and non-profit organizations
willing to help you out. We hope we've
convinced you enough to believe in your
dreams. Now don't waste a minute more
and start collecting funds. Good luck!
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