Study abroad expenses are not only limited to paying your housing and tuition fees. There are many overlooked expenses which must be taken care of before landing in a different country. So, while planning to fund the university’s tuition fees, students must note additional expenses, including study material, notebooks, and other things.
We’ve come across many cases where students faced the dilemma of managing their expenses while living in a foreign country. Hence, we prepare them for encountering such situations to avoid any unexpected shock in a different nation. Let’s talk about the expenses which must be included in your budget while studying abroad!
a) Administrative Costs at the University
The first and foremost expense in this category is the university tuition fees, which vary depending on several factors, such as country and chosen course. Tuition fees are planned at the initial stage by the aspirants. But the expenses which are mostly overlooked by them are the enrolment and service charges such as technology fees, college library fees, etc.
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b) Travel and Relocation Expenses
Every aspirant who is going abroad for the first time must research the flight cost in advance. It will surely help them avoid any future delays and complications. However, there might be a certain point when they can be required to visit home in the middle of the course. So, ensure you’re preparing for that too! Moreover, don’t forget to involve the cost of shipping and storage of any personal items.
c) Monthly Food & Groceries Expense
Generally, grocery costs must not be overlooked by aspirants. Still, they don’t count it as a strict expense which is a mandatory part of daily routine. Talking about India’s grocery and monthly food, it doesn’t cost us a lot. But when you move out of this zone, you will realize foreign countries’ grocery stores are way too expensive. Hence, it’s not possible to purchase in bulk and make negotiations. No, they won’t do that! The only way is to prepare an estimate before moving your destination.
d) Books & Other Course Materials
Depending on the course you’ve enrolled in, you can expect to pay a minimal amount of USD 200-800 or INR 16,000-67,000 per year for just books and course materials related to your study program. However, to save your precious capital, you can always look forward to buying used books in good condition. Sometimes, the electronic versions of books might be discovered online.
e) Internet & International Cell Phone Bill
This one might be unpredictable for candidates who are unaware of the international calling and charges. However, they will be pleasantly surprised when they receive the phone bill. So, the easiest option is to buy a local SIM card and use it for national calling only during your study period. Meanwhile, to connect with your friends and family, there is always a way to opting free services like Skype or WhatsApp.
Conclusion
As is clear now, proper budgeting is important before leaving for another country, but you can never be precise. There could be unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances too which could not be sorted by your family and friends miles away. Also, not every incidental expense will be mentioned in the university brochure.
For instance, local travelling expenditure, travel cost to home country, cost for parents to attend your convocation ceremony, etc., are some of them. Hence, it is a good idea to speak to someone who has been abroad for studies and understand the expenses that you might overlook. Or, consult with professionals for guidance.
(By Mamta Shekhawat, Founder of Gradding.com)
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