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The 10 Most Expensive Countries to Study Abroad

I had the experience of attending my master program in a foreign country. This was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever embarked on. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet people from different countries, to learn more about my subject from a different perspective, and to experience and adapt to something completely new. I believe that studying abroad really made me grow as a person and I would recommend to everybody to embark on this type of exciting adventure.

I studied in Sweden, which does have a reputation as a quite expensive country, and trust me it was quite pricey! I made it work! I managed to find a scholarship, and planned my expenses appropriately and in the end the costs did not in any way deter my experience. Inspired by my own experience of studying in an expensive country I tried to find out which are the most expensive countries for studying abroad.

 

Singapore

Singapore is a city-state that offers a high quality education with a high quality of life. Unfortunately, the cost of living is high as well. For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center averages 1316 EUR.

 

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most developed countries in the world that offers education of very high quality. As a central European country, in addition to all that Switzerland has to offer, it is also a good spot to reach many other European countries. You could travel somewhere to get a cheaper meal as the prices for a meal from an inexpensive restaurant averages 20.66 EUR.

 

Norway

As a student in Sweden I heard many notorious stories of the prices in Norway. With a McMeal averaging 11.30 EUR, I think you get an idea why. Those were not the only notorious things I have heard. Apparently, the nature takes your breath away, the people are nice, and the educational system is one of the best in the world.

 

Australia

Kangaroo, snakes, crocodiles, lovely accents, and adventure are the first things that come to mind when I think of Australia. Although, if you are more interested in education, their universities are ranked as some of the best in the world especially in engineering and technology, medicine, environmental science, and accounting and finance. Now, talking prices–you can expect to pay on average 5 EUR for a beer, or 12.74 EUR for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant when you are out socializing.

 

Ireland

Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world with a very successful educational system and many opportunities for research. When looking for your accommodation, do be advised that the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can average around 1000 EUR.

 

United Kingdom

Now it’s the Irish neighbor’s turn with exciting cities and some of the most renowned institutions in the world like Oxford and Cambridge University. If you are a coffee lover, be prepared to pay on average 3 EUR for your study break cappuccino.

 

Netherlands

If you want access to high quality education with the possibility of experiencing vibrant city life, wonderful views, windmills, tulips, and flower gardens, this is your country! When you do take a break from all that sightseeing you can expect a meal to cost, on average, 15 EUR in an inexpensive restaurant.

 

Bahamas

Studying in the Bahamas! Do I have to say more? Although, paying on average 965 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center could lower the enthusiasm.

 

Denmark

Denmark is a Nordic country that offers large vibrant cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus and also some downtime close to the sea or near to picturesque forests. Like in all other countries on the list, you can expect the prices to be a bit of an acquired taste with a monthly public transportation pass costing on average 50 EUR.

 

New Zealand

We come to the end of the list with the beautiful, safe, exotic, adventurous New Zealand. If you do end up in this gem of a country, I would suggest forgetting about the 39.24 EUR monthly gym ticket and just head out into the nature. There are so many things to discover.

 

The prices sound scary, but there are so many opportunities that can help you get past these obstacles and enjoy these expensive countries, just like I did! There are a couple of roads you can take.

Do your research to learn about the possibilities of employment as a student. Take into consideration that if you plan on studying in English, in countries that do not have English as the official language, it might be harder to find work if you do not know the main language of the country.

The other approach to financing would be finding a scholarship, which I was very lucky to secure. There are many different types of scholarships; from full scholarships that cover all of your expenses to just parts of your tuition or parts of living costs. There are many options out there. You can always find scholarship portals like HeySuccess.com where you can browse through thousands of opportunities.

Obstacles will always arise, but if you want something, keep on searching for it!

Resources:

  1. All prices were given according to Numbeo
  2. TravelAndLeisure.com 
  3. StudyInAustralia.gov.au

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