One of the biggest hassles for international students is to plan study abroad on a budget. It is not just limited to getting a degree from abroad, it also means to plan stable and lucrative career after graduation, as financial, academic, and time investments are on the line. Choosing one of the cheapest countries to study for international students is crucial s well as they need to make sure that they get a good and real return on investment through smooth Post-Study Work (PSW) opportunities.
So, everything can be achieved with thorough research and planning. Several countries offer affordable world-class education along with generous PSW options on graduation, making them one of the PSW-friendly and cheapest countries to study for international students. In this article, some of the top countries to study abroad on a budget that also offers post study work opportunities are mentioned.
Why PSW Matters for International Students Planning to Study Abroad on a Budget?
Good post-study work options are crucial for international students, as they can apply for jobs related to their academic field after studies, which helps them to gain experience as well as earn money. There are many other benefits for budget-friendly students who study abroad in countries with PSW options, some of which include the following:
|
PSW Benefit |
Details |
|
Earn After Graduation |
Students have an opportunity to work full-time after finishing their degree. This means you can earn money instead of returning home immediately after your studies. |
|
Good ROI |
Your salary helps you to cover tuition and living expenses. |
|
Real Work Experience |
You gain job experience in the country where you studied, related to your professional field. This also makes your resume stronger for future job prospects. |
|
Less Financial Risk |
Studying in a country with PSW-friendly policies for international students means that you are not forced to leave if you don’t get a job instantly. This also means that you can take time to fund the right opportunity instead of rushing jobs. |
Cheapest Countries to Study for International Students With a Tight Budget
Some countries offer international students the opportunity to gain affordable education along with good career prospects after graduation. These countries often help students to study abroad on a budget with benefits such as low tuition fees, affordable living expenses, and scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Check the top countries for budget-friendly education, along with good PSW opportunities for international students.
Germany
Germany is the cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students, as it is the most cost-effective if you plan on having a career in the European job market. Check the table below for complete information:
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Low or No Tuition Fees |
● The majority of public universities in Germany have zero tuition fees. ● You generally pay a semester fee, saving lakhs compared to other countriesrequired to pay a small |
|
Affordable Living Costs |
● Although the overall living expenses vary depending on the city where your German university is, the student-friendly cities are typically cheaper. ● If you plan smartly, the cost of rent, transport, and food is manageable |
|
English-Taught Programs |
● Many courses are available in English for international students. ● You do not need to learn German before starting your degree. |
|
18-Month Post-Study Work |
● You get time to stay back in Germany after your studies and look for a job. ● It can help you to earn and recover study expenses |
|
Strong Job Market |
● The German job market is highly competitive and robust, with a high demand for skilled labour in engineering, IT, and technical fields |
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Part-Time Work Allowed |
● Students can work while studying in Germany. ● However, there are some restrictions on the number of hours available per week. It is typically 20 hours per week during semesters. |
Australia
Australia is also among the top cheapest countries to study abroad for international students because of the many scholarships and financial aid opportunities for competitive students. Moreover, the country offers streamlined PSW pathways, making it easier for students to have a career transition after studies in Australia.
|
Aspect |
Detail |
|
PSW Duration |
● You can stay back after studies to work in Astralia job market. ● Typically, PSW for international students ranges from 2 to 4 years, based on your degree level |
|
Structured PSW System |
● For Australia, Clear and well-defined post-study rules. ● Students know beforehand what to expect and can plan better |
|
High Minimum Wages |
● You earn more per hour compared to many countries ● It helps international students to recover the tuition and living costs faster than anywhere else. |
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Strong Job Demand |
● International students after graduation from Australian universities are often provided wth many job opportunities in multiple sectors. ● There is a high demand in healthcare, IT, education, and skilled trades in Australia. |
Ireland
Ireland is one of the most popular and cheapest countries to study abroad for international students as it ffers English taught courses at an affordable tuition. Also, the medium of language used by locals in Ireland is mainly English. The country also have streamlined and clear PSW pathway for international students. Check the table below for more information:
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
PSW Duration |
● You can stay and work in Ireland after graduation. ● It is generally 1 year after a Bachelor’s and up to 2 years after a Master’s (Level 9) |
|
Tech-Focused Job Market |
● Many global tech companies are in Ireland that consistently hire qualified international students. ● European HQs of top companies, including Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, are based in Ireland. |
|
Shorter Master’s Programs |
● Most Master’s courses in Ireland are only 1 year long. ● This means lower tuition fees and living costs compared to longer programs for international students. |
|
English-Speaking Country |
● There can be no language barrier everywhere, whether in the classroom or outside the university. ● No need to learn a new language, and it helps in easier classroom learning and job applications. |
|
Affordable country |
● It offers a shorter study course duration that saves money for international students. ● Also, the cost of living and studying is lower in comparison to top countries for study abroad, such as the US, UK, and Canada. ● This also means that students get their ROI quicker. |
How to Choose the Right Budget Friendly Country?
As an international student looking for the cheapest country to study overseas, you need to plan rightly and decide by considering some of the critical aspects of studies, finances, and career opportunities. Here are some of the things to consider before choosing the right country to study abroad on a budget.
- Can you use the PSW opportunities in the chosen country to recover the invested tuition and living costs?
- Is there a possibility for employment in the chosen course of study, or is it just theretically PSW job opportunity?
- Is the cost of living equivalent to part-time and post-study salaries?
- Is there an option besides PSW if you want to stay in the chosen country for a longer period of time?
Studying abroad on a budget is possible for international students without compromising on world-class education or better career prospects. However, students need to be prepared and plan. You need to decide on a country, a university, PSW policies, and future job market requirements beforehand. A clear post-study work option for international students is quite helpful for them in the long-term career outcomes. If you feel overwhelmed, you can take help from Leverage Edu Study Abroad Consultants, who can help you out in smart planning.
FAQs
- Which country gives the longest PSW?
Some of the countries that give the longest PSW opportunity with longer duration is Austrlai, Ireland, and New Zealand. The country that offers a longer PSW means that you have more time to gain experience and recover the costs.
- Which country is best for study and work on a low budget?
Germany is one of the best low-budget options to study and work abroad. Most public universities do not charge tuition fees, and students receive an 18-month post-study work period-a strong value for money when international students combine it with part-time work options.
- Which country is the cheapest to study abroad in?
Although there are many cheap countries for international students looking to study abroad, including New Zealand, Norway, Ireland, and others, Germany remains the most affordable option for studying abroad for most international students. The tuition fee in public universities is zero, with just semester fees up to ER 350.
