How to choose a country to study abroad
Some destinations get all the attention, like the U.S., Canada or the U.K., but if you’re planning to study abroad, chasing a popular location without checking the cost can leave you overwhelmed later. The price of your education goes far beyond tuition and includes housing, transportation, visa fees and whether you’ll be allowed to work while you study.
Before you pick a country, compare total costs, available support and long-term value. Here’s how to do it.
Why country choice matters for international students
Where you study shapes your academic experience, career access and daily life. But it also has a major impact on:
- Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees can vary wildly between countries. Even countries with higher tuition, like the U.S. or Australia, may offer more funding or scholarships, along with more options for student loans.
- Living expenses
The average rent in Toronto or New York City is likely to be dramatically more than what you’d pay in a mid-sized city in Zimbabwe or India. Consider housing, food, transit and required insurance.
- Visa restrictions
Some countries let international students work part time or offer post-study work permits. Others are stricter. This affects your ability to cover costs or gain experience.
- Scholarships and financial aid
Are there government-backed scholarships? Can you get a no-cosigner international student loan? Some countries offer far more aid options than others.
Cost-related factors to research before choosing
These questions will help you understand the true cost, not just the marketing pitch:
- What’s the average cost of tuition for international postgraduate students?
- Can you work during your program? If so, how many hours?
- Are international students eligible for government health insurance or do you need private coverage?
- What types of private education loan options exist for that country?
- Will your visa allow you to stay after graduation to work or repay loans?
- Do scholarships or postgraduate student loan options vary by nationality?
A country with higher tuition but strong scholarships, work permits and earning potential may be a better deal than a cheaper country with fewer support options.
Don’t forget long-term costs
The financial impact of your study abroad decision continues after graduation. Consider:
- Currency exchange rates and how they affect your repayment if your loan is in U.S. dollars but you return home to earn in a different currency
- Whether your degree will be recognized and respected by employers in your home country or abroad
- The cost of living if you plan to stay in the host country long term
MPOWER Financing helps you study smarter
If you’re planning to study in the U.S. or Canada and want funding tailored for international students to help cover costs, MPOWER Financing offers:
- Student loans with no cosigner or collateral required
- Coverage for tuition and living expenses in the U.S. and tuition and university-invoiced expenses in Canada
- Fixed rate students loans and no prepayment penalties
- International scholarships and free resources for budgeting, visa prep and career planning
MPOWER student loans are available for over 500 universities. Approval is based on your future potential, not your family wealth.
How to balance ambition with affordability
You don’t have to choose between affordable and ambitious. A more expensive university in a country with strong post-study work access and long-term earning potential could be more valuable than a cheaper program with limited support.
Use these strategies:
- Look beyond tuition. Total cost includes rent, transportation, food, books and insurance.
- Compare universities in different cities or provinces. For example, if you’re moving to the United States, a university in a smaller city might offer the same degree at a lower overall cost.
- Search for international scholarships for master’s programs specific to your field or nationality.
- Factor in long-term return on investment. Will this degree help you earn more after graduation?
With careful planning, you can find a program that fits your goals and your budget.
