Discovering new cultures and practicing a new language while continuing your studies… it’s a dream come true. But there is the question of financing. Studying abroad needs to be planned in advance, because it can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to make life easier for yourself: you can apply for scholarships and government grants, and take the precaution of taking out international student insurance to minimize unexpected expenses.
This medical cover will protect you from the need to budget for health expenses, and prevent you from finding yourself in financial difficulty due to an unforeseen accident or illness.
Do I need health insurance to study abroad?
A tight budget is one of the main reasons why insurance is so important. International student insurance is sometimes required for university enrolment, visa applications and other administrative procedures.
Here’s why insurance is important for students studying abroad:
– Long-term savings: By avoiding regular outlays for consultations, medication or medical emergencies.
– Reduced financial stress: Money is a major source of stress for many students, and having international health insurance means you don’t have to constantly worry about managing your budget.
– Coverage during your trip: In addition to coverage in your country of study, you’re also covered when you travel. So you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re covered wherever you are.
– Financial freedom: With insurance, you don’t have to constantly put money aside to anticipate possible health problems. Your medical expenses are covered!
– Assistance and support: Away from family support, dealing with unforeseen medical circumstances can be a complex business. Insurance doesn’t just cover costs, it also offers assistance to guide the student through unexpected situations.
How can I save money as a student abroad?
– Share subscriptions: Pay more than one person for subscriptions to streaming platforms, music or the gym – there are different group packages.
– Health insurance: Take out student health insurance to cover your medical expenses in an emergency, wherever you are. Accidents happen, and some countries have very high health costs!
– Use student promotional codes: Search online for coupons specially designed for students, enjoy discounts with your student card on purchases of computer equipment, clothing and much more.
– Travel smart: Plan your trips in advance to take advantage of cheaper air, train and bus fares, and travel light to avoid extra baggage charges.
– Used books: Buy and sell used books or borrow them from the university library instead of investing in expensive new books.
– Eat for less: Prepare your meals at home, explore the cuisine of local markets rather than eating out.
If you’re planning to study abroad, don’t forget the importance of international health insurance, so you can concentrate fully on your studies without worrying about financial surprises. Don’t compromise this experience by neglecting your financial security.
Student jobs abroad
Depending on the country where you plan to study as an international student, job opportunities can vary considerably. This depends on visa status, local regulations on authorized working hours, and applicable laws. However, most European countries have policies in favor of international students.
Before you leave, consult the page for your destination country on the France Diplomatie website for detailed information.
They allow students to work part-time while pursuing their studies, even if they hold a residence permit with student status. So start looking for a student job near your university – it’s a rewarding way to supplement your financial resources.
Whether you opt for Europe or another destination, note that medical expenses abroad can quickly add up and represent a considerable financial burden. That’s why taking out international student insurance will help you avoid any health-related debts or financial worries. This insurance gives you considerable financial freedom.
How do I apply for international student aid?
Erasmus scholarship
If you’re going on an Erasmus trip, you can apply for the Erasmus+ grant, which is the most widely distributed in the world; between 2014 and 2020, 4.4 million students took advantage of it. The amount varies according to destination. Countries are classified into three groups according to cost of living:
Group 1: With a monthly payment of between €310 and €600. Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden.
2nd Group: With a monthly payment of between €260 and €540. Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain.
3rd Group: With a monthly payment of between €200 and €490. Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Northern Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey.
Students from French Overseas Departments and Regions (DROM) or Overseas Collectivities (COM) receive a fixed grant of 700 euros per month, regardless of destination.
If you decide to go on an Erasmus program, don’t forget to apply for this grant, and make sure you have medical cover for students abroad. From as little as 27 euros a month, you’ll be protected in the event of an unforeseen health event. Gold Student Backup insurance will cover you for any repatriation if necessary.
National government grants and subsidies :
Explore the scholarships and grants available in your home or host country to finance your studies abroad. Take out international student insurance to avoid the financial problems associated with medical expenses while studying abroad.
In France, the Aide à la Mobilité Internationale (AMI) is a financial aid scheme for French students studying abroad. It helps alleviate the costs associated with international mobility, offering a monthly sum of €400 for 9 months. Eligibility criteria and the amount of the AMI may vary according to the country of destination and the program followed.
Regarding scholarships :
– In France, the Bourse d’Enseignement Supérieur sur Critères Sociaux (BCS) is available to foreign students, offering financial support and benefits such as exemption from tuition fees and priority for accommodation managed by the CROUS.
– The Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) in South Korea, with tuition coverage and monthly allowances provided you have a good academic record, a “Sajeong” Visa and medical coverage.
– The Beca Colombia Colombian Scholarship offers a fully-funded opportunity to study in Colombia, with tuition fees covered, monthly financial support, and help with settling-in costs. To obtain it, you must be a foreign citizen without Colombian nationality, under 50 years of age, in good health and have international student insurance.
What university scholarships are available to foreign students?
Many universities around the world offer scholarships to international students, but they must submit a complete application, master the language of instruction and have health insurance.
Find out about university scholarships from your home and host universities. Here are just a few of the most renowned exchanges:
Gates Cambridge Scholarship for international students in England :
– Covers all study costs.
– Maintenance allowance of £18,744 per year.
– One-way economy airfare.
– Covers entry visa fees and health surcharge.
American university scholarships :
Universities in the U.S. offer scholarships to American and foreign students, but competition is intense. Prerequisites include a certificate of English proficiency, U.S. health insurance and an academic record of excellence. Here are some examples of the different scholarships available in the United States:
– Yale University:
Amount of scholarship: $70,000.
– University of Minnesota:
Amount of grant: up to 100% of tuition fees.
– Boston University:
Amount of grant: up to 100% of tuition fees.
– Trinity University:
Amount of grant: up to 100% of tuition fees.
– MIT:
Award amount: up to $46,000.
– University of Memphis:
Amount of grant: up to 100% of tuition fees.
Scholarships in France :
– Scholarships at ITM Atlantic :
Amount of assistance: up to €14,000.
Deadline: November 15.
– HEC Foundation scholarships for excellence :
Financial assistance: partial assistance.
Deadline: June 30.
– Scholarships at Grenoble Ecole de Management :
Amount of assistance: up to 75% of tuition fees.
Deadline: July 1.
– EDHEC doctoral scholarships for emerging countries :
Amount of assistance: 30% of study costs.
Deadline: June 30.
Be sure to check with the relevant institutions for specific conditions and benefits. Other scholarships are available depending on your destination.
However, remember that proof of health insurance will generally be required to benefit from any study abroad scholarship.
