Financing your Overseas Education
It is an incontestable fact that studying abroad has many advantages. Not only does it boost your employment prospects and your academic aptitude, but also helps develop your personality, gives you a chance to experience other cultures and a wide exposure on living standards and sustainability.
However, it is not necessary to break the bank in order to be able to all these. In this blog, we will talk you through strategies to plan your finances wisely in order for you to study abroad.
Get advice
If you’re going to study abroad you need to do a lot of research, both in terms of course and university that suits you best or the country that’s right for you. One way to make this easier for is to speak one of the STORM’s qualified and experienced counsellors. They help you pick the right course, university and country fitting your profile, budget and aspirations. They give you a strong motivation and guidance to clear path along with letting you know the cost involved and how you could organise the finances.
Save
This is one of the most obvious ways to afford an overseas education. If you know that you will soon be studying abroad, keep in mind that every little bit you manage to save will help; try to spend less on unnecessary splurges. Every rupee you set aside will bring you closer to realising your dream of studying abroad.
Seek funding from the university and other external sources
Universities generally offer a wide range of scholarships to meritorious students. If you have done well in your previous qualification, you might be set to receive scholarships potentially covering all of your tuitions fees and a stipend. However, bear in mind that fully-funded scholarships are rare and are extremely competitive to apply for. On top of these, there may be one-off fee reductions, stipends to cover living expenses and government sponsorships. Get in touch with a STORM counsellor to find ones best fitting your profile.
Seek support from family
Overseas education is expensive, but it is also an investment in your future. Your close relatives recognize this, and more often than not, are more than willing to help you out with that investment. Even if they aren’t willing or can’t afford to help, you never know until you ask. There is no harm in asking. If they can’t help financially, they may be able to offer some practical support or help you connect with their friends and colleagues in the country you’re planning to go to.
Consider taking an education loan
This tends to be the go-to option for most students. In the current scenario, several banks and financial intuitions are more than willing to sanction education loans to enable students planning to study abroad. Up to a certain threshold, you might not even need to pledge collateral! Repayments typically start a year or two after you graduate. Speak to a STORM counsellor to find out more about applying for an education loan and be supported all the way through the process.
Scholarships, courses and visa regulations can change suddenly. Stay in the loop by following STORM on social media handles like Facebook & Instagram. We are also available on Android App store STORM Overseas app to access more information related to course search, Scholarships and the latest blogs if you still have queries and feel the need of personal interaction you are always welcome to drop by any of our branches across India and overseas.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest STORM office and get applying!