Studying abroad is a transformative experience that can open up new horizons and help you develop linguistic, cultural and adaptive skills in a completely different environment. The opportunity to study abroad comes with numerous advantages, but also with a range of costs. Although it may seem like a distant dream because of the costs involved, do not be discouraged! There are many scholarships and funding opportunities available that can turn your dream into reality.

Because we want to be by your side and help you feel more confident about applying to the university of your dreams, we have prepared a guide that gives you a clear and detailed perspective on what studying abroad involves and which costs you need to take into account, from tuition fees and living costs to the daily expenses you will need.

The factors that influence the cost of studying abroad

If you want to study abroad, it is important to take into account the main costs, which fall into two major categories: preparing for the application to your chosen university and the actual costs during your degree.

Preparing for the university application

Before your studies actually begin, there are a number of costs you need to take into account, related to preparing your application. These include language tests, application fees, official translations and, where applicable, expenses related to obtaining a visa.

1. Language tests and standardized exams

If you want to apply to universities abroad, you will have to take certain language tests or admission exams. Here are some of the most common ones and their costs:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Often used for admission to universities in Europe and countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, but also in the United States. It assesses reading, listening, writing and speaking. The cost of the exam is around 200-250 EUR.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): It is required by many universities in the United States, Canada and Europe. The test focuses on academic skills and includes reading, listening, writing and speaking sections. The cost of the test ranges between 160 and 250 EUR, depending on the location.

Cambridge English (CAE or CPE): Accepted by many European universities, these tests are recognized for the long-term certification of English language skills. The cost is around 150-200 EUR.

SAT: Required by most universities in the United States for undergraduate programs, this test assesses academic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Standard costs are approximately 55 USD (50 EUR), and with additional options (for example, with an essay) they can reach 120 USD (110 EUR). As is the case for every exam, your SAT score needs to be higher than that of most candidates in order to be admitted to university. At Upgrade, our mentors specialized in SAT are here to help you improve your SAT score by up to 150 points.

ACT: An alternative to the SAT, this test is increasingly popular in the United States and includes English, mathematics, reading and science sections. Costs start from 66 USD (60 EUR).

Most of the time, universities do not have a preference regarding which English exam you take but, if they mention a score on one of these exams as an admission criterion, then it is preferable to take that exam.

2. University application fees

Every university charges a fee for processing the application. The fees vary depending on the country and the institution:

Europe: Fees are between 30 and 150 EUR per application, depending on the country.

United States: Application fees are higher, between 45 and 150 EUR per university.

3. Translation and legalization of documents

In order to apply to universities abroad, you will need to send official translations of your diplomas and other academic documents (such as transcripts). These documents need to be translated and, in some cases, legalized. In general, the translation of an official document costs between 40 and 80 RON per page, depending on the complexity of the document and the language, and the costs of notarial legalization can be another 50 to 100 RON per document, depending on the notary office.

If the process of applying to a university abroad seems difficult, rest assured. At Upgrade, we have over 120 Romanian and international mentors, students or graduates of top universities from all over the world who can help you throughout the application process. They will build a personalized learning and development plan so that you too can join the more than 1,500 Upgrade Education students who have been admitted to their desired university. Talk to one of our mentors and join the more than 1,500 students who have fulfilled their dream of studying abroad with Upgrade Education.

What does funding your studies abroad involve?

After you have been accepted to university, the practical part begins: paying the tuition fees and covering the daily expenses. Investing in studies at universities abroad involves several important aspects, such as:

• Tuition fees, these vary depending on the country, the university and the chosen study program.
• Living costs, accommodation, meals, local transport and other necessities have a significant impact on the total budget.
• Travel costs, international flights, especially for visits home, can be expensive.
• Unforeseen expenses, these include the costs for school materials, necessary equipment, health insurance and other unpredictable situations that may arise along the way.

How much does it cost to study in Continental Europe

The costs of studying in Europe vary significantly depending on the country, the university and the study program, but, in general, Continental Europe offers much more affordable options than the United States or the United Kingdom. In Nordic countries such as Finland, Sweden and Denmark, EU students benefit from free education at public universities. In other countries such as Germany or France, tuition fees are also more affordable. This does not mean that the education is not top-tier. On the contrary, many European universities are among the best in the world.

In the Netherlands, tuition fees vary between 2,000 and 3,000 euros per year, except for the PPLE program (Political Science, Psychology, Law, and Economics) at UvA (University of Amsterdam), a multidisciplinary bachelor's program that offers integrated studies in four fields and costs 5,060 EUR per year. Universities in the Netherlands have a fixed annual tuition fee for all the programs they offer, regardless of the level of difficulty or the number of places. An important aspect to mention is that in the first year of study, the tuition fee is reduced by half.

Universities in the Netherlands do not offer funding opportunities within the academic framework, but the Dutch state gives you the possibility to enroll in the DUO grant, which can cover part of your costs. With the help of this initiative, you will receive a fixed sum of money each month as long as you work part-time every month.

If you want to apply for admission to the University of Amsterdam, one of the most popular choices among future students, the tuition fee is 2,530 euros. However, student life in Amsterdam can be costly because of accommodation prices and daily costs.

At Upgrade, over 90% of the students who applied to the University of Amsterdam received an offer, and that is because they prepare with mentors who are students or graduates of this university, who went through the same process and know the details that can turn an application into a success story. Talk to a mentor and find out how you can get to the university of your dreams!

In Germany, universities are known for not charging tuition fees, whether you are a domestic student or from another EU country. The only mandatory expense is a semester fee, which covers administrative costs and other services offered by the university. This varies between 100 and 400 EUR per semester. With one of the most appreciated educational systems in Europe, Germany offers not only top-tier education, but also numerous opportunities for students.

Although it is a popular destination for studies, the cost of living in German cities remains quite affordable compared to other European countries. If you are thinking of studying here, you should plan a monthly budget of approximately 800-1,200 euros to cover rent, food and other expenses. Students also benefit from reduced tickets for transport and other services.

France is a destination preferred by international students due to the prestige of its universities, the rich cultural experience and the fascinating cities. In France, tuition fees for EU students at public universities are somewhat affordable, varying between 175 and 600 EUR per year, depending on the level of studies. As for the fees at private universities, institutions that often offer prestigious degrees, such as Sciences Po or École Polytechnique, these are significantly higher, reaching up to 15,000 EUR per year.

Whether you dream of studying in Paris or in a smaller city, your monthly budget should be between 600 and 1,000 euros, enough for rent, food and other expenses. Another advantage of studying in France is access to various scholarships and funding programs intended for international students to cover part of the expenses. One of the most prestigious scholarships is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, offered by the French government for master's and doctoral programs. It includes a monthly allowance of 1,181 EUR for master's and 1,800 EUR for doctoral studies, along with coverage of travel expenses and medical insurance.

In Italy, tuition fees at public universities are relatively affordable, varying between 500 and 3,000 euros per year, depending on the university and the study program. These costs are among the most competitive in Europe, which makes Italy a popular destination among students. In addition to tuition fees, many students have access to scholarships and financial aid, granted based on academic merit or financial need. Also, each university has its own system for adjusting fees based on family income, which makes studying in Italy even more affordable.

At Bocconi, one of the best universities in the world, but also in Europe, the tuition fee can reach 16,500 euros per year. However, Bocconi University promotes equal opportunities, so it offers a range of scholarships based on merit and financial need criteria, among them:

• Bocconi Access to Education Scholarship, a scholarship that offers the possibility of reducing the tuition fee by 60%, 80% or 100%;
• Bocconi Boost your Future Scholarship, a scholarship dedicated to students who need funds to cover only part of the tuition fees, namely 20% or 40%;

Bocconi University is a very good choice for students passionate about economics, management or finance, who want to study at a top university in Europe. Bocconi has earned its reputation thanks to its highly developed curriculum, which combines economics with other specialized studies to offer students the possibility to develop in a well-rounded way.

More and more students who choose to do mentoring with Upgrade Education put Bocconi on their list. If you enroll in the Upgrade Education program, you will benefit from assistance in choosing scholarships and access to a database of funding opportunities for your studies at Bocconi. Talk to a mentor and find out more!

How much does it cost to study in the UK

Studies in the United Kingdom can be a significant investment, but they also offer top-tier educational opportunities. University fees vary depending on the country and the program, but, in general, for international students, tuition fees for a bachelor's degree are between 20,000 and 50,000 pounds per year, depending on the university and the chosen field. Prestigious universities tend to have higher fees, but also top-tier academic facilities.

Another important aspect is the cost of living. In London and other large cities, it can be higher, reaching 1,200-2,500 pounds per month for accommodation, transport, food and other expenses. In smaller cities, monthly expenses can be reduced to approximately 800-1,000 pounds. It is essential to take these additional costs into account, in addition to the tuition fees, in order to plan your budget correctly.

The good news is that there are ways to cover these costs. You can apply for student loans, only from banks in Romania, scholarships (keep in mind that each scholarship sets its own eligibility criteria) or even find a part-time job, up to 20 hours per week, during the academic year, which can help you manage your expenses.

How much does it cost to study in the United States

Studying at prestigious universities in the United States can offer an extraordinary educational experience, but it is important to know that it can also come with considerable costs. Tuition fees can exceed 60,000 dollars per year, but this depends on the university and the program.

In addition to tuition fees, living costs represent another important aspect. These include the expenses for accommodation in dormitories, which can vary depending on the number of roommates, plus additional costs. Also, transport expenses depend on the frequency of visits home, considering that plane tickets can be relatively expensive.

Last but not least, health insurance and the costs related to obtaining a visa are additional expenses you need to take into consideration. If you choose large cities such as New York or San Francisco, living costs can exceed 2,000 dollars per month, while in smaller cities or rural areas, the costs can be lower.

For international students who want to study in the United States, there are numerous scholarships available. These scholarships are often generous, covering not only the tuition fees and the costs for textbooks, but also day-to-day expenses, such as accommodation and meals.

Scholarships and funding opportunities

Studying abroad is a dream for many pupils and students, but the significant costs can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, there are merit scholarships, loans and financial aid that make this experience accessible to more young people. Depending on the country and the program, students can access scholarships based on merit, sports performance or social needs, advantageous loans and even part-time jobs that help cover the living costs.

In the United States, students have access to several types of scholarships. Among them: Financial Aid, scholarships offered based on financial needs, merit scholarships, which reward academic excellence, and sports scholarships, intended for young people who excel in a sport. It is important to mention that, although many universities offer financial support, the colleges in the UC system (University of California) do not offer scholarships for international students. Also, students can work part-time within the university to cover part of the fees. In addition, those from Romania can access student loans from home to finance their education in the United States.

In the European area, students from the Union benefit from a multitude of merit scholarships that are awarded competitively. These scholarships are annual and do not fully cover students' tuition fees. However, students are allowed to apply for several scholarships each year. In the Netherlands, the government makes available to European students a state loan to cover the costs related to their tuition. In Germany, most public universities do not charge tuition fees for bachelor's programs. Instead, students pay a symbolic administrative fee, and DAAD scholarships can cover additional costs, such as accommodation and study materials.

For the United Kingdom, although tuition fees may seem high at first glance, it is worth analyzing the entire educational package offered by universities. In addition to the quality of the education, there are numerous funding opportunities that can significantly reduce the costs. Academic scholarships, granted based on academic performance, as well as sports or artistic scholarships, can often cover between 25% and 50% of the tuition fees. Some universities, especially the top ones, can even offer full scholarships for exceptional students. In addition, Romanian students can turn to private loans from Romania, and part-time jobs outside the university are a popular option to cover the living costs.

If you want to find out more information relevant to your situation, talk for free with one of our mentors. Beyond the application, we assist you with preparing for the SAT/ACT, scholarships and financial aid, so that you can set off with confidence and enthusiasm towards fulfilling your dream of studying abroad!

Get ready to study abroad alongside the Upgrade Education mentors!

Studying abroad can be a major investment, but it is also a unique opportunity to develop both academically and personally, and it can open doors towards the best-paid jobs. The costs vary significantly depending on the destination, the program and the lifestyle, but, with careful planning, you can find affordable solutions to fulfill your dream. Whether you choose Europe, the United States or the UK, each region has its own particularities and opportunities, and knowing the costs involved is the first step towards fulfilling your educational dream.

At Upgrade you can benefit from personalized 1-on-1 preparation meetings with students or graduates of top universities who know the admission system, the required candidate profile, student life and the structure of the courses very well. This way, they can guide you in preparing for standardized exams and in going through the application steps, all to maximize your chances of admission.

The path to success begins with the first strategy session, which we offer for free with one of the mentors in order to figure out whether we can work together effectively, as well as with the evaluation test that will follow. It is a unique test, available only through our program, which allows us to identify the student's learning and development needs and to create a personalized educational plan that addresses exactly these needs. If you want to find out more about the Upgrade Education program and how it can fulfill your academic dreams, you can talk directly with one of our mentors.