MARGINALIZATION (Different learners in Marginalized Group
How to Fund your education-ebook
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Introduction
Scholarship list
Student loans
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3 Scholarships
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7 Finance document checklist for students
Part-time jobs for students
Money-saving tips for students
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Table of contents
Graduate Assistantship
3. Today, many students aspire to study abroad but drop the plans because they
don’t know how to fund their education. There are several ways you can
finance your studies abroad, without breaking the bank. These include-
> Scholarships
> Student loans
> Part-time jobs
> Assistantships, and more!
In this guide, we have shared all the details you need to know about these 4
ways of funding your higher education abroad. Read on!
INTRODUCTION
4. Millions of international students dream of studying abroad. However, while
going abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime, it is also one of the most
expensive ventures. Keeping the cost factor in mind, getting some
scholarships for international students might drastically reduce your load of
tuition fees.
As an international student, it’s essential that you plan on how to finance your
education abroad before leaving your home country. Most universities in
countries like the USA, UK, and Australia offer scholarships to their students.
Find out which kind of scholarships you might be eligible for among these-
1) Need-Based Scholarships
Many universities offer need-based scholarships to international aspirants.
These are reserved for students who need financial aid. For example, Harvard
University offers scholarships worth $46,508 on an average. You can find out
about the scholarships offered by the university you’re applying to by visiting
their official websites.
2) Privately-Funded Scholarships
Scholarships funded by private organizations are a viable option for
international students. However, most of these scholarships have strict
eligibility criteria. For example, there are some scholarships for women
specifically, while others are reserved for only certain areas of study.
3) Merit Scholarships
Universities award merit scholarships to students who excel in academics or
sports. The sub-types of these include sports, academic, and average academic
scholarships.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Types of scholarships
5. SCHOLARSHIP LIST
Scholarship title Grant type Degree
Erasmus Scholarship
Full ride
Masters
Endeavor Scholarship Partial Masters
Chevening Scholarship Full ride Masters
Generation Google Partial Masters/Bachelors
Coca Cola Scholarship Partial Masters/Bachelors
Fullbright Scholarship Full/Partial Masters
DAAD Scholarship Partial Masters/PhD
Gates Millennium Full ride Masters
Mustard Seed
Foundation (HFP)
Partial Masters
Narotam Sekhsaria
Foundation
Partial Masters
Scotland Saltire
scholarships
Partial Masters
Need to know about more scholarships? Get more details and find out how to
apply for these scholarships by contacting us at iSchoolConnect.com or
emailing us at support@ischoolconnect.com.
Happy researching!
6. Make a calculated analysis of all your assets which can be used to
dissolve/liquify/sell to compensate for the expenses.
Calculate the actual student loan value by comparing interest rates
commonly known as APR (Annual Percentage Rate), or consult with an
education loan expert or a study abroad education counselor.
Student loans are a fixed amount lent to you by financial organizations for the
purpose of your education abroad. So, if you plan on opting for a student loan,
make sure you follow these steps dutifully-
Step 1: Apply to FAFSA
Fill out an application with them. The application dates generally range from
January 1st to June 30th. The FAFSA asks questions to determine the
student’s level of financial need to decide the amount to lend.
Step 2: Contact the Financial Aid Departments of
Universities
Connect with the Financial Aid Departments of the universities that you’ve
gotten into and inquire about the various aids they offer.
Step 3: Estimate the required amount of student loan for
studying abroad
Step 4: Create a Study Loan Application
Before applying for student loans, know about the types of loans you can get-
1) Unsecured Student Loans: The loan doesn’t need to be protected by a
guarantee and no collateral is needed to get the loan sanctioned.
STUDENT LOANS
7. Check if the your university/college/institution is on the list of colleges that the
bank provides education loans for.
If not, the student loan will still be processed (at a higher interest rate) if your
application is credit-worthy.
Check the list of permitted courses from the banking institutions list to find
your prospect course there.
Get a letter of acceptance (conditional admission offer) from your institution’s
admission office.
Check the value of the assets that you are willing to put as collateral and the
required documents for their validation, as requested by the bank.
2) Secured Student Loans: These loans do require collateral to be submitted
against the loan amount you take.
Here's how to make sure you’re are eligible for a secured student loan-
Step 5: Study Loan Application and Finalization
Here's the application process for getting a study loan to study abroad-
1. Statement of Student Loan application: Submit all the required documents,
such as your application form, related personal documents, and your financial and
academic documents.
2. Approval of Loan: The approval of the loan takes place based on your credit
history, post-qualification repayment capacity, collateral strength, and bank
policies. This process generally takes 2-7 days.
3. Negotiation of Interest Rate and Additional Charges: Negotiate with the bank
for a reduction/discount on the interest rate.
4. Confirmation and issue of Loan Conditional Offer: Finally, you’ve got your loan.
You can present this to the immigration and visa offices as proof of funds. This also
acts as an unconditional offer of admission for academic institutions.
8. Part-time jobs are one of the best ways of making some quick side-money
while you’re studying in college. Here’s a list of the best-paying part-time jobs
for students-
1) Tutoring
You can make the most of your academic knowledge by becoming a tutor.
To get this job, you need to have a good command of the subjects you want
to teach.
Average pay: $13-25 per hour
2) Brand Promotion
If you are an extrovert, then this side-hustle is pitch-perfect for you. It will also
be a great learning curve if you are pursuing a degree in marketing, sales, etc.
Average salary: $20-25 per hour
3) Tour Guide
Having a built-in friendly demeanor and networking talent can make you a
better candidate for a tour guide.
Average pay: $10-15 per hour
4) Dog Walker
Canine enthusiasts assemble! As a dog lover, you cannot find better high-
paying part-time jobs for students than strolling in gardens with your favorite
pets.
Average pay: $10-18 per hour
5) Data Entry
A computer, good internet connection, and good typing speed are all that it
takes to become eligible for a data entry job.
Average pay- $10-15 per hour
PART-TIME JOBS FOR STUDENTS!
9. Graduate assistant (GA) jobs can be a great way to get real-world experience
and earn some money, while also doing cutting-edge research in your field.
A GA position is quite a similar concept to an undergraduate work-study. In
both positions, you get money to help pay for school, but as a Graduate
Assistant, the work you do is specifically related to your major. Graduate
Assistantships can occur on-campus or off-campus where the university has
connections.
The GA application process usually occurs a semester before your work should
begin, and students are hired based on their academic achievements,
application materials, and faculty recommendations.
Among a sea of well-qualified applicants, you have to stand out to get selected
for the GA position. Here's how you can do it-
1) Update your resume. Make sure your resume is up-to-date with all your
relevant achievements. Though this is a great start, a simple resume may not
cut it. Professors are also going to be looking at your social media presence,
professionally and otherwise.
2) Update your LinkedIn. Fill your profile with notable information and use a
professional and friendly photo of yourself for the profile picture.
3) Think of creative ways to showcase your accomplishments. For instance, if
your field is computer programming, you could make a personal website that
acts as an interactive resume.
Remember, professors are going to look for signs that you have the mindset
and the skills needed for the course of your interest.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP!
How to get a Graduate
Assistantship?
10. One of the most important documents during the admission process is the
verification of a student’s financial capability. If you are applying to a university
abroad, you need to collate and submit the following financial documents-
1) Bank Account Statements
The university might require you to submit your sponsor’s bank account
statement for a specific period as proof of finance. The format of these
statements should be clear and simple. Keep in mind that the bank statement
should be of the person who will be financing your studies.
Note: In most cases, universities ask for a 6-month statement.
2) Scholarship Letters
In case you have been awarded a scholarship, attach the scholarship letter with
the application form. If you have a government grant, you’ll have to attach its
copy as well.
3) Loan Approval
You can also submit an education loan approval letter as proof of funds to
universities. This document is easily available from the bank you applied for the
education loan.
FINANCE DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
FOR STUDENTS
11. The name of the person who holds the account
Outstanding balance
Type of account (savings, joint, or current), and more.
4) Affidavit of Support/ Sponsorship
An Affidavit of Support is a testament that you are being provided with some
financial support. Universities in the US and Australia often ask for this
document, along with a student's financial proof statements.
5) Bank Letters
A bank letter, which is issued by the bank itself, mentions the nature of
accounts held by you or your sponsor. It includes important information, such
as-
12. Here is a list of some of the best hacks, a.k.a money-saving tips, that will help
you save more than $12,000 per annum while you're study abroad.
1) Make a budget
When you go abroad for your education, exploring, food, accommodation,
traveling, etc., take up a lot of money from your savings. Making a budget helps
you get organized and save a sizeable amount of cash. So the first thing you
should do is account for basic things, like your rent, food, travel expenses, etc.,
and create a budget list.
2) Use cheap phone services
Using cheap phone services and choosing the perfect offers is a great way to
save money while studying abroad. You’ll be amazed at how much you save on
your phone calls to your home country through services like Rebtel, GoogleFi,
etc.
3) Learn how to cook
Not only does it instill discipline in your lifestyle but it also helps you save a lot
of money. By cooking a couple of dishes in large quantities on weekends, you
can sort out your dinners for the entire next week in the money that may be
worth only 2-3 take-outs.
4) Find affordable accommodation
Living off-campus is comparatively cheaper than living on the university
campus, provided you find the right place. You can also choose multiple
roommates to live with and reduce your rent accordingly.
MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR
STUDENTS!
13. 5) Travel cheap or on foot
If you don’t want to strain your student budget while fulfilling your wanderlust,
make your travel as cheap as possible. In some places, you will find bus fares
lower than train fairs. Assess all such fares beforehand so you can take the
cost-saving decision at the given moment.
6) Make the most of student discounts
Availing student discounts is a great way to save money while studying
abroad. But for that, you need to be attentive and must carry your student ID
at all times. From trains to theaters, your student card can contribute to saving
a lot of your money.
CONCLUSION
So, there you have it- all about how to fund your education for studying
abroad!
If you have any more questions about managing finances, be sure to reach out
to the counselors at iSchoolConnect or email us at
support@ischoolconnect.com.