udying abroad is the utmost dream of every student out there. Don’t get me wrong….there is nothing wrong with people who desire to study in their country, most especially in Nigeria, but the fact remains that studying abroad offers a much better scale than almost (if not all) our local universities. I’ll still come to that aspect as we proceed to read through this article, in order to know the top cities to study abroad aside from U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Studying abroad can be quite a good experience. If you ever get the chance to further your education abroad, you should grab that opportunity without much contemplation. I’ve come across some people who are skeptical about the whole idea, especially those who are going there on a scholarship program, given the fact that they have no one there to keep up with through their academic period.
When people talk of studying abroad, certain places that pop into the mind that cannot be over-emphasized are countries like the U.S., and Canada, and big European countries like the U.K., Germany, France, etc. Yes, these places are quite fantastic to commence or complete your academic journey. But given the fact that these countries are quite popular with everyone, the question is “Can you keep up with the funds?”
But I believe there are lots of ambitious people out there, be it scholarship or non-scholarship…whether they have someone over there or not. If you’re not on a scholarship, then you must have come up with good funds that’ll aid you throughout your academic period. So, do you wish to study abroad? But because you don’t have much finance to fund Universities in the U.S., Canada, or any of the European powerhouse, here are your top cities to study abroad that are quite affordable…
THE 5 TOP CITIES TO STUDY ABROAD AS LISTED
AUSTRALIA
Australia is not new on the list when it comes to the best cities to study. It is considered one of the safest places to study, especially for the black race. It’s one of those places you can jump on when being offered a VISA.
Australia offers you the greatest academic and non-academic experience you can ever imagine. Whether you’re running your undergraduate program or post-graduate studies, this is surely one of those places that should come into your mind.
There are key Universities in Australia to consider, such as; the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, the University of Queensland, the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and lots more.
Tuition fees for a Master’s degree in most of these top Universities range to about 25 million Naira (35,000 Australian $) in a year. Although, some may consider this as costly, but Australian Government offers student visa, which allows foreign students to work flexibly while they study (and this can range to about 48 – 72 hours within the space of two weeks). With this, students can easily combine their academics and also work on flexible terms, so they can earn and meet bills.
To apply for any of the Universities in Australia, you’ll certainly need the documents listed below:
- Your previous school documents; results, certificate, transcript
- A copy of your passport
- A reference form & letter of undertaking
- And others (which will be required from you based on the school)
NEW ZEALAND
Studying in New Zealand may be similar to studying in Australia, due to the close ties between the two nations, and of course similarities with the culture of the people. But one thing New Zealand offers you is a more affordable fee compared to the latter.
Studying in New Zealand does not only offer you a good education and social environment, but it also offers you a peaceful mind, considering how safe the country is. Evidence can be seen from the 2023 Global Peace Index report, which ranked New Zealand as the 4th most peaceful nation on the planet, behind Iceland, Denmark, and Ireland.
So, your safety here is rest assured with at least 95% accuracy throughout your stay.
You have a top university Auckland University or Massey University, to achieve your education dreams. And again, you don’t have to worry about your options here, cos there are a variety of course options for you, whether you want to go for an undergraduate degree or you want to run your Master’s program.
With just between 3 – 12 million Naira (depending on the institution), you can complete your one-year program, which can be considered very fair, when compared to other top countries.
If you want to apply for a program in New Zealand, you’ll certainly need the following documents:
- Transcript from your previous school
- Application form receipt
- A personal statement of intent, which is more like an undertaking…etc.
SOUTH KOREA
South is another beautiful you’ll love to study. With wonderful structures, traditional artifacts, nice environment with fresh natural habitats, this is a place to live the memory throughout your stay as a student.
I know most of you might be wondering about the language barrier since South Korea is not an English-speaking nation…. but the fact is that you’ll be taught in the English Language! Although, how it works is that you’ll have to first engage in an English-language preparation course, to improve your English and also to show evidence that you’re proficient in the language.
There are certificates like C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, PTE Academic, TOEFL, and IELTS. You’ll receive any of these certifications upon completion of the required course.
There are popular universities to wrap up your BSC. Or Master’s program are as follows; University of Seoul, Seoul National University, Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (perfect for those in the science & tech field), Sejong University, etc.
With a minimum of 22 million Naira ($21,000) for tuition fees, you can make the dream worthwhile. The price is fair enough when compared to other universities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
There are documents you need to have in place if you certainly want to study in South Korea, and they’re as follows:
- Your documents like National ID, Birth Certificate, and current passport photos.
- Copies of your education qualification, including your University Degree.
- Transcripts from your school
- Your CV
- Reference letter from past lecturer
- And proof of Application form and receipt of payment.
CHINA
Chinese universities are another go-getter for you to consider, considering China’s position in the global ranking, in terms of development.
People often ask me, “With the high rate of the Chinese Language being spoken in China, will it be possible for their institutions to teach in English?” Lots of programs are being taught in English over there, especially if you’re an international student. So, if you’re an international student with an English, French, or German background, during your application, you’ll equally have to take English proficiency courses, like IELTS, TOEFL, IET, and Duolingo. This will further prove your proficiency in English, which will give you a pass-mark to study in English.
Applying for a program in a Chinese University is quite easy. All you need are as follows;
- National ID
- Your previous school certificates
- Transcript from your previous school
- Photocopy of your Visa
- Your International Passport (photocopy)
- Health certificate
- Certification of no criminal record
- English language proficiency certificate (which I already explained)
- Proof of funding (which will show that you can fund your education)
- Letter of Undertaking by your guarantor
JAPAN
Dubbed the tech hub of the world, Japan is certainly a country you’ll probably fancy studying, cos you’ll get the chance to learn more.
Japan is ranked 4th on the top world economies chart, behind Germany (3rd), China (2nd), and the United States (1st). So, this shows you that there are lots of opportunities available for you over there when you round up your degree program and have the desire to work and live in Japan.
Japanese Universities always make it to the top 100 on the global ranking. Institutions like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and the rest of them are quite good options for you to consider.
Talking about the tuition fees, Japan charges less compared to the other 4 I’ve listed here. Although, Japan charges more to its international students, but within the range of 1 million – 9 Million Naira (depending on the school), for a one-year program. This is relatively cheap compared to other universities in some other parts of the world.
Just like in China and South Korea, courses are been taught in English in Japan as well. So, to apply, you’ll need to first pass your English proficiency test.
The documents required are as follows:
- Your school degree certificate
- Your school transcript
- National ID
- Application form
- Proof of payment receipt
- Passport photo
- Copy of Visa and International Passports
- English proficiency certificate
- Letter of recommendation/undertaking
- Personal statement
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL STUDYING ABROAD
Another key factor to consider is the level of pay, which can be pretty much good when you consider the exchange rate. That is when you’re being employed over there after your degree studies.
But one thing that people have failed to understand is that not having the opportunity to study in any of the aforementioned countries doesn’t mean you don’t get the chance to study in one of the best universities in other parts of the globe. There are fantastic universities in these aforementioned countries, that rank high on the chart.
So, whichever place you wish to go and study, just be rest assured that you’re getting adequate teaching, which good learning experience.