Scholarships Tips

Top 5 Countries Where College Tuition Is Free in 2022

Michael NzeribeLeave a comment

If you don’t qualify for fully-funded college scholarships, consider enrolling in colleges that are tuition-free or charge low tuition fees or those that offer tuition waivers.

Countries like Norway, Austria, Germany, Finland, and Sweden offer different types of free/low tuition plans and tuition waivers for international students.

5 countries where tuition is free or very low-tariff

Free Universities in Norway

Norwegian state universities and colleges, as a rule, do not charge tuition fees to all students, including international students. This applies to all levels, including undergraduate studies, master’s programs, and the doctorate. programs. However, students will have to pay a semester fee of NOK 300-600 each semester.

Please note that some state universities and junior colleges may have tuition fees for some specialized programs which are usually at the master’s level.

Most private institutions have tuition fees for all of their programs and courses. But fees are typically significantly lower than comparable studios in most other countries.

Also, foreign students do not pay higher tuition fees than Norwegian students.

Cost of Studying in Norway –  You should be aware that living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries. Living expenses would amount to  NOK 90,000-100,000 per year.

Tuition-Free Universities in Austria

If you are a non-EU/EEA  student, federal/public universities in Austria only charge around 726.72 euros per semester for tuition fees plus 20.20 euros per semester for the membership fee of the student union “ÖH-Beitrag » and the student accident insurance rate.

In special cases, an exemption from the payment of tuition fees or a full/partial refund of tuition fees is possible (for example, for holders of certain scholarships, for participants in exchange programs and university associations, and for students from certain countries ). More information is available on the university website directly.

Cost of Studying in Austria:  The cost of living for students in Austria is approximately  800 euros per month, which covers accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

Free universities in Germany

As of October 2014,  all universities in Germany except Baden-Württemberg* will be tuition-free for consecutive bachelor’s and master’s programs for all students, including international students. In some federal states, universities will charge a semester contribution (approximately 50 euros) and/or administrative fees (approximately 50 euros).

This tuition fee structure may change in the future, you should check this page for up-to-date information on tuition fees in different federal states in Germany.

Currently, the federal state of Baden-Württemberg is charging tuition fees (for bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, and state examination programs) of €1,500 per semester for non-EU citizens.

Unlike undergraduate studies, most master’s studies in Germany come with tuition fees,  but they are not as high as in other countries.

On the other hand,  doctoral studies at German universities are, in principle, free of charge. 

Doctoral students are required to pay tuition only after completing their first six semesters but must pay a semester contribution of approximately €150-200 per semester. Doctoral students usually work on a research project  (paid doctoral position) or receive a fellowship.

Cost of Studying in Germany:  On average, German students spend around  €500-800  on accommodation, transportation, food, and miscellaneous expenses.

Free tuition and universities in Finland

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students were introduced from Autumn 2017 onwards for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs taught in English. Only doctoral-level studies will remain free of tuition fees, regardless of nationality.

Finnish Universities and UAS offer scholarship options for gifted non-EU/EEA students admitted to their fee-paying Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. EDUFI scholarships are available to cover living expenses for doctoral studies for up to one academic year.

Cost of studying in Finland: The estimated living expenses of a single student in Finland average around 700-900 euros per month.

Tuition Scholarships at Swedish Universities

 Application and tuition fees apply for those who are not citizens of an EU/EEA/Nordic country or Switzerland studying at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level. However, the Swedish Institute and a significant number of universities offer full and partial scholarships in the form of tuition waivers for international students.

Ph.D. positions in Sweden are generally offered as paid positions by universities or external funding bodies. This means that if you are offered a position as a Ph.D. candidate, you will pay no fee and receive a monthly salary.

Tuition-Free Online Universities 

There are now several universities that offer online degrees/courses for free. The first of these universities is the  University of the People,  which is a free, non-profit, accredited online university dedicated to opening access to higher education globally. University of the People offers online Associates and Degrees in Business Administration, Health Sciences, and Computer Science, as well as an MBA program

This was followed by an MIT and Harvard initiative called edX,  which is a learning platform that gives students from any country the opportunity to take free online courses offered by three top-tier universities in the United States: Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley, and over 50+ Universities and Institutions.

Cheapest Countries for Students Studying Abroad

If you’ve decided you want to move abroad to pursue your degree, here’s a look at the average costs per year for a non-citizen student in various countries around the world.

  1. Slovenia – $2,300
  2. Spain – $1,830
  3. Switzerland – $1,168
  4. Poland – $2,300
  5. Latvia – $1,745-$5,200
  6. Japan – $5,229
  7. Italy – $1,568
  8. Israel – $3,095
  9. Austria – $914
  10. Anywhere in the world with University of the People: $0 tuition, $60 application fee, $100-$200 evaluation per course

Everything you need to know about athletic scholarships

Michael NzeribeLeave a comment

Although until two decades ago, soccer was an unknown sport in North America, and today it is one of the events that attract the most interest from young people and adults.

Its popularity has increased sports scholarships in the USA  to promote the career of soccer lovers, thus bringing together thousands of young people in the North American country. If you think you have what it takes, here you will learn the keys you must have to be a candidate to study and play the beautiful game in the US.

The sports scholarship is nothing more than the possibility of exchanging your physical talent in exchange for the opportunity to prepare yourself professionally for a university career. Although most of the time these scholarships are only partial, there is the possibility that they can be extended to full, depending on your academic and competitive performance, that is; requires more effort from the student.

Although, on the way to the search for an athletic scholarship you must take into account that not all universities practice all kinds of discipline. Also, Americans are considered very good athletes, so you should know that there will be a lot of competition if you want to get this benefit.

How to get a sports scholarship?
Applicants must take into account that to start this process they must have some characteristics such as: having abilities and skills for a specific sport, basic knowledge of the English language, and a history of their academic performance.

Major League Soccer and its growing popularity

Major  League Soccer (MLS)  is a professional soccer league in North America and Canada. In its beginnings, it began in a modest way, with only ten teams, until today it is consolidated as one of the reference sports in the whole country.

According to data from the  Gallup pollster, it is the most popular sport among people between 18 and 34 years old. The company places it in the second most-watched league during its entire season in North America, only below the National Football League (NFL). Thus, it surpasses the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Hockey League (NHL).

Its international expansion is also notable, as it is the sixth most-watched football league in the world on television. Players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry, David Villa, Wayne Rooney, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Andrea Pirlo, and David Beckham, among many others, have played several seasons in one of their teams.

All of this exposes one inescapable fact: MLS is on the rise, and its organizers aim to make it the most popular soccer competition for decades to come. For this, they take into account the young blood, those who come to the country through soccer scholarships in the USA.

Requirements to opt for a soccer scholarship in the USA

If in the future you hope to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy,  Seattle Sounders,  Houston Dynamo or  DC United, some of the most successful clubs, you must first qualify for a sports scholarship in the USA.

Although these may vary according to each state or university, they generally consist of the following:

High sports performance

The talent that the applicant has at the time of opting for a sports scholarship largely determines its processing. You must stand out in a notorious way playing soccer, have a physical condition in accordance with the demands, and have been practicing it for years in an amateur way.

The greater your abilities, the greater your chances of accessing the scholarship. This will allow you to stand out in your team’s practices and tournaments in college and thus attract the attention of clubs that compete at a professional level.

The best sports universities in North America play in  NCAA Division I. The best scholarship applicants in the country are grouped under this league, and it is the previous step to debuting professionally in an elite team.

It is important that, even if your performance is optimal,  you should not be part of a professional team or play in a league in your country. Most of the scholarships are geared toward harnessing the talent of amateur players.

English level

To make the scholarship operational, one of the main requirements is to have a good level of English. The applicant must satisfactorily pass the  TOEFL, a standard test to measure your performance in this language.

Remember that at the same time that you carry out your sports practices, you must also study and pass the regular subjects of the career. High command of English is vital to achieving this, as well as communicating with coaches, managers, and other members of your university team.

Good grades

Like other types of scholarships to study in the USA, you must have the best qualifications for your application to be attractive. The higher they are, the better. In this way, you will also guarantee the facilitators of the scholarship that you will not neglect your academic performance over sports.

Your behavior in the institution must also have been impeccable and not have failed a year or subject in your record. In addition to the TOEFL, you must also pass the SAT, the admission test given to American universities that measures your math, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

Depending on these 3 requirements, you will be able to apply for a  partial or full scholarship. The path to opt for one then begins a couple of years before, ensuring impeccable academic performance, training hard to excel in sports, and improving your English language skills.

If at the time of processing the application you have doubts or questions,  Decoasports will be your greatest ally in the process. Not only will they guarantee that your preparation is in line with the demands, but they will also choose the best university based on your profile and the sports or professional aspirations you have in mind.

How to Not Lose a Scholarship

Michael Nzeribe1 Comment

If you have a scholarship or several scholarships, first of all: congratulations! Second: did you know you could lose it? Oh! It is an unfortunate reality that scholarships are quite conditional.

After all, there were requirements to be eligible for the scholarship, so it makes sense that there are also requirements for you to keep that scholarship. Each scholarship is different and therefore will have different criteria to retain it.

Low academic performance

This is often the first condition that comes to mind when worrying about losing a scholarship. Some awards are given for academic merit (having a grade point average or test score) and are therefore conditional on maintaining satisfactory grades in college, or even consistently improving them! 

If your grades take a nosedive, you better start checking the scholarship rule book. If you’re having trouble keeping your grades up, try forming a study group, changing where you study or talking to your professor about how you can improve your grades. You don’t want to lose your scholarship.

Abuse of scholarship funds

If a scholarship dictates that your money be used only for tuition, use it for tuition only. It seems simple enough, but even well-intentioned students can go wrong and use that money to buy textbooks or study materials. Whoops! Of course, there can be major crimes, like using the money to buy food or clothes (or, you know, worse). 

Bottom line: Use the money for the purposes the scholarship explicitly states, or you could lose it all. If you’re not sure what you can use the money for, or if the category seems vague, ask! There is nothing wrong with asking, and it may prevent you from losing your scholarship.

Violation of rules and laws

This should go without saying. If you break a rule/law, you lose your scholarship. Whoever gave you the funds thought you were worthy of them, so don’t prove them wrong. An infraction can be anything from a minor to something major. Plagiarism. Drinking by minors. Unfaithful. Substance abuse. Just don’t risk it. Someone gave you the scholarship and can easily take it back if you give them a good reason.

Modify your student status

Are you a full-time, part-time, or part-time student? Scholarships sometimes depend on the amount of time you spend in the classroom. Thinking of changing specialization? Did you have any specific major scholarships that could be in jeopardy if you make the switch? These are things to keep in mind when it comes to financial aid. There are of course other scholarships available for other majors. Just remember to check the conditions of your current scholarships before making any major changes to your education.

How to get scholarships to study abroad without wasting your time this year

Michael Nzeribe59 Comments

Don’t let the costs of studying abroad get you down. A common misconception about studying abroad is that it’s unaffordable, but guess what? There are literally thousands of scholarships and scholarships for study abroad. I, Just waiting for you to apply them! And who doesn’t love free money? We all get those heart-eye-emoji vibes just thinking about it.

You may have to make some sacrifices in the months leading up to your summer/semester/year abroad (say no to splurging on dessert and cut back on post-Christmas purchases), but be smart with your money before you study abroad. it’s just a stepping stone on the path to bigger and better adventures. Smart savings tactics combined with financial aid (like study abroad scholarships) mean you can *finally* reach your travel goal, as long as you’re willing to work on the application!

Here are  10 surefire steps to get the best study abroad scholarships  (But don’t think that means they’re easy to study abroad scholarships!). Since you’re busy juggling school, work, family, and friends commitments, we didn’t want to waste YOUR time with outdated ideas or strategies to help you win those prizes. We wanted to cut to the chase. Without further ado, here is our basic advice on how to study abroad with a scholarship.

Step 1. Ask for help

First of all, don’t be afraid to reach out to the people around you for help. Contact your university’s study abroad office, your professors, financial aid office, and academic advisors to ask about scholarships or grants they may be aware of.

If possible,  go to these offices in person for advice on how to get a scholarship to study abroad, rather than just emailing or calling. Not only will this make it easier for your professors or study abroad office to help you, but they will also be impressed with your clear determination and initiative in coming to discuss financial aid in person. The hardest part of obtaining study abroad scholarships is simply searching for them, so be sure to ask the professionals if they know of any!

Step 2. Research, Research, Research

It can’t be said enough: do your research! The more scholarships you can apply for, the more financial aid you will receive. You can start by exploring this scholarship directory. There are also a number of other resources, such as NAFSA, which compile a list of scholarships for foreign students. , but this list is not exhaustive and there are many different types of study abroad scholarships that you should also explore, including:

  • Location-Specific Scholarships/Scholarships to Study Abroad:  These scholarships or grants are created to encourage students to study in specific countries, or even certain cities, as scholarships specifically for students who want to study. study in Japan. You can find these scholarships awarded by your university, by the government of the country you plan to study in, or even by the government of your home country, which hopes to foster international relations through student exchange abroad.
  • Specific Program Study Abroad Scholarships/Grants: These scholarships or fellowships are often offered to students who choose to study abroad through a particular program. This could be the independent study abroad provider or through a particular program designed by your university, and only students who plan to study through that program qualify to apply.
  • Scholarships/Fellowships for Specific Study Abroad:  Many scholarships or fellowships are awarded to students planning to pursue a certain field of study or major abroad, such as  Foreign Language Scholarships. This financial aid can be incredibly specific, focusing not only on the subject but also on a certain topic to be studied in a particular country.
  • Student-Specific Scholarships/Scholarships: Some scholarships are awarded based on students, due to factors such as gender, race, religion, disabilities, or sexual orientation. For example, there is a specific study abroad scholarships for high school students. ! With a demand for more diverse students to study abroad, programs like the  Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship or  Diversity Scholarships Abroad are especially helpful for students seeking financial aid. There are scholarships to study abroad for minorities, you just have to find them!
  • University-provided study abroad scholarships/grants: Many universities offer merit-based scholarships or grants to apply generally to any student wishing to study abroad. However, don’t just research financial aid provided by your home university! Study abroad scholarships for college students may be available from different institutions depending on their affiliations. Also, look at the university you will be studying at while you are abroad; Many higher education institutions around the world offer international student scholarships to encourage a more diverse student body to attend their university.
  • Organization-Provided Scholarships/Grants: Be sure to do extensive research on nonprofit, chapter, or estate organizations that may provide scholarships or grants to deserving students who meet your criteria. Prime examples include scholarships for LGBT  students or students of  Italian or  Hispanic descent. The possibilities are endless!
  • Government-funded scholarships/grants to study abroad:  Aside from ensuring that your  FAFSA Financial Aid will carry over for the semester of study abroad, there are a number of government-funded scholarships/grants that encourage students to study abroad. or work abroad. Good examples of this include the  Fulbright Program or the  Chevening Scholarships and Scholarships, which are funded by the UK government specifically for international student leaders who want to study in the UK.

Research study abroad scholarships in advance to facilitate your applications

Step 3. Contact the scholarship/funder directly

The best way to find out all the nitty-gritty details of the scholarships you’ll be applying for, as well as up-to-date application requirements, is to contact the sponsor directly – they pretty much wrote the book on how to get a scholarship to study abroad! Not only will this ensure that you have all the correct information, but it will also show the scholarship or donor/funder that you are not afraid to take the initiative and actively pursue the scholarship you are applying for.

Step 4. Tweak your resume

Once you have compiled your list of study abroad scholarships that you plan to apply for, now you have to work towards the scholarships. A big part of this is your resume! Be sure to highlight any international experience you’ve had, update all of your recent campus activities, and try not to flip a page. Writing concisely is important.

Cover letters go hand in hand with resumes, and are sometimes a crucial part of an application, as they may be your only chance to make a case for why you deserve a scholarship award. However, you can’t just send a generic cover letter about what an amazing student you are. Focus on how you plan to translate your lessons from abroad into your life on campus and at home.

If you are applying for a study abroad scholarship from an international university, be sure to research how that country organizes their resumes or cover letters, and if you are confident enough in your language skills, you can try writing them in the language of the country in which you are applying. what would you study!

Step 5. Check your references

No, we are not referring to his bibliography. Most essays and study abroad scholarship applications require personal references; that is, someone with whom you have worked, whether in a professional or academic setting. For most students, this means reaching out to teachers and asking for help. When asking a professor to be a reference, or to write you a letter of recommendation, always ask them well in advance so they can prepare.

It’s also important to choose professors or employers you’ve interacted with, so they know you well enough to recommend you. In other words, don’t ask your Spanish 101 teacher who you took a class with two years ago to write his letter of recommendation (unless his relationship with you is solid ).

Reach out to personalities who you think would not only be happy to recommend a study abroad scholarship but are also relevant to the scholarship itself. For example, if you are applying for a leadership scholarship abroad, contact the academic advisor of the campus club you are a part of. If you are applying for an international relations scholarship, please contact your political science professor. Regardless of whom you address, though, always be respectful and understand that you’re asking them to take a break from their busy schedules to help you (and a follow-up, written thank you never hurt either).

Step 6. Mark your calendar

If you are applying for a number of different scholarships or grants, in addition to applying to the study abroad program, it can be difficult to keep track of all the different application deadlines and requirements. This may seem obvious, but make a specific calendar for your study abroad scholarship applications, with each deadline clearly marked. Staying organized is crucial when applying for more than one scholarship (or even just one!).

Step 7. Apply, Apply Apply!

It may seem exhausting but apply for study abroad scholarships as quickly and thoroughly as possible. This bit will require a considerable amount of time and patience, but every little bit counts. Since you’ve already done a lot of work, your process should run smoothly. Even the smallest prizes add up and will ultimately allow you to have a much more affordable and less stressful summer, semester, or year abroad! 

Also, be sure to customize your apps whenever possible, and avoid the temptation to just copy and paste from one app to another. Scholarship providers know when you’ve researched your foundation’s values ​​or the focus of a specific scholarship. Customizing each app will give you a better chance of becoming a pro at figuring out how to study abroad with a scholarship.

Step 8. Take your time and take it seriously

It can be easy to feel the need to rush through applications, especially if you’re applying for a number of them. However, he should treat study abroad applications as seriously as the applications he completed for acceptance to his university. Read and follow the study abroad scholarship instructions, and give yourself enough time to complete all of your applications without feeling like you’re on a deadline. If you don’t feel rushed, you’ll get a better quality job, and a better quality job means a better chance of getting more financial aid!

Step 9. Have the grades

This may seem rudimentary, but to obtain a scholarship to study abroad, it is often necessary to have good grades. Not all scholarships or grants require stellar grades or GPAs, but many do. This is simply because providers want to know that the student receiving their scholarship is serious about their study abroad experience. It is important to put in the work and get good grades. 

Before your time abroad to show scholarship providers that you plan to take your study abroad experience seriously is not only an opportunity to travel but also an opportunity to broaden your academic horizons.

Step 10. The proof is in the passion.

Most, if not all, study abroad scholarship applications require a personal essay. You might start having vivid flashbacks of your college application essays and the stress they caused, but never fear! In these apps, it’s your chance to shine. Be sure to let your passion for studying abroad and the country you are going to study in be included in your application essay.

Scholarship funders and providers want to know that their money is being used for a good purpose and that the student applying appreciates the opportunity they are being given. So don’t be afraid to express yourself; tell your story and explain why you deserve the scholarship that will allow you to study abroad.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to put in the time and effort when applying for scholarships to study abroad. , as much as you would for any other academic scholarship, and you are sure to see the results. Even if you don’t receive as many scholarships for your study abroad experience as you would have hoped, there are other options for financing your time abroad with crowdfunding websites, such as  Fund My Travel or even finding tutoring and babysitting jobs while you’re abroad (a great way to immerse yourself in the culture you are studying in!).

One last tip on how to study abroad with a scholarship.

Try not to get bogged down in all the money stuff and forget the real reason for all the work: the incredible, life-changing experience of throwing yourself into another world beyond your comfort zone, and all the adventures that go along with it.