Cost of Education in Different Countries
Every year, tens of thousands of graduates from Kazakhstani schools go abroad for education. Below is a brief overview of tuition prices in countries most popular among Kazakhstani students.
China
Chinese universities offer education at world-class institutions. Internships in large companies and immersion in the language environment make education in China popular among Kazakhstani students.
The cost of education depends on the language, specialty, and university. On average, prices range from $4,000 to $13,000 per year. Programs in English are more expensive than those in Chinese.
USA
The United States confidently leads in the number of foreign students enrolling annually. The USA is known for its large number of universities that provide high-quality education.
Tuition prices vary greatly depending on the university's status and program. For example, annual tuition at the University of Central Florida in 2020 will cost $17,840, at the University of Kansas – $33,089, and at Hofstra University – $74,000.
Canada
Canada offers foreign students education in colleges and universities. During their studies, students undergo paid internships, where they can find a place for permanent employment. On average, education in Canada will cost $15,000–$23,000 per year.
UK
The education system in the UK is such that a graduate of 11 grades of a Kazakhstani school cannot immediately enroll in the first year of a university alongside British students. Before that, it is necessary to complete a one-year Foundation preparation, an International Year One program, or finish high school in the UK with A-Levels or IB. The duration of a bachelor's degree is 3 years. Cost – from $13,000 per year.
Europe
In countries such as Germany, Czech Republic, Spain, France, Latvia, and Poland, higher education, including for foreign citizens, is funded by the state. Therefore, the cost of education is minimal – from 0 to 400 euros per semester. In some European countries, 11 grades of Kazakhstani education are not enough for university admission. Successful enrollment requires pre-university preparation.
How to Get a Grant or Scholarship at a Foreign University
Applicants with high grade point averages, knowledge of the state and foreign languages have chances to win the international Bolashak scholarship. With state support, one can get an education in the USA, UK, Germany, France, and other countries.
In addition, universities in many countries offer their own grants and scholarships for foreigners, including:
Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships from the University of Warwick;
Skoll MBA Scholarships program at the Said Business School at Oxford University;
Fulbright grant allows students from Kazakhstan to get a free education at one of the best universities in America;
Clarendon Fund scholarship for master's studies at Oxford University, and others.
Additional Student Expenses
In addition to tuition fees, a student needs to have money for incidental expenses, such as: document preparation; payment for intermediary services; airfare and transfer; rent, food, pocket money; purchase of medical insurance; payment for pre-university courses, and other expenses.
Each country has its own nuances for admission to local universities. Educational institutions often have requirements that can be found online on specialized websites.
Ways to Pay for Education
Students who cannot boast of brilliant grades and academic achievements will have to rely on family savings or look for other ways to pay for education. For example, through a bank loan or a loan from an MFO.
To get an education loan, you need to meet banks' requirements regarding the minimum age. Borrowers must have a positive credit history. If absent, additional collateral is required. Loans without credit history check are issued by microfinance organizations. Collateral and guarantees are not required.
An MFO can be a place where you can get money for education in a small amount in a few minutes. After reviewing the application within a day, some companies are ready to give up to 1 million tenge or more.
To cover current expenses, a student can work part-time. A part-time job can be found directly on campus with up to 20 hours per week. A student can help in the library, work as a barista at the university cafe, or coordinate student events. You can also get a part-time job in external cafes, hotels, offices, etc.
However, there are restrictions for students. Typically, European and American visas allow a foreign student, like a local one, to work no more than 120 full or 240 half working days per year.
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