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Category: Low Tuition Universities

  • Low Tuition Universities in Austria, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    Planning to study in Austria? Scholarshipsgist presents a complete guide for International Students in this blog.

    This blog covers the following points.

    Table of Contents:

    About Austria

    The Republic of Austria, commonly known as Austria,  is a landlocked country in the southern part of Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. The country is bordered by Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. It  has a population of 9 million people, capital and largest city is Vienna, with a population of 1.8 million people.  The official language of Austria is German, but there are also other recognised languages; Hungarian, Slovene and Burgenland Croatian. The currency used in Austria is the Euro (€).

    Austria is a great place for future international students like you. It has very affordable tuition fees when compared to other popular study destinations, like the US, UK, or Australia. The quality of life is very high and the country has a low crime rate.

     

    Higher Education System in Austria

    The university in Austria follows the Bologna Process same as the other European countries follow. The universities allow to study in Austria for international students under a curriculum that focuses on professional-orientated education by offering the following:

    • Bachelor in Austria

    You can obtain a bachelor’s degree in Austria after completing three or four years of university-level education. You will require at least 180 ECTS credits.

    • Master degree in Austria

    To get admission to a postgraduate degree in Austria, you need to complete your bachelor’s study programme. It will take at least  2 years to obtain a masters degree. You will require at least 120 ECTS credits.

    • PhD in Austria

    Doctoral studies are based on the successful completion of a master’s degree. By pursuing Doctoral programmes you will gain a degree of PhD. The duration is a minimum of three years without the award of ECTS credits.

    Admission Requirements

     

    The general documents required for admission into any Austrian university includes;

    • Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Authenticated and Translated)
    • International Passport or Travel ID (data page)
    • Passport photograph (to be uploaded)
    • Special entrance qualification (as determined by the university or the department of choice)
    • Language Proficiency: Many institutions offer lessons in German or English, therefore proficiency levels in any of the two languages is very important. Students from German-speaking or English-speaking countries are exempted. B2 certificates exams are needed for German-taught programs while IELTS or TOEFL is needed for English-taught programs.
    • Academic Transcripts for masters and doctorate students (transcripts must detail all the courses taken in their last two years of study and the grades received)
    • High school diploma from your country of origin or equivalent.
    • Motivation letter written by you stating the reason you chose the program.
    • A recommendation letter from your previous professors might be also asked.
    • Proof of the application fee payment.
    • Proof of your bank statements that are sufficient to support you through your studies.
    • Bachelors or Masters certificate for advanced students (Authenticated and Translated)

     

    Academic Calendar in Austria

    The academic year in Austria begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th of the following year.

    It consists of two semesters, including winter and summer semester.

    Winter semester has a duration from October 1st to January 30th. Deadline to apply in the university for the Winter semester is 1 May to the 5th of September each year.

    While Summer semester starts from March 1st to September 30th.Deadline to apply in the university for the Summer semester is 1 December to 5th of February each year.

    Admission dates for both intakes can vary for each university.

    Living Costs

    The cost of living significantly depends on your lifestyle, whether you choose to study at a private or public university and of course, the city.

    Accommodation costs

    The most popular accommodation options for international students in Austria are –

    1. The OeAD student lodging

    The OeAD provides housing for around 12,000 students in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Salzburg, Leoben, and Klagenfurt. It is an excellent low-cost option and an approved partner of Austrian universities and institutes.

    2. Shared flat or Apartment (Wohngemeinschaften)

    The most typical option after OeAD is to share an apartment or a flat with roommates, also known as a WG in Austria. This is one of Austria’s most inexpensive living options as you would be expected to pay from 250 to 450 EUR per month. You share the bills, rents and common areas with your roommates while you can have your own room

    3. Living in a residence hall or dormitory

    This is a viable alternative for overseas students. It comprised a variety of apartment options with shared facilities and l areas for students.

    Food costs

    Meals at various small neighborhood taverns or cafes range from 7 to 10 EUR on average. For instance, a soup goulash costs around 7 EUR, while a dessert may cost around 4 EUR. However, you may expect to pay between 12 and 18 EUR for a full course meal and an additional 6 EUR for a drink in tourist areas.

    A three-course supper at a mid-range restaurant will cost you between 20 and 30 EUR per person.

    If you intend to cook your food at home, supermarkets in Austria are reasonably priced. You can expect to spend roughly 200 – 250 EUR each month on goods. Some of the cheapest markets in Austria are Hofer (Austria’s Aldi), Zielpunkt, Spar, and Billa.

    Transportation in Austria

    In Austria, public transportation, whether by rail, bus, or tram, is the most convenient and safest way to travel. A metro or bus ticket costs roughly 2 EUR, while monthly transportation passes range between 30 and 50 EUR. You can also save by using your student ID card.

     

    Tuition Fees

    Tuition fees in Austria will depend on more than one variable. One of these is where in the world you are from, and the other is whether you choose a public or private university. Public universities will charge considerably less than private universities. You should also expect to pay a higher tuition fee at a university of applied sciences as well.

    If you are from an EU/EEA country, you are not required to pay tuition fees so long as you complete your course in its given timeframe, or within the additional two semesters allowed. If you do not finish your course in this time, you will need to pay a small tuition fee each semester you remain enrolled. This is usually around €363.36 per semester.

    If you are from any other country, you are required to pay a tuition fee per semester. This is usually around €726.72 at a public institution. Both international and EU/EEA students will need to pay a student union membership fee, which is normally around €18 per semester.

    Low Tuition Universities in Austria

    • Graz University of Technology
    • Johannes Kepler University of Linz
    • Karl Franzens University
    • Montanuniversiat Leoben
    • Technikum Vorarlberg
    • Universitat fur Bodenkultur
    • University of Art and Industrial Design
    • Vienna University of Economics and Business
    • University of Innsbruck
    • University of Klagenfurt
    • University of Salzburg
    • University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
    • University of Vienna
    • Vienna University of Technology
    • MCI-Management Center, Innsbruck

  • Low Tuition Universities in Hungary, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    Hungary  is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, and Austria to the west. Hungary has a population of nearly 10 million, mostly ethnic Hungarians and a significant Romani minority. Hungarian, the official language, is the world’s most widely spoken Uralic language and among the few non-Indo-European languages widely spoken in Europe. Budapest is the country’s capital and largest city.

    Although Hungary is a member of the European Union, generally, you cannot use Euros: the official currency is called Forint (Ft). Although in some places, you can still pay with Euro, expect to receive forints back..

    Hungary has a temperate seasonal climate with generally warm summers with low overall humidity levels but frequent rain showers and cold snowy winters.

    So today, we share with you the higher education system in Hungary, costs of living, tuition fees, admission requirements and the lists of low tuition universities in Hungary

    Higher Education System in Hungary

    The education system in Hungary is divided between colleges and universities:

    • College education: generally lasts for 4 years
    • University education: lasts for 4 to 6 years depending on the course undertaken.
    • Vocational curriculum: usually lasts 2 years, they are opened to secondary vocational school’s graduates and eventually vocational school students.
    • University PhD courses: usually take 3 years to complete.

     

    Costs of Living

    Hungary is a relatively cheap place to live, and it should costs around €200-500 per month for rent depending on where you live, and €200 per month for utilities (assuming they’re not included in your rent). Student halls are often the cheapest end of the spectrum, coming in at around €250 a month. Hungarian universities also tend to recommend international students take out health insurance which costs around €60 a month.

    If you’re an EU/EEA student, then you can use your EHIC card to access healthcare. You will have to pay a small (around €2) fee when you go to a health service, however.

     

    Tuition Fees

    Hungarian universities charge tuition fees, but compared to other countries in Europe they are very affordable. Depending on the university and the programme, you can expect to pay around 2,500 to 3,000 euros per year; Engineering programmes can be a bit more expensive at up to around 5,000 euros per year. Studying medicine or dentistry usually incurs tuition fees of around 6,000 to 8,000 euros per year.

    Admission Requirements

    This is generally what you’ll need to apply to schools in Hungary:

    • An undergraduate/Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of at least 3 years of study (it must include courses equal to at least 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject relevant to the programme you applied for)
    • An English proficiency test
    • A completed application form from the school’s portal
    • A copy of your passport
    • Copy of your grade transcripts
    • Your CV. You might also need to submit a professional CV for postgraduate study
    • Letter of motivation
    • Two letters of recommendation

    Low Tuition Universities in Hungary

    • University of Szeged
    • Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME
    • Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
    • University of Pécs (PTE)
    • University of Pannonia
    •  Corvinus University of Budapest
    • Semmelweis University
    • University of Debrecen
    • Pázmány Péter Catholic University
    •  Budapest Metropolitan University
    • University of Dunaújváros
    • Szent István University
    • University of Nyíregyháza
    • University of Debrecen

  • Low Tuition Universities in Norway, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, with borders to Sweden, Finland and Russia on the east side, and an extensive coastline facing the North Atlantic Ocean on the west side. The climate in Norway is wet and mild compared to the east and the north, where winters are colder and longer.

    Norway has two official languages: Norwegian and Sami. There are two main dialects of Norwegian: Bokmål and Nynorsk. English is widely spoken in Norway. It may be their second language, but many Norwegians speak it like natives.

    Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK) as its currency. The total population in Norway is estimated to be 5.4 million.

    This article will focus on the higher education system in Norway, tuition fees, costs of living, admission requirements, language requirements, and the lists of tuition free universities in Norway.

    Higher  Education System

    The Norwegian education system follows the Bologna Process, meaning that you can gain a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree.

    Its higher education system is split into three levels, called tiers. These tiers are:

    • 1st Tier: This tier implies the first year in university. Bachelor’s degrees are usually completed in three or four years. Specialized topics, such as medicine and engineering, usually require an additional year.
    • 2nd Tier: This is the level of study after completing a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degrees are usually completed in two years. However, some credentials, such as teaching certifications, can be completed in as little as a year.
    • 3rd Tier: This is the Ph.D. level of education. PhDs are typically completed in three to five years. Some students choose to teach while conducting research, bringing their Ph.D. degrees to the five-year threshold.

    Tuition Fees

    Public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees even for international students. Depending on where you choose to study, you may be required to pay a small fee each semester, but that is normally between NOK 300 and NOK 600. This semester fee gets you membership to the student union, access to health services, counselling and sports facilities as well as an official student card. Your student card can reduce your fees on public transport and give you a discount for museums and art galleries. There are some courses at public institutions that you may have to pay for, but these are rare, and tend to be at postgraduate level. If you choose to study at a private institution, you will be required to pay tuition fees, and these will vary at each institution. There are some scholarships available for EU/EEA students and international students, make sure to check with your chosen institution about your eligibility.

     

    Costs of Living:

    Transportation Costs: Public transportation is quite expensive. Depending on your location in Norway, a taxi fare from the airport to your student housing can vary from NOK 300 to 400 (35.36 to 47.15 USD) depending on distance. A single bus ticket costs NOK 50 on the bus if you pay cash. More information on this will be provided to you during orientation.

    Food Costs: Food is expensive in Norway, but a well-thought shopping list and an eye on daily special offers in supermarkets can save you a lot.  You should estimate to spend at least NOK 2000-3000 per month on food. Cigarettes and alcohol are very expensive in Norway because of specific taxes. Restaurants should be carefully chosen. The prices vary a great deal.

    Accommodation Costs: Cost of housing can vary from one region to another and depending on the type of apartment you decide to rent. The bigger cities will be more expensive than the smaller cities and towns. You may be able to apply to the Norwegian State Education Loan Fund for a grant to help you cover your costs. On average, you should budget for between NOK 9,500 and NOK 20,000 per month

    Admission Requirements

    The list of general application documents is pretty straightforward. A student has to present:

    • An undergraduate/Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of at least 3 years of study (it must include courses equal to at least 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject relevant to the programme you applied for)
    • An English proficiency test
    • A completed application form from the school’s portal
    • A copy of your passport
    • Copy of your grade transcripts
    • Your CV. You might also need to submit a professional CV for postgraduate study
    • Letter of motivation
    • Two letters of recommendation

     

    Language Requirements

    For courses where the language of instruction is English all applicants should expect to document their language skills according to the requirements set by the institutions. Beware that different English tests and scores may be required by different institutions.

    For courses where the language of instruction is Norwegian, proficiency in the Norwegian language is required and must be documented.

    Universities accept these official English exams:

    • PTE Academic
    • IELTS
    • TOEFL
    • C1 Advanced

     Tuition Free Universities in Norway

    • Volda University College
    • Oslo Metropolitan University
    • Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
    • University of Stavanger
    • The University Centre in Svalbard
    •  University of South-Eastern Norway
    • Nord University.
    • Norwegian University of Life Sciences
    • University of Bergen
    • Norwegian University of Science and Technology
    • Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL)
    • Ostfold University College
    • University of South-Eastern Norway (USN)
    • University of Agder

  • Low Tuition Universities in Australia, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. . Australia is situated entirely in the southern hemisphere, between the Indian and the Pacific ocean, south of Maritime Southeast Asia and north of the Antarctic. It is the largest country by area in Oceania and the world’s sixth-largest country. The country’s capital city is Canberra. Australia has no official language, English is mostly spoken in a part of the country, and they also have a variety of languages spoken in different parts of the country.

    Australia is home to over 25 million people, and is incredibly diverse. Its rich culture and history are founded on its Aboriginal heritage and a blend of vibrant cultures. Australia is a global leader for education. This makes it a popular study destination for international students. The currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar (A$) or AUD.

    This article will consider the higher education system in Australia, application deadline, costs of living, tuition fees, admission requirements and the lists of low tuition universities in Australia

     

    Higher Education System in Australia

    There are three main stage of higher education which lead to Bachelor, Master and Doctoral Degrees.

    Undergraduate Studies:

    Access to undergraduate education is through the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. This  main stage of university education  leads to the Bachelor’s Degree.

    Undergraduate studies last between three years (Arts, Science, Commerce), four years (Education, Engineering), five years (Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Architecture) and six years (Medicine and Surgery) full-time. An Honors Degree is normally required for access to higher degrees.

    Postgraduate Studies:

    A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree can proceed to a one- to two-year postgraduate course leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in a particular subject. A student who has qualified for a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) at a sufficiently high level may proceed to study for the Master’s Degree which constitutes the second stage of higher education. This Degree may be obtained after one year (Pass Degree) or two years (Honours Degree) of full-time study.  Alternatively, a student who has qualified for a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) at a sufficiently high level may proceed to study for a Doctorate (usually PhD: Doctor of Philosophy).

    Higher Doctorate:

    The Doctoral degree, or PhD, is usually a pure research degree and the highest qualification awarded by Australian universities. They typically take three years to complete and are undertaken on completion of a Masters qualification.

     

    Australian University Application Deadline

    Different Universities have different deadlines for international students in Australia. Even at the same university, different courses can have different deadlines. The most common deadlines for undergraduate and postgraduate courses fall in February, December, June, and October for some of the universities. Here is more on deadlines and Intakes: Intakes in Australia

    Living Costs in Australia: Food costs

    Groceries are available in local supermarkets and usually require around 500 – 1,000 AUD per month. You can save some money by shopping at the cheapest supermarkets, like Aldi, Coles and Woolworths.

    The average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs 18 AUD, while a three-course meal for two is 80 AUD. You can also choose from various Asian, Greek and Italian restaurants if you enjoy their specific cuisine.

    Transportation costs

    Some universities have a private transport supplier that helps students who stay on campus or those who need to reach some remote areas.

    Depending on the area you are living in, you can benefit from other discounts from state programmes such as QLD (Queensland), SA (South Australia), or VIC (Melbourne). Otherwise, a public transport pass for students costs between 30 and 70 AUD/month, depending on the city.

    You can also get around using a bicycle. You can rent one for around 40 AUD per day.

     Accommodation costs

    • Most universities provide a small number of student dormitories for on-campus-accommodation. That’s why many international students choose to rent a private property or live with a local family (homestay).

      Average prices for common accommodation options:

      • Homestay: 450 – 1,200 AUD/month
      • Student halls of residence: 440 – 1,100 AUD/month
      • Rent an apartment: 750 – 1,700 AUD/month
      • Share a rented apartment/house: 380 – 850 AUD/month

    Tuition Fees

    The tuition fee varies on three main factors:

    • the discipline you choose to study
    • the degree level, and
    • the university in which you enroll

    If you are a domestic student,  you will pay a lesser tuition fees, and you also receive support from the Australian government

    If you are an international student, you will be liable to pay a full tuition fee for your course. For an undergraduate bachelor degree, this can be between A$15,000 and A$33,000. For a masters degree, this can be between A$20,000 and A$37,000. For a doctoral degree, this can be between A$14,000 and A$37,000. These tuition estimates do not account for higher value courses, such as veterinary science or medicine.

    If you wish to study an English language programme, you can expect to pay around A$300 per week, depending on the length of your course.

    If you are applying for a vocational course, for example Certificates I to IV, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you should expect to pay between A$4,000 and A$22,000 depending on the level at which you will be studying.

    Admission Requirements

    • high school certificate (for undergraduate studies)
    • bachelor’s diploma(for masters or Ph.D.)
    • certified proof of your level of English language proficiency

     

    Low Tuition Universities in Australia

    • University of Tasmania
    •  University of Divinity
    • Federation University Australia.
    • Central Queensland University (CQU)
    • Charles Sturt University.
    • Australian Catholic University (ACU)
    • University of the Sunshine Coast.
    • Torrens University Australia
    • Charles Darwin University.
    •  Avondale University
    • Victoria University
    • Western Sydney University (WSU)
    • University of Wollongong
    • Southern Cross University.
    • University of New England (UNE)
    • Edith Cowan University.
    • Central Queensland University (CQU)
    • University of Southern Queensland.

  • Low Tuition universities in South Africa, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems. It shares borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and two independent countries, Lesotho and Swaziland.  It  is the second largest economy in Africa

    South Africa has a population of 60 million people. The country has not one, but three capital cities: The country’s administrative capital is Pretoria (Tshwane), legislative capital is Cape Town and judicial capital is Bloemfontein (Mangaung); the largest city is Johannesburg.

    South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. However, after English that is used as a primary language, the most commonly spoken languages are Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans, which is similar to Dutch. The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

    This article highlights the higher education system in South Africa , Admission requirements, Costs of living,  Tuition fees and also the list of low tuition universities in South Africa

    Higher Education System in South Africa

    The South African education system offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees.

    Bachelor’s degree:

    • A Bachelors degree typically takes three years to complete, although students can opt to complete an additional year of study – requiring a research thesis in the same area as the Bachelors – to receive a Bachelors degree with Honours.

     Master’s degree :

    • Masters degree in South Africa takes one to two years to complete, depending on your major.
    • The academic year is divided into two semesters, from February to June and from mid-July to November.

     

    PhD degree:

    • PhD programmes at South African universities follow the same structure as those from European institutions.
    • Over a period of three to five years, with a minimum of a four-year duration for part-time studies, you’ll complete a supervised thesis of 80,000 to 100,000 words.

    Admission Requirements

    The requirements vary with the type of course and university you choose.  Here is the list of common documents you will usually need to submit to complete your application:

    • Completed and signed  application form.
    • Evidence of application fee paid.
    • Copies of your academic transcripts and degrees.
    • For some management programs, GMAT results are required.
    • If English is not your first language you may need to submit an English language test score for English taught degrees. South African universities will normally accept either the IELTS or TOEFL tests.
    • Letter of recommendation.
    • Statement of purpose.
    • Portfolio of your Work.
    • CV/ Resume listing all your academic and work experience.
    • Passport-size photographs.
    • A copy of your passport or identity card.
    • A high school diploma (if you apply for a Bachelor’s).
    • A Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma (if you apply for a Master’s or PhD respectively).

    Costs of Living in South Africa

    Students living expenses in South Africa is lower than most of the advanced countries, so you do not have to worry if you are planning to study in the country.  As a student in South Africa you can choose between the following options:

    Student accommodation costs:

    When making living arrangements in South Africa, you’ll have two main choices:

    • university dormitories:  Students can choose between different types of rooms (e.g. single, double), and prices vary from one university to another.

    Single rooms in a dormitory will cost you around 46,000-60,000 ZAR per year, while shared double rooms around 43,000 ZAR per year.

    • renting a flat: You can find rooms for every budget depending on the location and facilities provided, with prices ranging from 4,000-25,000 ZAR per month. You can share a larger apartment with other students to reduce costs.

     Food costs:

    The following are some prices of the basic groceries:

    • Milk: RS10
    • Bread (500g): RS9.38
    • A dozen eggs: RS18
    • Chicken (1 kg): RS48
    • Rice (1 kg): RS16

     

    Transportation costs

    South Africa has one of the least expensive transport systems in the world, although most people use taxis. The average monthly cost for transport is as low as R500–R650 for buses and trains.

    Public transportation is fairly limited in South African cities.

    The average cost for a one-way journey is R16. Taxis are also inexpensive and range between R60 and R120 for short journeys.

    Tuition Fees

    The tuition fees you are expected to pay will depend on more than one variable:

    The first variable is your home country. If you are from a Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member country, then you will pay the same tuition fees as native South African nationals. If you are from any other country, you will pay an international student fee.

    The second variable is the specific university you choose to study at. Each institution is able to set their own tuition fees, and fees are not dictated by the government or a governing body.

    Tuition Fee for Undergraduate:

    International students pay a minimum (R70, 000/£4,425) of the standard course fee plus an international student fee of R35, 000 (£2,213) a year (total minimum R110, 000/£6,955).

    Tuition Fees for Postgraduate:

    Universities in South Africa set their tuition rates, so exact fees and policies vary from institution to institution. Students from the Southern Africa Development Community(SADC) member countries are eligible to pay local tuition fees.

    Other international Masters students can expect tuition fees to range from R25, 000 to R70,000 (USD 1,750-4,900), depending on the university and program.

    Some MBAs and specialized postgraduate courses can cost up to R410, 000 (USD 28,720).

    As an international student, you might also be required to pay an ‘international term fee’ besides tuition fees. This could be as much as R55, 000 (USD 3,850).

     

    Ph.D. Tuition Fee:

    PhDs in South Africa follow a similar pattern to European and American programs. They focus on the candidate completing a supervised thesis that adds original research and knowledge to a field of study. Ph.D. programs in South Africa are examined by the thesis. This is normally between 80,000 and 100,000 words.

    Low Tuition Universities in South Africa

    • University of Witwatersrand
    • University of Cape Coast (UCT)
    • University of Cape Town
    • Stellenbosch University
    • University of Kwazulu Natal
    • University of Pretoria
    • University of Johannesburg
    • The University of the Western Cape
    • Rhodes University
    • North-West University
    • University of Free State
    • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
    • University of Fort Hare
    • University of Limpopo
    • University of Venda
    • University of Zululand

  • Low Tuition Universities in Philippines, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean. The climate in the Philippines is tropical and generally pleasant. There are two seasons: the rainy season from June to October and dry season from November to May.

    The Philippines has three official languages: Filipino, English and Spanish. Filipino is the collective name for the various mutually-intelligible dialects of Tagalog. English is generally the language of the business sector and is mostly spoken as an additional language, while Spanish survives as a mother tongue in some remote areas.

    Manila, known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, is the nation’s capital city. The Philippine peso, also referred to by its Filipino name piso, is the official currency of the Philippines. The Philippines’s total population is estimated to be 111.8 million

    Although the Philippines appears to have a huge land area, its real land area is quite small, making it a highly populated country perfect for exploration by tourists and international students alike.

    Not only is the Philippines a beautiful country, but it also has one of the best higher education systems in Asia, ranked 46th in the first edition of the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings.

    In this article, we’ll explore the Higher Education System in the Philippines,  Admission requirements, the cost of living in the Philippines as a student, tuition fees and the low universities in the Philippines.

    Higher Education System in the Philippines

    Higher education in the Philippines has been heavily influenced by the American system. Schools in the Philippines are regulated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHE), responsible for overseeing the quality of education and arbitrating student-institution disputes.

    • Most degrees take four years to complete and can be earned either by undertaking a preset program or by accumulating credits through standalone courses in a specific subject area.
    • Undergraduate degrees in the Philippines take four years to complete.
    • Medical programs take approximately seven years.
    • Most postgraduate degrees are one or two years.
    • Programs in engineering and science take three years.
    • As for doctoral degrees, these take longer than in many Western countries. It takes at least five years of full-time study to complete – with some taking up to seven years.

    Admission Requirements

    • High school diploma (for undergraduate studies)
    • Bachelor’s degree certificate (for masters studies)
    • Master’s degree certificate (for Ph.D. studies)
    • Academic transcripts
    • CV/Resume
    • Letters of recommendation (for postgraduate studies)
    • Letter of Purpose
    • Application fee payment receipt
    • Proof of English knowledge (IELTS, TOEFL scores)

    Costs of Living

    Compared to many other countries, the Philippines has an affordable cost of living for international students. Manila, compared to the likes of London, New York or Boston, is extremely affordable.

    The average monthly cost of living in Manila, without rent, is around PHP28,200. Rent is typically treated as a separate expenditure in the Philippines, as it is in many other parts of the world.

    Food expenses vary depending on whether you spend  on imported brands from back home or go for less expensive local ones. Local daily markets, which are filled with fruit, vegetables, meat, and seafood, are the most cost-effective way to shop. It’s not just cheap, it’s also fresh.

    Eating out is also not too expensive. A meal of barbecue pork and rice with a beer costs around PHP180 in local restaurants. A cappuccino will set you back roughly PHP110, while a three-course meal for two would set you back PHP780.

    Tuition Fees

    Public tuition fees are about 1,000USD while private universities place their tuition within the range of $1200-2500.  Most Master’s programs are run within 1-2 years while others  programs depends on the institution

    Low Tuition Universities in  the Philippines

    • University of the Philippines.
    • De La Salle University.
    • Ateneo de Manila University.
    • University of Santo Tomas.
    • Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
    • University of Asia and the Pacific.
    • Silliman University.
    • University of San Carlos.
    • University of the Philippines Diliman
    • Mapua University
    • Silliman University
    • De La Salle Lipa
    • Colegio de San Juan de Letrán
    • Ateneo de Davao University

  • Low Tuition Universities in Hong Kong, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    Hong Kong is located on the Pearl River Delta south of the Chinese province of Guangdong and the Chinese city of Shenzhen, surrounded by the South China Sea.  It is a special administrative region, meaning that whilst it is part of mainland China, its governmental system is separate.
    Hong Kong’s major areas are the Kowloon Peninsula, which is connected with the mainland, the outlying mountainous Lantau Island, the smaller Lamma island, densely populated Hong Kong Island, plus more than 200 smaller islands. The territory is a major port city with an outstanding deepwater harbor.

    Hong Kong has a population of more than 7.5 million people . Its official languages are English and a southern Chinese variety known as Cantonese. Official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD),

    Today’s article will be on the higher education system in Hong Kong, living costs, tuition fees, admission requirements and the lists of low tuition universities in Hong Kong

     

    Higher Education System in Hong Kong

    Currently Hong Kong offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs

    Undergraduate:

    The structure of a Bachelor degree in Hong Kong follows that of the UK. Students are able to complete studies in general fields of study within which they will nominate a ‘major,’ a specialisation within their study area students must  complete a quota of subjects in to be awarded the title. Bachelors degrees are typically four years in length for full time students.

    Some institutions also offer students to complete double degree programmes, in which they are required to meet credit requirements of two separate Bachelor’s degrees undertaken at the same time. As a result, these study programmes are longer in duration.

    Postgraduate:

    Postgraduate programmes in Hong Kong are taught via research and coursework at both Master’s and Doctoral levels. Postgraduate study tackles general study areas with a more specialist focus, and so may require students to be more decisive in their subject choices.

    As with undergraduate, course requirements and particulars are specific to each institution, department and unique study programme, and should be pursued directly with the institution itself. Masters degrees are typically one year in duration, and may include taught, research or practical modules, as well as a thesis or dissertation component.

     Living Cost

    Food  Costs:

    You can save a lot of money by buying food from a supermarket and cooking most of your meals at home. Whilst eating out can also be cheap, the basic cost of food staples is even lower. On average a 1kg of white rice costs HK$17, 12 eggs HK$22, and a 500g loaf of fresh white bread HK$13.90. A kilo of apples is around HK$21, a kilo of oranges HK$22, and a kilo of tomatoes HK$22.59. A kilo of boneless, skinless chicken breasts will only set you back around HK$46 and 150 grams of Australian sirloin steak is just HK$25.90. For 500ml of olive oil you’re looking at HK$50, and 500 grams of dry spaghetti is just HK$12.50. You can buy 400g of pasta sauce for only HK$26.90 more.

    Costs of eating out vary depending on how fancy you want to go, with a dinner for two at a top-range restaurant being roughly HK$1,100, minus the wine. At the other end of the spectrum, a takeaway lunch box from a local eatery is about HK$35, and a takeaway lunch from a western eatery HK$66.

    Accommodation Costs:

    Housing prices vary depending on your host institution and whether you want to live on campus or not. On-campus housing is generally considered the cheapest student accommodation option, with prices ranging on average from HK$5,000-HK$20,200 per semester. Pricing for off-campus student housing and rental costs via external agencies varies depending on property size and location, with things getting cheaper the further north you go.

    Transportation:

    Public transport in Hong Kong is notoriously cheap. Hong Kong Island’s double-decker tram system costs HK$2 per trip, no matter how long the journey. A tram anywhere is HK$2.30 per ride, whilst a Star Ferry from Central/Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui ranges from HK$2.50-HK$3.40. To go from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui on the MTR, Hong Kong’s metro network and commuter rail, is HK$9, and costs just HK$13 to get from Central to Kwun Tong. The minimum taxi fare for a trip less than 2km starts at HK$20, and increases by HK$7.90 per km.

    Tuition Fees

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on where you choose to study in Hong Kong. On average, you should expect to pay between HKD 90,000 and HKD 265,000 per year as an international student. Due to the fact that Hong Kong wishes to attract more international students, there are plenty of scholarships available that will help fund your studies. These tend to be awarded to students who show academic excellence and potential, and can be competitive. They are awarded by individual institutions, as well as some that are offered by the government. Contact your institution to find out if you are eligible for any scholarships, and to receive guidance for applications.

     

    Admission Requirements

    You need to fill the application form and submit it along with the supporting documents. Some of the common documents asked by each university in Hong Kong are:

    • Transcripts of all the previous education
    • English language proficiency scores. You can appear for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc.
    • Letter of recommendation from professors or employers.
    • A Statement of purpose.
    • A detailed resume.
    • GMAT scores are required for some of the MBA programs.

    For bachelor’s studies:

    • Copy of the passport;
    • Certificate of completed secondary education and transcript with grades;
    • Language certificate (TOEFL/IELTS);
    • Standardized tests (SAT/ACT);
    • Recommendation and motivation letters;
    • Contest diplomas and extracurricular achievements

    Master’s studies:

    • Bachelor’s degree and transcript (the GPA of at least 3.0 or B);
    • Letters of recommendation;
    • Language certificate (TOEFL/IELTS);
    • GRE/GMAT;
    • Motivation letter.

    Doctoral studies:

    • For four-year programs a bachelor’s degree with honours and/or master’s degree;
    • For three-year programs, a MRes/MPhil degree in a related field;
    • Entrance exams (GRE/GMAT);
    • Research statement or research proposal;
    • Language certificate (TOEFL/IELTS);
    • Letters of recommendation;
    • CV;
    • Other documentation (publications, academic awards, and professional qualifications).

    Low Tuition Universities in Hong Kong

    • Hong Kong Shue Yan University.
    • The Open University of Hong Kong.
    • Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.
    • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
    • City University of Hong Kong.
    • Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
    • Hong Kong Baptist University.
    • The Education University of Hong Kong.
    •  Lingnan University of Hong Kong
    •  Chinese University of Hong Kong

  • Low Tuition Universities in Qatar, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    Qatar officially the State of Qatar, is a country in Western Asia. It is a peninsular Arab country whose terrain comprises arid desert and a long Persian (Arab) Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes.

    Qatar has a population of  about 2.8 million inhabitants. The Qatari riyal is the official currency of the State of Qatar. The currency code is QAR, and the abbreviation is QR. The capital city called Doha is a world-class city with some of the best modern architecture and technology. The city is also the biggest in the country.  Spoken language is Arabic (official).

    The climate is hot and humid from June to September, with daytime temperatures as high as 122 °F (50 °C). The spring and fall months—April, May, October, and November—are temperate, averaging about 63 °F (17 °C), and the winters are slightly cooler. Precipitation is scarce, with less than 3 inches (75 mm) falling annually (generally in winter).

    Qatar is an independent state in the middle east and it is famous around for its wealth and opulence. This has greatly translated into every sphere of their government including their higher education system.

    In this article, we will be going over the higher education system in Qatar, cost of living, tuition fees, admission requirements, admission deadline and we will list a few of the universities in Qatar that have low and very affordable tuition fees for their students.

    Higher Education System in Qatar

    Undergraduate Degree

    The undergraduate degree in Qatar is bachelor’s degree.
    • Duration: 4 years (5 years in case of pharmacy and architecture)
    • No. of semesters: 8
    • No. of credits: 120
    • Title: Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Arts

    Graduate Studies

    The graduate degree in Qatar is Master’s Degree

    • Duration: 1-2 years
    • No. of credits: 33-36
    A doctorate is rare postgraduate offering in Qatar. It is only offered by Qatar University.

    Living Costs

    A meal at McDonald’s costs around QAR25, while a fancier meal will probably set you back around QAR200. Similarly, a pint of domestic draft beer is QAR50. However, at a supermarket, beer costs around QAR30/bottle. In Qatar, a coffee costs the same as it would in London or Tokyo; you can expect to pay QAR15–25.

    You will probably use your campus shuttle to travel between your residence and classes. But if you’re going around town, you will probably use taxis, too. The normal starting tariff for a cab is QAR10, with an additional QAR2/km charge, plus waiting time. If you can navigate the bus system, you will pay QAR3–10 for a one-way ticket. Monthly tickets are available for QAR100–200.

    Tuition Fees

    The cost of tuition fees depends on each individual institution. Both locals and international students pay the same fees, with the full price of about 72,100QR per semester which is approximately US$19,800.

    Some universities charge fees based on ‘credit hour’, and having around 12 credit hours each semester. For instance, Qatar University, undergraduate program cost 1000 QR which is equivalent to $365.00 per credit hour. Scholarship opportunities are offered to some selected applicants from outside Qatar to pursue undergraduate programs.

    These applicants may be nominated by their embassies or can apply directly to the university.

    Admission Requirements

    Some essential materials for admission are stated below;

    Undergraduate Admission:

    • Secondary school / High school / College transcripts
    • One personal statement and one statement of intent
    • One letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor from high school
    • SAT or ACT scores (some universities in Qatar require this)
    • Proof of English proficiency with either IELTS or TOEFL test score (Native English speakers are exempted from this)
    • Extracurriculars or Awards and recognitions while in high school (optional)
    • Application fee ranging $75 – $100 (some nationalities are exempted from this fee, please check the application thoroughly)

    Graduate Admission:

    • Fill and submit the application form online
    • Official university transcripts showing that they have completed the required courses and satisfied the degree requirements and CGPA of a bachelors or masters program
    • Proof of English proficiency IELTS or TOEFL scores generally required
    • Copy of their passport details
    • 2 recent passport photos showing facial profile using a white background
    • Application fee ranging $75 – $100 (some nationalities are exempted from this fee, please check the application thoroughly)
    • Additionally, there are program-specific requirements for certain graduate departments, RocAppl will make this information available for the applicants.

    Admission Deadline

    • Fall Semester: Application usually begins in March and closes in June
    • Spring Semester: Application usually begins in October and closes in December

    Low Tuition Universities in Qatar

    • Qatar University
    • Weill Cornell Medical College
    • Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
    • Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
    • Texas A&M University at Qatar
    • Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of the Arts
    • Northwestern University (NU)
    • College of the North Atlantic (CNA) – Qatar
    • Georgetown University in Qatar
    • Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
    • Stenden Qatar University
    • Community College of Qatar
    • Qatar Aeronautical College

  • Low Tuition Universities in Serbia, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country in Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian. It borders Hungary to the north, Romania and Bulgaria to the east, North Macedonia and Kosovo to the south, and Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro to the west. The capital city is Belgrade. Natural resources include coal, petroleum, natural gas and many metals; major industries include agriculture, food processing, metals, textiles, mining, automobiles and furniture.

    Serbia’s capital, Belgrade is also the largest city. Official language is Serbian written in Cyrillic. The national currency of Serbia is Serbian Dinar (RSD).

    Serbia is home to about 8.6 million inhabitants and it offers excellent education opportunities. Both the students from Serbia and International students can enroll.

    Today’s article will be about the higher education system, costs of living, tuition fees, admission requirements, and also the lists of low tuition universities in Serbia

    Higher Education System In Serbia

    Serbia’s higher education system adheres to European standards established by the Bologna Process and employs the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

    The typical three tiers of degrees in Serbia are bachelor studies, master studies, and doctoral studies (Ph.D.)

    • Bachelor studies, which usually last 4 years with 240 ECTS, although 3-year/180 ECTS Bachelor programmes are also available,
    • Master studies lasting 1-2 years with 60 to 120 ECTS, and
    • Doctoral studies (PhD) with a minimum of three years of study or 180 ECTS.

    The majority of courses are taught in Serbian, but some programs and courses are offered in English. International students planning to study in Serbia are typically required to complete one year of language training in Serbia before starting studies in their academic field.

    The academic year typically begins in early October. Individual institutions have considerable leeway in determining the structure of the academic year, which must include 30 weeks of study.

    Semesters (two 15-week periods) and trimesters are the most commonly used systems (three 10-week periods). Schools, on the other hand, are free to create any system they want as long as they meet the 30-week total requirement.

     

    Costs of Living

    Living in Serbia is not expensive

    Renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost between 200 USD and 300 USD. This will depend on the area of the city and the size of the place.

    Eating is also affordable. Regarding groceries, a monthly budget of 130 USD will the job. A meal in a cheap restaurant costs 4 USD and eating a single meal in a nice restaurant can cost up to 17 USD.

    Utilities will definitely depend on the season and the place you are living in. During winter, you could pay around 70 USD in utilities because of heating. However, there are buildings with other facilities like parking, which could cost more.

    As for transportation, you would spend around 30 USD per month if you use public transportation every day.

    Tuition fees

    Studies of Serbian residents at public institutions (both universities and colleges) can either be financed by the State or the students pay tuition for their studies. Students who study at private higher education institutions pay fees as determined by the higher education institution.

    Foreign students pay tuition for their studies and in some cases there is a difference between the fee amount paid by local and foreign students.

    The tuition fee is determined by the institution and is usually within a range from EUR500 to EUR2500 per year.

    Admission Requirements

    Bachelor programmes:

    As a general requirement, to enter a Bachelor  programme one has:
    • to have completed four-year secondary education, and
    • to pass the entrance exam.
    Specific admission requirements usually include specific knowledge in certain disciplines and should be checked for each individual programme a student is interested in. Entrance exams are usually held in early July (the first round) and early September (the second round, if there are places left). The ranking of candidates depends on both the entrance exam and their results at the previous level of education.

    Master programme:

    • For Master programmes lasting one year, a candidate has to have obtained Bachelor diploma.
    • For Master programmes lasting two years, a candidate has to have obtained Bachelor diploma.
    • Admission requirements vary from programme to programme (usually regarding the area of previous education) and should be checked on the web pages with information on specific programs.

    Doctoral studies:

    • candidate has successfully completed a Master programme and obtained at least 300 ECTS.
    • Additional requirements, such as a minimum grade point average, number of papers published in scientific journals, etc. are determined by each institution and presented on the web pages of particular doctoral study programmes.

    Low Tuition Universities in Serbia

    • University of Belgrade
    • University of Novi Sad (UNS)
    • University of Nis
    • University of Kragujevac
    • State University of Novi Pazar
    • University of Pristina
    • Singidunum University
    • Union University
    •  International University of Novi Paza
    • John Naisbitt University
    • University of Arts
    • University of Defence
    • Alfa BK University
    • European University
    • Metropolitan University
    • Nikola Tesla – Union University
    • Educons University
    • Economics Academy

     

     

  • Low Tuition Universities in Luxembourg, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

    The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a landlocked country in Western Europe. The country shares international borders with Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe, yet it holds tremendous political and financial influence in the region, with its capital, Luxembourg City, even being one of the four official capitals of the EU.

    Carved out of France and Germany in 1839, Luxembourg has three official languages: French, German and Luxembourgish. Luxembourg uses the Euro (€) as its currency. The current population of Luxembourg is 647,922

    Although it is one of the tiniest countries in the world, Luxembourg offers a splendidly cosmopolitan environment and a home to plenty of top-ranked universities.

    International students choosing Luxembourg will have an enriching higher education experience in one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe.

    Today, we will be looking into the higher education system, admission requirements, living costs, tuition fees and the list of low tuition universities in Luxembourg.

    Higher Education System

    The higher education system in Luxembourg comprises universities, colleges, and institutes of learning. Higher education in Luxembourg is normally multilingual, with different classes being taught in one of the three national languages. Degree programs are offered in associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels conferring international degrees that are recognized worldwide.

    • Bachelor’s degrees normally take three years to complete, sometimes four, depending on the subject.
    • Master’s degrees normally take one or two years,
    • while PhDs can take up to five years – and will take a minimum of three years to complete. It’s also the norm for Luxembourgish degrees to include practical elements, like an internship or research experience at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    Admission Requirements

    Listed below are the things and documents that you will need to study in Luxembourg :

    Undergraduate

    • High School Diploma
    • Motivation letter
    • Assessment of qualifications
    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (IELTS and TOEFL IBT score)
    • Proof of your nationality and identity such as a passport
    • University application or registration form
    • Application fee (General cost: 100 EUR)
    • Copy of Grades
    • Student Visa or Residence Permit
    • Curriculum Vitae

    Graduate

    For the graduate students, these are the things that are needed:

    • Proof of previous degrees (bachelor or any equivalent degree)
    • Motivation or cover letter
    • Identity photograph
    • Assessment of qualifications
    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (IELTS and TOEFL IBT score)
    • Application or registration form
    • Application fee (General cost: 100 EUR)
    • Passport or any proof of your identity and nationality
    • Student Visa or Residence Permit
    • Curriculum vitae

    Doctorate

    • Thesis or statement of purpose
    • A recognized master’s degree certificate is required

     

    Living Costs

    The cost of living in Luxembourg is generally dependent on the location within the country and individual lifestyle choices.

    A breakdown of the average expenses in Luxembourg;

    Accommodation costs

    There are two main types of accommodation available to international students:

    • university dormitories: the cheapest option, with prices ranging between 350 and 400 EUR/month. The costs of utilities are included.
    • renting a private flat: depending on the type of apartment and area, expect to pay anywhere between 600 and 1,000 EUR/month. You can lower expenses by sharing a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment with other students. The full cost of monthly utilities is around 180–250 EUR.

      Food costs

      Students usually spend between 250 and 350 EUR per month on food and groceries. But in the end, your eating habits will determine how much you end up paying. Eating out is very enjoyable, but so is cooking, especially when you get good at it!

      These are some of the average prices for food products in Luxembourg:

      • 1 loaf of bread: 2.35 EUR
      • 1 litre of milk: 1.40 EUR
      • 12 eggs: 4 EUR
      • 1 kg of local cheese: 17 EUR
      • 1 kg of apples: 2.50 EUR
      • 1 kg of bananas: 1.75 EUR
      • 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 17 EUR

      Transportation costs

      Since March 2020, public transport — trains, buses, trams — is free in Luxembourg! Therefore, students are free to travel and explore as much as they want. In the rare occasions where you might need a taxi, the starting fee is 3 EUR, and then you pay 3.50 EUR per km.

      Check out other living costs on Numbeo

     

    Tuition Fees

    The tuition fees you are required to pay will depend on what type of course you choose to study and at what level.

    Luxembourgers usually pay no more than €1200 (US$1850) per academic year in tuition fees. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are also entitled to these rates. In fact, if your program is taught in French, German or Luxembourgish, then it’s completely free.

    Schools are free to set their own tuition fees for students outside of the EU sphere. As such, these can vary greatly. The University of Luxembourg, for example, charges no more than €200 (US$235) per semester, while Sacred Heart University, a branch of an American school, charges considerably more.

    Low Tuition Universities

    • University of Luxembourg.
    • LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise, and Sports.
    • Luxembourg School of Business (LSB)
    • European Business University (EBU)
    • Business Science Institute.
    • Jack Welch College of Business and Technology (JWCBT) – Sacred Heart University.
    • International University Institute of Luxembourg
    • Miami University Dolibois European Center
    • United Business Institute
    • Open University Luxembourg
    • European Institute of Public Administration, Luxembourg