How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad?

Ruchira Sarkar
Updated April 4, 2024

Whereas many Ivy League colleges in the United States tend to receive an overwhelming number of applications from foreign countries, some American students dream of pursuing their studies abroad. The desire to learn a new language and travel are some of the “push” factors that motivate US citizens to enroll in other nations’ schools. Despite reporting high satisfaction and enjoyment when studying abroad, the entire experience tends to be overwhelming to some American students.

Considering that many countries across the globe do not accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), a major question among US citizens interested in studying abroad should be “how much does it cost” to pay for the tuition, accommodation, and meet personal expenses. With this deliberation, an American student would decide the country of their destination. For instance, it is more expensive to study in Paris than in Berlin, probably because of the difference in exchange rates or rent. To help you make an informed choice, triphippies.com has compiled living, accommodation, and tuition expenses for studying abroad for American students.

The Average Cost of Studying Abroad by Region

Studying in Asian countries

Since Asian universities started offering STEM and humanities programs in English, they have attracted most American students. One of the primary benefits of studying abroad in this region entails getting opportunities to study local cultures and civilizations beyond the academic curriculum.

Japan

The bustling pop culture (such as video games, anime, and manga), crafts, art, and architecture are some of the “pull” factors for American students desiring to pursue their engineering, film product, and music diplomas and degrees in Japan.

However, it would be best if you were conversant with the following expenses:

Average living expenses per month (including rent) – $1,300 to $2,200
For those with direct enrollment, average living expenses per semester (without rent) – are $1,500 to $2,500
For those with a third-party provider, average living expenses per semester (with rent) – are $20,000 to $25,000

Since American students would want to occasionally return home during long- and short-term breaks, they should be ready to part with approximately $1,100 to $1,300 for a roundtrip flight ticket from Tokyo to New York City.

China

With its tendency to preserve ancient culture despite technological advancements in every aspect of life, a significant proportion of students willing to pay to study abroad will find China to be an interesting destination. In other words, pursuing your education in this country would be like entering a new world as it is a place where modern-day innovation and ancient history meet.

The breakdown cost to study abroad in China entails:

Average living expenses per month (including rent) – $850 to $1,700
For those with direct enrollment, average living expenses per semester (without rent) – are $2,000 to $7,000
For those with a third-party provider, average living expenses per semester (with rent) – are $7,500 to $12,000
Beijing to New York City round trip flight averagely costs $1,000 to $1,300

Studying in European countries

According to the Institute of International Students, approximately 54.9% of American students willing to study abroad in 2017/18 won a scholarship or were under a self-sponsored program to study in Europe. These countries also have charming villages, snow-capped mountains, and golden beaches that attract learners.

Spain

When looking for a relaxed pace of life in a European country with approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine yearly, Spain would be the best choice for you. While the national language is Spanish, you can study English while experiencing a rich heritage and culture.

The estimated study abroad cost in the country includes:

Average living expenses per month (including rent) – $1,100 to $1,500
For those with direct enrollment, average living expenses per semester (without rent) – are $1,500 to $5,500
For those with a third-party provider, average living expenses per semester (with rent) – are $10,500 to $13,000
Madrid to New York City round trip flight averagely costs $550 to $650

Italy

If you want even to experience more American-loved foods, you should consider enrolling in a college or university in Italy. Here, you will not regret your pay for studying abroad as it will be your opportunity to experience the abundance of art, fashion, and pizza. Before applying for admission to any college or university in Italy, it would be best if you consider the following costs:

Average living expenses per month (including rent) – $1,200 to $1,600.
For those with direct enrollment, average living expenses per semester (without rent) – are $1,500 to $6,000
For those with a third-party provider, average living expenses per semester (with rent) – are $15,000 to $19,000
Madrid to New York City round trip flight averagely costs $550 to $750

France

In case you are an American student and want to simultaneously pursue your studies in French and English, it would be best to consider joining a college in France. This country will help Francophiles assimilate into the new way of living or partying.

However, the average cost of studying abroad in this country includes the following:

Average living expenses per month (including rent) – $1,300 to $1,900.
For those with direct enrollment, average living expenses per semester (without rent) – are $2,000 to $7,000
For those with a third-party provider, average living expenses per semester (with rent) – are $12,000 to $17,000
Paris to New York City round trip flight averagely costs $500 to $700

Considering that undertaking some courses in English and others in French can be tiring and exhausting, a student studying abroad in this country should consider looking for a tutorial or essay service from a reputable and reliable company on the Internet. CustomWritings is an example of a website you can search online if your assignments, dissertations, or research papers are due and you need quality work. You can decide to seek professional help in your English tasks as you focus on learning and becoming better at French. Therefore, this online platform would enable you to meet your desire to live in Paris.

The Cost to Study Abroad in Africa

Considered the cradle of humankind, Africa, with 54 nations, attracts American students, especially those at post-graduate and Ph.D. levels. You will learn about different cultures, languages, and customers in this region.

South Africa

American students aspiring to study in South Africa can exploit unlimited cultural opportunities as the country comprises approximately 12 official languages and English. Those who like to tour beautiful sceneries and natural habitats will find this nation exciting since it prides itself on miles of coastlines and wildlife reserves. You can decide to apply for admission to Stellenbosch University, the University of Johannesburg, or the University of Cape Town.

While some people might perceive South Africa to be one of the cheap countries in comparison with other nations’ average cost to study abroad, you are actually less likely to save any money on accommodation and tuition.

The following are the estimates for studying in South Africa:

Average living expenses per month (including rent) – $900 to $1,200.
For those with direct enrollment, average living expenses per semester (without rent) – are $2,000 to $4,000
For those with a third-party provider, average living expenses per semester (with rent) – are $15,000 to $19,000
Paris to New York City round trip flight averagely costs $800 to $1,100

While the United States remains one of the countries with the best universities and colleges in the world, some American students still opt to pursue their undergraduates, post-graduates, or Ph.D. abroad by either paying themselves or through scholarships. The motivation for them wanting to advance their education on foreign soil could be because of historical, cultural, social, or technological reasons. Generally speaking, Europe and Africa remain the most and least preferred destination for American students willing to study abroad.