How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad?

A Guide to 2024-2025 Study Abroad Program Pricing

For students, getting the chance to study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Studying abroad gives many young adults their first taste of independence within the structure of school and learning. It comes with untold benefits, from getting to see the world and discover new cultures to studying exciting topics in new environments, from foreign cities to sailing ships.

With its blend of education and personal growth, many parents are also big proponents of sending their kids off on study abroad programs.

But as much as both students and parents alike can be on board with a study abroad plan, the cost of these programs is an important consideration. Understanding the financial side of studying abroad, from which destinations may be more expensive to finding the right program for your budget to knowing ways to save money, can help you plan ahead in order to make the study abroad dream a reality.

This guide covers everything both parents and students need to know about the financial side of studying abroad, from average costs to ways to save money.

• Types of study abroad programs
• Is studying abroad expensive?
• How much does it cost to study abroad: a destination comparison
• Europe
• Asia
• Central and South America
• Oceana
• Why do study abroad programs cost so much?
• Study abroad program payment options
• Scholarships and grants
• Financial aid/loans
• Savings accounts
• How to save money while studying abroad
• Enroll in a foreign university
• Make a budget
• Get a part-time job
• Opt for a working holiday or volunteer experience
• Choose a destination with a lower cost of living
• Choose a shorter-term program

Types of Study Abroad Programs and Educational Break Experiences

Studying abroad can take many different forms, and the type of experience you opt for can impact costs. Let’s look at the different options:

Third-party Programs

Third-party programs are independent organizations offering study abroad experiences from ship-based voyages like Sea|mester to cultural immersion in a specific country. Many have an educational focus, offering classes and courses in either general or specialized studies. While they operate independently from higher-learning institutions, they usually have arrangements with universities and colleges that allow students to earn class credits.

As they cover and arrange everything from tuition to housing to insurance, they’re usually more expensive due to the convenience.

Direct Enrollment

For direct enrollment, you directly enroll in a foreign university, either individually or through an exchange program with your home university. This option is usually cheaper than third-party providers as you’re only paying for tuition (and in some countries, students visiting only need to pay administrative fees). But that does mean you’ll need to arrange and cover your own living expenses like housing.

Gap Years

Unlike study abroad programs, gap years are typically when students take a break from school (usually between high school and college) to travel and see the world. This could be done any number of ways, from volunteering with international organizations to traveling independently. There are many benefits to taking a gap year, like personal growth and gaining new skills and experiences. However, it does mean putting your academic career on hold for a spell.

Working Holiday

Similar to gap years, working holidays allow young adults to travel while also earning money through part- or full-time employment in different countries. This could be living in Australia while working as an au pair or taking a seasonal job in a national park in Canada and then using the rest of the time on the visa to travel.

Is Studying Abroad Expensive?

Yes and no; some types of “all-inclusive” study abroad experiences can be expensive, while others are more affordable.

For example, taking part in a formal study abroad program like attending a foreign university for a semester or doing a ship-based education program can be more expensive due to the nature of the experience. You’re paying for classes and the convenience of having someone arrange housing and food for you. At the same time, these programs also offer options like scholarships and financial aid to make them more accessible.

On the flip side, self-organized study abroad trips — directly enrolling in a foreign university or doing a gap year or working holiday — can be much less expensive as you’re not paying a third-party provider. You’re free to find your own housing that fits your budget, pay for your own meals, and generally be more in charge of your spending.

But at the same time, they can lack the structure, resources, and support of an organized study abroad organization.

“The most important advice I have for families and students is to carefully examine the program cost and its inclusions,” says Amanda Maurer, education abroad director at the University of South Florida. “It is not unusual for students to go for the least expensive program option only to realize that it does include food, is of shorter duration, has fewer excursions and activities, and less support, all of which can make a significant difference to their experience.”

Where you choose to study abroad can also have a significant impact on cost, as some destinations are more expensive than others. While a university or program’s costs may be set in stone, you can keep costs lower by studying abroad in a country with a lower cost of living.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad: A Destination Comparison

According to GoAbroad, a study abroad directory site, the average overall cost for a semester abroad is $14,295. Go Overseas found that doing a semester abroad through a third-party provider can cost between $15,000 to $22,000, and NerdWallet estimates a semester abroad to cost between $7,000 to $15,000.

However, it’s important to note that these are just averages, and some programs can be more expensive.

For example, Sea|mester can cost up to $30,000. But that higher price tag comes with tons of added value and convenience as most everything is included, for example, room and board, academics, excursions, and more. You don’t have to estimate variable costs for things like food or accommodations; you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Furthermore, taking part in more unique, one-of-a-kind programs like spending a semester at sea will inherently cost more due to the nature of the program; after all, you’re living on a boat, sailing around the world. But the pay-off is having a truly unforgettable and worthwhile experience, which is also an investment, imparting skills that will look good on job applications and resumes.

While those numbers may seem scary, remember that these rates are for full semesters and also include a wide range of destinations, from expensive to affordable options. So that number is not the be-all, end-all; there are plenty of more affordable options out there.

Let’s dive into more destination-specific costs in some of the most popular places to study abroad to give you a better idea of how pricing varies by region and country.

*All rates presented in USD

*Please note that these are average rates and are subject to change

Europe

Regional Average: $15,797 (Source: GoAbroad)

Country	Avg. Semester Cost without Housing (Direct Enrollment) Source: Go Overseas	Avg. Semester Cost with Housing (Third-Party Provider)	Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom Apartment) Source: Numbeo
Italy	$1,500-$6,000	$17,000-$21,300	$620 – $810
Spain	$1,500-$5,500	$11,000-$14,500	$793 – $1,056
France	$2,000-$7,000	$12,000-$17,000	$654 – $833
Germany	$100-$3,200	$7,000-$25,000	$734 – $971

 

Asia

Regional Average: $8,886

Country	Avg. Semester Cost without Housing (Direct Enrollment) Source: Go Overseas	Avg. Semester Cost with Housing (Third-Party Provider)	Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom Apartment) Source: Numbeo
China	$2,000-$7,000	$7,500-$12,000	$297 – $526
Japan	$1,500-$5,000	$20,000-$26,000	$385 – $584
South Korea	$3,600-$11,600	$11,209-$20,950	$300 – $800

 

Central and South America

Country	Avg. Semester Cost without Housing (Direct Enrollment) Source: Go Overseas	Avg. Semester Cost with Housing (Third-Party Provider)	Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom Apartment) Source: Numbeo
Argentina	$200-$3,000	$14,000-$17,500	$270 – $397
Belize	$1,000-$3,000	$18,000-$23,000	$308 – $424
Brazil	$1,000-$5,000	$7,000-$19,500	$216 – $318
Costa Rica	$1,500-$3,000	$8,500-$11,500	$534 – $755

 

Oceania

Country	Avg. Semester Cost without Housing (Direct Enrollment) Source: Go Overseas	Avg. Semester Cost with Housing (Third-Party Provider)	Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom Apartment) Source: Numbeo
Australia	$10,000-$13,000	$17,000-$23,500	$1,152 – $1,461
New Zealand	$8,000-$12,500	$15,500-$21,000	$917 – $1,113

 

Why Do Study Abroad Programs Cost So Much?

Since they package everything from tuition to room and board together, third-party programs typically cost more. But even on independently planned educational trips like direct enrollment, expenses can quickly add up. Let’s break down the pricing to better understand the driving factors behind why study abroad programs cost what they do:

• Tuition and FeesFor both third-party and direct enrollment alike, you’ll need to pay tuition and administrative fees for your program. In some countries where college is free to international students, this may be only a couple hundred dollars. But in other countries, it could be tens of thousands of dollars. It also depends on the type of university or college, as tuition rates can vary widely between different institutions.
• Travel CostsIn order to study abroad, you first have to get there. Travel costs are rarely covered or included in third-party programs, so you’ll need to factor in the cost to fly, drive, or sail to and from your destination.
• Room and Board (Living Expenses)If you’re studying abroad through direct enrollment and living expenses aren’t covered by tuition, you’ll need to find a place to live, pay for rent and utilities, and pay for other necessities like food and transportation.
• Exchange RatesExchange rate differences between USD and the local currency may make prices more or less expensive.
• VisasDepending on the type of study abroad you’re doing, you’ll need to obtain either a student visa or a visitor’s visa (if you’re participating in a sailing program like Sea|mester and will only briefly be visiting countries). Either way, you’ll need to cover visa fees.
• InsuranceIn order to protect yourself, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have health and travel insurance while studying abroad. Some countries even require that students have health insurance. These costs can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on coverage.
• MiscellaneousOn top of all this, there are also other costs to consider like books and materials for school, shopping for incidentals, and extra funds to do fun things like travel, dine out, and experience the destination.

Study Abroad Program Payment Options

There are lots of options out there to defray or fully cover the costs of studying abroad. “First, identify the program that a student wants the most, even if the price tag is higher,” recommends Maurer. “The student with their family can identify what aid is transferable, whether there are scholarships from their own institution or the host organization, as well as from local and national organizations.”

Let’s take a closer look at what options are available.

Scholarships and Grants

Applying for scholarships and grants is one of the best ways to bring down the cost of a study abroad program. Based on factors like need, merit, background, and qualifications, scholarships and grants award money that can either completely cover the cost of a study abroad program or partially cover funds.

One of the biggest plus-sides to applying for grants and scholarships is that the money doesn’t need to be paid back, but that also means it’s more competitive.

Many programs and organizations offer their own, program-specific scholarships — funded by donors and alumni to support students of different backgrounds and needs — but they’re far from the only option. You can also apply for scholarships and grants through external, third-party organizations like:

• Fund for Education Abroad
• CIEE
• University Studies Abroad Consortium

You can also apply for federal aid through government programs like the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program, Pell Grants, and Fulbright Grants. The U.S. State Department has an entire webpage at USA StudyAbroad dedicated to study abroad resources for students, covering everything from eligible programs to grants.

There are generally more strings attached and requirements to applying for federal grants — for example, Pell Grants are typically only awarded to undergraduate students, while Fulbright applicants need to have a completed Bachelor’s degree — so it’s important to do your research and make sure you meet the criteria.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when applying for scholarships and grants:

• Research scholarships and grants well in advance to be aware of deadlines and to compile the necessary materials in time.
• Stay organized and on top of important dates like when the application opens and when the application is due.
• For some scholarships, students already need to be accepted and admitted to the program before applying for the scholarships.

Financial Aid/Loans

If you’re planning to study abroad at a specific school or university through direct enrollment, you can use loans to help secure funding and cover costs.

If you’re eligible and meet the right criteria, you can receive federal student aid for study abroad through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program, which can be used at thousands of schools across the world.

For undergraduate and graduate students, applying for a Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loan is another option, providing loans between $5,500 and $20,500 based on need. For parents, loan options like the Direct PLUS can be applied to study abroad costs as well.

If you’re a current college student and already have a federal aid package, it can typically be applied to your study abroad costs, but you should still work with your university’s financial aid office to ensure no adjustments are needed.

If you don’t have an aid package, you’ll need to apply. When applying for the FAFSA, be sure to do your research and fill out the application well in advance as both your U.S. school and your international school will need the information.

Along with federal aid, applying for private loans through providers like Sallie Mae or SoFi is also an option.

But it’s important to remember that you’ll need to pay these loans back eventually.

For most federal student loans, there is a six-month grace period after graduating before you have to start a repayment plan. Student loans burdening young adults with huge amounts of debt is a massive issue right now, and it may or may not be worth it to take on a large amount of debt for a study abroad trip. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of your personal situation, understand the financial realities of taking on student debt, and make an educated, informed decision.

Savings Accounts

Similar to how parents may have a savings account or financial plan in place to pay for college, parents can also set up savings plans toward future educational trips and experiences.

Parents, if you think your child may want to study abroad at some point during high school or college, consider opening up a college savings account like a 529, high-yield, or custodial savings account to put away money with that expenditure in mind. Always contact your financial advisor prior to opening any new accounts.

Students, if you’re considering a study abroad, you can similarly create your own savings plan to set aside money from allowances or jobs. Talk with your parents about opening savings accounts like a high-yield account with higher interest rates for bigger returns to start saving toward your trip.

How to Save Money While Studying Abroad

From choosing more affordable study abroad programs to finding ways to make money while living abroad, there are lots of ways to keep down or defray the costs of a study abroad experience.

Enroll in a Foreign University

One of the easiest ways to save money on an international education is through direct enrollment: directly enrolling with a foreign university in a different country instead of going through a third-party provider or through your home university.

In many countries around the world, college tuition is either free or extremely low cost, and lots of countries extend those affordable rates to international students. Applying directly to a foreign university could save you money, as you’ll likely only need to cover a study abroad administrative fee and other nominal fees. And even if the country doesn’t offer free or reduced tuition to international students, exchange rates may still make it affordable.

There are some downsides to this route, though.

You’ll need to arrange your own housing and cover your own living expenses like food and transportation. If you plan to have any credits earned during your study abroad count toward your degree, you’ll need to ensure the credits will transfer to your university, and, if classes aren’t taught in English, you’ll need to be proficient in the foreign language to follow along.

Here’s a full list of countries offering free or reduced college tuition to international students so you can explore your options.

Make a Budget

If you’re planning on using savings to help fund your study abroad, make your dollars go farther by making a budget in advance.

First, consider your costs: will you be staying with a host family, in student housing, or do you need to secure your own housing? Do you want to travel during weekends and breaks to do things like visit nearby points of interest or explore the broader region? Will you need to cover basic necessities like food and transportation?

Then, do some research on the average cost of living in your study-abroad destination.

This can help you set a more accurate budget, allowing you to determine how much you need to save and how to manage your spending during the trip. You can also identify ways to save, like taking public transit or finding places that offer student discounts.

“Create a spreadsheet,” says Jane Sarouhan, a professional gap year consultant and cofounder at J2Guides.

Jane also adds, “With your total gap year budget entered at the top, make a row and formula for every possible expense. Start with: program fee, food, housing and travel. Depending on what you are doing on your gap year, you may also be adding rows for things like passport, visa, immunizations, gear and personal spending money. As you start to enter estimates or real expenses, you will see your budget go down and can adjust accordingly.”

Parents, if you’re planning to financially support your child while they’re away with an allowance or access to a savings account, this is a great opportunity for teaching them about managing their money in the real world.

Get a Part-Time Job

You may have heard that it’s illegal to work while studying abroad on a student visa, but that’s not always the case. In some countries like Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany, international students can look for part-time work to help cover costs. Exact hours vary by country, but generally, students can work up to 20 hours a week while school is in session, and some countries allow you to work more hours during breaks and school holidays.

If you’re planning on finding work during your study abroad to gain work experience and earn money, be sure to research the specific laws in countries and destinations you’re interested in.

Opt for a Working Holiday or Volunteer Experience

If you’re taking a more relaxed approach to your study abroad experience, working holidays are a great way to earn money as you see the world.

Available in countries like Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore, working holiday visas allow you to find jobs in that country to fund your travels.

Many young adults use working holiday visas to do fun, unconventional jobs like working on farms, harvesting grapes at wineries, being an au pair, or working as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher.

The downside is that yes, you’re still working, but you get to do so while living in a different country and making new friends. By earning money during your time abroad, you don’t need to dip into savings as much or secure prior funding. And while you may not be earning credits toward a degree, having international work experience can still look very good on graduate school or job applications.

Another option is joining a volunteer organization, as these typically cover things like room and board in exchange for your labor.

Choose a Destination with a Lower Cost of Living

One of the easiest ways to keep study abroad costs down is by choosing a part of the world or country with a lower cost of living like Central America or South America. Across the board, places like Costa Rica or Argentina offer lower rates on everything from direct-enrollment tuition to cost of living expenses. Even third-party programs can be more affordable.

Similarly, if you want to live and study in an expensive part of the world, choose one of the more affordable countries in that region.

For example, say you want to study in Asia. If South Korea or Japan are too expensive, you can instead study in China, which has one of the lowest average costs for a semester abroad at around $6,614. You can save money by studying and living in China, with opportunities to visit neighboring countries like Japan and Korea.

If Europe is your dream study-abroad destination, choose a less-expensive country like Germany or Spain as your base camp, taking advantage of Europe’s fantastic (and affordable) mass transit options to visit neighboring countries during your time abroad.

Choose a Shorter-Term Program

Program length is a big factor in cost, as longer programs inherently cost more, so one way to keep costs down is by doing a shorter study abroad program. Instead of a full semester-long program, you can do a summer semester abroad program that can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Even on a short-term program, you’ll still have an unforgettable experience, be it sailing around the world or living in a foreign city, while paying a fraction of the cost.