Making the decision to study outside of Canada was not as easy as I thought it would be. For the first time, I learned the difference between wanting to do something and actually deciding to do it. After a lot of research, I figured out it was possible!
Let me put it into context: I went to the University of Houston in Texas and that means, if I were to make the same decision today, the estimated cost of tuition and fees per year would be $19,848. I would still need books, a place to put my head down at night, food, and a means to get around. That is where the decision became tough – where do I get all this money?
My parents, of course, were a good start! Maybe yours, like mine, were able to start a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for you, but I bet they did it hoping that you would go to school at the university or college down the street!
So, I looked into student loans. But did I really want to take on that much debt? Think about it: $20,000 per year times at least four years?! Actually, the Canadian government won’t let you. The most you can get as a Canadian student in federal loans to study abroad is $7,770 per school year. But, hey, we’re getting a little closer to making a decision. Your parents and student loans are providing you seed money, you just need to come up with the rest – the answer lies in scholarships.
There are many sources for scholarships and they are available to you not only in Canada, but abroad as well. Start looking for these sources early so you do not miss any important deadlines. One coming up, for example, is the Foreign Government Awards Program – Mexico, on October 31. These scholarships are given out by the government of Mexico. Save that link, by the way, I have just given you a good source of information about other scholarships.
What did I have? Two institutional scholarships: one was based on academic merit and the other on both academic merit and community service. Between the two I received $5,000 per year. But that’s still not enough, you say. Well, dig deeper! In Texas, if an international student has scholarships, he/she qualifies for in-state tuition. At the time, that meant that not only did I receive enough for tuition and fees, but I was even able to buy books and supplies.
How did I pay for rent and food? I had to get a job. Something else to consider when you are trying to decide where to go: will you be able to work part-time there if you still need more income, and if so, under what rules?
All the best to you in figuring this out! iStudent Canada will be a good source of information for you, and you can also connect with other Canadian students on the iStudent Canada forum who will be able to share with you how they financed their studies outside of Canada!