How to Apply for Study Abroad With Low Budget – Complete Beginner Guide 2026

Studying abroad doesn’t have to be only for rich students or those with huge loans. With good planning, smart choices, and a bit of persistence, you can study abroad on a low budget.

This beginner-friendly guide walks you step by step through how to apply for study abroad with low budget—from choosing affordable countries to finding scholarships and reducing hidden costs.

Table of Contents

What “Low Budget” Really Means for Study Abroad

Before you start applying, you need a clear idea of what you can actually afford.

Typical costs to consider:

Tuition / program fees
Visa and residence permits
Health insurance
Flight tickets
Accommodation (rent, utilities)
Food and transport
Study materials (books, laptop, software)
Emergency savings

You don’t need to know exact prices yet, but write down:

How much your family / you can contribute per year
How much you could save before leaving
If you are willing to work part-time (legally) during studies

This helps you pick realistic options instead of falling in love with programs you can’t possibly fund.

Choose Budget-Friendly Countries First

If you want to study abroad with a low budget, destination is the biggest factor. Some countries are much cheaper for international students than others.

Examples of more affordable study destinations

(Always check the latest rules and fees; they change over time.)

Europe (low or no tuition public universities):

Germany (many public universities have very low tuition)
Austria
France (moderate fees; some programs in English)
Czech Republic (very affordable, especially in local language)
Poland, Hungary, Portugal (relatively low living costs)

Asia:

India (low tuition and living costs)
Malaysia
Vietnam, Thailand (affordable living, some English programs)
Taiwan (good scholarships, relatively low costs)

Latin America:

Mexico
Colombia
Argentina (varies with inflation and currency)
Brazil (public universities can be very low cost, but language is Portuguese)

Nordic countries (for some students):

Norway, Finland, Sweden may have low or no tuition for certain students or specific agreements, though living costs are high.

Tip: Don’t only search “best country to study abroad”—search “low cost countries to study abroad for international students” + your field of study.

Once you have 3–5 target countries, you can look for public universities and official scholarship programs in those places.

Best International universities and colleges

Here are some international universities and colleges that are known to be low-cost or have strong funding options for international students, which you can target for the 2026 intake

Germany – Public Universities (Very Low or No Tuition)

In most German states, public universities charge no tuition fees for Bachelor’s, only a semester contribution (around €150–€350). You must still cover living costs and usually need at least German language for most Bachelor programs (more English options at Master level).

Examples of affordable public universities:

For 2026 intake:

Start German language early if you want Bachelor programs in German.
Check “International Bachelor Programmes” on each university’s site for English-taught options.

Türkiye (Turkey) – Low Fees + Strong Scholarships

Public universities in Türkiye have reasonable tuition (especially compared to US/UK), and Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) can fully fund Bachelor, Master, and PhD.

Affordable and popular universities:

For low budget:

Apply both to universities and to Türkiye Scholarships through the official website only.
Many programs are offered in English, especially at METU and some Istanbul universities.

China – Universities with CSC & Other Scholarships

China has relatively low tuition and living costs, and the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) can cover tuition, dormitory, and monthly stipend.

Some universities that commonly host international students:

For 2026:

Look for English-taught Bachelor programmes if you don’t speak Chinese.
Apply via CSC official site and/or through the university’s own scholarship page.

Malaysia – Popular & Affordable for Bangladeshi Students

Malaysia is a common choice for Bangladeshi students because of:

Moderate tuition fees
Lower living costs than Western countries
Many English-taught programs

Affordable, reputable universities:

For low budget:

Prefer public universities over fully private ones.
Check each university’s international office for scholarships and fee details.

India – Low Fees, Especially with ICCR & SAARC Options

India offers many good universities with relatively low tuition and living costs. With an ICCR scholarship or other schemes, it can be very affordable.

Some well-known public universities:

University of Delhi (Delhi University) – Delhi
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) – New Delhi
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) – Aligarh
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) – New Delhi
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Varanasi
University of Hyderabad – Hyderabad

Top engineering colleges (very competitive):

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) – various cities
National Institutes of Technology (NITs) – various cities

For 2026:

Check ICCR scholarship options via the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh.
Many of these universities have low tuition even without scholarship.

Eastern & Central Europe – Lower Tuition & Living Costs

Poland

University of Warsaw – Warsaw
Jagiellonian University – Kraków
Warsaw University of Technology – Warsaw
Wrocław University of Science and Technology – Wrocław

Hungary

Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) – Budapest
University of Debrecen – Debrecen
Szeged University (University of Szeged) – Szeged
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) – Budapest

Look into Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program.

Czech Republic

Charles University – Prague
Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) – Prague
Masaryk University – Brno
Brno University of Technology – Brno

In some of these countries, programs in the local language can be extremely cheap; English-taught programs cost more but are still usually lower than Western Europe.

Taiwan – Scholarships + Moderate Cost

Taiwan offers many scholarships, including Taiwan Scholarship and university scholarships.

Example universities:

National Taiwan University (NTU) – Taipei
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) – Hsinchu
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) – Hsinchu
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) – Tainan

Many programs, especially in science & engineering, are taught in English.

Pick the Right Type of Program for Your Budget

Not all study abroad experiences cost the same. Consider what fits your budget and goals.

Common options

Full degree (Bachelor’s / Master’s)
- 2–4+ years abroad
- Higher overall cost, but deep experience
- Best if you want a full foreign qualification
Exchange / Erasmus / partner-university semester
- 1–2 semesters abroad
- You often pay tuition to your home university, not the host
- Can be much cheaper if your home tuition is low
Short-term programs
- Summer schools, language courses, research visits
- Last from 2 weeks to a few months
- Good “first step” if budget is very limited
Hybrid / online + short in-person
- Some programs allow you to study mostly online and come for 1–2 short residency periods
- Can save housing and living costs

If you’re a complete beginner, talk to:

Your current university’s international office
A trusted teacher or advisor

Ask about exchange agreements—these can drastically reduce costs.

Start With Scholarships and Grants (Not Loans)

The best funding is money you don’t have to repay.

Types of scholarships to look for

Government scholarships
- Example: country-funded programs for international students (You Can check DAAD for Germany, Chevening for the UK. – always check official sites only).
University scholarships
- Merit-based (good grades)
- Need-based (financial need)
- Country/region-specific (for certain nationalities)
Home-country scholarships
- From your local government, education ministry, or national scholarships board
Private and NGO scholarships
- Foundations, companies, or organizations that sponsor students in certain fields or from certain backgrounds.

How to search effectively

Use combinations like:

“scholarship international students [country] 2026”
“fully funded scholarships for [your country] students”
“[university name] international scholarships”

Always double-check:

The official website URL
Application deadlines
Eligibility (grades, language, nationality, income)

Tip: Create a simple spreadsheet with columns: Scholarship name, country, amount, deadline, requirements, notes. This keeps you from missing key dates.

Build a Simple Realistic Budget

Once you’ve identified some destinations and scholarships, calculate a basic budget to see if your plan is realistic.

Step 1: Estimate yearly costs

Tuition: $ ___
Rent + utilities: $ ___
Food: $ ___
Transport: $ ___
Insurance: $ ___
Other (phone, clothes, fun, study materials): $ ___

Total yearly cost: $ _______

Step 2: Estimate your funding

Family contribution: $ ___
Personal savings: $ ___
Scholarship(s) (if awarded): $ ___
Estimated part-time work income (if legal and realistic): $ ___

Total funding per year: $ _______

If your funding < total cost, you have 3 options:

Choose a cheaper country / city / program
Look for additional scholarships and free housing options
Adjust your plan: shorter program, exchange instead of full degree, or delay to save more

A small buffer (e.g., 10–15%) for emergencies is very important.

Meet Academic & Language Requirements on a Budget

Most programs require:

A minimum grade point average (GPA)
Proof of language proficiency

Language tests

Common English tests:

IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
Duolingo English Test (cheaper, accepted by many universities now—always check)

How to save:

Use free resources (YouTube, websites, apps like Duolingo) for practice
Search for official sample papers instead of paying for many books
Study well and try to take the test once, not multiple times

For non-English locations, you may need:

A minimum level in the local language (German B1/B2, French B2)
Some universities offer preparatory language courses or foundation years—check if scholarships cover these.

Prepare Your Application Documents Properly

A strong, clear application can win you a place and scholarships.

Typical documents:

Academic transcripts and certificates
Passport copy
Curriculum Vitae (CV) / résumé
Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Motivation Letter
Letters of recommendation
Language test results
Portfolio (for arts/design), if required

Money-saving tips

Use free CV templates (from Google Docs, Canva, etc.) instead of paid ones.
Read university guidelines carefully so you don’t pay for unnecessary documents.
Ask teachers or supervisors you know well for recommendations—no need to pay agents for this.
Many universities accept scanned PDFs first; you may only need to send hard copies after admission.

Important: Always follow the exact format, word limits, and instructions from each university. Ignoring small details can cost you an offer or scholarship.

Apply Strategically to Save on Fees

Some universities charge application fees; others don’t.

To keep costs low:

Target programs with low or no application fees when possible.
Check if there are fee waivers for:
- Students from low-income countries
- Early applicants
- Scholarship candidates

Shortlist:

2–3 “dream” programs (competitive, but ideal)
3–5 “realistic” programs (where your grades match average admitted students)
1–2 “safe” programs (where your profile is stronger than average)

Applying wisely saves both money and time.

Reduce Hidden Costs: Documents, Translations & Visas

Applying abroad can come with small but annoying extra costs.

Document costs

Transcripts & certificates:
- Ask your school/university how many free or cheap copies they provide.
- Order all needed copies at once to save time and shipping.
Translations:
- Some universities accept documents in English or the local language only—this can save translation costs.
- Use certified translators only (universities usually require this), but compare prices.
- If your school offers translation services, ask if there’s a student discount.

Visa fees & health checks

Visit the official embassy/consulate website for:
- Visa fees
- Health insurance requirements
- Possible medical exam / test requirements

Avoid using unofficial agencies that charge high “service fees” unless you really need help and trust them.

Find Affordable Housing & Daily Life Options

Housing and everyday spending can make or break your budget.

Where to look for housing

University dormitories / student residences
- Often cheaper than private rentals
- Closer to campus and safer for newcomers
Shared apartments (flatshares)
- Share rent and utilities with other students
Homestays
- Live with a local family (sometimes meals included)

Start from:

The university’s accommodation office
Official student groups and pages (Facebook, WhatsApp, Discord, etc.)
Verified student housing platforms (always check reviews and avoid paying full rent before you see the room)

Save on daily life

Cook most of your meals (meal prep on weekends).
Use student discounts for transport, museums, cinema, etc.
Buy second-hand:
- Books
- Furniture
- Bike or basic household items

Small daily decisions create big yearly savings.

Work Part-Time Legally (If Allowed)

Many students help cover costs with part-time jobs—but rules vary by country.

Typical part-time options:

Campus jobs (library, cafeteria, admin help)
Tutoring (especially in English or your strong subjects)
Retail or food service (shops, cafes, restaurants)

Before counting on a job:

Check official visa rules for:
- Whether students are allowed to work
- How many hours per week (e.g., 10–20 hours)
Don’t rely 100% on finding work immediately—it can take time.
Focus on keeping your grades good, especially if you have a scholarship.

Create a Simple Timeline (18–6 Months Before Departure)

A basic timeline helps you stay organized and avoid last‑minute expenses.

18–12 months before

Research countries and programs
Check scholarship options
Improve language skills
Prepare for language tests if needed

12–9 months before

Take language tests
Request transcripts and recommendation letters
Draft your SOP / motivation letter
Start scholarship applications

9–6 months before

Submit university applications
Apply for scholarships and grants
Compare housing options
Prepare visa documents

6–3 months before

Confirm your admission and scholarship
Apply for a student visa
Book flights (earlier is often cheaper)
Arrange accommodation

Last 3 months

Pay any deposits (dorm, registration)
Buy insurance if needed
Prepare budget and emergency fund
Pack documents and essentials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To keep your low-budget plan on track, avoid:

Starting too late – scholarships and visas have strict deadlines.
Ignoring official websites and trusting only agents or social media.
Choosing a country without checking total living costs.
Assuming you can easily work full-time to pay for everything (student visas often limit hours).
Not reading fine print on scholarships (what they cover and for how long).

Learning how to apply for study abroad with low budget is mainly about:

Picking affordable destinations
Focusing on scholarships and exchanges
Being organized with documents and deadlines
Being realistic about living costs and part-time work

You don’t need perfection or huge savings to begin—just start with research and one small step at a time.

Best Low‑Budget Options for Bangladeshi Intermediate Students

For you, the cheapest realistic paths are:

A. Fully Funded Government Scholarships (Best for Very Low Budget)

These usually cover: tuition + living + sometimes airfare.

Look especially at:

Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Burslari) – Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Covers tuition, dorm, monthly stipend, sometimes flights + language course.
- Very popular among Bangladeshi students.
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Many seats for engineering, science, medicine, business.
- Often full funding (tuition + dorm + stipend).
MEXT (Japan) – very competitive but excellent
- Covers tuition, stipend, and airfare.
- Needs strong results + sometimes basic Japanese or good English.
Korean Government Scholarship (GKS)
- Fully funded for undergraduate studies.
- Very competitive but possible with top grades and strong profile.
ICCR Scholarship (India)
- Indian government scholarships for foreign students, including Bangladesh.
- Good for humanities, social science, some science/engineering.

These are ideal if your family budget is very limited.

B. Low or No Tuition Countries (You Still Need Living Expenses)

If your family can support living costs, but you want cheap tuition:

Germany – very low or no tuition at public universities
- But you must prove living money in a “blocked account”.
- Often needs good German (for many programs) or IELTS for English-taught.
Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Portugal
- Lower tuition and cheaper living than Western Europe.
- Some English-taught bachelor’s programs.
Malaysia
- Many Bangladeshi students already there.
- Tuition moderate, living costs reasonable, many private & public universities.

These are good if your family can cover at least part of the costs.

What You Should Focus on Right Now (While in Intermediate)

Step 1: Get the Best Possible HSC Result

For almost all scholarships, your SSC + HSC GPA is crucial.

Aim for GPA 5.0 or very close.
Try to be in the top 5–10% of your class.
If you’re still in Class 11: treat HSC as your biggest project.

Step 2: Improve Your English + Plan for IELTS/Duolingo

Most programs will want proof of English:

IELTS Academic or Duolingo English Test (many universities now accept Duolingo – cheaper and easier to book).
Target score: IELTS 6.0–6.5+ or equivalent for many Bachelor’s.

You can prepare cheaply:

Free YouTube channels (IELTS Liz, IELTS Advantage, etc.)
Practice with free mock tests from official websites.
Apps (for vocabulary and listening).

Take the test only when you’re ready, to avoid paying multiple times.

3. Simple 18–24 Month Timeline (Example)

Assume you’re in Class 11 or early Class 12 now.

18–12 Months Before Intake (Class 11 / early 12)

Decide your target field:
- Example: engineering, IT, business, medical, arts, etc.
Shortlist countries + scholarship types:
- Example: Türkiye Burslari + CSC + ICCR.
Start English practice daily.
Join 1–2 activities (club, volunteering, competition) for your CV.

12–9 Months Before Intake (HSC exam year)

Take IELTS / Duolingo if required by your targets.
Collect academic documents:
- SSC certificate & marksheet
- HSC registration details
Ask 2 teachers to be ready to give recommendation letters.
Start writing a draft motivation letter / SOP.

9–6 Months Before Intake

Watch for official scholarship announcements:
- Türkiye Burslari, CSC, MEXT, GKS, ICCR, etc.
Apply to multiple scholarships (not just one).
Apply to universities where needed (some scholarships ask you to have admission first).

6–3 Months Before Intake

If you get an offer:
- Apply for student visa through the official embassy.
- Arrange accommodation (dorm if possible).
- Plan your flight early for cheaper prices.

If you don’t get scholarships first round:

Try for lower-cost countries or next year’s cycle, while improving your profile (scores, activities, language).

4. Your Basic Action Plan as a Bangladeshi Intermediate Student

Here’s a simple checklist tailored to you:

Decide your field
- Science group? → Engineering, IT, medicine, etc.
- Commerce? → Business, accounting, economics.
- Arts? → Humanities, social sciences, languages, etc.
Make a 3-country target list
- For example:
  - Türkiye (Türkiye Burslari)
  - China (CSC)
  - Malaysia or India (ICCR / low-cost)
Keep grades high
- Focus on SSC + HSC results – they’re your biggest weapon for scholarships.
Build a basic CV
- Education, grades
- Activities (club, volunteering, Olympiads, debates, sports)
- Skills (English, computer skills, any languages)
Collect information only from official websites
- Scholarship websites (.gov, .edu, official domains)
- University official websites
- Avoid agents that ask big money or guarantee visas/scholarships.