rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Getahead » The MOST expensive countries to study abroad
This article was first published 11 years ago

The MOST expensive countries to study abroad

Last updated on: August 14, 2013 18:53 IST

Image: Most expensive countries to study abroad

Have a few thousand dollars to spare? Here are some of the most expensive countries to study in. 

Leading international banking and investment firm HSBC Group has recently conducted a research to study global trends in higher education to understand the average cost of pursuing education abroad.

As part of its research, the global bank analysed publicly available data about higher education and related costs in thirteen major countries and territories around the world.

The HSBC team compared average annual fees and annual cost of living in the 13 major study abroad destinations.

In the study, 'fees' represent the average tuition cost for international students based on the top 10 largest institutions in each relevant country; this information was sourced from individual institution data.

Meanwhile, figures for cost of living (living expenses) were sourced from HESA Global Education Rankings 2010 and compared with Expatitsan.co.uk and HSBC Studying Abroad Research conducted in October 2012.

All figures mentioned in the report are in US dollars and HSBC followed the conversion exchange rate as on July 17, 2013.

The final results of the study were released on Tuesday, August 13.

Want to find out which are the most expensive countries to study abroad?

Please click NEXT to continue reading...

13. Germany

Image: The skyline of Frankfurt with its bank towers is seen under clouds
Photographs: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

The least expensive country to study abroad as per HSBC's research is Germany.

While the annual tuition fee work to about $635, students spend almost ten times their cost of education to live in this country.

Annual fees: $635

Annual cost of living: $5,650

Total annual cost: $6,285

12. Spain

Image: View from Calle de Alcalá street in Madrid, Spain
Photographs: Fermin Rodriguez Fajardo/Wikimedia Commons

Next up is Spain where the annual cost of living in the country is almost six times the cost of education.

Annual fees: $1,002

Annual cost of living: $6,004

Total annual cost: $7,006

Tags: Spain

11. Taiwan

Image: Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan.
Photographs: Simon Kwong/Reuters

With the annual cost of education at about $8,257, Taiwan comes in at number 11.

Education in Taiwan comprises a combination of the American and Chinese academic systems, which appeals to international students.

Annual fees: $3,270

Annual cost of living: $4,987

Total annual cost: $8,257

10. China

Image: Shanghai
Photographs: Agnieszka Bojczuk/ Wikimedia Commons

Not far from Taiwan is China.

Because of its several student-friendly education policies, studying in China has become relatively cheaper as compared to the UK and USA. 

Annual fees: $3,983

Annual cost of living: $4,783

Total annual cost: $8,766

9. Russsia

Image: Red Square in Moscow.
Photographs: Christophe Meneboeuf/Wikimedia Commons

Russia is a favourable destination for students aspiring for a career in medicine, mathematics, science, and aerospace research in particular.

In spite of the living costs being twice as much your tuition fees, you can study in Russia for less than $10,000 a year.

Annual fees: $3,131

Annual cost of living: $6,310

Total annual cost: $9,441

8. Japan

Image: An evening at Rainbow Bridge, in Minato Ward, Tokyo, Japan
Photographs: Cors/Wikimedia Commons

With seven major public universities and over 700 different universities to choose from, international students including those from India are keen to pursue their higher education in Japan. 

According to a report by Japan Student Services Organisation, more than 1,37,756 international students have been enrolled in Japanese universities in 2012.

Annual fees: $6,522

Annual cost of living: $12,642

Total annual cost: $19,164

 

7. Hong Kong

Image: Central district skyline, Hong Kong
Photographs: WiNG/Wikimedia Commons

Hong Kong is ranked seventh in the list of expensive countries for higher education.

However, despite its surging costs of education, Hong Kong, is still considered a good destination by overseas applicants.

According to a report published by the New York Times in July last year, the University of Hong Kong and Chinese University of Hong Kong saw approximately 42 and 50 percent increase in the number of students for the academic year 2012-13 as compared to 2011-12.

Annual fees: $13,182

Annual cost of living: $9,261

Total annual cost: $22,443

6. Singapore

Image: A statue in Merlion Park near the Central Business District in downtown Singapore.
Photographs: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen/Wikimedia Commons

Singapore is ranked at number six. With low crime rates and high standard of living Singapore continues to attract the attention of international students every year. 

The Singapore government had set a target of hosting 1,50,000 international students by 2015. But with the rising cost of education, it remains to be seen whether or not they will be able to get the numbers.

Annual fees: $14,885

Annual cost of living: $9,363

Total annual cost: $24,248

 

5. Canada

Image: View of downtown Montreal, Canada
Photographs: Leslie/Wikimedia Commons

The North American country is the fifth most expensive country for higher education. 

Canada has a relatively lower cost of living than most countries in Europe, Japan and Hong Kong. And this is attracting international students. 

In 2013, Canada welcomed a record 1,00,000 international students, a sharp increase of 60 per cent from its 2004 figure.

Annual fees: $18,474

Annual cost of living: $7,537

Total annual cost: $26,011

4. United Arab Emirates

Image: A view of Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Photographs: Mohammed Salem/Reuters

The United Arab Emirates is ranked fourth in the list of the most expensive countries for overseas students. The cost of studying in the UAE is equivalent to 51 per cent of GDP per person, the HSBC report stated.

Annual fees: $18,474

Annual cost of living: $7,537

Total annual cost: $26,011

3. United Kingdom

Image: The London Eye from across the River Thames.
Photographs: Kham Tran/Wikimedia Commons

Third on the list is the United Kingdom. 

Although its student-friendly culture and excellent quality of education interests students across the globe, the rising cost of education and recession has affected the intake significantly.

According to a report published by BBC in May 2013, UK witnessed a 46 per cent drop in student visas issued in 2013. 

Also, it saw major decline in its annual intake of international students -- in 2012, only 1,53,000 international students came to the UK against 2,42,000 in 2011.

Annual fees: $19,291

Annual cost of living: $11,034

Total annual cost: $30,325

2. United States of America

Image: A man with the American flag painted on his face poses for a portrait as he celebrates Independence Day in Prescott, Arizona
Photographs: Joshua Lott/Reuters

The second most expensive country to study is the United States of America. 

Once considered the most favourable destination for international aspirants, the falling rupee combined with rising accommodation and living costs may discourage students from taking up higher education in this country.

Annual fees: $25,226

Annual cost of living: $10,479

Total annual cost: $35,705

1. Australia

Image: Sydney Opera House
Photographs: Hpeterswald/Wikimedia Commons

The most expensive country to pursue higher education, according to HSBC is Australia. 

Very recently, in a poll conducted by the Lowy Institute and Australia India Institute in Melbourne, Australia, 75 percent Indian students had voted Australia as a favourable destination to study.

Annual fees: $25,375

Annual cost of living: $13,140

Total annual cost: $38,510