Foreign universities for Russians. Free higher education abroad

25.04.2020

A significant number of applicants dream of getting a good education abroad and stay there. However, many are repelled by the price, because it usually turns out that guests of the country pay more for education than native residents. The question often arises: is it possible to get quality education abroad for free?

Free education in Denmark

One of the countries providing free education for foreign students is Denmark. Study in free universities Denmark can only be residents of EU countries or students who have officially arrived on an exchange (there must be a formalized agreement between universities). In all other cases, you will need to pay for your studies. Universities of the most beautiful Danish cities offer free education: Copenhagen University, Ahlboge, Aarhus University and Odense. All of them teach in world formats on English language.

University of Copenhagen

Why you should choose the country of Denmark for studying without paying:

Denmark is a state with one of the best systems teaching.
Each university has a wide range of specializations.
The education process takes place in English.
If you are an EU citizen or came on an exchange, then you will only need to pay for living in a hostel - 300 euros per semester.
The university gives you the opportunity to work while studying.

To apply for a Danish university, you need to have the following documents:

Certificate of Proficiency in English. It is possible to get it for free.
A letter of recommendation in the language that is the language of instruction (from the place of previous study).
Letter of motivation from you in English (tell us why you should be chosen, what you can do and what you want to learn).
Mandatory presence of a visa.
A certificate from the bank on the status of your account (confirmation that you have enough to live in a foreign country).

The list of other papers should be checked with the university administration.

Free education in India

For free knowledge in this eastern country, the applicant needs to obtain an ITEC certificate, which confirms your completion of the Indian program of technical and economic cooperation. Each year, the government of India issues a decree with different professions that qualify under this program. Most often, visitors apply to Calcutta University, Mumbai, Delhi and Indian State University of Management. The list of documents can be found at the Indian Embassy in your country, or on the website of the university where you will study. Each has its own list, so you need to recognize it personally there. We can say one thing - a visa is required.

Anyone can apply for a unity university in India, even an ordinary tourist. This famous institution is engaged in the spiritual development of a person, teaching him the moral values of the world. The university is also called the "Golden City", its branches are in many cities of the world, including Russian ones. Anyone can come there. Money usually goes only for accommodation and food.

Free education in the UAE

Universities in the UAE have long attracted students from all over the world. In this country, there are several types of them: public (only for citizens of the UAE), private (some of them only for citizens) and international universities. It is precisely the latter who are engaged in free teaching. They have connections with many universities in other countries, so they develop many programs for foreigners.

Although the language of the state is Arabic, nevertheless, all training takes place in English.

You can enter and receive knowledge for free only if you passed perfectly entry exams. But before that, you must collect and show the following documents:

Certificate for 11 classes of education at a school with a rating score of at least 3.5.
Certificate of Proficiency in English.
Study visa.
Certificate of passing the state testing Academic IELTS or Internet Based TOEFL.

Examinations for admission are determined depending on the profession.

Free education in the Baltics

Universities of Latvia do not give free knowledge to visiting applicants, even if they pass the entrance tests with excellent marks. Free grants and places are available only for citizens of the country. Therefore, it makes no sense to talk about universities in Latvia.

But the universities of Lithuania and the universities of Estonia with open doors will accept literate visiting students for free education. So you have to show everything required documents on time and pass the entrance test perfectly. If everything was successful, you can safely apply for participation in the competition for a grant and budget places. Here are the documents you need to collect:

High School Certificate.
Application for enrollment in Lithuanian and Estonian universities.
Motivation letter for the institution.
Certificates of the form TOEFL or IELTS about knowledge of English (if the submission of the material will be taught in it).
Copies of passport and photograph.
A certificate from the bank on sufficient funds to live in a foreign city (about 100 euros per month).

Advantages of obtaining a qualification in the Baltic States:

Specializations of the Russian or Kazakhstani type are considered equal to the Baltic ones.
Teaching subjects for some programs is conducted in Russian.
The Baltic diploma is quoted all over the world.
The university is obliged to send you for an internship.
During the training, you will be assigned a mentor - a native of the city, who will help you understand the system.
It is not necessary to know English perfectly, it will be easy to communicate with you in Russian.

In addition to grants, the Baltic often finances loans for education with further working off the amount in distribution companies.

Free education in Greece

Universities in Greece provide university education without payment only to visiting citizens! All residents of the country are forced to study in private institutions. Here is why this place should be chosen by future students:

Everything, down to food and education, is free for visiting students.
Registration at the university is carried out during the competition of certificates. At the same time, you may not even be in the country.
Knowledge of Greek is not required.
Greek diplomas are in demand all over the world.

To do this, you need to make only one payment - for the selection of the faculty and assistance in signing papers. The sooner the applicant thinks about it, the less the amount will be. Different universities in Greece have different amounts.

To study in Greece without paying, you must provide:

Certificate of secondary education with a score of at least 4. Otherwise, the applicant will not even be able to participate in the competition.
A certificate from the bank on the financial condition of the student's family.
Motivation letter.

Other documents can be found on the website of the selected university.

Free education in Belgium

The difficulties of obtaining knowledge at universities in Belgium are that only 2% of visiting students are taken there every year. And this means that the selection is very tough. According to the rules, the number of Belgian citizens in universities should be greater.

Of course, in order to get your place, a citizen of another country can pay an additional fee - 2000 Euros. But you need to do this 10 months before the start of enrollment in the course.

Foreign guests of the Belgian University, of course, are given grants to gain knowledge and free places. Just after passing the entrance exams, you need to apply for participation in the NATO, WHO, UNESCO and UN competition. All conditions can be found on the websites of these organizations. Each applicant must be fluent in the state and English languages.

Knowledge of the language of communication is necessary at least at the initial level.

Free education in the Balkans

Serbian universities give their foreign applicants grants to gain knowledge. The budget place includes scholarships, tuition without payment and health insurance. But getting such a grant is not easy. You need to collect the following papers:

School leaving certificate or certificate of the first higher education already received.
Bank statement confirming financial security.
Certificate stating that you have no criminal record.
Conclusion about the healthy state of the body.
Passport (copy and original).

In addition, entrance exams are held, which determine whether the applicant will give money for education or not. If you did not manage to enter a certain university, you can send papers to another 16 Serbian universities.

Universities in Romania and universities in Hungary have the same laws. But the universities of Croatia and the universities of Slovenia cannot provide education without paying their students from other countries. There, for a year of gaining knowledge in regular university you will need to pay about 2000-2500 euros.

Free education in Portugal

If you are a citizen of the European Union or are going to study in Portugal for an exchange from another university, then you can safely apply for a free place. It's not so easy for those coming from the CIS to get there. But there are still free places.

There are no less requirements for visitors than for natives. Everyone should know the Portuguese language and the culture of the people perfectly, no matter if you are a local or a visitor. This is taken into account when passing the entrance test. Before it, you need to show a list of papers:

Certificate of secondary education.
Health insurance.
Certificate from the bank on financial stability.
Grade for the Portuguese language proficiency test.
Visa.

In order to get an excellent mark for your knowledge of the Portuguese language, you can pre-register for courses that are held at the university of your choice. It is best to start preparing for admission in advance, and not a few weeks before applying.

Universities in Portugal are approved as one of the best and cheapest in the world.

But there are other countries that are popular among foreign applicants. For example, the universities of Mexico, Brazil, Thailand do not provide grants for budget places for visiting applicants, but there you can start getting a scholarship because of your excellent studies. Thus, at least some money is returned to the hands. It is not difficult to start studying at universities, the same documents are required everywhere. It is clear that the level of education there is much lower than in Europe, but their diplomas are also valid all over the world.

Universities in Ireland and universities in Iceland also do not differ in free teaching. Future qualified employees are trained there, the teaching of knowledge in these states is able to compete with the teaching system, for example, in Britain. Thus, registration of admission to institutes there is far from cheap. Educational institutions in Ireland very often give part-time jobs to their students.

Of course, there are many universities abroad, waiting for visiting applicants. Many easily give away state-funded places, while others teach only newcomers with the help of a grant. Don't forget to get higher education abroad is possible with a valid visa that does not expire in the middle of the semester. If this happens, then it will be difficult to recover in an educational institution.

Free education outside your country is quite real! You can study in many of the above countries.

Impeccable reputation English universities is based on the painstaking centuries-old work of teachers who were able to create a unique research base.

With the help of StudyLab, you can find out up-to-date information about university programs and conditions for admission to a particular faculty. Top universities occupy the first lines of authoritative rankings, and this is the result of practice-oriented education. Graduates of the world's leading universities are in demand in the labor market, regardless of their specialty.

Top Universities in England

The University of Oxford and Cambridge University practice a curation system. This means that each student meets several times a week with a personal curator who monitors the progress of his ward, advises and guides him. Thanks to an individual approach, these universities in England have a minimum dropout rate of students and consistently demonstrate high rates of quality of education.

It is believed that social humanitarian sciences best studied at the University of Oxford, science at Cambridge University, business, engineering and IT at Imperial College London, law, economics and political science at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and history of art, architecture and design at University of Warwick. Each university offers a promising academic program in certain areas and comfortable conditions for learning and recreation.

Disciplines are studied comprehensively and objectively. For this, lectures, seminars, laboratory work and specialized educational trips are organized. Students conduct their own research scientific projects and put forward bold hypotheses. A master's degree abroad teaches you to be a leader, to look at things with an open mind and find the best solution for any problem.

It opens up endless possibilities for intellectual and spiritual growth. Universities are equipped with dozens of libraries, laboratories, workshops, as well as sports complexes. Some even have their own museums and publishing houses. Each student can join a club or society where he will find like-minded people. The best foreign universities offer hundreds of interest clubs - from sports and cooking to classical literature, painting and politics.

Studying in undergraduate and graduate programs

AT British universities students are waiting for an atmosphere of cosmopolitanism, because the bachelor's degree in England consists of 40% of foreigners, the master's degree - 50%. Qualified teachers from Europe, Asia and America work here, so the information presented at lectures and seminars is always relevant and reliable. The best universities abroad maintain international connections with other universities and large companies, and many students study on exchange or internships in other countries.

By comparison, US universities such as Harvard University or Stanford University offer even higher annual tuition fees, but studying in England is still the most prestigious in the world. University research influences the development of scientific thought, and graduates become world's leading specialists.

StudyLab offers higher education abroad at elite universities with a rich history. The status of a graduate of such a university promises grandiose scientific and career prospects anywhere in the world.

Students enter Western universities to live abroad and get more opportunities for further employment. But the cost of studying at many universities is in the thousands of dollars, and after the fall of the ruble, education abroad has become even less affordable for Russians.
But a diploma from a good Western university can be obtained for free or for little money. The Village talked to students who went to study in the USA, Canada, France, Italy and Germany and asked how they managed to get into the budget and what they did to achieve it.

How to proceed?

Sofia Rakitina

Student at Tor Vergata University, Rome

I graduated from the Faculty of Sociology of Lomonosov Moscow State University last year. The dream to go to study abroad came to me when I was still at school - I remember how, while submitting documents to Moscow State University, I saw a wall newspaper on the first floor of the social department building with students' impressions of internships in Finland and Germany, this largely determined my choice upon admission. Unfortunately, during my studies, I never managed to fulfill my dream: visits to the international department of Moscow State University ended with me being sent to my department, where they answered that I needed to go back to the main building. Collected information bit by bit.

Then I chose the country and the study program rather among the available proposals than on the basis of any own desires, although, of course, English-speaking countries were in priority. After graduating from Moscow State University, I entered the Master's program in The University of Bradford. I chose the university by rating and passing scores IELTS exam. That year, the exchange rate had risen very strongly, and after much deliberation, my parents and I decided that even with scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, textbooks and flights would hit our family's budget very hard. I had to give up this opportunity.

This year, my choice fell on the University of Rome Tor Vergata (Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata), where I will study master's program at the Faculty of Economics. I also entered the University of Pisa, but decided that I still wanted to study and live in Rome. Bribes what's in big city it's easier to find a job, besides, I really like to spend my leisure time not sitting on the couch.

The admission process was long and not without hassle. I applied back in March. I received an answer from universities only in mid-June, and then frantically ran, filling out documents. In general, according to the rules for admission in Italy, documents can only be submitted to one university, and the procedure for communication with the university takes place through Cultural Center Italy. The student brings documents there, he sends them to the university, and after a while lists of students whose candidacies are approved by the selection committee are published.

There is no public higher education in Italy. Studying in state universities is relatively inexpensive from 300 to 3 thousand euros per year, in private schools the price tag is much higher

To apply, you need to translate the diploma into Italian language, make an apostille of the diploma and issue Dichiarazione di valore - confirmation of education documents at the Italian consulate, which also costs money and time. But, probably, in order to increase the number of applicants, some universities are ready to give students an answer in advance about the possibility of admission without these papers, so that, having secured their approval, they can safely begin to draw up all the papers.

There is no public higher education in Italy. Studying in public universities is relatively inexpensive - from 300 to 3 thousand euros per year, in private schools the price tag is much higher. My university pays tuition for students from poor families (unfortunately or fortunately, I do not meet the criteria). I will still fight for a scholarship covering the cost of housing in the fall, when the competition opens.

Accommodation on the campus offered by my university is very expensive (between 500 and 900 euros per month). Therefore, I will rent a room in an apartment within walking distance of the faculty for 300 euros. There are really a lot of expenses: paying for housing at once for two months in advance, air tickets, a visa, buying shoes and clothes for the new academic year, and so on. In order to get a student visa, you need to have about 450 thousand rubles on the card.

So far, the plans are to adapt in another country, improve Italian, find work opportunities. I do not like to shout about big goals, I prefer to show results.

Sasha Levkun

PhD student at the University of California, San Diego

In June of this year, I graduated from the bachelor's degree of the faculty economic sciences Higher School of Economics. Since September, I have been continuing my studies at the PhD program in University of California in San Diego.

At the beginning of my third year of undergraduate studies, I thought about an academic career, and by the end of the course I had already convinced myself that the level of aspirations and the rhythm of life in the academic environment corresponded to my ambitions and character. With his advice and instructions, Professor Anton Suvorov helped me a lot, who was my supervisor in the third year and led me to my supervisor of thesis Maarten Janssen. The process of choosing a country was quite simple, because most of the leading PhD programs in economics are located in the USA.

The package of documents consists of GRE and TOEFL certificates, a transcript of grades, a resume, a motivation letter and, probably, the most important thing - recommendations from professors with whom you managed to work during your studies. Recommendations are usually a key factor in deciding whether a student is accepted into a program. Upon admission to a PhD, the entire package of documents is sent to 10-20 universities to maximize the chances of admission to a program whose level corresponds to the student's intentions. I sent documents to nine American universities and one French. The sending of documents itself takes place in December, and answers from universities come from February to mid-April.

PhD-programs in the USA usually fully support students for the period of study, so there were no problems with this. All money comes from the university itself, which covers the cost of education, as well as provides a scholarship and wages for the services of a grader, seminarian or laboratory assistant.

The program lasts five years. In the first year, the focus is on three core courses: microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. At the end of the year, you will have to pass very important exams in these courses. In the second year of study, there is usually an understanding of the field of economics that is more interesting and within which the student would like to write his dissertation. Accordingly, the student recruits courses that match his interests. The last three years are devoted to the actual writing of the dissertation. Now I'm interested in something at the intersection of game theory and statistics, but perhaps my field of interest will change or expand.

For the first year, I and two of my classmates rent a house near the university - this is a common practice, at least in California. The costs of moving themselves consist in buying plane tickets and visa fees. Expected costs on site, which include rent, transportation, food, clothing, and so on, should be covered by a stipend with a small margin. Scholarships at universities are different, which is naturally due to different living expenses in different cities: it ranges from 20 to 35 thousand dollars a year.

Now I want to successfully complete the first year of study. As for a longer time interval, I am not yet ready to answer.

Nastya Dreval

student at the Sorbonne, Paris

Before moving, I studied for a master's degree at the theater department of GITIS. I was interested in the theater of the absurd and the drama of the absurd. I started doing a lot of Beckett. That is how I decided to continue my studies abroad: I decided that, for complete absurdity, I wanted to sit on Beckett's grave and write a dissertation on Beckett. And Beckett's grave is in Paris, and to enter the Sorbonne or the Higher Normal School is beautiful. That's how I chose the University of Paris III New Sorbonne (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3 - Département: Institut d "Etudes Théâtrales, IET).

I do not think that studying abroad gives any special advantages in finding a job, for example. In my opinion, the more mobile a person is, the more mobile his thought is. Going somewhere to study or train is like adding a little butter to pasta. I do not want to stick together, so I look for and use any opportunities related to movement.

The concepts of “on a budget” and “on a scarf” do not quite fit here. In France, all education is free, with the exception of some special schools and institutions. I decided to take it easy. The next stage was perhaps the most difficult, but after you really made up your mind, it is impossible to quit this business. There is some unhealthy excitement in collecting documents. In total, these are about 80 scanned pages that need to be uploaded to a special Campus France dossier. These pages are not only translated copies of the certificate, diploma and certificate from the place of study, but also all the documents that are related to my activities in the theater. Few people think about it, but preparing documents is expensive! All these translations and notarial certifications cost me about 30 thousand rubles.

Collection of documents takes place in autumn and winter. Around the same time, it would be good to prepare for the language exam. In France, you can take either DALF or TCF. I chose TCF because it seems easier to me. The required passing level in all universities is different. I applied to nine programs, three of which turned me down for a reason low level language (I have an average B2).

It is quite difficult to raise money to apply for a visa. Long term student visa requested for a year, and therefore on the account must have a large amount

After receiving the result of the exam, I added this last document to my dossier, pressed the “submit for review” button and waited. Campus France checked all the documents, called for an interview. At the interview, they ask you to tell who you want to work after training, how well you know English, they may ask you to correct some scans of documents. If everything is in order with the documents and motivation, Campus France presses the no-return button. Answers from universities begin to arrive in the mail from mid-April.

At the beginning of July, as a rule, everything is already clear with the admission.

I have not yet received a scholarship, but I hope so. I don’t have a timetable yet, but from the program I learned that I will study until about three, theory and practice will be approximately equal, and there will be about a million additional seminars and special courses.

My program does not provide for a hostel, so I will rent a room (or rather, half a room in a studio with an attic) together with a neighbor. It is possible for the same money or even a little cheaper to rent a separate room in some hostels, but I would not want to live in unsafe areas.

It is quite difficult to raise money to apply for a visa. A long-term student visa is requested for a year, so a large amount must be on the account. On the website of the visa center it is written that the living wage per month is 615 euros. I multiplied 615 euros by 11 months (because we study until July), and my mother collected this amount from her savings and from friends. As soon as they gave me a visa, we, of course, gave this money back. Another financial difficulty is renting a house and buying food. I calculated that on average for the first time I would need about a thousand euros per month, and as soon as I get comfortable, about 850 euros. 550 of which is the monthly fee for a half-room (chambre partagée) in a good area.

I hope to understand in two years whether I want to build an academic career or work. I also hope that the jump from one cultural background to another will help me write a couple of good stories or a small book.

Anna Malova

student at the University of Glasgow

To be honest, I have always wanted to study abroad. While studying at the Faculty of Economics at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, I went to Canada and realized that I would like to get a degree abroad. There was only one problem in this scheme - finances. I quickly realized that the easiest and most understandable way for me was to get a scholarship for research programs.

The PhD program is designed for five years, which you must spend entirely on research in your chosen field. Tuition is paid by the host universities in its entirety, including accommodation, meals and any related expenses. However, the enrollment for such programs is only 10-20 people, and there are much more applicants, so the university needs to prove that you have great research potential and glorify the university when you become a big shot in scientific world. You can’t get into the top universities of the world without publications in scientific journals and recommendations from literally world renowned professors. Not to mention the fact that you have to pass TOEFL or IELTS with a very decent score, GRE (if we are talking about economics), write a strong motivation letter and spend a lot of energy filling out all kinds of questionnaires when applying.

In the fall of my fourth year, I thought that I would go to the States to get a PhD, so I passed all the necessary exams, enlisted the support of several teachers and applied to two universities. I was stupid when I hoped for something, and, of course, I did not enter anywhere, because in order to enter, you must apply to at least ten universities and that this list should include those that are almost certain to enter. In principle, I didn’t really try to enter a PhD, because the five-year commitment scared me terribly, and I couldn’t find this kind of scholarship for a master’s program in the USA. By the summer, I calmed down and decided to stay in Russia for a master's degree, and only then decide whether I still want a PhD or not.

But on the day of the MSU master’s exams, I received a letter to my personal mail from my faculty that the University of Glasgow (University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK) has a scholarship for Masters by Research in Economics (such a master’s program that you can finish in two years, finish your studies three more years and get a PhD), but you need to apply urgently. Since I received all the necessary certificates back in the fall, I just decided to try my luck and sent all the documents that I had.

Two days later, the answer came that I was accepted and I urgently need to apply for a visa: academic year starts September 5th. The scholarship was enough for the British Embassy to grant me a study visa without hesitation. By the way, the visa itself turned out to be terribly expensive, and since I can only get a scholarship in my hands directly in the UK, my mother had to invest. But I promised to return everything to her in a couple of months! The embassy requires about a thousand pounds sterling per month if the university is not in London, and the scholarship should be slightly higher than this amount. I think you can live on less money - I hope that about 300-400 pounds will remain in my piggy bank every month. By the way, living in a hostel will cost about 450 pounds a month, which is no cheaper than renting an apartment, but I would like to spend at least the first year on campus surrounded by other students. I lived in a hostel for all four years in Moscow.

For the next two years, I will be taking classes and doing research under the guidance of several professors on a topic that interests me. But if last fall I had not invested in passing exams and recommendations, no one would have invited me to study the economy "at the expense of the institution." You need to prepare and plan your studies at least one and a half to two years in advance, accumulating money for applying and passing exams, doing research activities, in addition to coursework and a diploma. Submitting an application on the website foreign university costs about $ 100, each exam (certificate for knowledge of the language and GRE / GMAT) - another $ 255.

Personally, I don’t know what will happen in ten years, but I know for sure that in the foreseeable future I would like to get a PhD degree at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, definitely in the USA, because childhood dreams are ineradicable, and postgraduate education in the States is practically the best in the world.

Lina Markina

student at the University of Avignon and Vaucluse

I love to study, I always wanted to get a second degree. She graduated from the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow State University and a year ago she decided to move to France for this purpose. Why exactly there? It is one of the very few countries where foreign citizens possibly free education. Chose educational institution according to a slightly strange principle - I was looking for cities that are close to the ocean or the sea, relatively calm, not crowded with tourists. I applied to six universities, I was accepted to several, and I decided to go to Avignon - the climate is suitable, and not far from everyone major cities, well, the sea is a few tens of kilometers away (and there is still a little Provence, as the Christmas tree sang).

It was necessary to pass only one exam - for knowledge of the language (level B2-C1, depending on the requirements of the university). In Russia and not only there is a special office called Campus France - their representatives advise future students, conduct interviews, accept your documents in an electronic dossier for university applicants. Without this procedure, foreigners simply will not physically be able to get to study in France.

You must first pay the registration fee, then translate all documents (diploma, high school diploma, birth certificate, employment certificates and/or work book) on the French and notarize all this, and even with an apostille. Campus checks all this, if everything is OK - confirms the dossier, and you can start sending documents to universities. The most important thing is also to write a good motivation letter, where you explain why the hell you need all this and why the hell you yourself are needed by this country (not yours, but the host, of course). The application for training must be sent before March 31, then the off season comes until mid-summer - this is when you sit and wait for all the universities to respond. They usually start responding as early as May, but can also be at the end of July.

To tell the truth, it's a mystery to me how they choose who enters the paid and who enters the free. Usually in state universities there is a certain quota for students who are provided with free places. In general, the French have a division into the university and high school, studying at school is considered much more prestigious, but the cost of education exceeds all conceivable boundaries. Therefore, I just sat and hoped that they would accept it for free, although I didn’t really doubt it, because I sent the documents to not the most popular cities (Paris was not even considered by me).

I still don’t know exactly how everything will be arranged at my faculty, because studies begin only on September 5, and in August all universities are on vacation. I will wait for the beginning of the month to go through all the administrative and pedagogical procedures and choose my subjects.

I rented a room while in Moscow: the French embassy requires students to provide accommodation reservations for the first three months in France. Why three is unclear. I was looking for accommodation on websites. I managed to find an adequate hostess who was ready to rent me a room, never seeing me in my life, and I paid her a deposit and rent for the first month without looking. The stars have aligned, and now I have a nice room and a 20-meter private yard covered with ivy, which only me and my neighbor can use.

It is impossible to establish the exact amount of money spent by me and my parents for the move. I can only say that from August to December I spent a lot of money on teachers who prepared me for the DELF exam (during this time I by hook or by crook managed to reach the B2 level, although back in July I had A2), I spent literally everything money for this, I didn’t go anywhere, I sat and crammed all day and night. After the exam, I began to save almost 70% of my salary for my future life in France. Then it was necessary to provide a visa center with a certificate stating that there is enough money on your current account, buy a plane ticket, pay for a second luggage, buy medicines with you, because everything is according to prescriptions, go to doctors and much, much more .

The program description of my faculty provides a list of positions that I can apply for after graduation. To be honest, I don’t know yet if I even want to study in Avignon for two years - maybe in three months I will miss the birches and leave the smiling French city back to grumbling and dissatisfied Moscow.

What is it like to study abroad

Anastasia Melnichenko

student at the University of Hamburg

I studied for five years at St. Petersburg State University of Economics in St. Petersburg with a degree in Regional Studies Western Europe", which she graduated in 2015. I decided to study abroad because I believe that western education is valued more than Russian even in Russia itself. Most of all I wanted to go to International Business and Sustainability at the University of Hamburg, where I am currently studying. The topic of sustainable development is a very popular and burning topic in Germany. My program is new, it appeared only in 2013, the job market is quite wide, so there should be no problems with work in the future.

Not in Germany paid education at state universities. Everyone pays only the semester fee - we have 300 euros. This amount includes the payment of a travel card for the entire semester (170 euros) and fees for the university and student organizations, services, hostels, canteens and so on. For example, the university has an organization that helps students in financial, psychological, academic and other matters, all for free. The semester pass is a real life saver because we can travel all over Hamburg without restrictions.

I don't get a scholarship. I tried to get a DAAD scholarship, but, unfortunately, it did not work out. Here in Germany, I did not try to apply, because the rest of the scholarships must be received already in the process of studying, having grades for exams. I did not pass one exam very well - there is no point in applying: there are few scholarships, and the requirements are high.

The learning process in Germany is very different from Russia. You can make the schedule as you like - a list of courses is given, and you choose.
I have six modules, and in each one you need to collect a certain number of credit points. Usually we give six credit points for each subject, for the entire period of study it is necessary to collect 120 credit points (90 credits for courses and 30 credits for master's work). That is, it turns out that for the entire period of study you pass only about 15 subjects.

The first semester was difficult, because I had to attend many subjects, on which there were both lectures and seminars. I had to go every day, most often by eight in the morning. One professor, fortunately, posted his lectures on the Internet, so I only went to seminars on his subject, and listened to lectures at home in preparation for the exam. There are three types in my specialty final works at the end of the semester: a written exam, presentation plus term paper or term paper only.

Our exams are written. On average, they last one and a half to two hours. It is necessary to learn everything that was in the lectures and read additional literature at home. Often professors will say which slides from their presentations are important and which will not be in the exam. The best score in Germany is 1.0. Next come the scores 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, and so on. 4.0 is the worst score, below - it is considered that he did not pass the exam. I have never had a 1.0 in my exams so far, no matter how hard I try.

There are not so many lectures in the second and third semesters, we now have five courses for which we need to make presentations in the group and then write term papers. It is practically not necessary to go to the university, only for consultations. As a result, I have more time to work without sacrificing my studies. In Russia, it was enough to make a beautiful presentation with cool pictures and somehow tell the text. Presentation is a lot of work. In general, I don't really like working in a group, but in Germany it's important.

Usually after presentations it is necessary to write term papers. There can be two or three term papers per semester, and, as a rule, they must be written during the holidays: the deadline for submission ends two weeks before the start of the next semester.

A master's thesis is written for six months, and then it is checked for up to three months. My joy knew no bounds when I found out that there is no master's defense here, since I am very afraid to speak in front of an audience, and then foreign language it would be necessary to make a serious presentation and then answer tricky questions.

I live in a dorm. Getting a place in a hostel in Hamburg is very difficult: there are many students - both foreigners and Germans from other cities. I was lucky, I saw in time on the website of the student society that you can pay for three months at once and they will give me a place in one hostel. I pay 244 euros per month for a hostel, we have 20 people on the floor, each has his own room, about 14 meters. The room has a bed, a table, a chair, shelves, a bedside table, a wardrobe and a sink with a mirror. On the floor - four showers and toilets, as well as a kitchen. Every day in the morning the kitchen and toilet are cleaned by a cleaner. In other hostels, the rooms are newer, they cost up to 380 euros.

In the dormitories, no one is watching us, there is a house manager (housemaster), who comes at nine in the morning to solve some questions and problems.
And on the front door to the hostel there is a universal lock, so that everyone who has the keys to the rooms can open it. Some illegally rent their rooms to other people.

An average of 600–700 euros per month is enough for me to live on. 244 euros for a hostel, 86 euros for medical insurance. Another 20 euros a month I pay for a fitness room, I put 15 euros a month on my phone. I spend about 150–200 euros on food. Of course, it is much more profitable to take food from home than to eat in cafes and canteens. For some time I was too lazy to cook, as a result, by the end of the month I was left with almost no money. Of course, I sometimes go to a cafe with my friends, very rarely to a bar.

In general, at first I spent a lot more money. Firstly, because she did not earn money herself, now her money is already being spent in a different way. I already choose products and things in a different way - I make fewer rash decisions.

The main goal for the near future is to complete a master's degree. I haven't started my master's work yet, but I'm already planning to start. Many students here study more than the allotted time. My program, for example, officially lasts two years, but you can study as much additionally. I plan to finish my studies on time - I like studying, but I'm tired of sessions, writing articles, presentations. I don't know yet if I will stay in Hamburg after my studies, but in the future I want to find a job in Germany.

Here are 5 ways to do this:

Grants or the so-called social help students , which is intended for educational expenses, the implementation of a professional project, training in summer schools, taking courses, etc. The grant is issued as a lump sum in the form of an incentive. You can get it again.
Scholarship . When receiving a scholarship that can cover the cost of all or part of the training, a motivation letter plays a huge role. The scholarship may be awarded for achievements in the volunteer, sports, creative, academic fields, or other talents. The scholarship can be issued by the university itself, or by the Russian state.
Research Fellowship . This way of getting an education is intended for those who graduated from the "high school" and plan to enter the master's program for further research activities. The state, representatives of private or public funds can issue such a scholarship.
Assistantship . Designed for those who wish to enroll in doctoral studies. In addition to teaching, you will work as an assistant professor. His duties include reading introductory courses in your specialty, participating in research projects that your department is implementing. Such financial support can be provided by both the state and the institution itself.
Program " global education» . A program was developed so that a student studying abroad at the expense of the budget of the Russian Federation, after graduating from the university under a master's, postgraduate, doctoral program, would return to Russia and work at the enterprise for 3 years. This is a great opportunity to get a free education and have workplace at the end.

So, as you understand, get free education abroad is possible . The main thing is to have a desire. When choosing an educational institution, I rely on entrance exams and requirements.

If you are also going to study abroad, then my advice is: think through everything to the smallest detail, how you will finance your studies, how much money you will need for accommodation, meals and other expenses, what exact documents should be sent to the university upon admission.

Choosing a university is an extremely responsible task facing graduates and their parents. Many factors need to be taken into account. What a person is fond of, who he would like to become, what are his life goals. And based on this, choose the location of the university, its Teaching Staff, quality of education and much more.

We have prepared a list for you top universities Europe where you can get an education. We also indicated the cost of training. Choose the best one, apply and start nibbling on the granite of science.

1. Technical University of Madrid, Spain

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The Technical University of Madrid is an old university. Some faculties are over 100 years old. School of Architecture and Engineering has great importance, because it was here that the history of Spanish technology was made for two centuries. At this university, you can get a bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree in business and social sciences, engineering, and technology. The university has 3,000 employees and 35,000 students.

Cost of education: 1,000 euros per year ( approximate price).

2. Hamburg University, Germany

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The university has six faculties. These faculties offer almost every possible discipline - from economics, law, social sciences to the humanities, natural sciences and informatics, as well as medicine. Over 5,000 employees and almost 38,000 students. It is one of the largest universities in Germany.

Cost of education: 300 euros per semester.

3. Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

This is one of the oldest universities in the world. And, perhaps, the most prestigious educational institution in Spain. There are two campuses. One is located in Moncloa, the second is located in the city center. Here you can get a bachelor's degree in business and social sciences, arts and humanities, medicine and engineering. It is a very large university with over 45,000 students.

Cost of education: 1,000–4,000 euros for the entire period of study.

4. Oxford University, UK

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The history of this educational institution dates back to 1096. It is the oldest English speaking university in the world. More than 20,000 students study here. Business, social sciences, arts and humanities, language and culture, medicine, engineering and technology are available. More than 5,000 employees. Nine times he was awarded the royal award.

Cost of education: from 15,000 pounds.

5. University of Glasgow, UK

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The University of Glasgow is one of the oldest places of study in the UK. The fourth oldest university in the entire English-speaking world. Ranked among the top ten employers for research in the UK. There are many programs for study abroad, help with employment. The following areas are available: business, social sciences, art, humanities, language and culture, medicine, engineering and technology. You can also get a PhD.

Cost of education: from 13,750 pounds.

6. Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany

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Founded in 1810. Then it was called "the mother of all modern universities." This university has great prestige. Here students are offered a comprehensive humanistic education. It was the first university of its kind in the world. Like other institutions on this list, you can get a doctoral degree, as well as a bachelor's and master's degree. 35,000 people gnaw at the granite of science at the university. It is unique in that only 200 people work here.

Cost of education: 294 euros per semester.

7. University of Twente, Netherlands

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This Dutch university was founded in 1961. Initially worked as technological university to increase the number of engineers. It is currently the only university in the Netherlands with its own campus. The number of places is limited - only 7,000 students. But 3,300 scientists and specialists work on the basis of the university.

Cost of education: 6,000–25,000 euros per year.

8. University of Bologna, Italy

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One of oldest universities peace. Many believe that this particular university serves as a starting point and the basis European culture. It is here that 198 different directions are offered to applicants annually. Over 5,000 employees and over 45,000 students.

Cost of education: from 600 euros per semester ( approximate price).

9. London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

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It was founded in 1895 to help students specialize in the study of the social sciences. It has its own campus, which is located in the center of London. Here you can study criminology, anthropology, social psychologists, international relations, sociology and many other sciences. About 10,000 students study and 1,500 employees work. It was this institution that gave the world 35 leaders and heads of state and 16 Nobel Prize winners.

Cost of education: £16,395 per year.

10. Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium

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Founded in 1425. It is currently the largest university in Belgium. He has very high rating, campuses are located throughout Brussels and Flanders. Over 70 international programs learning. At the same time, 40,000 students study here and 5,000 employees work here.

Cost of education: 600 euros per year ( approximate cost).

11. ETH Zurich, Switzerland

It began its work in 1855 and today is one of the best universities in the world. The main campus is located in Zurich. The educational institution offers one of the best programs in physics, mathematics and chemistry. Over 20,000 students and 5,000 employees. For admission, you need to pass a test.

Cost of education: CHF 650 per semester ( approximate cost).

12. Ludwig University of Munich - Maximilian, Germany

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One of the oldest universities in Germany. Based in the capital of Bavaria - Munich. 34 Nobel Prize winners are alumni of this institution. The second largest university in Germany. 45,000 students and about 4,500 employees.

Cost of education: about 200 euros per semester.

13. Free University of Berlin, Germany

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Founded after World War II, in 1948. One of the best universities in the world in terms of research work. It has international offices in Moscow, Cairo, Sao Paulo, New York, Brussels, Beijing and New Delhi. This allows us to support scientists and researchers and establish international relations. 150 different programs are offered. 2,500 employees and 30,000 students.

Cost of education: 292 euros per semester.

14. Freiburg University, Germany

Theologian

It was created to enable students to study without political influence. The university cooperates with more than 600 scientists from all over the world. 20,000 students, 5,000 employees. Knowledge of the German language is required.

Cost of education: about 300 euros per semester ( approximate price).

15. University of Edinburgh, UK

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Founded in 1582. Representatives of 2/3 of the nationalities of the whole world study here. However, 42% of students are from Scotland, 30% from the UK and only 18% from the rest of the world. 25,000 students, 3,000 employees. Famous alumni: Katherine Granger, JK Rowling, Charles Darwin, Conan Doyle, Chris Hoy and many others.

Cost of education: from £15,250 per year.

16. Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, Switzerland

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This university is funded by the state and specializes in science, architecture and engineering. Here you can meet students from over 120 countries. 350 laboratories are based on the territory of this university. In 2012, this particular university filed 75 priority patents with 110 inventions. 8,000 students, 3,000 employees.

Cost of education: CHF 1,266 per year.

17. University College London, UK

british bridge

Strategically located in the heart of London. Known for impressive research. This institute was the first to admit students of any class, race and religion. 5,000 employees and 25,000 students study at this university.

Cost of education: £16,250 per year.

18. Technical University of Berlin, Germany

Garant Tour

This university played a big role in making Berlin one of the leading industrial cities in the world. It teaches students in the field of technology and natural sciences. 25,000 students and 5,000 employees.

Cost of education: about 300 euros per year.

19. University of Oslo, Norway

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Founded in 1811, funded by the state, it is Norway's oldest institution. Here you can study business, social sciences and humanities, art, language and culture, medicine and technology. 49 Master programs in English. 40,000 students, more than 5,000 employees. Five scientists from this university have become Nobel Prize winners. And one of them got Nobel Prize peace.

Cost of education: no information.

20. University of Vienna, Austria

Academician

Founded back in 1365, it is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking countries. One of the largest universities in Central Europe. The largest scientific and pedagogical university in Austria. Its campuses are located in 60 settlements. 45,000 students and over 5,000 employees.

Cost of education: about 350 euros per semester.

21. Imperial College London, UK

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Imperial College London began offering its services in 1907 and celebrated its 100th anniversary as an institution in its own right. He used to be part of University of London. This is one of the most prestigious universities Great Britain. This college is related to the discovery of penicillin and the basics of fiber optics. There are eight campuses throughout London. 15,000 students, 4,000 employees.

Cost of education: from 25,000 pounds per year.

22. Barcelona University, Spain

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The University of Barcelona was founded in 1450 in the city of Naples. Six campuses in the second largest city in Spain - Barcelona. Free courses in Spanish and Catalan. 45,000 students and 5,000 employees.

Cost of education: 19,000 euros per year.

23. Moscow State University, Russia

FEFU

The university was founded in 1755 and is considered one of the oldest institutions in Russia. More than 10 research centers that provide practical assistance to students in research work. It is believed that the educational building of Moscow State University is the highest educational institution in the world. Over 30,000 students and up to 4,500 employees.

Cost of education: 320,000 rubles per year.

24. Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

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The largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. Emphasis is placed in the field of applied and practical science. Over 2,000 employees and 15,000 students. Compared to other universities in this part of the world, a large percentage of students are international.

Cost of education: from 10,000 euros per year.

25. Cambridge University, UK

Restbee

Founded back in 1209. Always included in the list of leading universities in the world. 3,000 employees and 25,000 students from all over the world. 89 Nobel laureates. Cambridge graduates have the highest employment rate in the UK. A truly world class university.

Cost of education: from 13,500 pounds per year.