How Much Does It Cost to Do My Degree Abroad?

Studying abroad is a powerful investment in your future — but one that comes with major financial responsibilities. Whether you’re considering Ireland, Australia, the UK, the US, or Canada, it's essential to understand the real cost of your degree — tuition, living expenses, visa requirements, and all the extras.

This guide breaks it down clearly, using reliable online tools and official sources — so you can budget wisely and plan with confidence.

1. Tuition Fees: A Key Cost to Consider

Tuition fees vary widely depending on the country, institution, and programme. Here's a general breakdown from TopUniversities and official education portals:

• Ireland: €9,000–€26,000 per year for undergraduate degrees
• (Source: Education in Ireland)
• Australia: AU$20,000–AU$45,000 per year
• UK: £11,000–£38,000 per year
• USA: US$20,000–US$60,000 per year
• Canada: CAD$15,000–CAD$30,000 per year

Explore student-focused insights on whyistudyhere.com:

• To Ireland
• To Australia
• To USA
• To UK

2. Living Costs: Budgeting for Daily Life

Living expenses depend on location, housing, and lifestyle. Based on data from Numbeo, here’s a general guide to what you might expect:

Ireland

• Shared rent: €500–900/month
• Groceries: €250/month
• Transport: €100/month
• Total: €900–1,400/month

Australia

• Shared rent: AU$800–1,200/month
• Groceries: AU$300/month
• Transport: AU$150/month
• Total: AU$1,500–2,000/month

UK

• Shared rent: £500–900/month
• Groceries: £200/month
• Transport: £70/month
• Total: £800–1,200/month

USA

• Shared rent: US$600–1,200/month
• Groceries: US$250/month
• Transport: US$70/month
• Total: US$1,000–1,500/month

Canada

• Shared rent: CAD$700–1,200/month
• Groceries: CAD$300/month
• Transport: CAD$100/month
• Total: CAD$1,200–1,700/month

Helpful university cost estimators:

• University College Dublin – Budget Guide
• Trinity College Dublin – Cost of Living
• University of Sydney – Living Costs
• UBC Cost Calculator
• LSE Living Expenses

3. Additional and One-Off Expenses

Your monthly budget doesn’t cover everything. Be prepared for the following:

• Visa application fees
• Ireland: €60–100
• Australia: AU$710
• UK: £490
• USA: US$185 + SEVIS fee
• Canada: CAD$150
• Health insurance
• Required in all countries; for example, Ireland requires private cover before arrival.
• Flights and airport transfers
• Textbooks, laptop, and study materials
• Initial accommodation deposits and home setup

In some countries, you’ll also need to show proof of sufficient funds. For example, Ireland requires proof of at least €10,000 in available funds for living expenses during your first academic year (Irish Immigration Services).

4. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Each destination offers scholarship opportunities to help offset tuition and living costs:

Ireland

• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
• University-specific awards (via Education in Ireland)

Australia

• Study Australia Scholarships

UK

• Chevening Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships

USA

• EducationUSA Scholarship Info

Canada

• EduCanada Scholarships

5. Working While You Study

Working while studying can ease financial pressure — but each country has rules:

Ireland

• Work limit: 20 hours/week during term
• Notes: Full-time allowed during holidays

Australia

• Work limit: 48 hours per fortnight during term
• Notes: No restriction during holidays

UK

• Work limit: 20 hours/week during term
• Notes: Valid for degree-level students and above

USA

• Work limit: On-campus only during first year
• Notes: Off-campus work requires CPT/OPT authorisation

Canada

• Work limit: 20 hours/week during term
• Notes: Rules vary; check the latest IRCC policies

Your visa conditions matter, so always check official immigration websites or your institution’s guidance.

Find more country-specific tips at:

• To Ireland
• To Australia
• To USA
• To UK

6. Budget Tools and Online Resources

Here are useful platforms for comparing destinations and creating a financial plan:

• Numbeo – Cost of living in cities worldwide
• Expatistan – Country-to-country comparisons
• BudgetDirect Student Calculator (Australia)
• Save the Student – Budgeting tools for the UK
• whyistudyhere.com – Honest student insights and destination prep
• To Ireland
• To Australia
• To USA
• To UK

Final Thoughts

The real cost of studying abroad includes far more than just tuition fees. With the right information, realistic budgeting, and smart use of online tools, you can reduce financial stress and focus on the incredible experience ahead.

Wherever you’re headed — Dublin, Sydney, Toronto, London, or Missouri — don’t forget to:

• Compare real costs using calculators and data tools
• Apply for scholarships and institutional support
• Understand visa rules and work limitations
• Budget for hidden and one-off expenses

Plan smart now — and your future self will thank you.