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Tuition Fees
An education overseas involves a number of costs. The tuition costs vary from
university to university. In the United States the tuition costs can vary from
US $10,000 to US $ 35,000 per annum. Tuition costs also depend on your choice
of major. Certain programs like Photography and Film are extremely expensive
majors to pursue as compared to a program in History or Computer Science major.
You will need to pay a one-time orientation fee at the beginning of your
academic career.
 Courseware
Books and Supplies are not included in the tuition costs. One would incur
approximately $ 1000 to $1500 in buying textbooks and course material. To save
costs second hand books can be sourced through seniors or purchased at
bookstores which stock second hand books. These will enable you to bring down
your costs.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Exceptionally bright or the top of the class students maybe awarded merit-based
scholarship. The amount may vary from a few thousand dollars to a full tuition
waiver! There are few need based scholarships too.
Graduate students are most likely to secure an assistantship, also known as
financial aid. Here, the student acts as a research or teaching assistant to a
particular professor in the department.
 Living
expenses
These expenses vary from state to state. For example, the living costs in New
York and California are very high as compared to states like Arizona or
Michigan. Generally a school that is located in the heart of a city will be
more expensive than a school that is located in a small town. Also the kind of
accommodation that you choose will affect your living expenses. Renting an
apartment on your own might prove to be much more expensive than living
on-campus in the university provided dorms. Students who are keen on off-campus
housing can seek 2 or 3 other students who can share an apartment. Personal
expenses such as phone calls and entertainment must also be considered. If you
are married and planning to take your dependants along, you will need to factor
in approximately $4000 per dependent.
On Campus Jobs
Students can manage some of their miscellaneous expenses by finding jobs
on-campus. One can work in the college library, the bookstore, the cafeteria or
at the computing centre. Students on an F-1 visa status can only work for 20
hours per week as per the immigration rules set by the US Immigration and
Naturalization Law. In the USA, it is illegal for a dependant to work and earn
money with any type of job, part-time or full time. You cannot rely on your
on-campus jobs to take care of your tuition or complete living expenses. However
in Australia, the spouse can work full time.
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INFORMATION
FOR STUDENTS - EDUCATION AND LIVING COSTS
