University Preparation & Costs

by REGION

University requirements can vary from one region to the next and even within the same region.

Some key generalizations to keep in mind when considering applying for universities around the world are detailed in the sections below.

Be sure to check out the individual pages of the regions you are curious about.

Canada
USA
UK
Netherlands
Italy
Spain
Germany
Asia & Australia

Note: As these are generalizations, there may be exceptions to be discovered in your independent research.

Bachelors Degrees - Length of Program by Region:

UK - traditionally 3 years
Australia - traditionally 3 years
Europe - 3 to 4 years depending upon program
Canada - 3 to 4 years depending upon program
US - 4 years
Asia - 4 years
Turkey - 4 years

External Testing Requirements by Region:

IELTS / TOEFL - These two English Proficiency Exams are generally accepted around the world.

Notes:

Even if you hold a passport from an 'English Speaking Country', if you have spent the greater part of your k-12 education 'abroad' you will likely need to have one of these credentials when applying to universities anywhere in the world. Each university within each region has its own criteria, so it is smarter to be over-prepared for your application season.
DuoLingo is accepted widely across the US and increasingly in other parts of the world.
Turkey only accepts TOEFL

SAT / ACT -

US - Most universities prefer to have these submitted with applications
Europe - many universities use these if a student doesn't have an IBDP to validate the student's diploma
Asia - most universities require these be submitted with applications
UK / Australia / Canada - often used for highly competitive programs where a student doesn't have an IBDP or AP marks to report. Not commonly required.
Turkey - often used for highly competitive programs as well as to help determine scholarship recipients

Note: Although most US universities are currently 'test-optional' they will eventually return to requiring one of these university prep assessments. See these specific pages for more details.

Annual Tuition Costs (from cheapest to most expensive):

Europe - 0 - 42,500 EUR (Tuition Fees at Unis in Europe)

Italy - 3,000 - 20,000 EUR
Spain - 5,000 - 25,000 EUR
Germany - 7,000 - 30,000 EUR
Netherlands - 8,000 - 20,000 EUR

Note: The countries above have a greater array of Bachelor's Programs available in English, while those below expand their offerings each year.

Finland - 5,000 - 15,000 EUR
France - 5,000 - 30,000 EUR
Austria - 6,000 - 15,000 EUR
Denmark - 6,000 - 16,000 EUR
Norway - 7,000 - 10,000 EUR
Sweden - 8,000 - 30,000 EUR
Switzerland - 8,000 - 42,000 EUR

Asia

Japan - $10,000 - $20,000 (Study in Japan)
S. Korea - $15,000 - $20,000 (Study in S. Korea)
Hong Kong - $20,000 - $25,000

Canada - $10,000 - $45,000 (10 Cheap Unis in Canada)

UK - $15,000 – $40,000 (UK Tuition Fees for International Students)

Australia - $20,000 – $45,000 (Cost of Uni in Australia)

US - $25,000 - $35,000 (Intl Student Tuition fees in the US)

Scholarships by Region:

UK - Maximum 2,000 GBP for Merit (additional options available through the British Council)
Australia - varies greatly - primarily Merit
Europe - not usually required - some private institutions will offer individual smaller amounts (2,000 EUR) based on Need or Merit or both
Canada - varies greatly - primarily Merit
US - some Merit based available / very little Need based available
Asia - some Merit based available

Looking for a more Affordable University Experience ABROAD? Check out these articles:

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