Archive for October 4th, 2008
Studying at university is an expensive investment. Tuition fees have a disincentive effect on the poor and middle-income students. There has been a general trend towards marked increases in tuition in recent years, even in countries where tuition fees have generally been much lower than average. For example, Canada has seen its tuition fees more than double in the last ten years.
Tuition fees can vary between courses, institutions, and whether the students are resident or international. This hub compares tuition costs of full time undergraduate programmes in America (Canada, United States), Europe (UK, Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands), and Australia.
United States
The tuition cost in USA varies from $5000 to $30000 per year. About $9000 for resident students and $20000 for international students.
Canadian
Canadian universities are cheapest among UK, USA, Australia. Average domestic tuition is around $9,000, and international tuition around $25,500.
Europe
In recent years, the high-tax Europe has been considering reforming higher education and moving towards a system that charges users. Austria is intensely debating university tuition in the parliament. Six German states call on the parliament to terminate the piece of legislation that exempts college students from paying tuition. In addition, universities in Belgium are beginning to charge an enrolment fee of 500 euros which is same for EU and non-EU students (non-EU students are charged additional 500 euros for social security), while Holland and Italy charge an enrolment fee of 1,000-1,500 euros. Dutch universities charge students of certain departments such as business departments tuition as much as 5,000 euros and students of graduate schools tuition as much as 8,000 euros.
UK
In UK, the maximum tuition fee amount that can be charged to EU students is £3,145 a year (increasing yearly by no more than the rate of inflation). Average tuition for domestic students is around £3000, and for international students about £10,000 a year.
Ireland
€12000 (Euro) per year for international students. EU students pay € 900 registration fee.
France
France has 82 universities, teaching 1.5m students. All are public; none charges tuition fees; undergraduate enrolment charges are a tiny €165. All lecturers are civil servants. Universities cannot select students, who can apply only to ones near them. The results speak for themselves. Not a single French university makes it into the world’s top 40 universities.
In France, there is no difference in tuition fees between European and Non-European students. Therefore, policies officially search to improve the quality of the foreign students they receive, making a selection based on excellence and discipline of study. They intend to avoid a “mass phenomenon” of unwanted students in French universities who are not highly motivated and who mainly seek to obtain a visa and to stay in France. In Britain, there is a will to attract a large number of overseas students who pay high tuition fees and who supply important funding to British higher education.
Germany
Germany universities now charge 1000 euro enrolment charge per year, regardless whether the students are from EU or non-EU countries.
Australia
Australia had free education until 1988. Across the English-speaking world, Australia imposes mid-range fees. Nowadays, most full time degree and post graduate degree cost between AUD 10000 to 20000 per annum.
source: hubpages.com
- In: Articles | Germany
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Seven out of 250,000: they come from the most diverse continents, yet have something in common – they are all studying at a German university. Read about international students’ experiences, about what they like and what caused them problems
NAHID PERVIN
25 years old, from Bangladesh, student of mechanical engineering.
“I studied information technology for thee years in Bangladesh and originally only wanted to come to Germany for a short time as an exchange student. But then I changed my mind and started the bachelor’s course in computational mechanical and process engineering at the TU Darmstadt. So far, I have not regretted that decision. The university is great. No wonder it has such a good reputation internationally. But quite a lot is expected of you. Although I learned German for a year at the Goethe Institute at home, I did further courses here, because I didn’t know all the technical terms in German. I will probably stay on longer now, and do a master’s.”
TIINA SALMINEN
22 years old, from Finland, student of psychology.
“My first impression was: so much bureaucracy! But I did the orientation course offered by the university’s International Office and found the tips very helpful. Otherwise, coming to Germany was not exactly a culture shock. However, the people in Munich are much more friendly than in Helsinki! I’ll be staying at the LMU for a year. As for my courses, there is a lot more discussing done here and the classes are more interactive. It wasn’t difficult at all to make contacts. There are parties constantly at our student residence.”
ERIC CLEMENT ARAKEL
22 years old, from India, student of molecular biology.
“I was looking for a university where I could learn all the basics and Heidelberg is just right for that. The courses here will prepare me and my fellow students well for the international job market. Not only do I like the university, I find life in Germany very pleasant. So much culture and so many beautiful historical cities. I also made friends quickly – I work part-time in the bar of our student residence.”
ASMAA GHALI
32 years old, from Egypt, student of economics.
“The first time I came to Berlin was to learn German. I really enjoyed that. But attending the Humboldt University was not easy for me at the beginning. I’m very good at maths but I was missing some fundamentals. Then a professor offered to help me. Later I worked a lot in groups and got to know nice people. Ultimately, I gained self-confidence as a result of the initial difficulties. I’m now about to do my degree.”
INDRADEO HEMRAJ
30 years old, from Mauritius, student of medicine.
“You can’t study medicine in Mauritius so I had to go abroad. Many people go to England, but college fees there are extremely high. In Germany we now pay 500 euros per semester, but that’s ok. After my internship in Heidelberg, I deliberately chose Munich. Now comes my practical year: I’ll do surgery here at the Grosshadern clinic, internal medicine in Harvard and neurology in Newcastle. Munich has cooperation agreements with these universities, and they really look after their students.”
ALEKSANDRA PIETROSINK
23 years old, from Poland, master’s student of molecular and cellular biology.
“I had no trouble deciding on Germany. It’s rare that a university offers courses like the ones in Heidelberg. That will significantly improve my chances. Language was also not a problem. The courses are in English and most students are foreigners, like myself, so we speak English with one another. I first studied in Italy, but the universities in Germany are better organized and the people are more open-minded. I don’t necessarily want to return to Poland after my exams in summer. I’d also prefer to work here in Germany.”
AHMAD AMRO
28 years old, from Palestine, student of microbiology.
“Berlin is a crazy city! It’s so lively. At first I worked hard on my German, otherwise you can’t really get to know a city. I now work at the Charité Hospital and will have my doctorate in three years. The colleagues in my group are from 20 different countries. I’m learning about molecular techniques we don’t have in Palestine. Later I would like to pass on my knowledge, as a lecturer at home in my own country. My prospects are very good with a German degree.”
source: Young Germany
- In: Articles | USA
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Thousands of international students from all around the world wish to go to the US to study and improve their skills. Getting a visa for USA will be dream come true for many who wish to pursue studies there. However, many students that I regularly come across put the question “Is obtaining US student visa easy or difficult?” That is exactly what the topic of discussion is today.
First and foremost, the applicant must be admitted to a US school or university before starting the visa process. Moreover, an early start is highly recommended so that the admissions, travel arrangements, accommodation etc can be planned in advance as well.
Visa officers evaluate the applications very carefully and take more time now than in the past. Moreover, the applicants will be interviewed. Students should also remember that acceptance by a US educational institution does not guarantee issuance of a student visa.
Normally, international students who are not residents of USA will require an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types as well. Here is a short description of the different visa types that involve study:
F-1 or Student Visa: This is the most commonly issued visa for those who wish to pursue studies in the United States. It is for the people who want to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.
J-1 or Exchange Visitor: This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor programme in the US. The “J” visa is for educational and cultural exchange programmes.
M-1 or Student Visa: This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the US.
Next we look at the steps that are involved in applying for the Visa:
Points to be noted before you apply for a visa
1) First, you must obtain a SEVIS-generated document, either a Form I-20 or DS-2019, issued by a US college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor organisation. The US academic institution or programme sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when the institution academically admits you or the exchange programme accepts you as a participant. In case, the spouse/child also wishes to accompany, the same should be listed on your form or have their own SEVIS-generated form.
2) After getting the I-20, you needs to pay the SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information) fee of $131 at any designated branch of HDFC bank [Get Quote]. The visa fee receipt is normally activated within two working days of the payment of the same. The spouse/child or exchange visitor does not pay the SEVIS fee.
3) The next step involves scheduling of Visa interview online. Thus, after two working days of paying the SEVIS fee, you should logon to http://www.vfs-usa.co.in and click on the “Apply for a Non-immigrant Visa” link. It is to be noted here that the two-page Visa Fee Receipt should be in hand, to book the appointment and complete the forms DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 and lastly the print out should be taken.
4) Lastly, attend the interview. Make sure you reach in time.
Points to be noted when you apply for a visa
1) Apply early for a visa. Students should note that the US Embassy and US Consulates are able to issue a student visa 120 days or less in advance of the course of study start date or registration date. In addition, all initial or beginning students can enter the US 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start or registration date as shown on the Form I-20 or DS-2019.
2) Spouse or Children. As mentioned earlier, the spouse or children of a student are also entitled to accompany or join the holder of an F-1 Visa. They can apply for an F-2 Visa. However, they cannot seek employment in the US. Their visas application, interview appointments also need to be applied for the same day as the student’s and all of them should attend the visa interview together.
3) The F-1 Student Visa Application kit should include:
- SEVIS generated original I-20
- Valid passport — six months beyond interview date
- Latest 2×2 inches photographs with a smiling face on a white background
- Application form DS-156/ 157/ 158
- Valid HDFC SEVIS fee receipt of $131 with two bar code stickers
- Interview appointment letter
- Proof of liquid assets which was given to get I-20 form
- Original educational documents with mark sheets
- Relevant test scores TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT etc
4) The Interview. The visa interview is generally short and revolves around the course and the university selected, future career plans, financial status; of the sponsor etc. The golden rule for the interview is to be confident adn truthful to the Visa officer. That is just a small effort to get your dream visa, isn’t it?
5) Visa interview result/ visa decision. Interestingly, the candidate/s gets to know the interview result/ visa decision instantly ie on the spot. If the interview has been successful, the visa officer will take the original passport and I-20 from the student.
6) Return of Passport: Ordinarily the passport will return within 72 hours from the interview date. Delivery time lines depend on place of residence.
7) Working RIGHTS on F-1 Student Visa: Generally, the students on F-1 visa are legally allowed to work for 20 hours per week part-time. One should note that
- Students may work on-campus as long as they are enrolled full time in a school
- Students may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to gain work experience in their field of study while being a full time student.
- Students may take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT) once the degree is completed. The period of OPT is 12 months for the non-engineering studies graduates while the engineering students have a reason to party. As per the new ruling early in the year 2008 all engineering graduates in the areas of STEM, ie, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are eligible to extend the period of OPT by 17 months.
- Many students obtaining a bachelors or masters degree in the United States go on to be sponsored by their employer for an H-1B Work Visa. Yet again a reason to cheer!
source: Rediff.com
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