Is it true that you can study in the US without money?

The United States is the most expensive country in the world, to have the opportunity to study and work in this country, here are the minimum expected expenses that you need to spend in a year if you study abroad on your own, let's refer to it:

Depending on each State, each school, each curriculum and the orientation of each person, this number will be different.

Therefore, you need to ensure a minimum amount of money to cover the really necessary expenses if you want to study in the US. However, there will still be ways to study in the US to save maximum costs that IDP will reveal to you right now!

The U.S. has long been a dream destination for many international students, but studying in the U.S. without money is not easy

You may be interested in: How much money does it cost to study in the USA? Updated 6 Types of Expenses

For those of you with low financial resources, studying in the US becomes more distant. But have you ever thought about studying in the U.S. when you don't have money? Here are three options to help you minimize the cost of studying abroad in the most optimal way.

2.1. Apply for a scholarship

2.1.1. U.S. Government Scholarship

The U.S. government always creates maximum opportunities for any international student who wants to study and work in this country. As much as U.S. Government Scholarships are usually supported up to 100% of the cost including expenses such as tuition fees, documents, and accommodation,... however, you will have to meet the requirements depending on the specific type of scholarship.

U.S. Government scholarships you can refer to include: the Fulbright Scholarship, Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) Scholarship, Southeast Asian Young Leaders Initiative Scholarship, Rotary International Fellowship for Peace, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, International Fellowship Program (IFP) Scholarship,...

There are many scholarships from prestigious universities in the US

2.1.3. Scholarships to study in the U.S. from international educational foundations and organizations

Another type of scholarship that international students should pay attention to when studying in the United States when they don't have money is scholarships to study in the United States from international educational foundations and organizations. Typically, there are the following 3 types of scholarships:

• World Bank Scholarship in Japan

  : This is a postgraduate scholarship in development-related fields for researchers to provide maximum support to developing countries. Candidates are required to have at least 3 years of full-time work in the host country.

• AAUW International Scholarship

  : This is a scholarship for female students who are doing full-time research or have research projects in the U.S. but are not U.S. citizens. Women who are committed to the development of women and children, who have been involved in community activities, will be a big priority. The value of the scholarship for the master's level is 18,000 USD, the doctoral level is 20,000 USD and the postdoctoral scholarship is 30,000 USD. Every year, the scholarship is based on 50% support and 50% loan.

• International Scholarship Program from the Aga Khan Foundation

  : This is a scholarship supported for postgraduate students. The academic requirements are quite high, have excellent academic results, and confirm financial ability and good English. Every year, the scholarship is based on 50% support and 50% loan.

In addition, scholarships from world organizations are also a choice for international students

2.2. Bank loans

Bank loans are also a way for you to manage the minimum costs if you want to study in the US when you don't have money. Here are 4 ways you can get a loan from a bank:

However, when choosing to borrow capital from banks. Parents and students need to pay attention to be able to choose the right loan package and a reputable bank. Bank loans are an amount you should use when you really need them because they bring many risks if you don't study carefully.

2.3. Work-study

Working part-time in the U.S. while studying abroad is a popular way to help you make ends meet while studying in the U.S. when you don't have money. According to U.S. government regulations, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week and must do on-campus jobs such as assistant admissions and communications,...

For such jobs, the salary will range from 8 to 10 USD/hour. This figure not only supports your living expenses but also helps you accumulate more experience as well as expand your relationships during the process of studying and working in the US. However, if you don't arrange your time properly, it may affect your academic performance.

While studying and working, you can pay for some of your living expenses

There are many scholarships from prestigious universities in the US

2.1.3. Scholarships to study in the U.S. from international educational foundations and organizations

Another type of scholarship that international students should pay attention to when studying in the United States when they don't have money is scholarships to study in the United States from international educational foundations and organizations. Typically, there are the following 3 types of scholarships:

• World Bank Scholarship in Japan

  : This is a postgraduate scholarship in development-related fields for researchers to provide maximum support to developing countries. Candidates are required to have at least 3 years of full-time work in the host country.

• AAUW International Scholarship

  : This is a scholarship for female students who are doing full-time research or have research projects in the U.S. but are not U.S. citizens. Women who are committed to the development of women and children, who have been involved in community activities, will be a big priority. The value of the scholarship for the master's level is 18,000 USD, the doctoral level is 20,000 USD and the postdoctoral scholarship is 30,000 USD. Every year, the scholarship is based on 50% support and 50% loan.

• International Scholarship Program from the Aga Khan Foundation

  : This is a scholarship supported for postgraduate students. The academic requirements are quite high, have excellent academic results, and confirm financial ability and good English. Every year, the scholarship is based on 50% support and 50% loan.

In addition, scholarships from world organizations are also a choice for international students

In addition, understanding the high cost of living here, the US Government also helps international students reduce their financial burden with the following measures:

• Grant:

A grant is a U.S. government grant for international students that does not need to be returned and is considered on the basis of financial support from the student's family or based on the academic ability of each person. For international students, this subsidy will come from within the school.

• Work-Study/Campus Job:

This support also has the ability to somewhat reduce the financial burden on international students, moreover, it can also expand relationships as well as pay for expensive living costs.

• Student Loans:

It is a support and claim that must be returned including interest. Students will have to pay a certain amount of money for a period of time after graduation. Often this will be the last resort for Vietnamese families because this support is interest-based, so many families are worried about not being able to afford it.

There are more U.S. government financial aid for international students

The US is the most expensive country in the world, so choosing the most reasonable and economical spending is also a question for many international students. Let's find out with IDP ways to save money when studying abroad in the US!

4.1. Choose the right learning path

Choosing a suitable study path for yourself also reduces financial pressure for you and your family. The most noteworthy curriculum is probably the 2+2-year community college. When studying in this program, you will have 2 years of college to accumulate general knowledge and 2 years of study at the university level to be able to obtain a regular degree.

With this program, the total cost you have to pay is only 7,000 USD/year, which is much lower than the regular 4-year university. Therefore, if you choose this program, you can save a significant amount of money and still get a university degree.

The study route will optimize the cost if you study in the US but do not have money at home

4.2. Choose a low-tuition or tuition-free school

To choose a school with the right tuition fee, you can choose schools in regions of the central states such as Kansas and Utah,.. At the same time, in these areas, the cost of living is also much cheaper, which can help save a large amount of money when studying abroad.

In addition, there are also schools that offer tuition-free tuition for international students. Here are the top 5 tuition-free schools you can consider:

• Berea College

• Alice Lloyd College

• Webb Academy

• College of the Ozarks

• Curtis Academy of Music

Berea College - a school that is completely free of tuition fees

4.3. Choose affordable accommodation

In addition to tuition fees, the cost of living in this country is among the most expensive in the world. Therefore, if you want to minimize fees, you need to consider affordable accommodation. Here are 3 types of accommodation you should refer to:

• In the dormitory:

Dormitories for international students in the US are also quite comfortable, a room will be about 3-4 people. The cost is about 7000-8000 USD/year, in addition to saving travel costs.

• Renting a private house:

The cost of renting a private house in the US is quite expensive, about 800 - 2000 USD/month including electricity and water. Therefore, to save the most optimal costs, you should stay with other friends to share this fee.

• Stay with a host family:

This means that you will be staying with a native in the form of a homestay, which is suitable for international students under the age of 18 or who have no independent experience. The cost is quite cheap, only about 800 - 1000 USD/month, including living expenses.

Dormitory - the first choice for international students

4.4. Choosing cheap transportation

Depending on the distance from the place of residence to the school, you can choose for yourself the most suitable means of transportation and ensure that the cost is optimal. Let's take a look at three popular cheap transportation options in the U.S. with IDP:

• Bicycle:

This is the cheapest type of transportation and is suitable for those who live not too far from the school. Or if you are a sports lover, you can also choose this vehicle for yourself to move.

• Bus:

Currently, the bus system in the US is among the most modern in the world, spread evenly on routes in the US and can be paid in many different forms. To save the most, if you travel a lot, make a monthly bus ticket that can save you about $20-$30/month.

• Subway, train:

This is an option for those who live quite far from the school or have the opportunity to travel. Because the ticket price is also quite expensive, international students need to consider when using this vehicle.

Traveling by bicycle helps you minimize costs at the lowest possible cost

Learn more: Is it true that studying in the US does not require financial proof?

A sharing of American alumni, 5 factors to create success if you want to study in the U.S. according to American alumni, including:

• Faith:

The minimum thing is that you have to have faith in yourself, if you don't have faith in yourself, no one will be able to believe in you. Faith will give you a formidable strength, which can help you overcome any challenge no matter how difficult

• Change:

If you're already wrong, don't make any more mistakes and look to the future.

• Affordable Choice:

Because you don't have high grades and don't study financially, you can't make headbutts like others and choose randomly. You must choose the right path to have the opportunity to continue on your dream study abroad path.

• Building a dossier:

Building a reasonable profile is also very important, if your score is low, conquer with other admissions agents.

• The last factor: decisive -

  the lucky factor

IDP is always ready to advise or answer any questions completely free of charge for those who want to study in the U.S. when they don't have money. Through the sharing in the article, you must have also changed your mind about "Studying in the US is only for families with conditions". Indeed, new doors always open when we ourselves try, don't forget that IDP will always accompany you on the path to pursue your dream of studying abroad with you!