How Are International Students Funding Their Studies in 2024–25?

Exploring Scholarships, Student Jobs & Funding Planning

With the rising cost of education and evolving visa rules, international students from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa are becoming increasingly smart about how they fund their studies abroad.

Let’s explore how students targeting non-traditional yet growing destinations— like Germany, Hungary, Poland, France, and Sweden—are managing their finances in 2024–25.

🎓 1. Government-Funded Scholarships Are Game-Changers

These are the top choices among students from India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, and Vietnam:

Germany
- DAAD Scholarships
- Covers full tuition, living expenses, and sometimes airfare
- Very popular among master’s and PhD applicants
Hungary
- Stipendium Hungaricum
- Fully funded: tuition, accommodation, allowance, and health insurance
France
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarships
- Includes stipend, travel allowance, and tuition support
Sweden
- Swedish Institute Scholarships
- Covers full tuition and living costs (highly competitive)
Italy
- Regional scholarships like EDISU
- Income-based support for tuition, housing, and meals

👩🏽‍💻 2. Part-Time Work Rights Play a Big Role

Students increasingly prefer destinations that offer flexible work hours and easy access to student jobs.

Country	Work Hours / Week	Common Student Jobs
Germany	20 hrs	Research assistant, cafés, tech internships
Ireland	20 hrs (term), 40 hrs (holidays)	Retail, logistics, hospitality
France	20 hrs	Tutoring, campus jobs, restaurants
Poland	No strict limit	BPOs, warehouses, delivery services
Sweden	No fixed limit	IT roles, research support jobs

🏠 3. Low-Cost Living & Subsidized Accommodation

Germany, Poland, and Hungary offer student housing starting at €150/month
France and Sweden provide subsidized university dormitories
Transport discounts, health insurance, and campus meals reduce monthly expenses

🌐 4. New Funding Sources Gaining Popularity

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and Milaap
Education loans with overseas university tie-ups
NGO and foundation scholarships for underrepresented students

📊 5. Students Are Planning Ahead More Than Ever

Applications are being submitted 12 months in advance
Countries offering 12–24 month post-study work visas are prioritized
Affordable destinations with PR pathways are preferred over high-cost markets