International students from Nigeria studying abroad, especially those in Ireland, the US, the UK, and Canada, encounter financial difficulties. These students deal with expensive living expenses, labour laws that are too stringent, and the need to reconcile their studies with their financial obligations. The housing problem in Dublin, where rental costs range from €700 to €1,200 per month and students are only allowed to work 20 hours a week at €12.70 an hour, is brought to light by Amaka, a Nigerian master’s student in Ireland.
Over 5.3 million students worldwide are enrolled in study abroad programs, with Nigeria being among the top nations of origin for these students, according to UNESCO. A considerable portion of these students struggle financially. For instance, the average yearly Cost Of Living for overseas students in Canada is approximately CAD 15,000 (USD 11,200), not including tuition fees, which vary based on the program and school and can be anywhere from CAD 17,000 to CAD 25,000 (USD 12,800 to USD 18,800) annually.
Int’l students can apply for scholarships offered by many nations.
In Ireland, living expenses alone should cost students between €7,000 and €12,000 year, while tuition costs go from €10,000 to €25,000. With living expenses averaging between $20,000 and $30,000 annually and tuition fees that can reach $40,000 at certain universities, the US continues to rank among the most costly study abroad locations for international students. The policies and economic circumstances of their host nation present particular difficulties for foreign students from a variety of nations. An Indian student studying in Australia, for example, said that accommodation and transportation expenses were quite high, with average rent of AUD 200 (USD 130) per week (not including utilities).
To ease some of these constraints, university advisors—like those at the University of Toronto’s International Student Office—often advise students to make thorough budgets and establish connections with neighborhood services. Advisors also point out that students from lower-income families—such as those from sub-Saharan Africa—are more likely to experience financial hardships since they do not have access to enough scholarships or family assistance. Foreign students can apply for scholarships and fellowships offered by many nations, but these programs can be very competitive and have strict eligibility requirements.
Foreign students in Canada, Ireland can work 20–24 hours weekly.
Scholarships like the University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are available in Canada, however they demand strong academic standing. Well-known US scholarships that cover living expenses, tuition, and travel include the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship and the Fulbright Program. Although these resources are frequently insufficient to pay all costs, universities frequently offer emergency money, food banks, and on-campus employment options to students who are experiencing immediate financial hardship. Financial counsellors advise students to make the most of these resources and look for part-time jobs in the area that are compatible with their visa work restrictions.
Restrictions on foreign students’ employment hours are frequently implemented to make sure they put their Education first. Many students are forced to choose between their financial Security and academic achievement as a result of these rules, which also restrict their capacity to make enough money to sustain themselves. To combat academic burnout, international students in Canada and Ireland, for example, are permitted to work up to 20–24 hours per week throughout the academic year. But with living and education expenditures so high, this cap is frequently insufficient. The financial burden on overseas students could be greatly reduced, according to advocacy groups, if these laws were to be changed to include longer workweeks or higher minimum pay.
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Some international students have successfully navigated the daunting financial constraints. For example, one Ghanaian student studying in the UK was able to manage her finances and studies by finding a part-time tutoring job that earned more than the minimum wage. She also used online platforms as a freelancer, earning additional money by providing graphic design services. Students can discover inventive ways to minimize their spending and concentrate on their academics by making connections within their local student associations and making use of resources offered by the university.