Sponsored by the City of Buenos Aires

The Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, perched on the shore of the Rio de la Plata on the south-eastern coast of Latin America, is one of the most diverse and beautiful cities in Latin America.

Home to a rich tapestry of cultural influences, the city has received with open arms millions of immigrants for over a century from Italy, Spain, China, Germany, France and beyond.

But what’s it actually like for international students based here? 61,100 of them arrived here in 2017 alone, so we tracked down a few of the city’s international students to find out what they think of life in the best city for students in the Spanish-speaking world, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2018 ranking.

A strong academic offer

Buenos Aires boasts some 40 universities, nine of which are internationally ranked, including the Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidad Austral, Universidad de Belgrano, Universidad de Palermo, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, and Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina Santa María de los Buenos Aires.

Universidad de Buenos Aires, for instance, was ranked 73rd in the QS World University Rankings 2019, making it the best university in Ibero-America. This Argentine university is one of the largest and most prestigious institutions in the world and has seen some of the world’s brightest and talented minds, including four Nobel Prize winners and several presidents.

Sarah Achar moved here from Mexico City precisely for the city’s incredible academic offer.

She says: “I’m here for a mixture of reasons. For a long time, I wanted to study at a university as good as the University of Buenos Aires.”

New sources of inspiration at every turn

The birthplace of tango, with its French and Italian influences, its colorful houses and its beautiful street art, has a way of getting under your skin.

Stephanie Bevilacua knows how it feels to be captivated by the city all too well, and she says she can’t help telling her friends back home how inspiring Buenos Aires can be.

After arriving in the city, Stephanie worked selling tours of Caminito (a famous street in Buenos Aires that inspired the tango song "Caminito"). She describes how she was fascinated by a local woman who would grab tourists and help them feel like tango dancers, posing for pictures that went some way to capturing the passion of the tango. Stephanie eventually approached the woman herself and suggested shooting a documentary with her as the protagonist.

She says: “I’ve always liked Argentine cinema, and I think there are a lot of opportunities in film and culture. That’s why I thought it would be good to come here.

An unmissable nightlife

From dusk until dawn virtually every day of the week, the Argentine capital’s craft breweries, clubs and cocktail bars are thronged with porteños (local residents) and tourists eating and dancing.

Nick Fritz, 23, from Minneapolis in the US, is studying Spanish here. He describes himself as somewhat of a nighthawk and says he knows how exhilarating Buenos Aires can be at night.

“I love the city. I love the architecture, the buildings, the food. I love the nightlife - in Buenos Aires it’s very different than my home state,” he says. He goes on to talk excitedly about how the city stays full of life and energy into the early hours, with meal times and bar closing hours much later than he’s used to back home. It’s this difference in lifestyle which has seen him fall in love with the Argentine capital.

He’s not alone in feeling this way. Kevin Picca, 25, moved to the city from Aix-en-Provence in France two years ago. After applying for a work permit, he’s now working in event management in the gastronomy industry and says one of his favorite things about the city is how he only needs a bicycle to get around.

He adds: “I also like the city’s gastronomy. There’s a wide range of restaurants and culinary events, and it’s always interesting to discover new restaurants with friends.”

A phenomenal work-life balance and quality of life

It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that Numbeo ranks the quality of life in the Argentine capital highly, praising its affordability, climate and very high standard of healthcare in particular.

Another contributor to the city’s feel-good factor, it’s fair to say, is that the residents of Buenos Aires have truly mastered the balance of work and personal life.

Juan Campoamor, from Barcelona, divides his time between work, university and making music. He shares an apartment with a friend and works shifts a Swiss restaurant in San Telmo Market while pursuing a master’s in social policy.

Juan says: “During my free time, I play guitar with my roommate Jordi, a bit of rumba, a bit of flamenco, and we spend our days working, studying, playing guitar and going out.

“The academic offer [in Buenos Aires] is very attractive and the food is good, which are two things which are important to me. You soon find your space here”.

Sarah agrees, highlighting the wide range of free exhibitions, concerts and theaters in the city. This wide range of cultural delights means you’ll definitely find something for you here.

A warm atmosphere with an incredible football culture

Buenos Aires is very much known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and its amazing culture of hospitality. Its warmth is one of Alice Bourassin’s favorite things about living here.

Alice, 22, from France, spent a semester in the city while she was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international business. She now works as a project manager at EIDOS, an innovative education foundation based in Buenos Aires, creating content for their website and managing their social networks.

Alice says: “Really, what I like the most about the city is the human atmosphere. Everyone is very warm and friendly and keen to know a bit about others.”  

Daniel Schӓffer, 26, from Germany, shares Alice’s views on Argentine hospitality. He got to experience life in the Argentine capital while studying here as part of a double-degree program, which saw him split his studies across two countries.

He says: “What I like most are the porteños. They’re very open and friendly.”

However, Daniel’s second favorite thing about living in Buenos Aires is its incredible football culture.

“Another thing I like a lot is that there are lots of opportunities for sport. You can play a lot of soccer. The Argentines really love football. You can really feel the Latin American atmosphere here.

“You simply have to come and experience it for yourself. I can say many things but there’s nothing like experiencing it with your own eyes.”

Join Daniel, Alice, Juan, Nick, Stephanie and Sarah in Buenos Aires

The GRE is a challenging exam for anyone preparing for it, and it’s easy to forget that this is even more prevalent for non-native English speakers.  The test is known for having more challenging English, vocabulary, and reading comprehension sections than its counterpart, the GMAT, an exam known more for its taxing quantitative reasoning.

Read on to find out some of the main GRE difficulties international students face, and how to overcome them.

Immerse yourself in the English Language

If English isn’t your mother tongue, the only real way to become more comfortable is to completely immerse yourself in it. This doesn’t have to be painstakingly boring, either. Sure, reading daily articles from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal can be of great benefit as it pertains to new vocabulary and dense reading material, but there are also other ways to enhance your linguistic capabilities that might be more creative.

For instance, the abundance of English-speaking podcasts available for download can drastically improve listening, speaking, and comprehension skills. Additionally, watching English-speaking television shows, particularly with subtitles, can also be of great use—and also a great way to pick up slang!

Regardless of the method you use to submerge yourself in the English language, it’s clear the only way to gain comfort is to gain exposure.

Learn 15-25 words a day

Yes, this might seem like a lot, but for GRE purposes, it’s wise to increase your English vocabulary by about 2,000 words overall. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your impressive new vocabulary won’t be adapted by your brain in a month. Building new vocab takes time, patience and practice, practice, practice.

Logistically speaking, there are a variety of ways to do this. Sure, there are new apps available that can enhance your vocabulary through exposure and practice exercises, but good old flash cards are a great resource, as well. Enhancing your vocabulary with graduate school-level verbiage will assist you in navigating dense reading passages in the GRE. This strategy will help you beyond your GRE prep, as in university circles (and cocktail parties!), it’s never a bad idea to have a bigger grasp of the English Language.

Think in English

Oftentimes when we aren’t native English speakers, we observe, assimilate or process a phrase in our native tongue, then translate it into English. Challenge yourself and your GRE verbal preparation by thinking thoughts in English—including new and challenging vocabulary, idioms, and summaries. Try to make English your default language as you process the world around you, as this tactic will accelerate your English use and understanding.

You know you’re really getting somewhere when you’re able to dream at night in English and not your native tongue. For many, this signals a huge leap in real English immersion, and you should lead to an optimal GRE verbal performance.

Text and email in English

Okay, this may seem a little silly—you’re probably thinking: How the heck does this enhance a new vocabulary? Well, when you’re able to text and email in English, you’re incorporating this language into your day-to-day communication. It might help to also find a friend who is studying for the GRE and to make it a goal to text or communicate only in English between the two of you. Yes, gym buddies are a thing, but so are GRE English-speaking buddies!

Analyze verbal mistakes

While most of the English reading, listening and writing you encounter in GRE preparation will be ‘correct,’ it’s very valuable to expose yourself to spelling and grammatical errors. This is where having access to GRE verbal practice exercises as well as diagnostic exams would be invaluable, as studying, breaking down, and evaluating incorrect answers can help inform your own process. Deconstructing why a particular grammatical example is erroneous will assist you in spotting them when it comes to test day.

Map out reading passages

You want to employ ‘active reading’ in the GRE, not passive; after all, reading on this exam isn’t Stephen King leisure reading. Just like when you take notes whilst solving a mathematical equation, you want to take notes when reading dense passages. This is called ‘mapping passages,’ which is basically taking note of all main ideas, important details, and the tone/opinion expressed by the author. This will aid you in navigating the academic topics more seamlessly and answering comprehension questions faster.

Become familiar with the root of words

English basically comes from Latin and Greek, so familiarizing yourself with the roots of words will help you in guessing when you encounter words you’re not sure on. This primarily entails the memorization of prefixes and suffixes, which comes in handy for longer, more complex and unfamiliar words.

In the end, exposure to English will help you master English, so you have to continue to read, listen, write, and immerse yourself in the language to expect a better GRE verbal score. Make sure to allot ample preparation time, as much of this work requires revisiting words and grammar rules time and time again. English is like a muscle, the more you flex it, the stronger it gets.

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One of the world’s most popular non-anglophone study destinations, Germany is an ideal location for studying a medical degree, offering high-quality education at an affordable price.

32 German universities are included in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject for Medicine, meaning there are plenty of options, depending on what type of university experience you’re looking for.

The first thing to note about medical programs in Germany is that training programs are not divided between bachelors and masters – a medical training program takes six years to complete and is conducted entirely in German, so you’ll need a strong knowledge of the language. However, alternative programs in the medical field do exist as bachelors and masters, including some English-taught programs.

Structure of medical degrees in Germany

Human medicine training degrees take at least six years and three months to complete and conclude with the state examination (Ärztliche Prüfung). This examination (if you pass) leads to your official Licence to Practice Medicine (Approbation). You’ll complete your medical studies in the following stages:

1.      Stage 1: pre-clinical phase

This stage is four semesters (two years) long and will introduce you to the key basics of natural sciences and medicine. It concludes with the first medical licensing examination.

2.      Stage 2: clinical phase

This is the main phase of study (six semesters – three years) comprised of the core subjects, taught in lectures, practical courses, internships and seminars.

3.      Stage 3: practical year

The main phase of study is followed by a practical year. This is one-year of clinical training, in which you’ll be introduced to the practical aspects of surgery, internal medicine and an elective subject. This phase provides on-the-job experience to prepare you for your future profession.

4.      State Examination

The last step in completing your medical degree in Germany is to pass the State Examination, a nationally standardised examination. After taking and passing the examination, you can apply for your medical license (Approbation) and begin working as a certified doctor.

Later on, you might decide to continue your education to become a medical specialist, which, depending on what subject you specialize in, can take another five to six years. The advanced training program for this concludes with a specialist examination. You can read more about this here.

Requirements to study medicine in Germany

As mentioned, you need a very good knowledge of German, which you’ll need to prove with a strong score in a test such as the TestDaF or the DSH. If your language skills aren’t up to scratch yet, don’t worry: you can enrol in a pre-study German course to help get your language skills to the level required for medical study in Germany. You’ll also need:

• University entrance qualification / your secondary school leaving certificate. If you’re from the EU, your leaving certificate should be generally accepted as equivalent to the German certificate. However, non-EU students will need to check that their qualification is eligible. If it’s not, you may need to attend the a Studienkolleg (one-year preparatory course) and sit the Feststellungsprüfungexam.
• Strong knowledge of English, in order to understand specialist literature. It’s also helpful but not essential to have knowledge of Latin.
• Extensive high school knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics.
• Ability to cope well with stress as medical programs are often time-consuming and intensive, with up to 25-30 hours of compulsory classes a week.
• Non-EU students may require a student visa and residence permit. (Find out if you need a visa and how to apply for one here).
• Some universities may also require non-EU students to provide results for the TestAS exam, while the Test for Medical Studies (TMS) is voluntary but can help give you an edge over other candidates by demonstrating your academic potential.

How to apply to study medicine in Germany

It’s a good idea to contact your chosen university’s International Office well in advance (if possible, a year before you plan to begin your course) to allow you plenty of time to get specific information on admission requirements, procedures and deadlines.

There are more applicants than there are spaces available to study medicine in Germany, so the admissions process is organized into a restricted, highly selective admissions policy known as the numerus clausus (NC) There are two types of NC, and, in this case, it is known as a centrally restricted NC.

However, in December 2017 Germany’s top court ruled the selection process as ‘partly unconstitutional’, meaning the government will regulate the criteria used to offer places – it remains to be seen what exact changes will be implemented following this ruling.

The admissions process varies from university to university. If you received your university entrance qualification from Germany or a German school abroad or you come from an EU country (or from Liechtenstein, Iceland or Norway), you should apply via the foundation for admission to higher education – the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Foundation for University Admissions – website is in German). The same applies for other in-demand subjects: pharmacy, veterinary medicine and dentistry.

To submit your application via the Foundation for University Admissions, you should register with them via their website. This will allow you to submit your application and monitor its status. You may also need to complete an online registration procedure on your university’s website. 

All other students (non-EU) will need to enquire as to whether their chosen university is a member of uni-assist (full list here). If it is, you can apply through the uni-assist centralized admission process. If not, you should apply through your chosen university, and include copies of any relevant documents (for example, your high school diploma).

The deadline for applications is generally July 15 for applications made to study starting from the winter semester, and January 15 for applications to study from the summer semester.

Cost of studying medicine in Germany

If you study medicine in Germany at a public university in any state except Baden-Württemberg, you will only pay a semester fee to cover administration and enrolment costs – this is typically no more than €250 per semester (~US$290). However, tuition fees for non-EU students have now been reintroduced in the state of Baden-Württemberg, meaning non-EU students now need to pay fees of €3,000 (~US$3,500) per year at public universities in this state. Private universities will charge considerably higher fees.

You will also need around €11,208 (~US$11,209) a year to cover your living costs, although expenses will vary depending on where you study. You can read more about the costs of studying in Germany here.

Studying medicine in Germany in English

If you’d prefer to study a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the medical field, there are some English-taught programs available, which do not lead to a qualification as a doctor. However, these are almost exclusively available at master’s level, with only one bachelor’s degree in medical studies taught in English available, according to a search on the DAAD's international program search tool, which is a Bachelor of Science in Medical Natural Sciences taught in English and German at Jacobs University Bremen, a private university which charges tuition fees.

However, at master’s level, 59 English-taught degrees in the medical field are available, some of which are free (as long as your degree is consecutive – i.e. you’ve previously studied the same subject at bachelor’s level). For example, University Ulm offers an English-taught master’s degree in molecular medicine with no tuition fees for EU/EEA students. Be aware that one of the entry requirements stipulates that students must have a bachelor’s degree in molecular medicine “or another program with essentially the same content”.

It’s also worth noting that even if you do study in Germany in English, it’s advisable to nonetheless learn some basic German phrases to help you settle in and communicate with the locals.

Working as a doctor in Germany after your studies

Once you’ve passed the State Examination, you’ll be granted your medical license and can begin working as a doctor. The medical license is permanent and valid anywhere across Germany. If you’re from the EU, you can work in Germany without needing a work permit and will have the same access to the labor market. If you’re from outside the EU, you can apply to extend your residence permit for up to 18 months, in order to find work related to your studies. Read more here.

There is currently a large demand for doctors in the labor market in Germany, especially in rural areas. Average starting salaries are very good, averaging around €49,000 (~US$56,800) a year, which is generally more than starting salaries for graduates of any other discipline. You can read more about career opportunities for doctors at studienwahl.de.

You asked, we listened! This article was written based on questions submitted in our student forum. Let us know in the comments below if you think we should cover any other topics.

This article was originally published in April 2017. It was updated in November 2022.

Reference:
https://www.germany-visa.org/student-visa/
https://india.diplo.de/blob/1862506/bd4c68421684a35de40f5324cb5f1c5e/student-oct-31st-2022-data.pdf

If you're off to study in Australia, chances are that you’ll soon be delving into the wonderful world of brunch. One of Australia's favorite pastimes, brunch is an integral part of any student’s weekend, often including a strong flat white, perfectly runny poached eggs and of course, smashed avocado. There's an amazing café around every corner in Melbourne, so here's a list of some of the best to help get you started…

Grainstore - Best for food and ingredients

Tucked away in the corporate end of the city in the Central Business District, this classy café has an excellent menu and gorgeous cakes to match. Rarely without a queue, a friendly member of staff will greet you and put you on the waiting list - but fear not, you'll be sipping on a delectable cold drip in no time. As with most Melbourne cafés, their menu is seasonal. But Grainstore goes the extra mile to make sure as much as possible is locally sourced and organic. Team this with their original menu, amazing chef specials and you're on to a winner.

Higher Ground - Best venue

Take a table upstairs or downstairs in this huge venue and you're guaranteed a cracking view of the vaulted ceiling, arched windows or open kitchen, so you're always in the middle of the action. If you do have to queue, there's a lovely outside area complete with a coffee and cake cart, which definitely takes the edge off waiting. Their coffee beans are supplied by their own roastery, Square One Coffee Roasters, who only supply them and their sister cafés, Top Paddock and The Kettle Black- also worth checking out. Last but definitely not least is their inventive menu which provides a unique twist on the Melbourne brunch classics.

Roller Door- For the best (and cheapest!) smashed avo

Rising above the rest with its sheer simplicity and powerful flavors, Roller Door is a tiny, unassuming café tucked away in North Melbourne. Zingy goat’s feta, fresh avocado, organic sourdough and a drizzle of chilli oil are all you need to perfect this Aussie breakfast classic. At only AU$15 it's a bargain compared to elsewhere, leaving you spare change to spend on coffee and cake!

Darling Street Espresso- Best specials

Well worth the easy train or tram journey to Moonee Ponds, this place always seems to have a surprise up its sleeve. The weekly specials are some of the tastiest and most inventive around, as are the changing drinks offers. A personal favorite was the Triple Chocolate Lamington hot chocolate - as amazing as it sounds - but if that's not what you fancy, there's a new hot chocolate special every week in winter! Their Instagram page, darlingstespresso, will keep you well informed of the weekly offerings.

Au79 - Best concept

Au79's mission is to be 'the Gold Standard' in everything they do, with an onsite roastery, patisserie, bakery, chocolatier and huge function space making this no easy feat. Able to accommodate over 200 guests, you can bring the whole crew here to get a feed. They really have thought of everything and it is all beautifully housed in a venue that looks like it came straight out of a modern day fairytale and popped up in the trendy streets of Abbotsford.

Industry Beans- Best coffee

The name says it all at Industry Beans, a Fitzroy favorite that takes its coffee seriously, providing a separate menu just for the sacred beans. They concoct coffee blends for each season, keeping you awake all year round, and even have a new selection of single origin coffees on offer every fortnight. Started back in 2010 by two brothers who began roasting their own beans in their garage, this place has come a very long way and is now an industry leader in Melbourne's internationally renowned coffee scene.   

The Premises – Best for peace and quiet

If you’re looking for something a little further out of the hustle and bustle of the city center, The Premises is your best bet.  Located in Kensington, a friendly, family suburb, this café has recently become a popular hide for midweek brunch.  They offer a limited but quirky brunch menu and a selection of homemade cakes, including plenty of gluten free and vegan options. The smoothie bowl comes highly recommended, perfect to restore all those nutrients after a busy weekend.

The Hardware Societe – Best for curing a hangover

If you’re not one for fancy brunches and just fancy a good feed to wane off that hangover, The Hardware Societe should be your go-to.  The food is big, greasy and filling. Think breakfast burgers, eggs benedict and the good old Full English Breakfast. Couple that with one of their soul-restoring coffees and you’ll be set for the day. We’d highly recommend taking advantage of their phone up and take away service - an absolute winner after a night out.

Cumulus Inc – Best for special occasions

Got a potential employer to impress or a hot brunch date? Cumulus Inc is your place to go. A bit more upmarket than the other brunch haunts you’ll find in Melbourne, Cumulus offers an air of sophistication to a brunch, and at pretty good value. Their beechwood smoked bacon is drool-worthy, make sure it’s somewhere on your plate.

Gingerboy – Best for all you can eat

Fancy a bottomless brunch coupled with bottomless booze? Well, that’s exactly what the guys at Gingerboy offer you every Sunday. With a slight twist on the average Melbourne brunch, they serve up Asian style dishes alongside bottomless mimosas. Expect to be heading home for a tactical midday nap after this absolute feast. How much can you eat in two hours?

Additional reporting by Lily Jones.

Are you planning to let your creativity flow by studying creative writing, and need some additional funding? Check out these creative writing scholarships on offer around the world, broken down by country…

To study in the UK

• Birkbeck University of London Sophie Warne Fellowships – One fee reduction scholarship award of £1,750 is available for an outstanding student admitted onto the MA Creative Writing program at the university. Home/EU students admitted to this course can also apply for the Aitken Alexander Associates Scholarship and the Kit de Waal Scholarship.
• Queen’s University Belfast Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry – A bursary scholarship of £10,000 is available for an international student studying an MA in Poetry at the university. There is also a £5,000 bursary scholarship available for a UK or Irish student studying a full time MA in Creative Writing or Drama.  
• Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University Joyce Nield Scholarship – One scholarship is available for an outstanding student from a non-UK Commonwealth country to study an MFA or MA in Creative Writing at the university.
• Sarah Quinn BAME Writing Scholarship at Curtis Brown Creative – One fully paid scholarship is available for a talented BAME (Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic) student to study Curtis Brown Creative’s Writing YA and Children’s Fiction course. As part of your application you’ll need to send the first 3,000 words of a novel in progress, plus a synopsis.
• University of East Anglia School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing Postgraduate scholarships – Various creative writing scholarships available to study a Masters in Creative Writing at the school.
• University of Edinburgh William Hunter Sharpe Memorial Scholarship – A merit-based scholarship available to postgraduate students who have been accepted to study a full time MSc in Creative Writing or Playwriting.

To study in the US

• Columbia College Chicago – Various creative writing scholarships available for students at all study levels to study at the college. (Simply select ‘Creative Writing’ from the ‘program of study’ box to view them.)
• Chatham University – Various assistantships and fellowships are available to study an MFA in Creative Writing at the university.
• Mystery Writers of America Helen McCloy Scholarship – Two US$500 scholarships are available for aspiring mystery writers (who must be US citizens or permanent residents) to offset the costs of a creative writing workshop, seminar or university course.
• Penguin Annual Signet Classic Scholarship Essay Contest – Five creative writing scholarships are available for US high school seniors and juniors to further their education. To enter this year’s competition you’ll need to write an essay on a topic related to a novel.
• Pine Manor College MFA in Creative Writing – Various creative writing scholarships to study at the college, including the need-based ‘Writers Helping Writers’ scholarships and the Jacqueline Woodson Fellowship, awarded to a student of African or Caribbean descent.
• Sierra Nevada College MFA in Creative Writing scholarships – Merit- and need-based creative writing scholarships are available to study at the college.
• UCLA Extension Phyllis Gebauer Scholarship in Writing – Up to six scholarships are available annually to study a writing program at UCLA Extension. Only US citizens or eligible green card holders can apply.
• University of Washington Department of English – Various creative writing scholarships are available at all study levels, including some aimed at current undergraduate or graduate students from any subject.
• Ursinus College Creative Writing Award – An annual $33,000 award is available for ‘creative writers of outstanding originality and potential’ to study at this liberal arts college in Pennsylvania.

To study in Canada

• University of Guelph Graduate Scholarships – Various scholarships are available to study an MFA in Creative Writing at the university, most of which are open to both domestic and international students.
• Western University Faculty of Arts and Humanities – Awards include the Lillian Kroll Prize in Creative Writing, which awards CA$375 to an undergraduate student who shows a developing talent in creative writing. Canadian students can also apply for the Marguerite R. Dow Canadian Heritage Award.

To study in Australia and New Zealand

• National Library of Australia Creative Arts Fellowship for Australian Writing – A fellowship of AU$10,000 is available for an Australian student who is undertaking a writing project to study a residency at the library for a minimum of four weeks.
• Victoria University of Wellington International Institute of Modern Letters – Various creative writing scholarships to study at the university, mainly at master’s level. 

Multi-country scholarships

• The Reedsy National Creative Writing Scholarship – A scholarship of US$1,000 is available for a student from the US, Canada or Australia who is currently enrolled in (or accepted for) a program in one of the same three countries. To apply you will need to submit the first chapter of an original novel.
• This is Writing Creative Writing Scholarship – A writing contest with a prize of up to US$400, available for students currently studying a creative writing course in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand or Canada at any study level.

This article was originally published in April 2016. It was updated in August 2018.

Although knowing all the right places to go to find scholarships isn’t as easy as it sounds, applying for scholarships to study abroad shouldn’t have to be a mammoth task.

With our scholarship applications FAQ, you’ll find all the information you need on applying for scholarships, with advice on where to find scholarships, how to submit your application and what to include. Good luck!

1. What types of scholarships are available?
2. What are my chances of gaining a scholarship?
3. Can I get a scholarship for graduate study?
4. Where do I go to find scholarship opportunities?
5. Can I apply for a scholarship before being accepted into a university?
6. How do I apply for international scholarships?
7. How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
8. What should I submit with my scholarship application?
9. What should I include in my scholarship essay?
10. When is the best time to apply for study abroad scholarships?
11. How do I get help with my scholarship application letter?
12. What are scholarship scams and how do I avoid them?
13. Further questions?

1.  What types of scholarships are available?

There are a huge range of scholarship opportunities available for university students across the world, ranging from partial scholarships which cover some tuition fees, to full scholarships which cover the duration of your studies. The majority of scholarships cover tuition fees only, leaving students to cover their own living costs.

There are also many different types of scholarships for international students from certain regions, or even students studying in a certain field. For instance, many students from developing countries, including parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, can apply for specific scholarships, as can many students from all over the world looking to study in a STEM-related field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Related articles:

• International Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries
• Computer Science Scholarships Around the World
• Scholarships for Women in Male-Dominated Industries

2.  What are my chances of gaining a scholarship?

Don’t be fooled, scholarships are highly competitive. After all, there are many students around the world trying to get funding for their studies. Although some scholarships depend on outstanding academic records (‘merit-based scholarships’), your chances of success are often determined by the quality of your application, and whether or not you are in financial need. A number of universities in the US, including Harvard and MIT for example, offer ‘need-blind’ admissions policies, meaning that all students’ applications are considered regardless of their financial situation, with tuition fees then covered at least partly by the school.

There are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of gaining a scholarship. When applying for scholarships, you should make sure to include all the documentation requested, and dedicate plenty of time to writing your application. In particular, it’s important to clearly communicate your motivations for studying and how gaining a scholarship will support your ambitions. Stay within the deadlines and, most importantly, show the scholarship providers you have the potential to do great things!

3.  Can I get a scholarship for graduate study?

Yes! In fact, graduate scholarships to study abroad tend to be even more common than undergraduate scholarships, due to the fact that universities and governments are often keen to attract highly skilled graduate students, often using graduate scholarships as an incentive.

Dependent on your level of study, there will be different opportunities available. While some scholarship schemes are open to all students, there are also dedicated master’s scholarships, PhD scholarships, postdoctoral scholarships and academic research scholarships. See the next question for information on where to find scholarships.

QS also offers US$7 million worth of scholarships every year, mostly at graduate level and exclusively available to attendees of the QS World Grad School Tour and QS World MBA Tour. (There is also an Undergraduate Scholarship offering up to US$10,000, for which you don’t need to have attended a QS event.)

If you’re interested in applying for one of our graduate scholarships, register for an event close to you and then complete the scholarship application process.

Related content:

• Read about the latest QS Scholarship winners and what advice they have to offer
• Graduate Scholarships for Canadian Students
• How to Get PhD Funding
• How to Fund a PhD in the UK
• Guide to Funding Your Graduate Studies

4.  Where do I go to find scholarship opportunities?

To find scholarships you are eligible for, it is advised to first look at the information provided by your chosen university. Funding information will be listed on the university’s website or in the prospectus, and this is also where you’ll find the relevant contact information should you have any questions about scholarship applications.

In many cases you will not be able to apply for university scholarships until you have gained acceptance onto a program at the university. If you are relying on a scholarship for funding, please see question five below.

As well as university scholarships (funded by your university), there may also be a range of external scholarships you can apply for, such as government scholarships or scholarships funded by organizations or charities with an invested interest in higher education.

To look for these scholarships you can either use a scholarships search service such as InternationalScholarships.com or FastWeb.com, or you can conduct a more thorough search by visiting official consular/governmental websites for yourself and tracking down any information provided on international student funding. Often current scholarships will be listed together, for example as on the government of Canada’s dedicated scholarships website, or the DAAD's scholarship database (for Germany), but sometimes they are trickier to find, so be patient!

Related content:

• Complete guide on How to Find Scholarships to Study Abroad
• Full list of international scholarship opportunities for different countries, regions, subjects and student groups

5.  Can I apply for a scholarship before being accepted into a university?

If you’re relying on scholarship funding in order to be able to study, you should let the school in question know of your situation. Some schools offer only ‘fully funded’ places, meaning all applicants must have sufficient funding in place. But many allow you to apply to a program before gaining scholarships, on the understanding that you let them know as soon as possible if you have to reject the place due to lack of funding . If you do not get the scholarship, you should still have time to withdraw your university application or find an alternative method of funding before the start of term.

6.  How do I apply for international scholarships?

In most cases, schools, governments and external organizations will list their scholarship opportunities online, with details of how to apply found alongside these listings. Most will allow you to submit your application online, accompanied by any supporting documentation you are asked to provide (see below).

In rarer cases, the scholarship provider will specify an address for you to send your application in a printed format. If you have any specific queries about applying for scholarships, contact the provider using the contact information found on official websites.

For more application advice, as well as information on finding relevant scholarship programs, please see our complete guide on How to Find Scholarships to Study Abroad.

7.  How do I know if I am eligible to apply?

You will know if you are eligible to apply for a particular scholarship by reading the details on eligibility found on the provider’s website. Eligibility may depend on nationality, if the scholarship in question is targeted at students from specific regions. For subject-specific scholarships, the program you are enrolling on will also affect your eligibility.

In most cases, university scholarships are only open to students who have already been accepted onto a program at that particular university. Government scholarships will also have designated funds for domestic students, as well as separate funds for international students – so make sure you have found the correct scholarship scheme before applying.

Other common eligibility requirements include good grades at prior level of study, a degree from a reputed university (for graduate scholarships), and proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS, for English-language programs).

8.  What should I submit with my scholarship application?

As well as a completed application form, which will include information about yourself and your contact details, you may also be asked to provide the following documentation to support your application:

• A transcript of grades
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• An essay on a given topic

For some ‘need-based’ university scholarships in the US, applicants will also be asked to submit a ‘Free Application for Federal Student Aid’ (FAFSA) to establish whether they are in need of financial aid.

9.  What should I include in my scholarship essay?

The simple answer would be: anything that makes you stand out. Anything relevant to your studies, that is! The majority of scholarship providers want to know why they should fund you rather than any other applicant, so use your essay as a chance to prove your worth – mention your academic achievements, your ambitions and your interests and how they relate to the program you are applying for.

Related articles and blog posts:

• How to Write a Scholarship Application Cover Letter
• How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

10.  When is the best time to apply for study abroad scholarships?

Many study abroad scholarships have similar deadlines, which often depend on the start dates of the academic year in the relevant country. For fall admission, scholarships for international students can be found up until the late summer months, and for winter admission you’ll often have until late in the fall to apply. For exact dates, be sure to check the details provided on the website of the scholarship provider and note them down in your calendar so as not to miss a key deadline.

11.  How do I get help with my scholarship application letter?

If you need help gathering information about particular scholarship programs, you should get in contact with the scholarship provider directly. If you want advice and guidance on making your application a good one, see our Admissions Advice site section.

12.  What are scholarship scams and how do I avoid them?

A common way of determining scholarship scams is to ask yourself if the scholarship sounds simply too good to be true. If the application process seems too easy, or if you have to pay to apply, you should be wary. If a website is offering a ‘guaranteed scholarship’, or you receive an unsolicited email, you should be very skeptical.

If you are worried about the authenticity of a scholarship, conduct an online search to see if there is any more information online about the same scholarship. If there is very little information, or the information that is provided is somewhat vague or unclear, walk away!

To minimize your chances of being taken in by a scam, stick to official websites belonging to schools, government or reputed organizations, or use a free scholarship search service.

13.  Further questions?

If you have any unanswered questions about scholarship programs, either contact the scholarship provider directly or ask your question in the comments section below. 

This article was originally published in February 2015. It was updated in August 2018.

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It can take a while to get to know a city, especially if you're trying to get to grips with a whole new country and settle in to university. Melbourne's charm is often in its suburbs, and each one has its own unique character. So to help you find your feet here's a handy guide to take out some of the guesswork and point you in the right direction.

Central

Central Business District (CBD)

Melbourne's CBD is a hive of activity that has something for everyone from tourists to long-term locals. At the northern end is Queen Victoria market, the largest open-air market in the Southern hemisphere, and a guaranteed place to bag bargain groceries. Head around Bourke Street for your fill of cheap, authentic cuisine in the city's Chinatown and to check out the beautiful old shopping arcades. Or for those after a sophisticated shopping experience, the luxury of Collins Street awaits. Wrap up your day with a fancy meal by the riverside just over the bridge on the Southbank.

To get your culture fix Federation Square is a must, home to the National Gallery of Victoria and the ACMI.  Equally impressive are the hard-to-spot laneways which Melbourne is famous for. Wander alongside the ever-changing graffiti in Hosier Lane or try Centre Place, which is crammed full of cafes and eateries. Still have time to explore? Jump on to the free City Circle tram and hop off wherever takes your fancy.

North Melbourne

Just a stone's throw from the CBD is North Melbourne, which maintains its old school charm with wide streets and colonial architecture. Errol Street is the main thoroughfare, home to great cafes such as Auction Rooms and the unmissable Mörk Chocolate Brew House. Take a leisurely stroll north or jump on the tram to relax in the impeccably maintained Royal Park or even visit Melbourne Zoo. 

North

Fitzroy
If you consider Melbourne a hipster's paradise, then Fitzroy is its beating heart. Those priced out by the increasing rent prices still flock here for the flea markets, independent shops and artists and eclectic nightlife.

Brunswick Street is the main drag, but a wander around the backstreets is guaranteed to reward you with hidden vintage gems or hole-in-the-wall patisseries. For night owls the Black Pearl is a great place to start with its world-famous cocktails, before carrying on to Night Cat for live music and salsa Sundays. Clear your head the next day with a stroll or cycle along the beautiful Merri Creek.

Brunswick
Fitzroy's foodie northern neighbor is a little more livable and a wonderfully eclectic and inclusive neighborhood.  Sydney Road is packed full of restaurants and is well-known for the array of kebabs on offer. Great news if you're after a midnight snack after listening to live music and knocking back a few beers at the local pubs. Two particular favorites are the old school Penny Black, and Howler with its amazing beer garden.

Carlton
Walking distance to both RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, many students call Carlton home. It’s known for the Italian community on Lygon Street, which is teeming with restaurants offering all the pizza, pasta and gelato you could ever wish for. The area is also packed to bursting with local history - visit the Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne Museum or take a stroll around Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

East

Collingwood and Abbotsford
Home to many young professionals, these two neighborhoods have plenty of trendy bars, cafes and breweries on offer. For shopping and brunch options you won’t be disappointed on Collingwood's Smith Street, a hipster enclave home to many quirky shops such as Happy Valley and The Social Studio.

Neighboring Abbotsford is the perfect mixture of reinvented industrial buildings on Johnston St and beautifully green inner-city escapes. Visit Abbotsford's Convent (which holds various workshops and exhibitions), feed the animals at Collingwood Children's Farm or take a stroll around Dight's Falls Loop Trail.

Richmond
An unmissable area for sports fans, this area is home to the 2017 Australian Football League champions, the Richmond Tigers. You easily walk over to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, aka 'The G', to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and catch a game. If AFL isn't your thing there's plenty more to occupy you. Explore the endless shopping opportunities on Bridge Street before reconvening with your mates at the Mountain Goat brewery or Royston Hotel.

South

St Kilda
Beachside suburb St Kilda is a cheerful escape from the corporate hustle and bustle of the CBD and famous for the old school amusements and rollercoasters at Luna Park. A popular spot for international backpackers means that you can find all sorts of cheap eats on Acland Street. Walk over the Esplanade and enjoy a day swimming and people watching at the beach. St Kilda also wraps around the southern end of Chapel St which is the place to head for a big night out.

South Yarra, Windsor and Prahan
Most definitely the fancier end of Chapel Street, visit these areas for classy brunches and chic shopping. There is a great organic food market in Prahran and row upon row of beautiful houses- hopefully you're lucky enough to live in one! Treat yourself to a Malaysian feast at Hawker Hall or some high-end Japanese cuisine at Mr Miyagi, before washing it all down with cocktails at Thundercat. If you're feeling up for a late one, carry on your night at the world-famous Revolver Upstairs nightclub.

West

Footscray
Always home to budget-savvy students, many more people are now flocking to the once overlooked multicultural suburb of Footscray, due to its burgeoning food and drinks scene and cheap rents. This is the place to come for authentic Vietnamese and east African cuisine, with the traditional Ethiopian fare at Cafe Lalibela a great place to start. If you're after a meat feast try Up In Smoke, then finish off your evening at Bad Love Club, a boozy late night bakery offering desert cocktails and delicious treats.

Yarraville
With its traditional cobbled laneways and strong sense of community, ambling around Yarraville feels like a journey back in time. No visit to this quaint suburb would be complete without catching the latest flick at The Sun Theatre. This art deco cinema has been a key community fixture since 1938, so sit back and relax amidst the traditional opulent decor whilst watching the latest blockbuster, with all the 21st century tech they could have only dreamed of back then.

Click here to discover the 10 most affordable cities for students in 2019.

To have the luxury of being able to study in a city that boasts quality and affordability all at once, may seem implausible – but things aren’t always what they seem.

One of the six indicators used to compile the QS Best Student Cities is affordability, based on an assessment of the typical tuition fees and living costs in each city. Read on to discover the 10 (technically 11, as two are tied) highest ranked cities for this indicator.

Which of these cities would get your vote? Let us know in our student survey.

=10. Johannesburg

Ranked joint 10^th for affordability, the sunny South African city of Johannesburg is also ranked 79^th overall in the best student cities index. Average international fees across both of its internationally ranked universities cost around US$4,000 for undergraduates. And according to Numbeo, a single person residing in Johannesburg can expect to pay an average of US$618.28 (excluding rent) and a minimum of about US$385.15 to US$479.10 for a one-bedroom apartment. 

=10. Taipei

Sharing 10^th position with Johannesburg for affordability, Taipei also ranks 20^th overall on the best student cities index, making it the highest placed city overall out of the 11 featured in this article. Students pay an average of US$4,600 on tuition fees at universities here, including the city’s highest-ranked institution, National Taiwan University (NTU), which was ranked 72^nd in the QS World University Rankings® 2019. The monthly cost of living (excluding rent) sits at no more than TW$226,000 (~US$7,370) per year according to NTU, and you may be able to save money by making the most of the assortment of cheap, delicious street food available.

9. Manila

Next in our look at the most affordable cities for students in 2018 is Manila, capital of the Philippines, which ranks ninth for affordability (up nine places from last year) and 95^th overall. Monthly costs for a single person in this metropolitan city, without rent, are expected to be around US$511.35. However, rent here isn’t particularly inexpensive, and for a one-bedroom apartment, Numbeo estimates that you would pay about US$1,530 to US$2,147 monthly, at the cheapest. Average international tuition fees at Manila’s four ranked universities are low too, at around US$4,000 per year.

8. Vilnius

Lithuania’s capital city is famous for its gothic 16^th century architecture and medieval cobblestone streets. Featuring 84^th in the best student cities index and eighth for affordability, this year, the historic city managed to climb an impressive 12 places for best student cities overall, and an astounding 51 places for the affordability indicator.

Vilnius University, the city’s highest ranked in the QS World University Rankings® at 488^th, estimates a student’s monthly budget to be €489 (~US$565), with only around €100 (~US$115) needed per month for its dormitory accommodation. And in terms of tuition fees, international undergraduates can expect to pay an average of only US$2,800 per year.

7. St. Petersburg

A beautiful and culture-enriched city, Russia’s St. Petersburg is renowned for its breath-taking historical sites and buildings. It also boasts some of the highest ranked universities in the country, including Saint-Petersburg State University, which is consistently ranked in the top 300 of the QS World University Rankings®.

It also ranks seventh for affordability in the best student cities table, and 76^th overall. According to Numbeo, a monthly cost of living here can be expected to typically amount to US$539.46 (without rent), making it 52 percent cheaper than London. Tuition fees average on US$4,600 at both of its internationally ranked institutions.

6. Novosibirsk

Our next Russian city ranks 96^th in the best student cities index, and sixth in the affordability indicator. As well as the many touristic intrigues this beautiful Siberian city has to offer, a cheap but cheerful cost of living (US$447.71 per single person excluding rent) is another bonus you won’t miss out on. With one-bedroom monthly rent costs ranging between US$236.57 and US$352.17, Novosibirsk’s overall cost of living totals to a comfortable 59 percent cheaper than London, as stated by Numbeo (August 2018).

The city of Novosibirsk offers two internationally ranked universities, and if you’re considering it as your study destination, expect to pay an average of US$4,500 per year on tuition.

5. Hsinchu

Featuring at fifth in the affordability indicator and ranking 73^rd overall, this colorful and innovative city in northern Taiwan has climbed a remarkable 10 places as one of the most affordable student destinations in our best student cities index. Tuition fees are low, averaging around US$2,300 at both of its internationally ranked institutions, and you can expect lower costs of living here than in Taipei – the city’s highest ranked institution, National Tsing Hua University, estimates that student accommodation costs no more than TW$26,640 (~US$870) per year.

4. Tomsk

The snowy Siberian city of Tomsk climbed an impressive 17 places to rank 74^th in this year’s Best Student Cities, and went up two places for affordability – now coming fourth for this indicator. According to Numbeo (as of August 2018), with rent at a staggering 87 percent lower than in London, 91 percent lower than in New York and 70 percent lower than in Russia’s very own capital city Moscow – living costs are comfortably cheap, ranging between US$181.19 and US$260.03 per month for one-bedroom accommodations. As for tuition fees, you can expect to pay an average of $3,300 annually at its internationally ranked universities.

3. Riyadh

Ranked 72^nd in the Best Student Cities index for this year, and third for affordability, Riyadh is the largest city in Saudi Arabia, thriving off business, culture and the desert! Since it’s the capital city of a country renowned for its wealth, average student fees in both of its internationally ranked universities cost a mere US$500.

Although Riyadh’s cost of living isn’t considered the cheapest in the world (with monthly costs averaging on US$641.82 per single person excluding rent), the city offers one-bedroom accommodations which cost between US$284.10 and US$444.89 monthly, making it a significantly more affordable choice (up to 86 percent cheaper according to Numbeo) in comparison to more popular study destinations, such as London and New York.

2. Kuala Lumpur

Having gone from topping the affordability category for two consecutive years to taking second place this year, the Malaysian capital climbed four places to rank 37^th in the overall Best Student Cities index.

Combining reasonably low tuition fees and living costs, Kuala Lumpur is an ideal hotspot for students looking to study and explore at quality level – and on a budget. On average, student fees cost US$3,400 across its four internationally ranked universities, and the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment costs anywhere between US$335.57 and US$557.82 per month, according to Numbeo.

1. Budapest

Ranking first for affordability this year, and 49^th in the Best Student Cities overall, Hungary’s capital city climbed an impressive seven places from last year in the affordability category.

Budapest is a spectacular tourist destination with so much to see and do, and living costs are very reasonable, with Central European University estimating that students need around US$8,600 per year, with US$3,000 of this going towards accommodation.

The city has 35 higher education institutions, three of which are featured in the most recent QS World University Rankings®, and if you study an undergraduate degree as an international student, you can expect to pay US$3,200 per year.

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