Studying abroad is a dream that many young people aspire to after completing their first degree, but it can be quite expensive. Unfortunately, many graduates who are still unemployed after completing their degree programmes often feel like the idea of moving abroad for studies is just a pipe dream due to lack of funds.
Studying in countries like the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia is very expensive. In fact, the average postgraduate programme in a UK university costs between £10,000 and £18,000 for a one-year course. This is just tuition fees, not including flight tickets, accommodation, and feeding, which the students must arrange for themselves.
While some students can afford to study abroad with ease, the majority cannot due to lack of funds. However, for those in this category, there are still ways to achieve their dreams of studying abroad without spending huge sums of money. They can obtain scholarships in Germany or use a process called a blocked account.
Blocked Account
Germany is renowned for academic excellence, especially in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, and is one of the few countries that offer tuition-free education through a process called a Blocked Account. A Blocked Account is a process in which you sponsor yourself throughout the duration of your studies in Germany. To obtain a student visa, you must have at least €11,208 in a Blocked Account deposited with a bank in Germany. Students usually use Fintiba, a bank based in Frankfurt, Germany, for the Blocked Account.
The money will be paid into your bank account as soon as you arrive in Germany. You will use it to pay for your accommodation, feeding, health insurance, and other bills. The money belongs to you, and you have to manage it well. You do not have to pay tuition in any public university, but you will have to pay a semester fee that covers student administration fees and transportation by bus and train.
Part-time Jobs
You can get a job as a student to help pay your bills, especially for accommodation and feeding. You are allowed to work for 20 hours a week. This will enable you to sustain yourself while also focusing on your studies. There are available jobs in factories and various places depending on the city you reside in. Most Nigerian students that I know here are self-sponsored, and most foreign students I have met in my city are self-sponsored and still thriving.
Application process
You can start to apply for a bachelor, master, or doctorate programme by checking the websites of various public universities in Germany. Each school has a procedure on how you can apply for their various programmes. In most schools, the application is strictly done online without sending any documents via post. You are only required to fill the application form, attach your certificates, transcripts, and submit your documents online.
Some applications may require a lot of time to complete, but if you are committed, you will achieve your goal. I wish you all the best as you embark on a journey to greatness.
