Announcing International Student Community

February 18th, 2022 by IEFA

International Education Financial Aid International Student Community

We are excited to launch the International Student Community! It’s the place where ambitious students hang out, ask questions and empower each other to pursue the best international education. 

Click here to grab your invite to join the community. 

5 ways this community will help you pursue your ambitions:

  1. Expand your network

We know how your professional network can be your competitive advantage in your career. That’s why we have a dedicated channel for members to introduce themselves and share their LinkedIn profiles with the community. This allows you to form real life connections with like-minded people.

  1. Resources and tips

You will also find channels in the community where our team and other community members regularly share useful resources and tips to help you on this journey. These are resources on

  • financing your international education
  • examinations
  • selecting and applying for universities
  • visa and immigration process
  • travel and logistics 
  • specific career paths
  • and more…
  1. Get help

The best part of being in this community is having a safe space to ask any questions related to international education. We have dedicated spaces for different types of questions where students are already getting a tonne of value. 

  1. Celebrate with others

Another great part of being in this community is having a place to share your wins, small or big. Did you make progress towards your admission in your dream university? Share it to celebrate with the whole community!

  1. Help others

When you move along the path of success, this community will present opportunities for you to help others behind you. Plus, as a member you also get the ability to invite your friends to the community.

Excited? We are too!

Click here to grab your invite to join the community. 

Let’s empower each other to pursue the best international education and a great career!


MBA cost in the U.S.

February 16th, 2022 by Sagnik Santra

MBA (Master of Business Administration) is one of the most important courses in the field of business administration. It is a post-graduate course that enables you to enhance your professional skills and knowledge about the subject in an exhaustive manner. You will be honing your management skills in this course that are required in every managerial position in any industry or firm. With this course, you can open up an avenue to become successful.

And when it comes to pursuing MBA in USA, it is one of the best places in the world to study this course. You will be getting an education of international standards​ with that you can get success here itself. Many international students go to the USA for their higher studies believing that this place is the best place to get success.

Benefits of MBA in the USA

An MBA degree is what gives students an edge over other candidates who are applying for the same post or job. With this course, you can easily stand apart from the rest of the candidates. Here are some of the benefits of studying MBA in the USA.

1. The first and foremost benefit of studying MBA in America is that it will open up many avenues for your future.

2. You gain knowledge about the latest trends in management education or business administration, which helps you remain relevant to industry requirements.

3. It enables students to apply their learned skills and knowledge to real-life management scenarios. This gives a competitive edge to students as they can become more proficient in applying learned concepts.

4. After completing MBA from the USA, you will be able to work anywhere in the world as you have this degree which makes your resume stand apart from others.

5. You get exposure to various cultures and nationalities as students from various countries come to study MBA in the USA. You also interact with different people and learn something or the other from them which helps you broaden your perspective.

Tuition fees for an MBA program in the USA

Tuition fees depend from school to school. Some colleges might charge you a higher fee whereas others might charge you a lower amount. There are different types of MBA degree programs in the USA, and each program has its own fee structure. For example, an online MBA program might cost less than a campus-based one.

The fee also varies with respect to the duration of the course and other essential aspects related to it. The average tuition fee for an MBA degree is around $50,000 – $60.000 per year. This fee excludes living expenses like accommodation and other miscellaneous expenses like books and gear that you need to buy during the course of your studies.

Living costs in the USA

When it comes to living costs in the USA, it is significantly higher than in other countries. Being a developed country, the USA has both advantages and disadvantages. The living costs for students are increased as it is a costly country to study and live in. The average cost of living in the USA is around $1,000 – $2,000/month.

However, you can try and reduce your expenses as much as possible to manage the high cost of living here. There are many ways through which you can cut down on your expenses here, so finding ways to save money will not be difficult for you.

The biggest expense for students is accommodation. You can opt for a dormitory or an apartment depending on your preferences and the location of the city where you will be studying MBA in the USA.

Apart from this, food expenses are the next big thing as all students love to eat out at various joints each day. Try to cook at home as much as possible. If you are living by yourself and cooking at home isn’t a big deal for you, you can save a lot of money on food expenses.

Different types of MBA courses in the USA for MBA students

There are different types of MBA courses in the USA. Each course has its own eligibility criteria and application procedure. The fee structure also varies with different courses. Let us understand a little more about them:

1. Full-time MBA program ($60,000 – $70,000/year):

A full-time MBA is a two-year full-time program that is offered at an institute. It is a specific MBA course in the USA that enables you to get an education and simultaneously prepare for your career.

2. Part-time MBA program ($20,000 – $70,000/year):

A part-time MBA is also known as an evening or weekend MBA in America, wherein students are taught after their regular office timings. This makes it easier for students who have to manage their work along with their studies.

3. Online MBA program ($1,500 – $3,000/per credit):

An online MBA means that you can learn from home or anywhere else via the internet. There are various colleges that offer online courses and degrees of MBA in the USA. You do not need to go and attend classes and can study according to your own schedule and timetable.

4. Executive MBA program ($80,000 – $200,000 for a 2 year course):

Executive MBA programs in the USA are specially designed for managers who want to increase their management capabilities and gain an edge over their competitors.

There are more types of MBA courses, for example, accelerated MBA courses, hybrid MBA courses, etc. Do check the official websites of various colleges to know more about their respective courses.

Top business schools for pursuing an MBA degree in the USA

Here are some of the best business schools (with their tuition costs) in the USA that offers high-quality courses and degrees. The fees might change depending on your course and the year you are applying.

Top part-time and full-time MBA colleges

  1. Stanford Graduate School ($72,500/year)
  2. Harvard Business School ($72,000/year)
  3. The University of Pennsylvania, Wharton ($80,500/the first year)
  4. The University of Chicago, Booth ($73,100/for the first year)
  5. MIT, Sloan ($75,800/year)
  6. Columbia Business School ($76,800/year)
  7. The University of California Berkeley, Haas ($65,000/year)
  8. Yale School of Management ($74,000/year)

Top executive MBA colleges

  • Wharton, EMBA ($211,000 full/2 years)
  • University of Chicago –Booth, EMBA ($193,500 full/2 years)
  • MIT, EMBA ($176,800 full/20 months)
  • Columbia University, EMBA ($210,000 full/2 years)
  • University of California – Berkeley Haas, EMBA ($195,200 full/20 months)
  • Yale School of Management, EMBA ($186,800 full/2 years)
  • Northwestern University – Kellogg, EMBA ($212,700 full/2 years)

Final thoughts:

It is important to pick the right course and college for pursuing an MBA degree in the USA. Make sure to do your research well, take help from your seniors or family members who have pursued similar courses. This will help you choose the best course based on your requirements and preferences. Hope this article helps you understand the cost of an MBA in different colleges in the USA.

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What is a gap year scholarship and how does it work?

February 6th, 2022 by Sagnik Santra

When it comes to a gap year, a lot of people think about a year off after high school to travel and explore. But actually, you can use your gap year to earn important credits for college by taking some classes at the local community college while exploring internships and jobs in your field of choice.

Gap year scholarships can become a reality for students who are willing to work hard, be creative and take advantage of all the resources at their fingertips. In this article, we will be digging deep into what exactly a gap year is, how does it work, how to apply for one, and a lot more. So if you are interested in learning more about gap year scholarships, keep reading below.

What is a gap year?

A gap year, also known as a sabbatical, is a break in your education after high school or college. Although it can last anywhere from one month to five years, the average length of time for this type of break is around one year. During this time, you can explore other areas of study and get a taste of what life is like outside the campus.

It can be pretty useful if you are planning to attend college in the future. A gap year can help you explore your interests, learn more about the real world, and discover what it means to be self-reliant. You can go back to your studies with a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm.

How does a gap year work?

There are many different ways to make the most out of your gap year. You can travel, volunteer, conduct research, participate in an internship, or even go back to school and study part-time while working and earning money.

In order to have a successful gap year, students should start planning their sabbatical as early as possible. This includes getting in touch with the schools they might want to attend and searching for potential scholarships and fellowship opportunities. Doing your research now can help you land a gap year scholarship that is perfect for you!

What are gap year scholarships?

A gap year scholarship is a type of financial aid, which is awarded to students who are willing to take a break from their education for one or more years. It can be used to cover all the expenses of taking time off, including tuition fees, books, and other materials, room and board, travel costs, internship fees, and some living expenses while you are on your sabbatical leave.

Organizations around the world understand the importance of young people taking a break before continuing their education or starting their careers. This time off can allow them to travel and explore new places, or participate in programs that help them grow as individuals.

There are now more scholarships and grants available specifically for gap years. This includes options for studying abroad, learning critical languages, and volunteering overseas. It opens up a new world of possibilities for students who are looking to take a year off from their education.

How does a gap year scholarship or gap year program work?

If you are thinking about applying for a gap year grant, there are several things you need to pay attention to. These include the eligibility requirements, application procedures and deadlines, and the selection process.

You should be able to find all of this information on the website of the organization that is awarding the scholarship. Make sure you follow all their guidelines and instructions in order to increase your chances of getting the award.

Typically, gap year programs are not going to cover all the expenses. That means you might need to pay for some of your own tuition fees and other costs. You can save money by searching for options that don’t include room and board or food but still offer a decent monthly allowance throughout the period of your sabbatical leave.

Gap year scholarship for Undergraduate and graduate students:

Gap year scholarships are now available for students of all ages. Whether you are a high school senior, college student, or graduate student looking to take a break from your studies, there are many different options available that can help you pay for your gap year.

If you are a graduate student, your gap year can help you explore other areas of research and discover what it means to be independent before entering the job market. If you plan to attend graduate school after completing this break from education, your sabbatical can help you adjust and get ready for your classes.

As an undergraduate student, taking a year off from school can allow you to experience something else other than the classroom, potentially broadening your perspectives on education and opening your mind to new ideas. You might decide that you want to reapply for college or do some work before resuming your studies.

Whether you are a high school senior or a college student, there are many different scholarships available for students who want to take a gap year.

What do gap year scholarships cover?

There are several benefits to taking a gap year. It gives you the chance to do some volunteer work, travel, or just relax after all that studying. And you might also get a scholarship to help with your expenses! Here are the most common areas covered by scholarship programs for gap years:

1. Tuition fees (Tuition scholarship):

This is one of the most common types of gap year scholarships and can be used to cover all or part of your tuition fees for a semester, a year, or even multiple years. It helps you pay for your courses, books, transportation, and housing.

2. Room and board (Housing scholarship):

For students who can afford to live away from home during their gap year, this type of scholarship might be the most useful. It includes money for rent, utilities, food, internet access, and other living costs.

3. Study abroad (Study abroad scholarship):

If you are thinking about studying abroad during your gap year, there are scholarship opportunities that might work for you. Some scholarships only cover the cost of living and travel expenses while others can help with tuition fees as well.

4. Critical language study (Language scholarship):

If you want to improve your foreign language skills, a grant or scholarship might be available to supplement your language course during your gap year. You can find scholarships that cover the full cost of a language course (tuition fees + housing).

5. Work-study program (Work-study scholarship):

For students who want to work during their year off, there are many options available. This scholarship includes any kind of employment or internship that can help you pay for your living costs. These scholarships might cover transportation, food, and housing as well depending on the agreement with the employer.

How to apply for a gap year scholarship?

You can follow these steps to apply for a gap year scholarship:

1. Research, research, and more research:

You don’t want to spend your valuable time applying for a scholarship that you aren’t eligible for or doesn’t fit your needs, so the best thing to do is start researching early! Read up on different scholarship opportunities and find ones that could be right for you.

2. Identify your needs:

Different scholarship programs offer different benefits and those that are most suitable for your needs will be a good fit. For example, if student housing is more of a priority for you than tuition, look for a program with housing included even though the total value of the scholarship might be less.

3. Make a checklist:

To make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines or requirements, make a list of all the scholarship opportunities available to you. You can use this as your application timeline and refer back to it as you submit each application.

4. Apply:

Now that you are ready to apply for a gap year scholarship, you can use the list of scholarships that fit your needs. Look at each scholarship’s website and follow their application procedures. If you have questions, you can contact the scholarship provider through their website or social media profiles.

Top gap year scholarships:

Here is a list of some of our favorite scholarships to help you pay for your gap year. You can apply to as many or as few as you like!

  • The RSAA Travel & Adventure Award ($1,000)
  • Cow House Studios Gap & Summer Scholarships ($1,300 – $12,950)
  • Verto Education Opportunity Grant ($5,000 – $10,000)
  • Eva Gunther Fellowship ($2,000)
  • The Pollination Project ($1,000)
  • Global Citizen Year Scholarships ($5,000 – $32,500)
  • EF Gap Year Awards ($10,000)
  • GoEco Volunteer Scholarships ($1,000 – $3,000)

Conclusion:

A gap year scholarship can help you pay for living costs, transportation, tuition fees, books, and housing during your year off. With so many options available, there are gap year scholarships to suit everyone’s needs. So don’t let the costs of your gap year hold you back – apply today!

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