Cost calculator
Add up tuition, living costs, insurance, travel, visa fees and a safety buffer for your whole study period. Then see how much a scholarship would still leave you to fund.
What a year abroad usually costs
Tuition is only one part of the bill. Living costs, accommodation deposits, health insurance and travel often make up a large share of the total. This calculator adds each part for the full length of your study, then adds a safety buffer for price rises and exchange-rate movement.
Costs students often forget
- The first month's rent and a refundable deposit, which can be due before you arrive.
- Settling-in items such as bedding, a laptop, a phone plan and clothes for the local climate.
- Visa application fees, biometric appointment fees and any health surcharge the country charges.
- Health insurance, which may be charged per year or per month and is often required before a visa is granted.
- Tuition increases for the following year, and the exchange rate between when you budget and when you pay.
How to use the numbers
Enter each cost in the currency it is charged in. Enter your naira rate on the day you check, because exchange rates change. If a scholarship pays a fixed amount each year, enter it in the same currency. The breakdown then shows what you still need to fund.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safety buffer?
It is a percentage added to your total for price rises, unexpected fees and currency movement. Ten percent is a common starting point. Raise it if your home currency is volatile against the currency you pay in.
Do I need to show proof of funds for a visa?
Many countries ask you to show that you can cover tuition and living costs before a visa is issued. Requirements differ by country and change over time, so check the official immigration website.
Are the amounts official?
No. They are your own estimates. Use the official university fee schedule and the government's living-cost guidance for the country you plan to study in.
Can I calculate for a shorter course?
Yes. Set the length of study from 1 to 60 months. Yearly costs are scaled to the months you enter.
